Veggie fried rice is not bad here!

I have just made it through my first week of school. How do I feel about it? I absolutely love it! A few hours ago we just had our White Coat Ceremony. It was quite special, but went on longer than expected. The speakers had some really inspirational stories and I was reminded the reasons why I am here right now.

We have had the following classes so far: Biochemistry, Histology, Gross Anatomy, and DPS. Next week we will start Physiology and Anatomy lab, which I am more than just looking forward to doing! I can NOT wait! This week has been quite hectic I must admit. But I am starting to get a routine going (yes, I am one of those who need a routine in order to stay sane). Fortunately classes don't go on till late afternoon/evening most of the week until Semester 2, according to my friends who are in higher semesters. I am making sure I keep up with the lectures and just do what I am used to doing while studying for all these subjects. Medical school does give you 10x more material than undergraduate classes within the same time window. I am experiencing that fully right now. It seems overwhelming but as long as you keep up with the work and don't procrastinate then you will survive like the rest.

I met a wonderful girl here who also loves running. We are so much alike in terms of sports and personality that we really do motivate each other on many levels. I wake up between 0430 and 0500 for the one-hour run and meet up with her on the beach for the morning workout by the ocean. She is there every single day but I only do it three times a week. The morning runs here are amazing. All I see during my run are green trees, coconuts, mangos, cows, colourful scattered houses, and cute stray dogs everywhere. The air is moist yet cool at 0500hr - perfect for running. I tried running in the afternoon but the sun by then has already heated up everything on land. That makes running a bit less enjoyable.

The stress level on campus is not low, just like what other medical students say. And this is only the beginning yet. It only gets more intense from here! A neighbor of mine in my complex has left the school this morning to go home after 1 week of school. He has decided that this is not for him. Many of us who knew about this were shocked. But this happens and will keep happening. Some will leave, some will struggle, some will stay, and some will break down. Thus is life - especially the medical life. But this to me is a test. It is like the marathon I was training for - a test of my self-discipline, endurance, determination, balance, and humor.

My roommates and I are getting along very well. They are both very sweet girls. We help each other out around the apartment - our home! Sura just made tea for me this morning :) My landlord is a very kind lady as well. She drove me to the White Coat Ceremony today. Well, I did try to bum a ride as I saw her leaving in her car. I had my reasons though - I was dressed up and it was humid and hot and drizzling! Thanks to her, I got to the ceremony relatively dry. Once I get some photos uploaded I will post a few from the ceremony. Apparently I was the only one who wore a long coat, and everyone else wore the short one we got from Ross University. Oh well, no one called me on it so I assume it was okay. I just had to wear it because it said Vancouver General Hospital on the breast pocket - thanks to my lovely girl Jade!

Alright, I'd better get my stuff cleared off the table and go down to the beach to enjoy some sea breeze with my friends before I head to bed. Tomorrow morning is an early day for me - market time! Good night everyone!