It was pleasure and an honor to attend the Roundtable in Ottawa. Notice all the bright colors in this picture? Well it's the Caribbean effect, we just bad like that. The level of fun that we shared was so great that most of us did not want to return to our respective cities. At the conference, we mainly focused on the issues that we faced coming into Canada and how to improve on them, as well as ways to make the scholarship program more enticing for Caribbean students. I would think that *All expenses paid to Canada* would be enough but I guess not, since many students are doubting, and rightfully so. My parents spent more money on me for the past 4 months, then they did for the whole of last year. I feel refreshed to have bonded with Bajans, Trinidadians, Jamaicans and Canadians. It is always great to meet other Caribbean students under these circumstances, it goes to show that we are different and yet, we are so much alike.
The Bahamian scholars along with High Commissioner of The Bahamas, Michael Smith
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail"- Ralph Waldo Emerson
After writing many drafts about an event that occurred earlier last week (the fashion show) and in which I had a horrible experience, I decided to scratch everything off and to not mention it at all. I realized that I am beyond what happened and that I've moved on. Everyone in this world has moments when they show their true colors and moments when they can be so hypocrite, it's unbelievable. I've even had instances when adults, some with whom I only share a professional relationship, would act so immature and would turn around and point out the "immaturity" in another person. Bear in mind that at this stage in my life, everything that I say, I do so for a reason. Everything. I know what is right and what is wrong, and when I say something that is considered "wrong", it's not because that's what I'm actually thinking, I say it to see your reaction when it comes out. A safe 70% of the time, I'll "provoke" you by mirroring your behavior and the funny thing about it is you will attempt to correct me not realizing that I just did/said what you did/said a few days back. But that is just the hypocrite in you. :)
Other than examining the people around me, I am examining myself in this environment. The dorm life is nothing but easy. I've practically grown up as an only child and to come here scared me. The section that I live in is filled with students who, just like me, are used to having the house to themselves. One particular girl (K), started off the semester wrong by having sex with her boyfriend and making so much noise in her room and in the bathroom. Also when she spoke on the phone, I could hear every word she uttered to her aunts, and parents. When she brought her friends over, I can hear every guy complaint they had, and when she listened to her tupac music (she is white by the way), I could hear the bass resounding in my room. She lives two doors down from me. One day, I was playing some music and when my door is closed, you can't hear it, but once it's opened you can. My door was left open for a few minutes while I went to the bathroom (which is literally right in front of my door) to brush my teeth. When I was done, I went back into my room, and turned the music up a little bit louder (cause I was feeling it, and it was a saturday morning) K knocked on my door and told me to turn the music off, and that she can hear it through her headphones. The fact is the loud noise that she constantly, and still makes does not disturb me, I am pretty tolerant, but for her to have the nerve to even come with that, and still think that what she is doing is not the same thing, I really don't get it. So step 1, to live in a dorm with strangers is to be tolerant, and stand your ground, because after our little conversation, she dares not come into my room anymore.
Spring is practically here, and I am so saddened by the fact that the snow is beginning to melt. It is presently -7 degrees (Celsius) and yet the sun is shining bright. Every time I go out, and walk down that hill, my eyes begin to water without fail, that's how the cold affect my eyes. It's almost understandable when you see the asians with about two scarves on, one around their neck and the other around their face, along with google, and ear muffs. I have cartilage ear piercings and it is crazy how much pain I go through when my ears are not protected, one time it even started bleeding on the spot. So it is lucrative to protect your piercing as much as possible.
Classes are coming along fine, I am having some issues with my home college, issues (I was told) that cannot be resolved. That, to me, is very unfortunate. My home college is treating me worse than the one I'm in now. Speaking of which, I am loving my French class as I am excelling in that. No matter how you put it, French is my forte. Latin and Greek are also going great, and I have no complaints for History of Medicine, it is Cell Biology that is not going great, but I have faith that everything will turn out the way it should. By the way, I am seeing a counselor here to help ease some of my frustration.
In the meantime, there are about 36 more days left in this place, and I am as excited as I can be to go back home. I will miss the freedom, the *actual college life* and the professionalism of the faculty and staff here but every good thing has an end, and I miss some persons back home anyway. This weekend the only thing really going on is a Hockey Game, and I might attend, otherwise I have to study for my Cell Bio midterm which is coming up.
