The First of Many Lasts

Hey guys,

Today marks one of the many lasts I have before I embark on my journey to medical school in Dominica.

My last day of work...

Call me crazy but I wished this day would never come. Starting back in June I never imagined how much of an impact the people who make up this amazing sports clinic would have on me. I started this job with a hope of working my butt off for the summer to make some money and then calling it quits before I started MERP. Soon that turned into me looking forward to going to work every day, then me saying I'll work weekends while in school, then me pushing my end date as late as possible to me crying on my last day.

I've been told that you're very lucky if you get along with the people you work with let alone have them make such a dramatic impact on you. I've been so very fortunate to work with 18 phenomenal human beings who have showed me more kindness and understanding than I could ever dream of.

From the Doctors who are the kindest and most generous people I've met. They put up with my many questions and clarifications with the biggest smiles on their faces. I can only hope to be half the doctors you are once I get my MD. I look forward to being your colleagues one day in the future.

To the physiotherapists, Rick, Andrew, Karen, Jessi and Susan. For all of the booking shenanigans I have put you guys through you always deal with my frantic questions and patient inquires with a breeze. You're all some of the funniest and knowledgeable people I've met. I know I could trust all of you to take amazing care of me if I ever needed it - you're some of the finest physios in the field and I am honoured to have met all of you.

To the amazing massage therapists, Louise and David. You two are more amazing than words can explain. Two of the greatest massage therapists I've met in my life. I can say you two do your job with so much ease and with an extreme amount of skill - if I could bring you both in my suitcase to give me massages through medical school I would.

To the beautiful chiropractors, Pamela and Christina. The both of you take being a chiropractor to a whole new level. Your kind hearts and high level of knowledge make you impossible to dislike. You both put so much dedication into you work and it's very admirable. I only hope that when I become a doctor my clients will think of me the same way your clients think of you.

And last but not least to the rock of this whole clinic, Shelly. If you've met this beautiful human you would know what I'm talking about. Words cannot describe how thankful I am to have you as my boss. You've been more than just a manager to me. You've been a support system. Not only within my work life but within my academic life. I know I can always turn to you and you will always have a kind, supportive word for me to help pick me up. From day one you've made me feel a part of your Beaches family. I know whenever I come back I can come back to my work family and you will all welcome me with open arms. It takes a special person to be the kind of manager you are... you're irreplaceable.

Thank you all for an amazing seven months. You will all see me back in the clinic whenever I'm back in the city!

Jen

21 Days to Relocation

Helloooooo friends!

Since I've written Mini 3 I have been going non-stop getting ready for the big move down to Dominica. Not only am I working full time (until the 19th) but I'm packing, organizing my visa application and most importantly trying to see everyone I care about before I leave.

I know that last task is impossible but I'm doing my best.

I honestly thought this day would never come. I've always had a part of me that wanted to travel and experience difference parts of the world but that time has never come - until now. I know it's going to be an adjustment, I won't have the same comforts as I do at home (bread is $15.00 - I'll be living without carbs) but it'll be an adventure.

Half of this adventure is figuring out what I'm going to need while I'm down there. I can't pack for this like I do vacations - the night before - it takes weeks of planning. Here's a rough list of things I'm bringing down:

- Paper, spiral note books, pens, pencils, highlighters, post its, apple chargers, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, shorts, t-shirts, 1 sweater, socks, running shoes, birks, hiking boots, insect repellant, filtering water bottle, mosquito netting, canteens, sunscreen, hats, workout attire, summer dresses, peanut butter, nutella, crackers, granola bars, sheets, pillows, kleenex, toilet paper, aloe vera, coffee, french press, rain jacket, old textbooks

And that's all I can think of off the top of my head. As you can see I'm bringing everything down that I possibly can. Not only regular things to bring on a trip but also ALL of my schooling materials plus extra.

I'll be flying out January 1st at 6:25 am - here's to an amazing last few weeks in the homeland!

Jen

Brace yourselves - Mini 1 is here.

Hey guys!

I was planning on blogging once a week - I promise - but I quickly realized that it would not be possible. The work piles on quickly. As I mentioned before for two lectures a day I am doing a significant amount of work in the evening to stay on top of my studies. Here's a typical day.

6:30 am - wake up
6:31 am - make coffee
8:00 am - 2:00 pm - classes
3:00 pm - gym
4:00 pm - study
7:00 pm - dinner
7:30 pm - 11:00 pm - study

And then do it all over again the next day. One important thing that has been drilled into our heads is to keep on top of your school work. Even if that means you staying up later to finish your notes for that day you should do it. In undergrad I would aim to stay on top of rewriting my notes on a daily basis buuuuuut if I happened to click on an episode of Greys Anatomy instead I wouldn't be too concerned.

