When in NOLA...

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...