So normally I talk about how much I hate IUPUI and the grad program I'm in there. But today I thought I would try to be positive and think about all the things I do like. Here they are:
1. Audiobooks: although I don't like driving so much every day, it does give me the chance to listen to lots of audiobooks. Right now I'm listening to "House of Sand and Fog" - National Book Award Finalist and good listen (especially since it's read by the author).
2. Lots of outdoor tables on the campus of IUPUI at which to sit and study.
3. My JagTag: buys me snacks, copies, and gets me discounts at lots of places.
4. The fact that many of my lectures are recorded and avaliable as podcasts (although I still learn better in class). All of my professors also post very good lecture guides/notes online.
5. Being downtown and close to lots of miscellaneous errands.
6. Free copies of The Indianapolis Star, USA Today, and The New York Times every day at the library.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
i should be studying but...
Instead I'm going to write about two things that I've found interesting lately:
IUPUI (where I'm taking grad classes) is a smoke free campus. There are signs everywhere saying this. Yet never in my life have I seen so many people smoking in one place. Maybe I'm just naive after my four years at Indiana Wesleyan, but this is shocking to me. I really think that every other person I walk by on the sidewalk is smoking. Stupid...
One thing that makes me happy is a show I have recently began watching. This show is in its third season on Animal Plant. That's right...Meerkat Manor. I find this show ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING. If you don't know, it's a show about a real group of meerkats. Like the nature shows I grew up watching on PBS, only this is more like a soap opera. Yes, an animal soap opera. You just have to watch it to understand. It comes on Animal Planet on Friday nights (which means that I am admitting that I have such an exciting life that I watch a show about meerkats on Friday nights). I am probably more apt to love this show because I love animals, but really, I am practically hypnotized by it! These animals are so cute.Sunday, August 26, 2007
mcat? what mcat?
So you may have noticed that I haven't been back since the MCAT as I promised. This was pointed out to me today by my friend Brian Doyle who called to make sure that I hadn't jumped off a cliff. I have to say that I'm proud- it's only been a few months, but so far the communication has been flowing between old college friends. At this time I will give a blog shout-out to Brian Doyle, faithful phone call maker and brilliant blog writer. His blog makes me laugh every time. Maybe it's just because I know him, but maybe not:) Check it out.
So you're wondering why I haven't given you an MCAT update. There could be three reasons. One- I did wonderfully and haven't stopped celebrating long enough to update my blog. Two- I did horribly and I haven't stopped crying long enough to update my blog. Three- I've just been lazy. Unfortunately, number one is not true. Number three is and number two is part true. I did do horribly on the MCAT. We'll just say that I lost my mojo and I knew things weren't going well so I voided my scores at the end. This means that while I paid $200 to take this test, the results will never be known. I was bummed yes, but I know it was the right decision.
That said, I don't know if I'm going to take it again. I'm considering other options that I might not have otherwise such as going to med school in Guadalajara or Tel Aviv. I think these adventures might be right up my alley.
Last Wednesday I begun grad school at IUPUI and it seems like it will be difficult but interesting. All of my professors speak great english (sometimes a gamble in the sciences) and seem like they will be very helpful. The program that I am in is called the PreProfessional, Non-Thesis Master of Science Program. This means that it's a program for people who didn't get into med school. For awhile, I affectionately referred to it as "fake grad school," but I am beginning to see that this is not only real grad school, but also a great support group. Two examples. In one class, the professor asked us to write down on a card something to help her get to know us. I jokingly said to my friend next to me, "How about- I am a med school failure." The guy next to me laughed, sighed, and said, "Aren't we all." In another class, the professor had us go around and say our names, where we went to undergrad, and what our plans were. I felt like I was at a support group meeting. "Hi, I'm Jenna. I graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University and I'm trying to get into med school." "Hi, I'm Bob. I graduated from IU and I'm trying to get into med school." Is this really grad school or just a program to make us feel better knowing that we aren't alone? (In all actuality, I'm happy with the way that things have played out).
Ok, I think this is enough for now. I'll be back when I have something interesting to say.
So you're wondering why I haven't given you an MCAT update. There could be three reasons. One- I did wonderfully and haven't stopped celebrating long enough to update my blog. Two- I did horribly and I haven't stopped crying long enough to update my blog. Three- I've just been lazy. Unfortunately, number one is not true. Number three is and number two is part true. I did do horribly on the MCAT. We'll just say that I lost my mojo and I knew things weren't going well so I voided my scores at the end. This means that while I paid $200 to take this test, the results will never be known. I was bummed yes, but I know it was the right decision.
That said, I don't know if I'm going to take it again. I'm considering other options that I might not have otherwise such as going to med school in Guadalajara or Tel Aviv. I think these adventures might be right up my alley.
