When in NOLA...

We've officially reached the halfway point of our semester. Only 11 weeks left until I return back to Pennsylvania (my father keeps counting down the days). So far in this semester, we've been focusing on the brain. It's amazing to see how all of our emotions, movements, and cognition come from a single organ. Today, we have an exam on psychopharmacology which is of interest to me because I may want to become a psychiatrist in the future. Mental health is a widely discussed topic and its prevalence in the U.S. is roughly 18.5%. These typically include Major Depression Disorder, Anxiety, or Panic Disorders. With these illnesses becoming more prevalent, there also seems to be a growing stigma associated with it. Negative attitudes and discrimination are usually a main cause of depression and anxiety disorders but this can further effect the patient by making them feel reluctant to seek treatment. Attitudes like these are what I want to put to an end. And with the help of this...

Happy to be back in New Orleans to start my second and last semester here at Tulane! Getting back into the grind was a bit difficult but I was ready to start classes. This semester, we’re taking electives, on top of our usual classes, and I was excited to find out what they were going to be about. My favorite elective so far is Endocrine Pharmacology where we are reading a book called, Why Don’t Zebras Get Ulcers . This book talks about the physiological aspect of stress and how prolonged stress can ultimately harm the body. Reading this so far has made me realize how little effort I’ve put into controlling my stress and because of it, I’ve decided to take time out each day to do something I enjoy. It ranges from simply painting my nails to going for a walk in the city. I’ve also decided to enjoy New Orleans while I can because this semester will fly by quick. With my father by my side, I’ve been able to explore the city more than last semester and it makes me grow a greater appreciat...

With our last exam right around the corner, I’ve been studying for this last block. I’ve found this GI/Neoplasia block interesting, especially the study on IBS and IBD. I have many family friends who have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and I’m glad I finally understand what they go through on a daily basis. The neoplasia aspect of this material is, also, giving me a new perspective of how treatment affects the Four Diamond’s children. This foundation is something I’ve been involved with for 5 years but I have a deeper grasp on what the families go through. Along with that, I finished my last few volunteering hours at KIPP by preparing the classrooms with supplies they need for the following week. I can’t believe that my first semester here in New Orleans is basically over. I’ve learned a lot these past few months - about myself, New Orleans, and pharmacology, of course! I’ve realized that not many people get these kinds of opportunities and I feel blessed to be here. As I head...

November has been a whirlwind. This month has been filled with two exams, loads of volunteering, and frantically catching flights for the holiday break. It is sad to see that this semester is coming to a close soon but this month has been filled with good memories. This month I’ve been volunteering between the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) and Edible Schoolyard at Samuel J. Green Charter School. Back in Pennsylvania, I even got an opportunity to help out at a few fundraisers for my high school alma mater. Volunteering at KIPP reminds me of how hard children are working to gain a higher education to better their future. The kids remind me of my little brothers and I can only hope that they’re working just as hard there. My favorite moment from volunteering this month, however, was at edible schoolyard. I helped out with registration for their 20th anniversary. It was beautiful to see how thankful previous students were for their teachers that basically molded them into who they...

And just like that, spooky season is coming to an end! Watching the Halloween decorations getting torn down serves as a reminder that my favorite holiday is just around the corner. The only thing standing between me and my Thanksgiving meal are exams and I know that I can count on my study group to help me and get me through these next few weeks. Just like the leaves, a lot of changes happened in October. I’m finally starting to feel at home here in New Orleans and that’s thanks to all the amazing faculty and students in the program. I also decided to start volunteering at the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP). KIPP is a program in charter schools that give children opportunities for higher education. Besides preparing for exams and attending class, I continued to explore the city by checking out the Pharmacy Museum. It was really interesting to see what kind of medications were used for flu, surgeries, and childbirth and how medicine has advanced through the years. October...

It’s hard to believe that my first month in New Orleans is officially a thing of the past! I was nervous, at first, about moving thousands of miles away from home but I could not have been happier with this choice. Within the first two weeks, I tried to squeeze every bit out of this experience. I’ve stuffed my face with beignets at Café Du Monde, visited Marie Laveau’s grave in the St. Louis Cemetery, and listened to various jazz bands as I walked down Frenchmen Street. I fell in love New Orleans’ unique culture and its blend of spices and music. As the month went on, school began to pick up and suddenly, it was time to take our first block exam. With the help of some amazing people I’ve met in the program, I was able to pass my exam with flying colors. After a celebration or two, it was back to studying for our next block exam. This time, however, I was able to find the time to volunteer for the American Cancer Society by setting up for the 18 th Annual Beaus and Belles Ball. I...