In Acadia, I have made a few more friends, and people here are generally into their studies, and know when to be serious, and when to unwind, qualities that I sometimes lack. The slackness that many lecturers back home lets us get away with is practically impossible to achieve here, and I love that because it keeps me on my toes.
I have some tips for females wanting to come to Canada or any "snow-prone" country during the winter season. The first investments that you must make at the local Walmart are facial moisturizers, I recommend Nivea, both the night and day creams, and the nivea lip therapy. I tried the Blistex for the lips and that just added shine, nothing more. So imagine chapped lips with added shine... hmm not sexy. Even if you want to wear lipgloss, wear the nivea lip therapy balm prior to doing so. Wash your face with a soap that offers oil, like Oil of Olay, with warm ( NEVER HOT, it dries your face) water and rinse your face with the cold water. Pat it a bit with a drying towel, then add the facial cream. This is important or else, your face will dry up and BREAK OUT, trust me!
For your hair, do not wash it nearly half as often as you normally would. I don't care how curly and "mixed" your hair is, it WILL BREAK! Add oil moisturizers to the roots, and make sure the ends are either covered in a bun or put some product to cover and protect them from the harshness of winter. It is also best not to have any high maintenance-y hairstyle. Keep it simple. You're only coming for school, at least I'd hope so. For us, morenas, there are no hair salons, so come prepared.
In terms of clothing, if you're just going from dorm to classes/meal hall, you can wear any sleeveless or long-sleeved tops and a thick coat, it's up to you. But if you plan on walking "downtown" or go further away, double/triple-up, wear your thermal clothes, thick socks, and thick gloves. I find that no matter what clothes I am wearing, as long as my hands and feet are covered, I feel warm.
The people here are generally very helpful, and if you need any information, they will readily help you. Get familiar with your international student centre, that's always useful. That's how I was able to go to a ski trip last friday. Speaking of which, I fell so many times, it became embarrassing. One guy who was struggling even more than me was in my way, and we ran into each other, he was bleeding on his lips, supposedly also lost a tooth, not sure, and he was bleeding from the forehead. Would I do it again? Sure! But I want to try snow boarding next time. Just know that skiing is actually easier than snowboarding if you're starting out for the first time in this arena.
Anyhoo, this will be it for now. If I have more tips, I will make mention of them. In the meantime, enjoy your weekend, mine will be filled with studying :( .
So now that Spring break is here, I can finally catch myself, this has been the shortest and yet the longest 1 and 1/2 months. So many things have been going on in terms of classes and parties. And yet so little has happened, I haven't had a "Canadian" experience as yet, in terms of going up mountains and exploring the country. Of course if you would want to do that, note to self, do not come to Acadia. HOWEVER if you want to learn and be in one of the top universities with supposedly the best dorms and the best service, you're welcome to come.
Last night, well actually this morning at little bit after one there was smoke on the 4th floor of the dorm I'm in. So the alarm went off. It scared the crap out of me at first but I casually walked out of my dorm room as if nothing is going on. The alarm was so piercing that I wandered about in another section and that's when I saw some smoke and people walking out of the building. Naturally being on the 5th floor, I have to pass through the fourth floor to get to where everyone was at. Security was blocking our way to go down, and I quickly ran into my room, grabbed a coat that I had over my bath robe. Long story short, all the persons in my section found a way to get outside. It all happened on Valentine's Day (btw HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE) but I couldn't help but think about the deeper meaning of the situation: Everything is vanity. What if I had lost everything in room to the fire, and my travel mate would understand the loss we would endure if that was to happen. God has a way of showing you what really matters. All week my msn sign in name was " Some people forget what really matters" but ironically I did and this was proven last night.
I had more or less a revelation and I'm not gonna allow myself to fall into the trap of obsessing over material things. Thank God that everyone is safe and I am more mindful that at the end of the day things fade away, and so do people but God will always be there.
