I find I have an hour for a nap, if I wish, right before I begin rummaging for supper.
I have energy to study for a solid amount of time.
I also have an hour or so to catch up on a TV show, go tanning, or grab a Starbucks.
My life is good. I love planning!
Speaking of planning. I've just discovered the joys of flash cards. They are a fantastic way to organize terminology and make memorization easier. Also, when your too tired to crack a book and label monstrous diagrams, they are a fine substitute. Like today, for example, was a prime day for flash cards. It's Sunday, and I feel rather sluggish after running yesterday & this morning, and after studying all day yesterday. A few runs through my Deck of Knowledge leaves me refreshed and a tad smarter than before. It's nice to have a back-up study system in case of a brain malfunction.
On Friday I went to a 1st Year Mentorship/Q&A thinger for nursing students. It was nice to hear what the older kids had to say and to have a chance to get acquainted with the nursing professors. It was really surprising to learn about what is up and coming in the next year. During my second year, one semester will be spent in the class room, similar to this semester but with courses more specific to nursing - mental health, family health, etc. The second semester is when clinical comes into play: I will be spending 8 hours, 4 days/week in the hospital, learning the ropes and the who's-who of the nursing world. I suppose this is the part of my schooling where I will get sprayed with every bodily fluid, ask the dumbest questions, and get totally lost on my way to the bathroom. But you know what, everyone else will be doing the same thing! I can hardly wrap my mind around how I will become ready to work in a hospital. No two patients will be alike - and it's not like they are simple cadavers I can poke with needles. Every patient is an individual, with a unique case and a unique personality. They have different backgrounds, certain needs, and various opinions about nurses even before I arrive to care for them. Sometimes I think about this and get a little nervous. But I think these nerves are good. I can feel excited jitters too. Often I've been told that nursing doesn't just remain a career but that it becomes a lifestyle. In 10 years I wonder where I'll be and what I'll be like.
Alright, so now with January pretty much in the past, I'm thinking ahead for summer. Nakamun has been my summer-home for a good chunk of my teenage years - I absolutely love it there. Last summer was the best one I've ever had. And with an experience like that, would it be right to return? I'm hoping for another summer just like it, but know deep down that it just can't be. Also, I feel as if my time may be done at Nakamun. I've been Charlie for 4 years now - is it time for other counselors to make their mark? But, what else would I do all summer?
On a more selfish level, I'm worried about connecting with the other counselors. Last summer I had 3 fantastic friends, but felt excluded by the rest of the staff. Yes I had fun with the other counselors, but on the weekends and throughout the school year, our lives have always run in different tracks. If I return this summer without a friend, who will I be with? Nakamun is such a fond place for me - I really want to experience it and share it with someone close. I know the obvious thing would be to make new friends, but most of the returning staff are so engrained with each other that I would most likely stand as the third-wheel in their friendships. Is this too much to want?
On Friday I moved into a 4-person suite, away from Mona and her cooking nonsense. And so far, it's been great!! On my side of the suite I share a bathroom with Melissa, who is cute and funny. Ti and Lou live on the other side. Ti wants to become a tattoo artist, so she's always drawing something or other, and Lou is right from China. We are still helping her around. Between the four of us we share a large kitchen, fridge, dinner table and 4 sofas in an open area. It's so nice having a common space where we can eat, invite friends over, or spread out for a project. This move was a smart thing to do. I feel much more comfortable here - I've even been given my own space in the kitchen! Although my 'cooking ensemble' is rather measly, it's nice to have a cupboard and drawer of my own. In the fall I'd love to share a 4-person with three friends - it would be such a riot!
Well, that's all for tonight. I'll find some time this week to put up another update.
Oh yeah, - I have my first midterm this week - here comes the real student life!
Love, Dani.
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