Hey, everyone!
Hope everyone had a great week. I thought I'd drop some random
city adventure tips as well as some school/career tips. When I was
going/got to school, I sought out people that gave great
perspectives and fun tips from the locals. Thought I would pass
them on. :)
Museums in Chicago
Do you have a Bank of America card? Did you know you can get
into any museum in Chicago for FREE the first weekend of every
month! Holy Toledo! The Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Science
and Industry are my FAVORITES. I was raised right by the
ocean and I love all things related to water, so Shedd was
extremely cool. This past weekend I ventured to the science and
industry museum. It's south of the city a couple miles and it's
loaded with visually intriguing displays and mind bending
science.
Me in a mini tornado at the Museum of Science and
Industry.
Fun tip: There is a parking lot not associated with the museum
right off Lake Shore Drive that is $5 instead of $20 that the
museum lot brings in. Winning.
Lastly, the Lincoln Park Zoo is fantastic and its FREEEE.
You can park there for 20 bucks or you can somehow get there
another way (cab, El, bike, it's too far to walk from the Metra). I
went there with my sister in August and the animals were great and
the views of the city were profile pic worthy!
Willis (Sears) Tower vs. Hancock Tower
So you want to see the big city views? The Willis (Sears)
Tower is $16 to go to the sky deck, which I've heard is pretty
awesome. An alternative you ask? The Hancock Tower.
Go to the 96th floor and there is an epic view that you can enjoy
almost equal to the Willis (Sears) Tower. All you have to do is
order a drink or appetizer and sit at a nice little table with
amazing views of the city. The cocktails are steep ($11-$15) but
just go for one drink and enjoy a unique experience in Chi
Town!
Adjusting at National
Just in case you didn't realize...you're going to be a
chiropractor. Chiropractic means "done with HANDS." Please, please,
PRACTICE adjusting and palpating. I am constantly surprised at how
many people let this critical piece of their education go. The ONLY
bad thing about National is you can get through the program without
being an exceptional adjustor. I understand they can't hold people
back and that students need to take it upon themselves to refine
and improve, but hey, let's get better with our hands, okay? Just
think about what the public expects of you: ADJUSTMENTS. At NUHS we
obviously learn A LOT more, but our basic toolset is the art of
adjusting.
Tip: Find upper classmen that can adjust everything and everyone
(you'll know who they are) and constantly pick their brains on how
they set up, thrust, practice, etc. Even consider asking them to
tutor you weekly. If you're going to spend money on tutoring for
all these academic classes why not pay someone to teach you how to
adjust? Which do you think will have a bigger payoff for your
practice? Yup.
Tip: Don't feel bad if it doesn't come naturally. It's hard. But
it's learnable! Also, do NOT let your ego prevent you from setting
up and adjusting people for fear they think you'll stink. Do it
anyway; it's better to mess up now with students than on your
patients!! Hah
Tip: Go to CLUBS. Go to Clubs. Go to Clubs. AK, Motion Palp, Sports
Rehab. Your face should be in there. Period.
;)
Public Speaking
Here's a shocker - LEARN IT. Across all the docs I've spoken
with, the overwhelming biggest thing they did to build a practice
was learn to effectively communicate and speak to people. You think
you'll just throw a sign of "chiropractor" up and they'll pour into
your office knowing everything you're capable of? Negative. Get out
there and constantly get used to being uncomfortable. How do you
know you're making progress? When you are terrified! That means
your pushing the envelope and expanding your bubble. How you do you
when you are moving forward? When you are less and less nervous
speaking in situations that used to scare you to death. Do it. Get
uncomfortable!
Tip: Toastmasters is a great organization to check out for local
public speaking practice around the country.
Tip: Always offer to present whatever class project you're
involved with. Little wins. Big leverage.
Stay Classy,
Christian