#ualberta

6.12.2020

Today my focus is on my political science and Canadian history courses. I am hoping to finish a project and listen to a few lectures. Last night my roommate and I watched The Grinch on Netflix. I have to admit, I like the newer one! I feel like all three of the Grinch movies have different vibes, but are all really good. I also watched Linh Truong’s new video, and now I want to save up to build my own PC someday. Tonight I might play some Among Us with friends on Discord once I am finished my work for the day. I hope you are having a lovely day!

Winter Studying Challenge - 6th December - Do you get a break from school/uni/work during the winter?

The girl behind the desk cheerfully told me “The male and female ones are at the end of the hall on your left, and we have a gender-neutral bathroom on the second floor.” 

Her utterly casual inclusion of all three kinds of bathrooms (meaning she didn’t assume I can’t be a man if I have boobs) was so nice and refreshing. I mean, I’m a cis woman, but the fact that my trans/nonbinary peeps can go to that information desk and feel accepted and that their gender is nbd really makes my day.

It really gives me hope to see this kind of acceptance in Canada’s most conservative province.

Results take patience, hard work, and passion - not just true for fitness.

Top photo is winter semester of my first year, a 3.2. I had some pretty bad and uncaring relationships (both platonic and romantic). I lost sight of my goals and became too preoccupied with what other people expected of me. I wasn’t happy with my huge classes and or the content. I went out drinking at least once a week, if not more, and even stopped running. I was simply on the verge of giving up.

Bottom photo is winter semester of my third year (the one I just finished), a 3.9. I have some amazing, caring people in my life. My great MCAT results motivated me to pursue my medicine goals again, regardless of how “boring” some people thought I was for never going out. I loved every single one of my classes. I spent my time volunteering and hanging out with my close friends instead of getting drunk in greasy bars. I have a huge smile on my face every time I go for a run. I am simply the happiest I’ve ever been.

While the difference might not seem big, it’s important to realize that I’m in a very competitive honours program that requires a 3.3, and most people generally sit around a 3.7.

One bad test, one bad workout, one bad week can discourage you so much. But you need to realize that, as cliche as it is, Rome wasn’t built in a day. There will be setbacks. You will struggle. All you can do is surround yourself with people that love you, always do your best, and focus on personal improvement. Celebrate your successes, and learn from your failures.

While this year has been stressful and difficult for me, I feel like a truly matured and motivated person. I went from barely staying in my program to getting a 3.8 an being on Dean’s List. And despite the lack of sleep and some breakdowns, I enjoyed every moment of this school year because I know what I’m working towards.