So, I'm Kara and I'm a student at Ross University Class of 2016.
I am of the "purple" class. Which basically designates which class of the year you are graduating... There's purple, red, green, orange, black, blue, and pink! I know the incoming January Class is Red- Class of 2017. Ross graduates 3 classes a year. We have a class starting in May, September, and January. Also, we have a vet prep program.
Finals are in 2 weeks, and I'm actually really excited to finish up the semester. My least favorite class is Anatomy, which I wasn't anticipating. There is just SO much information that never seems to stick in my brain. Specifically the muscles. Because, professors say it's not about memorization, but concepts. I agree to a point, but it's still 99% memorization. For example, I know the latissimus dorsi m. is involved in the digging motion of the thoracic limb, and I understand that it attaches to the thoracolumbar fascia; however, no amount of concept knowledge will tell me whether or not it attached to the teres major tuberosity, or if it attaches to the caudo-lateral part of the humerus. That's just plain memorization, and there's no way around that!
So, starting at Ross is amazing. We had an orientation week, where all of the student who start get broken up into groups, and they basically become your island "family". Even people you do not really know & would probably not normally get along with become friends, because you've all basically just left absolutely everyone you know in the US. It's all kinds of fun! We all just had a thanksgiving together, and I'm going to another thanksgiving tomorrow! :) (Saturday)
Now about the island:
OISK = "Only in Saint Kitts", and it's a key phrase for students on the island. For example, OISK does it take the waitress 37 minutes to get 5 dollars change. It would inappropriate to act like an impatient American, so you're supposed to just be calm. Or... if you're in the grocery store, and you want to buy something, but it's not in the system, or they cannot find the price, you just are NOT allowed to buy it. Also, OISK does it take 6 weeks to get hot water turned back on, or OISK do you find 6-7 inch centipedes in your house (& have no idea how they got there.) Also, OISK can you go to the bank, wait in like for an hour (with only 5 people in front of you), then have the bank teller put up a sign saying "Out to lunch- Be back in 1 hour" with 20 people still behind you. It's the island way.
However, show up even 30 seconds late to a class and you'd be lucky if all you get is a look from the professor. It gives them their kicks to embarrass any student who shows up late with a coffee in hand. Now, I'd understand that in the states. But, if you go get a coffee, expecting it to take 5 minutes, it will likely take 35 minutes, no exaggeration... Murphy's Law :) and Saint Kitts is on Island Time!
Anyways... Studying. I study a lot, and I get Average to Below Average grades compared to some people. Sure, it hurts my pride. Haha... But we're all in vet school, and generally everyone here is pretty amazing. Sadly, though I love this career, memorizing massive amounts of information is NOT my skill- I'm a math and writing person. Useless skills for vet school, but ok none-the-less. I did help a few students write a few transfer applications, so I guess there are a few different skills I put to use outside of vet school.
I'm taking Anatomy, Physio, Microanatomy, and Animal Nutrition. I really do love Physio, but the professor is a little bit of an older guy. Dr. Heyliger... Know for being the cute old man limping around
campus with his cane... So sad. :/ He also has a kittitan accent... He teaches one way, then uses a question bank for his tests, so they're unnecessarily difficult. Other than that, I'll get through this. One step at a time.
Time to go study for finals. I'll keep you updated on my finals studying... Soon to be on break- Yahoo!