I told myself I was still technically learning since it is a medical show ;)

It's impossible to do that in medical school. The vast amount of work that is given to you - and that you need to learn gives you little to no time to binge watch Greys Anatomy or whatever other TV show you Netflix in your spare time.

Now I should probably get back to studying and practice what I preach.

Until after mini 1!

Jen

New Idea

Hey guys,

So I was thinking about possibly doing a weekly video blog while I'm going through med school.

Let me know what you think!

- Jen

Day by Day

Hey everyone,

Again, I know it's been some time since my last post (my sincerest apologies) but I've been super busy with school, applications and life in general. I thought I'd take a minute to write a post about something I need to constantly remind my self of... and that's to just take life one day at a time.

I know how easy it is to get overwhelmed and stressed about everything you need to do. I'm pretty sure if you looked up overwhelmed my picture would be next to the definition. It's the same story every time... "Okay I need to do this assignment, then work on this group project, finish this lab, study for this test, do these readings, go grocery shopping (?) etc etc."

When I get into that crazy, wild, stressed out state I need to take a step back and pull myself together because nothing is going to get accomplished while I'm freaking out, about to pull out my own hair (and I love my hair). I have to tell myself to look at one thing at a time. Take baby steps. Laugh a little, I'm 21 years old! Breathe and just live life.

Yes, I have crazy school commitments because I have high aspirations but that doesn't mean I need to work myself into a hole at 21!

So for all you students out there who may also be having a mild freak out know that you aren't alone. You're young, enjoy it while you can! Soon enough you'll be married with children (if that's what you want) and working a real big person job. You'll have all these adult responsibilities and you won't be able to be a carefree (sort of) young adult.

I know you say the "I wish I was a kid again" line. Well when you're 40 and have a full time job you'll be saying "I wish I was 21 again".

So enjoy it while you can,

Jen

Catch Up

As everyone else is aware the semester is in full swing of things. I've been barely keeping my head above water as I try to study for midterms and work on assignments. You don't want to know how much caffeine I have consumed the past few weeks.

BUT I am not going to sit here and type a post about how stressed I am about school and applications because I'd basically be preaching to the choir and telling you all things I'm sure you are fully aware of.

Instead, I am going to talk about my volunteering at UW-Well Fit. I work with cancer patients and assist them while they work out, along with being there to talk about any of their concerns.

Recently I've been working with one special woman. She's mid 40's, had a double mastectomy and is currently receiving radiation. From her radiation she's been getting second degree burns down the side of her torso along with losing her hair from chemo. She's very self conscious about it, she's told me multiple times that when she was going through chemotherapy she would never look at herself in the mirror. Even now, when she comes to work out, she will never show up without her wig on. Even though it makes her very hot and is very itchy.

Despite that she is the kindest and funniest woman I have ever met. Throughout her workout she has me laughing and smiling for the full 60 minutes. She always has the biggest smile on her face and never lets radiation appointments bring down her mood.

Just felt like I had to write a little something about her because she is one amazing woman.

- Jen

My Friends

I was in the middle of writing cue cards for one of my classes and I came to the realization that I need to write a post to all of my friends.

Over the past few years while I've been slaving away under miles of textbooks I've had the most supportive friends in the world. They all dealt with me being a pain in the butt while I studied trying to accomplish my goals.

They always leant me a shoulder to cry on when my stress levels got too high, an ear to listen when I got frustrated, and a load of positive, supportive energy to feed off of. 

Over the past few weeks, as I've been prepping my applications, the amount of messages I have gotten from my friends has been overwhelming. All saying that my hard work has paid off and they knew I could do it. They've all brought me to tears.

I'd like to say to my friends... this your accomplishment as much as it is mine. You're all heaven sent, and the best friends a girl could ever ask for. I wouldn't be where I am without all of you. I hope all of your dreams come true because all of you are phenomenal human beings.

Lots of love,

Jen xo

The Last

On to the third week of school and I've slowly gotten myself into a routine. When I wake up every day, what to pack as snacks, when to leave for campus ect. It's pretty difficult to believe that I'm in my fourth year and this is the last September I'll be seeing in Waterloo.

Believe me I know how easy it is to get caught up in the moment and not really appreciate it for what it really is. I've been consciously trying to appreciate every moment and all the emotions that come with them.

