No Tricks, Just Treats: Navigating Pharmacology and Giving Back

October sure ramped up in terms of curriculum intensity! My focus was completely on preparing for exams because there is no room for slipping with these challenging modules. Early in the month, we had an exam on the Neuromuscular module, followed by a second exam on the Autonomic Nervous System and Cardiovascular module in the third week. And just days from now, we’ll be taking yet another on the second part of Cardiovascular. There’s so much that goes into understanding the heart—it’s clear why it was split into two modules! Adjusting my study schedule and habits has helped, and I can see the benefits starting to show. 🙌 

Despite the nonstop studying, I did manage to make time for some impactful volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank this month. The need in Louisiana is significant; with one in five households at risk of hunger, many families are facing difficult choices as rising costs for essentials like food, housing, and utilities take a toll. This is where Second Harvest steps in as a leading force against hunger in South Louisiana, distributing over 32 million meals to over 210,000 people each year across 23 parishes. Their efforts involve partnerships with over 700 community programs, which is incredible. 

My volunteer role was in the warehouse re-pack room, where I worked on sorting and categorizing donated foods. We repacked items like apple and orange juice, shelf-stable milk, Rice Krispies cereal, and various canned goods, including fruit, potatoes, yams, and chili. In total, we packed 662 boxes for distribution—a rewarding experience to know these would be on their way to those who need them most. 👏

Welcome to NOLA!

One Month In: A Journey of Growth, Grit, and Hurricanes

One month down, and so many things have been thrown my way: hurricanes, humidity, food, and exams! Coming from Buffalo’s blizzards to New Orleans’ hurricanes has been a whirlwind—literally 😅. NOLA really welcomed me with open arms and screamed, "WELCOME!" I even had a couple of exams during the day while a hurricane loomed that night. Naturally, my friends and family were scared for me, I was freaking out, spending $200 on non-perishable foods and wondering whether I should evacuate. But, if I’m being honest, part of me was excited because it was my first hurricane 😄.

Amid all the chaos, I’ve felt immense gratitude. I’m grateful for the opportunity to further my academic and professional goals while starting a new chapter in this vibrant city. Balancing the demands of this program while adapting to a new environment has been far from easy. But every day, I remind myself of the privilege of being here and the purpose that brought me.

Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

It’s been a challenge getting acclimated to studying again after a few gap years working in the field. Shifting gears from professional life back into academia isn’t easy, but I’m determined. The last module, Infectious Diseases and Cell Biology, was humbling—so much content, so little time! This program is nothing like undergrad; the pace is fast, and the material is dense. There’s no time for games, but I’m embracing the challenge with open arms.

This past month, I’ve dedicated a lot of time to figuring out different study methods and what works best for me. I was a bit worried at first, having been out of the academic loop for a while. But the professors, coordinators, and especially my classmates have been my saving grace. On the very first day, Dr. Clarkson said, "Group study is the best way to succeed," and he did not lie. Group, group, group! Studying with others has not only kept me accountable but has also allowed me to see concepts from different perspectives. It’s fascinating to see how other people process information and approach the material in ways I may not have considered.

Looking Ahead

I’m excited to see how much I grow academically and personally over the course of this program. I know there will be ups and downs, but I’m ready for it all. Tomorrow, I’ll be volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank, a new experience I’m eager to take on, and another way to immerse myself in this community.

I can’t wait to find my rhythm and truly settle into the flow of this program. The road ahead is long, but with the support around me and my own determination, I know I will do well.