On another note, of the same tone, one of my friends in Acadia, is Japanese. She is suicidal and I'm sure she was placed in my life for some reason, but right now all I'm trying to do and let her know that killing yourself over a guy that dumped you twice is not the solution. She would die and he would feel guilty, maybe a little, but then he'd move on and think of her as bragging rights, as in he is so good, a girl killed herself over him. He looks like the type. She said that she would do it during spring break... so I'm trying to keep her occupied to get her mind off of it, although it's not really working that well. She and I are gonna make Tiramisu so that should be fun.
Finally, I am enjoying my experience here, and I AM SO EXCITED TO BE IN CANADA. People don't understand my obsession with it. At least now I can check that on my list of things that I've done: studied in Canada. ^_^
I read someone's blog with that same title and it intrigued me.
It begins with:
"Women moving up still strive to marry up. Men moving up still tend to marry down. The two sexes' going in opposite directions has led to an epidemic of professional women missing out on husbands and kids."
and it goes on to say:
"Most men, like Ms Dowd has correctly pointed out, want to “marry down”. I think it’s more like a security issue, maybe they are afraid that their more intelligent wife will dominate and overpower them. But when did marriages become a game of power play? It would be very sad indeed when love and mutual respect gives way to politics and power in a marriage. Anyway, in my opinion, a truly intelligent wife will know when to say the right things. She will never put her husband down in front of others and when “correcting” him, she will always do it in the gentlest manner so his ego will not be bruised. If a woman has to resort to a shouting match, sacarsm or nagging to “correct” her man, then perhaps her intellect is only good at the academic level, and not applicable to her personality.
Why marry up or marry down? Marry someone who is your equal in your intellect and you will always have meaningful and fun conversations together. Communication plays such an important role in a marriage, so I personally feel that it is important to marry a friend who has the same intellect substance as you do." Source: http://qqlibrarian.blogspot.com/2005/10/i-want-to-marry-someone-my-equal.html
Why marry up or marry down? Marry someone who is your equal in your intellect and you will always have meaningful and fun conversations together. Communication plays such an important role in a marriage, so I personally feel that it is important to marry a friend who has the same intellect substance as you do." Source: http://qqlibrarian.blogspot.com/2005/10/i-want-to-marry-someone-my-equal.html
I agree with this article and found it enlightening. Communication is the key to a successful relationship, if we are alike in the way we think, we understand each other, have the same values, ethics, reasoning and won't feel that one surpasses the other, what one lacks in a field, he/she can make up in another. This does not mean that you must search for someone that agrees with everything you say, that defeats the purpose of having a relationship with another human being.
I also think that finding your equal leads to mutual respect for each other and though there will be arguments, they will be settled in a mature way as opposed to someone just saying "I just know I'm right" or "I can't argue with you, you just don't understand." Effective communication allows a partner to know/understand/appreciate the other partner's wants and needs and that is EXTREMELY important.
On the other hand :) School is coming along fine. I am broke. And because I opened my RBC account in Nassau, I cannot check my ATM card balance so I have no clue how much money I TRULY have which doesn't help the situation at all. Also, I cannot constantly ask my parents for money, both have given too much already towards this trip and really cannot afford to offer me any more financial assistance. The money that we are "supposed" to receive from the scholarship is here but I cannot spend a cent since I HAVE NO CLUE how much is actually mine. I can't even afford to buy a simple Nasonex spray for my nasal polyps, amongst other things, that the doctor prescribed for me, and that I actually need. This situation is really uncomfortable to be in.
Anyways... I missed the opportunity to go skating last night but it was for a good cause: midterms are this week. Which reminds me, I have some studying to do, so until next time, take care!
School is going okay... I'm having difficulties concentrating as there are so many activities, so many people, and so many interesting things going on. Right now I'm in the lovely library, shielding myself from the crowd in hopes of getting some work done, and I will let you know if that works. So far, it got me to read two pages of my History of Medicine book. In the meantime, my asthma returned a week ago, after about ten years of silence, added to that I have nasal polyps, the flu, AND a urinary tract infection. The cherry on top of the cake is that I have three midterms next week that I need to study for, hence why I am in the library ahora.
