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Summer Demeuse

11/16/18
PTH 665 Seminar I
Reflection #3

As the end of the semester is quickly approaching, we have finally have experienced the

torturous “Gauntlet month”. When we were told about this labor-intensive month, I really had no

idea what to expect. As things started to pick up, it seemed like there was no end in sight. It was

a huge challenge to keep up with all the classwork, extra assignments, and practical and written

exams. Although it has been exhausting, I have performed very well. I have been keeping up

with and meeting my expectations that I set for myself. My goal was to score at least average on

every exam and ultimately not have to remediate any exams. I have gone above and beyond my

expectations so far this semester. I have worked very hard this semester for the grades that I

currently have. Most days of the week, I come to the Health Professions building around 6:30 –

7:00 a.m. to study or work on assignments before class. I have spent countless hours after class

studying and doing homework as well. Usually, there is a group of us that will go to the library

for at least a few hours each night to study. These study habits that I have developed over the

past month or so will be important to maintain for the future when we have tough weeks with a

lot of material to cover.

All the stress from this semester has taken a toll on my mental and emotional stability at

times but after reflecting on it, it has helped me grow. It is easy to see the positive outcomes of

the situation after it is finally over, but I think that it is important to note that without these hard

times, it would be impossible to have a deep appreciation for all the good things that is gained

from them. I am always extremely hard on myself, so it is often difficult to see any progress or
feel proud for doing well. I finally feel as if I can take a moment to sit back and reflect on all the

things that I have learned, mistakes that I have made, and sufferings that have strengthened me to

realize that I should be very proud and notice the extent that I have grown.

Finding balance in life when you are extremely busy is challenging, but I think that I

have done well so far. Working hard all day during the week allows for some time to work out

most days, which I value as a stress reliever and an important part of my life. One thing that is

very hard to maintain is relationships. When every day only consists of sleeping, eating, and

working out, it is difficult to make time for others outside of the colleagues I see every day.

Getting out of the house early to work on things and going to the library at night has helped me

free up some time on the weekends to have free or plan things to ensure that I do not exhaust

myself.

After this draining month and a half, I am extremely excited to leave Mount Pleasant for

Thanksgiving break. Although I will not be traveling back to the U.P., I think it is very nice of

the professors to adjust some of the schedule for individuals who have longer travel times. My

plan for over break is going to visit my boyfriend, Drew, and his family. Since the semester has

started, I have not been able to go visit them at all, so it will be exciting to visit with them. They

are always so eager to hear about what I am learning and how school is going. Other than that,

my plans consist of an abundance of much needed sleep and working out with Drew. We used to

work out together every day when he lived in Mount Pleasant, so it will be awesome getting to

together again! Having a few extra days off for break will feel very rewarding.

One thing that I have been thinking about a lot lately is our clinical rotation coming up in

the summer. Most of my thoughts are that I am extremely nervous and a little fearful, but I am

very excited to get some real experience under my belt. After talking to all the second years, they
all loved their experience during their clinicals. I think it will be a breath of fresh air away from

the books and applying all the knowledge that we are learning to real life situations.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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