DAY 458/459/460

Dec 2, 3 & 4

1) So the day has finally come for our JC3 end-of-semester exams. Looking back, it doesn't feel like four months have passed since we started our second year. But now it is time for us to put our knowledge to good use, as we brave through the roughly two-week long exams. While there are admittedly fewer modules this semester (compared to JC2), a couple of them are actually 2-in-1 combos, and in the case of our OSCEs, the content increased dramatically.

2) Nothing of interest has been going on the past couple of days, except for loads of revision in the library. The library staff were kind to offer us some sweet treats to destress, as well as Post-it Notes to write words of encouragement to each other. In addition, they had a stock supply of earplugs for us to use! But nothing beats the RCSI Gym Team, which offered us a new class called "Recharge", where students come along, get a blanket, and have a nap! While that may be very appealing to some, I personally prefer dozing off on the desk where I do my revision. I'm just that lazy to go all the way downstairs... XD

3) Our first exam (tomorrow) is the Data Paper, which combines our ICP (Intro to Clinical Practice) skills from the previous semesters. Lots of slides to go through, and lots of uncertainty on what sort of questions to expect. Next up is OSCEs, followed by our Molecular Medicine module, Anatomy Practicals, Neuroscience module, and finally EBH (Evidence Based Health)/ PHE (Public Health and Epidemiology) module. It is not going to be an easy two weeks ahead, but at least I can look forward to a nice, long holiday afterwards. That has been the summary of the past couple of days, and thank you for visiting. Have a nice week ahead, cheers!

RCSI Expo Stage

Thick cut chips for a buck?

Yes, please :)

Post-it notes!

DAY 434/435/436

Nov 8, 9 & 10

1) Towards the end of the semester, there has been a greater emphasis on my studies, which unfortunately means less interesting activities to write about in my blog. Continuing on from the previous blog update, we had our JC3 Outbreak Quiz, which was rescheduled due to Hurricane Ophelia. It was an hour test, which required lots of calculations, and some critical thinking. We received our results that very day too!

2) After the quiz, it was time to prepare for our Card Signing - the (hopefully) last card signing we'll ever have. After this, it will just be our Anatomy Practical Finals that we will have to worry about. I say 'just' but that is 13.16% and 12.5% respectively right there, for the Neuroscience module. Anyway, Card Signing (for Group B) was today. As usual, we all filed into the Anatomy Room at sharp 2pm, and started shortly after. Our examiner was Mr. Blayney, retired Consultant ENT Surgeon.

3) To cut a long story short, I didn't quite manage an A. All those lapses in concentration started to take its toll on me, so that I felt I deserved what I got. To be honest, I'm just so very glad that it's over, because I can now concentrate on my next task - Quiz 2. This is the last major "Quiz" before our End of Semester Exams in early December. But it couldn't come at a worse time - a) three days after Card Signing, and b) my visit to UK will hinder my studying.

4) As I mentioned, I'll be flying to UK tomorrow for the UKEC's First Introductory Event of 2017/2018. Basically, we will have a side event in the form of Coffee and Conversations with UKEC - gathering student participants from the various universities to give their opinions on "What Constitutes a Constitution?" Also, the whole of Saturday and Sunday would be the first meeting with everyone, which will help us establish contacts and get to know who we'll be collaborating with. A lot to ruminate about, but also a lot of exciting new events to look forward to.

5) At the end of the day, we have less than a month to go before our exams begin. After that, I'm looking forward to a long and well-deserved break. More details on my holiday plans coming soon. Until then, thanks very much for tuning in, and have a great day. Cheers!

Christmas is coming ^^

As I was blissfully tucking into Boojum at the Dispensary...

Along came the Fire Alarm, sending everyone out of the New Academic Building...

As you can imagine, not everyone was happy to be chased out in the middle of their activities...

(but I definitely agree it is better to be safe than sorry)