I feel as though it's been ages since I posted--a lot has happened in that time, notably the end of my fall semester at college. Yes, I'm through my finals at last, and, surprisingly, I'm happy with my grades in all of them!
I know I haven't posted anything, really, about my current academic life, mostly because I'm in the middle of it and don't have the time. But, on my first day of 'freedom' in three months, I'm ready to share a little bit about what's been going on.
Since this was my first semester in the college of nursing, and of attending classes at the substantial Main Campus in Akron, I was quite nervous when starting out back in late August. Small fish in big ponds could have taken pointers from me! I was used to the 'satellite campuses'--smaller institutions, usually one large building--so Main Campus, with its wealth of buildings, streets, and students, was daunting. Also, everyone was saying how hard Nursing School would be, and how some of us would be sure to fail....an inspiring thought. There were 170 students in my nursing class, and I knew about five of them.
Now, a whole semester behind me, I'm almost sorry to have to take a break (almost)! I actually like Main Campus better than the satellite schools (could it be because there's a Starbucks in the Student Union?!), and I know about 30 nursing students. I've learned how to take vital signs on live patients, I've learned how to give shots, I've learned how to give wound care. I've worked in the dementia unit of a nursing home. Altogether, it's been really crazy, with more practical, on-site tests than I'm used to, but I've made a lot of new friends and gained a lot of confidence.
Tests were, of course, the hardest part, especially pathophysiology classes.
Overall, it's been a great semester, and I'm so grateful to all my friends, family, and instructors for helping me through it. Looking forward to next year!