I was thinking about me wanting to be a doctor, and the thought that maybe I am not meant to be one had crossed my mind. I love the health field but don't want to be like the nurses or other med techs that say that they wanted to be doctors but settled for what they're doing since it's "close enough." I think that in that case I might as well shoot for becoming a doctor. To me being something other than what you wanna be "just because" is like a lesbian being with a butch, I don't get it. If you like women and you have a craving for a woman that's the closest thing to a guy a woman will ever get, then you might as well find you the guy. Now if you fall in love, I will not criticize your choice, but don't go with a butch just because she resembles a guy. To me it defeats the purpose. If I were to ever be a lesbian, it would be because I love the softness of a woman, and I sure as hell won't be a butch so both of us will be feminine. Girls that like butch lesbians admit, by doing so, that the regular girl just won't cut it, that they crave someone "strong" and "masculine." I'm just saying, same with people who become nurses just because they feel it's close enough to being a doctor, just not with all the responsibilities and demands. Even those people fool themselves in making that choice.
Following on this theme is the poem "Doctor Meyers" by Edgar Lee Masters
I'm sure it's all worth it, but I'm just battling with whether or not it is the path that was made for me.
As the title says.... a reintroduction is in order, not from me to you, or vice versa but from me to me. Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? What am I doing with my life? Not many can answer these questions with certainty. We all have an idea of the answer but if there was one definite answer to each of these questions and you had to give them in order to save humanity, you'd crumble under the pressure and not be sure what to say. (Be honest with yourself).
Do I want to be a doctor? Do I want to be memorizing every single bone and muscle in the human body? Do I want to be reading millions of pages about the trials and errors of medical operations? Do I want to be in labs for hours debating whether or not the patient is going to survive? Do I want the responsibility of a dead patient in my hands? Do I want to sacrifice a perfectly normal, slow paced family life over a crazy MD life? Do I want to spend over 10 more years in schools, studying theories, getting tested over and over and over again? Do I want to receive my first "career" paycheck in my thirties? Do I see myself being a doctor? Do I think I'm on the right path for it to begin with?
To be a doctor is different from any profession out there. Sure, pilots and drivers have people's lives in their hands, but it's different in that they also have to keep others safe as well as they are trying to keep their lives safe. When doctors save lives, it is done to exclusively save the lives of the patients in question. I can only imagine how great it feels for a doctor to have a deep connection with their patients. It becomes more than just a job, more than just a duty, it becomes first nature to stand up for what is right and fight for your patient's life. A doctor never retires, is never on a break. A doctor, no matter what the specialty, should be trained in such a way that if he/she is stuck in a middle of nowhere with a guy that is dying, he/she will know what to do to reduce pain.
Following on this theme is the poem "Doctor Meyers" by Edgar Lee Masters
"No other man, unless it was Doc Hill,
Did more for people in this town than I.
And all the weak, the halt, the improvident
And those who could not pay flocked to me.
I was good-hearted, easy Doctor Meyers.
I was healthy, happy, in comfortable fortune,
Blest with a congenial mate, my children raised,
All wedded, doing well in the world.
And then one night, Minerva, the poetess,
Came to me in her trouble, crying.
I tried to help her out -- she died --
They indicted me, the newspapers disgraced me,
My wife perished of a broken heart.
And pneumonia finished me."
I'm sure it's all worth it, but I'm just battling with whether or not it is the path that was made for me.
Classes are coming along fine. I am still pretty lost in History of Medicine but hopefully by the end of this day I can catch up, it can't be that hard. So far we've been to parties and to the Axe which is the common hang out place for Acadian students. Both were interesting experiences. People would get so drunk where they would go out in the snow in short, sleeveless dresses and not feel a bit of cold and afterwards drink some more and at the end of the night run off with a sexual partner. Others would simply get high all day long. The food in the cafeteria is basically hamburger, chicken fingers, fries, pizza and occasional rice with vegetables.
Presently it is -14 degrees celsius while it is 26 degrees celsius in Nassau. Despite that, I am enjoying this weather. It feels good to be prepared, two layers of clothing with a solid coat seem to be enough to keep me going all day long. Ahmad just has on a hoodie and claims to be fine. (I know he is dying of cold).
