4th Semester

I realize that I left 3rd semester with a headache, a feeling of relief but accomplishment, and some regret for never writing in my blog. I guess I thought since I was so busy that you guys would understand. I realize now, with the help of my husband, that a blog is a responsibility. And I am sorry for letting all my readers down. The least I can do now is summarize the events that happened after my last post back in June.
3rd semester to sum it up was intense. I honestly did not have one weekend to spend doing nothing. Everyday was the same, wash, rinse, repeat with studying. I ended up with better grades than either 1st or 2nd semester. My grades put me on the Dean's list at school. There is only 15 people in the school on this list. You have no idea how great that makes me feel after working my butt off. Don't worry, I'm not letting it go to my head. I have my friend Allison who constantly keeps me trying to do better. She is probably the smartest person at my school, and by far the most humble. I respect her so much for those qualities. We ended 3rd with a much needed trip back home. We almost didn't think we'd make it because of Hurrican Dean. But we did and were able to catch up with mostly everyone and I even was able to fly to LA to see Tiff and Ashlie! Luckily Pat and Allan Stam built a new house with a "wing" for Ryan and I. It was absolutely fabulous!
The past 3 weeks of 4th semester have been a nice breath of fresh air. I only have 3 classes and get done with class at 11:20 each day (except thursdays we go till 1). I am taking Behavioral Science/Med Psych, Pharmacology, and Pathology II. On Wednesdays we have a Behav Science lab that meets to work on our patient interviewing. We have to dress professional and wear nametags. You have know idea how exciting it feels to wear the whitecoat! It makes me realize that soon (June) we will be starting clinical rotations. The interviewing is definetly somewhat intimidating. We have professional patients that we practice with. They give us feedback on how we did and how we made them feel. Its good practice.
So far no exams. My first exam is on Friday then Tuesday. I have started studying for the USMLE step 1 board exam that I will take next April. I'm not going to lie...its scary. Think of it as a giant cumulative exam of everything you learn in the first 2 years of medical school. Yikes! Well on that note I'm going to start studying again. I'm sorry for making ya'll wait to hear what we are doing. We are all very happy, Bentley included. :)