First Semester Experience

Where to even start?
This semester was very challenging for me, but at the same time it was a great experience. Looking back now, it is hard to process how fast it went by and everything that I have learned over these 14 weeks or so. I was so scared and nervous walking into the nursing building that very first week of class; I didn't have any idea what to expect other than the rumors I've heard from later semester nursing students. It was all overwhelming, and in the beginning I had so many doubts.
I had numerous trials unfortunately; whether nursing was the right place for me. This semester really made me face obstacles I never thought I would encounter. It tested my maturity and just my general viewpoint on what type of person I am. It enabled me to look at myself and the world around me through a much different pair of eyes. At first, I thought this was a terrible thing; but now reflecting on the semester I can see that this needed to take place. I am thankful for this and am so happy I came to this conclusion.
I also had the awesome opportunity of meeting new people through nursing and gaining some new friendships that I know will continue to grow throughout the next 5 semesters of nursing. I love knowing I have a fellowship of people who are most likely going through the same thoughts and feelings I may be dealing with, especially the stress that ties in with nursing. All and all, this semester was a great one, and one that definitely contributed to the type of nurse I will be one day.
Just one more week left! :) All smiles from here on out!

My amazing roomies!

Staying focused over Thanksgiving break

I have looked forward to Thanksgiving break since the start of this semester, so I can't imagine how hard it will be to actually stay focused and study for upcoming exams the following week I return to school. Luckily, this blog has allowed me to think of ways to stay focused over the break and enjoy it at the same time. I have come up with a list including three ideas that will enable me to do this.

1.) Review my syllabus before break:

When I know what is expected of me, I can usually use it as my motivation to stay on top of things or at least have an awareness of what is coming up. Allowing myself to review my syllabus and get a realistic time-frame of what is assigned for the near ending of the semester will hopefully give me a reality flash that I can't just waste all my time this upcoming break.

2.) Use free days wisely & make my own "class time":

Even though I love enjoying a veg day just lying on my couch with my family or friends catching up on TV shows I've gotten behind on, I will try to push myself to use these days to get some extra studying in. I might as well use this time to better prepare myself than wasting it, and I can still take breaks in between to enjoy my time off. Also, it helps to think of my break more so as an opportunity to study at times where I would usually have class. I'm already in the routine of things at school, so I'm hoping this technique will allow me to get a lot of necessary studying/completing assignments done.

3.) Sunday preparation:

When returning back to campus on the weekend, I am planning to do a last review of syllabus and double-check for anything I may have forgotten about over the break. Having this day to complete any last-minute assignments will help me have a less-stressed week at school and pull me out of my "lazy" mode. It will also give me a quick relief so I don't stress about the stacked assignments that will be coming up in the last 2 weeks of the semester.


With this said, I am very excited and thankful for this week off at school and the time I get to spend with my family! :)

Thanksgiving 2011
 

Skid Row Experience

My experience in LA was amazing, and I was so happy for having the opportunity to go. Prior to leaving, I honestly felt scared about going and was nervous for what the day had in store. My roommate and I shared our thoughts the night before and we both didn't sleep well because we were so anxious for our first trip with the nursing school. It definitely turned out to be much better than I expected.

Upon arrival I could see all the parents and children waiting on sidewalks as I glanced out the bus window. It caught me off guard to see how many people were up that early just to receive a free pair of shoes, school supplies, and clothes. That initially brought me to the realization that these people were in desperate need for my help. This changed my whole outlook on why I was there and it instantly relieved the anxiety and stress I was previously feeling.

As the group of us stepped out of the buses and began heading to where the event was taking place, I was very eager to start helping. I felt like I had potential to make a difference in at least one person's life and I was so excited to meet all of the children. Before the actual hand-out started, I was picked to help organize the infant/toddler clothing and pack small bags of hygiene materials that were to be given to each child. I could remember how some of us were "awe-ing" at how cute the newborns clothes were; we were all in such great attitudes and it was so nice bonding with fellow nursing students.

When everyone was allowed to start making their way down the tents, I got the opportunity to pass out hats to the little ones. The smiles on their faces were indescribable and I can remember feeling so much joy after simply giving each child a hat. They all were so happy for the smallest gifts, and it made me step back and realize how selfish I was as an individual. I complain about so many useless things and take too much for granted. At that moment I knew this trip made an impact, and I will never forget it because it shifted my paradigm on what I personally valued in life.

This trip was so much more than I thought it was going to be and I am thankful God allowed me to see how blessed I am because of him. He used this opportunity to my best benefit and also showed me how helping a little can make a huge difference. Even though there were points in the day where I was tired and frustrated, overall it was a great way to start off nursing. I can't think of any other way than selflessly helping people and sacrificing our time to care for those in need to begin a great year.

Procrastination/Time Management

Hey everyone,

Managing your time can definitely be a hard task, as well as trying not to procrastinate when deadlines seem to be out in the distance. Both come hand-in-hand together; if you manage your time well, you usually don't have the problem of procrasting. However, not all of us have this down. I use to procrastinate frequently, to the point where I would be completing all my assignments literally the night before they were due. I would use a lot of my time to socialize with my friends or honestly just being lazy and trying not to miss my favorite T.V. shows. Luckily, I have learned to change my ways from previous failed procrastinating attempts, and now do not have the problem of extreme stress the night before an important exam or due date.

It's all about prioritizing. When I realized what things were important and which ones weren't, it was an eye-opener. This simple thing does and did make a difference in the way I manage my time; ultimately kicking procrastination out the door. There are temporary satisfactions and pernament satisfactions. This comes off silly, but really this is the key. Going out to a movie or game with friends sounds like a great time, but it results in a temporary satisfaction. Yes it was fun, but only for that night. In contrast, a pernament satisfaction could be recieving an A on that final you thought could be the death of you; which not only affects the now, but the future as well. Understanding which things fell under temporary or pernament satisfactions really shaped the way I look at academics. I'm not saying that temporary is always a bad thing, but comparing it to something considered pernament can help out in making the right decision.

Hope the tip helped or possibly opened up a new viewpoint of managing time.
Cambria