Time really does fly! It's crazy how quickly the semester has gone by. Feels like it's only July, but we have our last block exam in two weeks! While Thanksgiving break was a much needed break from me, it's good to be back in New Orleans, and I'm excited to finish out the semester strong with the rest of my classmates.

While this semester of Pharmacology may be coming to an end, my business is never ending as my winter break will be filled with major studying for the MCAT I plan to take in January. However, even after a semester's worth of courses, I feel like I'm already more prepared for the MCAT than I was at the beginning of the program. The program has really enhanced my understanding specifically in Biology, and I know that I'll be able to use everything I've learned thus far come January.

Other than the program, I've been trying to spend more time with my fellow peers. Even though the program keeps us busy, we always try to find some time every week to explore a little bit of New Orleans, whether it's going to another concert or show, trying a new restaurant, or just finding a new coffeeshop to study at!

Volunteering has also been going great! I'm learning even more every week when I go into volunteer at the Children's Hospital, and I'll definitely miss it when I go home in December for winter break!

Total Hours: 27

Wow...another month has gone by! It really is unbelievable how the time passes. It feel like just yesterday that we were beginning the Pharmacology program at Tulane, and now we are down to the last two blocks of the semester. I've already learned so much from the program (aside from the actual material we cover in class) like how to not pull my hair out with a CV block that runs for nearly a month, and how to control my blood pressure while attempting to learn about the long list of antihypertensive drugs available.

I've especially enjoyed my time on the weekends volunteering at the Children's Hospital here in New Orleans. Since I've been volunteering now for almost two months, I've gotten much closer with the ER staff which has allowed me to do more as a volunteer. My interactions with patients has increased tremendously, and my nervousness for speaking with patients in the (often) hectic ER environment is now confidence and eagerness. I look forward to ending my week at the hospital and interacting with the children is the best part.

Aside from classes and volunteering, I've been using my time to explore New Orleans more (much more than I did as an undergraduate student). Honestly, I think it mostly has to do with the fact that everyone else in the program hail from all over the country, so their excitement to be in New Orleans has rekindled my love for this city. I've been rediscovering all the fantastic places to eat (just tried Ralph's on the Park today...a lovely restaurant near City Park) and I've even found the time to start going to different shows and concerts again (slowly becoming a regular at Tipitina's).

Until next time!

Total Hours: 21

Abi