Since this is the last time I'll be experiencing the frustration of starting fall semester in Waterloo. The last time I get to see the leaves turning from green to yellow and red. My last fall semester in Waterloo.

Every other year I've just thought "It's one more year, out of the way. Keep it going." and I'm realizing that that is such a horrible mindset.

Why keep counting down until something is over? Appreciate it now, you'll regret it later.

- Jen

Beginning of the End

Today is my last, first day of my undergrad. How time flies. I remember my first year in university, it feels like it was yesterday. I came from a small all girls private school so you can only imagine how different university was for me. It was the first time (like many other students) I was away from home. Anyone who knows me knows how big of a home body I am so this was a huge adjustment for me.

As wildly different university was for me I have to say these have been the best four years of my life. From the people I've met, to the experiences I've gone through they've all allowed me to grow into the woman I am today. I wouldn't change anything I've gone through these past four years because whether it was good or bad it was necessary for me to go through.

Although graduating and leaving behind such an amazing group of friends will be difficult I know, deep in my heart, that it's time to continue on my journey. I've done all the growing I can possibly grow in Waterloo and now I will be off to bigger and better things. I'm not sure what those things will be, but whatever they are I will take their challenges and rewards and use them to grow even more.

It's been a slice Waterloo, here's to a phenomenal final year!

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Thank you everyone for the love you've given to my blog! It means the world to me!

Destress

Hey friends

I know I'm not back at school yet but many others have returned (mainly in the states) so I thought it would be a good idea to write a list down of things I do to destress. We all know how busy it gets during the semester between assignments and midterms so I thought it would be helpful to some of you if I gave you some ideas on how to keep your sanity.

1. Go for walks

2. Work out

3. Bake treats

4. Have a dance party

5. Hang out with some friends

6. Try a new cafe

7. Walk to and from campus

8. Take a leisure class (sculpting, painting, dancing ect)

9. Go to a petting zoo (animals are so relaxing)

10. Write in a journal



If you have any other ways you keep your stress levels down let me know!

- Jen

End of Summer

Hello!

I just got back from a PHENOMENAL trip to Las Vegas. I figured it would be a great way to end a long summer of studying and to celebrate finally turning 21. The weather was amazing, the food was great and the shopping was out of this world! It was basically my heaven on earth. I really like booking a trip or a weekend getaway at the end of a semester so I have something to look forward to. It keeps me sane during those busy semesters.

I realized while I was in Vegas that it was the first time I've ever been on the west coast! I've travelled all around Europe but I've never travelled west. So this was a big deal for me. I have always imagined what the west coast would be like but it exceeded my expectations and I am determined to go back and hopefully once I'm in med school try to get some residencies out there!

We did a lot of walking and shopping and went to a few shows. Our only issue was our flight home. We were delayed 8 hours so I didn't end up getting home until 4 am, when we were supposed to be back around 7 pm. But other than that this was the perfect ending to a rough summer.

Hopefully everyone has been doing well and are resting up before the semester starts or not getting too stressed by the beginning of the semester.

- Jen

Today is the big 21!

Hello all!

Today is my 21st birthday and unfortunately I'm spending it studying for my finals this weekend. This isn't just me posting about it being my birthday I've actually felt pretty humbled with the birthday wishes I've gotten and I figured I'd write a little post about it.

I went through a phase where all I was really concerned about was myself and my issues. Don't get me wrong I still was kind and friendly but I wasn't as helpful as I am now. All I thought about were things wrong in my life, and trying to fix them. I still had friends, I'm a pretty social girl, but I just felt that some part of me was missing.

Over the past year and a bit I have reignited that little flame that went missing and I'm the full throttle me again. I always make sure I am available for my friends, whether they need a laugh, help with homework, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen… you can name anything and I will do it for my friends. I feel like opening myself up like this and basically putting my heart on my sleeve for my friends has really strengthened my relationship with them. It's a good feeling to know that you're the one they want to call when they have an issue, or a funny story to tell.

I think thats the sole reason I want to be a doctor. I love working with people and being around people, but I thrive in situations where I know I can help someone. Physically, emotionally, psychologically and any other ways you can think.

So I guess this post goes out to all of my beautiful friends who have brought the real Jen back! They all are such an inspiration to me and people like them make me want to be the best person I can be. They've been there for me through so many ups and downs and I couldn't be where I am today without all of their support.

I truly have the best friends in the world and I hope they all realize how special they really are.

- Jen