As I am writing this blog, we have just finished Week 7, which means we have officially made it halfway through this trimester! Usually at this point it feels like the term is flying by and will be over before we know it. Today I don’t feel this way. For the first time in a long while, maybe even since starting my role as the blogger, I can say it feels like this semester is dragging, and I am absolutely buried in work and stress.
Tri 7 is the last push before we advance into the clinic, something I am absolutely beyond excited for. That means we have to be adequately prepared, which just so happens to include a 28-hour credit load. I could sugar coat my message and say that just like any other trimester, it has its stressful moments, but I have been handling them well. However, I honestly can say this is the most run down and tired I have felt during any trimester. I haven’t been slacking, nor do I regret any decisions that have led me to this point, but it has really put into perspective how important it is to manage our stress and focus on our goals.
I have previously discussed how important challenging ourselves is, and how privileged we are to be in a position to pursue our dreams despite these academic hardships. So, I suppose the real message here is to remind you all that I, like all of you, am simply human and can only do my best. I have been reminding myself of all that I am learning, and how much more prepared I feel moving toward placement into clinic. I believe my patient interview and examination skills have already drastically improved since the beginning of the trimester, through my advanced diagnosis and clinical reasoning encounters, and I truly have enjoyed learning about and practicing the different modalities within our scope. I feel that through this blog, I have been given a special, truly one-of-a-kind opportunity to share my story and my unique experiences about our program, and with that comes me being honest and forthcoming as I convey my struggles.
With the end in sight, it is essential to stay focused and determined. I know I cannot let my exhaustion push me into a state of apathy, and neither can you. Tomorrow is a new day that brings us one step closer to the finish line!
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