In other news, I've finally selected a car to drive. Took me a while but this is it. "It" of course can mean anything at this point. I just chose a person who I am actually romantically attracted to. The others, the attraction on my side just isn't there. Life is about risks, and taking chances. I feel like it would selfish of me not to allow myself to enjoy life and to deprive people from my love simply because I am scared to be broken-hearted. Maybe five years from now I will be calling this decision dumb but examining my future, my goals, and the kind of person I am now, I feel as if this is one of the best decisions I've made so far. I always loved being around him. I can be crazy, wild, talkative, quiet and no matter what, I am me, and he reads me like a book, more than anyone that "claims" to know me. We can be on the beach quiet for hours and still feel as though we're sharing an important moment. Then we could be arguing about why do birds do what they do, oppose each other for the longest, and at the end of the argument, smile both triumphant. We share the same humor, the same core values and there is no need for me to act like anything but me because that's all he expects. We've known each for almost 4 years now and we've been through a lot more than anyone can ever imagine. He was there through the biggest challenge in my life, the BIGGEST, no joke. The fact that he stayed by my side proved something to me. It was not easy, and if I were him, I would not have been that strong to withstand the storms that we faced. I am grateful to have him in my life. My thoughts are clear and I am glad that he feels the same. I guess it took me going away from him to realize how much we mean to each other. I am looking forward to April/May when we see each other again (God spares my life). All the signs that I've seen/heard lately are connecting, they now make sense. This car has the GREEN LIGHT and is ready to go. Vroom VROOM...
Is it hot in here or is it just me?
So I am in Wolfville, and for those of you that do not know where it is, you're not the only one, but if it helps it is in Nova Scotia, which in turn is in Canada. CANADA! Yep, I made it. I will go exploring soon enough to know my surroundings, but for now I'm still trying to keep up with my classes, because everyone seems to have something that tells them what to do prior to the class and I'm finally getting it.
So the trip was pretty dramatic, from my mum feeling really lonely, to a few cars threatening to break down, one actually broke down in front of me, how dare he, I mean it... how dare it? To not sleeping in New Jersey... at all, just talking all night, getting to know each other, to experiencing the first flood of cold smashing against our faces, to flying over Canada and seeing all the snow covering the lands, to being stuck on the plane for 45 mins waiting for the airport to clear the way for us to station, to having terrible cramps, to being stuck at Immigration because of not having any letter of acceptance from our prospective universities, to not seeing our ride to Acadia, to finally getting there and not having our ID properly activated, to fighting against the snow and to going into my class that night and the door was locked, to finally entering the class and fighting sleep, to reaching into my room and finally sleeping.
Now I am learning to adapt to the cold, it's not that bad yet. I was told that it gets worse as time goes by. All I am looking forward to doing some skiing, building a snowman, making snow angels, and enjoying my classes. French seems okay, the majority already speak it fluently, so I'm totally having fun! Cell biology seems like it will be a lot of work, and so does History of Medicine (it is, after all, history... :S ). I'm headed into latin in a bit so I will let you know how that goes, but I heard that the professor is extremely boring but I will see for myself. My dorm room is a single bed, and I met my RA last night, her name is Nancy, I had to repeat it over and over again in order to remember. She's Chinese, and lives two doors away. The bathroom is facing my room, so it's pretty awesome.
I thank God for this opportunity and I am EXTREMELY grateful to be here, despite the cold and other minor issues that I have encountered. I will not, and I repeat, I will not let anything nor anyone stop me from enjoying my stay here at Acadia. So for those of you struggling with the cold like me, suck it up. And for those of you who are wondering when the cafeteria will serve food worthy of being eaten, again suck it up.
This, my friends, is gonna be good.
The lovely Author...
- ♥ Mina ♥
- I am bilingual-English & French, I am intermediate Spanish speaker, and I want to learn Latin, German, Chinese, Italian and Haitian creole. ♥ I am pretty layed-back,♥ exciting for those that really know me yet responsible,♥ confident yet humble, ♥sensitive but strong. ♥I am patient when it comes to what I want, everything worth having is worth waiting for, but ♥ I lack patience for persons that exhibit an exponentially high order of ignorance, and of course I don't mean you :) Woman was created from the rib of man. Not from his head to top him, nor from his feet to be walked upon. She was made from his side to be his equal, from beneath his arm to be protected by him, from very near his heart to be loved by him.
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