Last Wednesday I begun grad school at IUPUI and it seems like it will be difficult but interesting. All of my professors speak great english (sometimes a gamble in the sciences) and seem like they will be very helpful. The program that I am in is called the PreProfessional, Non-Thesis Master of Science Program. This means that it's a program for people who didn't get into med school. For awhile, I affectionately referred to it as "fake grad school," but I am beginning to see that this is not only real grad school, but also a great support group. Two examples. In one class, the professor asked us to write down on a card something to help her get to know us. I jokingly said to my friend next to me, "How about- I am a med school failure." The guy next to me laughed, sighed, and said, "Aren't we all." In another class, the professor had us go around and say our names, where we went to undergrad, and what our plans were. I felt like I was at a support group meeting. "Hi, I'm Jenna. I graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University and I'm trying to get into med school." "Hi, I'm Bob. I graduated from IU and I'm trying to get into med school." Is this really grad school or just a program to make us feel better knowing that we aren't alone? (In all actuality, I'm happy with the way that things have played out).
Ok, I think this is enough for now. I'll be back when I have something interesting to say.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
i promise
I promise I still love to blog and will return soon (for any of you who may be checking!). I am taking the MCAT again on Thursday the 16th and I'm trying really hard to be a good studier. This test is uber important and I get really nervous so please keep me in your thoughts and prayers next Thursday and this coming week as I try to cram in as much as possible. Thanks.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
my sex education
One of the things that has been the most interesting to me here at Lawndale has been hearing different views on contraception. I came into this very skeptical. I'm very pro-contraception and many doctors at the clinic are not. I'm not quite so sure how I feel about contraception anymore. Here's why.
Many people would say this (like I used to): sure, abstinence is the best thing, but if people are going to have sex anyway, they should at least not be getting pregnant. Or: sure, try to be abstinent, but maybe you should be a birth control anyway just in case you screw up.
Here are some things you should know about the population that the clinic serves. It is probably 95% hispanic and african american and both of these cultures tend to be very religious. If you ask a patient here if they believe in Jesus, almost all will say yes. As my friend Justin said, "It's like: fried chicken, apple pie, and baby Jesus."
We had a conversation about this with Dr. Wayne Detmer whom I very much respect. He used to give out contraception to anyone who wanted it, but for the past year, he's only been giving it to married couples.
Here's why: he says,
"If a patient tells me that they believe in Jesus, I say something along the lines of, 'Well what do you think Jesus would think about you having sex with this person?' (in a non-judgemental, simply curious, tone of voice). And the patients say, 'I know what I'm doing is wrong'.
What Dr. Detmer has struggled with is the question of the fellow Christian. If this patient is saying that they believe in Jesus and that what they're doing is wrong, he's not just dealing with a patient, but with a fellow Christian. And is it wrong for him to endorse the sin of his fellow believer?
Here's the part that really gets me. Many of these girls have never been told that not having sex is an option. You ask them, "Is this the kind of guy you seeing yourself ending up with?" Their reaction is usually a resounding no. And you say, "Is this really what you want to be doing? Is it making you happy?" Not quite so resounding, but also usually a no. And when they hear that they don't have to have sex, the looks on their faces are shocking. Because it seems to plain to me- of course you don't have to have sex. But this is news to them.
Here's the kicker for me. One of the doctors said to us, "If I tell these young girls that they don't have to have sex, that their lives will be less complicated, that they don't want to get STDs, ect, and I say, 'I really think you should try abstinence' and then I give her the birth control anyway, just in case, the message I'm sending is, 'I think you should try to be abstinent, but I don't really believe you can." Wow, I just keep thinking about that. And I'm still not sure what I think.
Many of the patients here need someone to believe in them much more than they need birth control. I just can't get that thought out of my head. If you preach abstinence but continue to give birth control, you're sending the message that you don't believe abstinence is possible. That you don't believe your patients can be abstinent. That's what everyone has always told them. Someone needs to believe in them.
This is probably rambling, but I'm still trying to make sense of it in my head which is why it probably doesn't make sense here. Anyone have any thoughts? I'm open.
Many people would say this (like I used to): sure, abstinence is the best thing, but if people are going to have sex anyway, they should at least not be getting pregnant. Or: sure, try to be abstinent, but maybe you should be a birth control anyway just in case you screw up.
Here are some things you should know about the population that the clinic serves. It is probably 95% hispanic and african american and both of these cultures tend to be very religious. If you ask a patient here if they believe in Jesus, almost all will say yes. As my friend Justin said, "It's like: fried chicken, apple pie, and baby Jesus."
We had a conversation about this with Dr. Wayne Detmer whom I very much respect. He used to give out contraception to anyone who wanted it, but for the past year, he's only been giving it to married couples.
Here's why: he says,
"If a patient tells me that they believe in Jesus, I say something along the lines of, 'Well what do you think Jesus would think about you having sex with this person?' (in a non-judgemental, simply curious, tone of voice). And the patients say, 'I know what I'm doing is wrong'.
What Dr. Detmer has struggled with is the question of the fellow Christian. If this patient is saying that they believe in Jesus and that what they're doing is wrong, he's not just dealing with a patient, but with a fellow Christian. And is it wrong for him to endorse the sin of his fellow believer?
Here's the part that really gets me. Many of these girls have never been told that not having sex is an option. You ask them, "Is this the kind of guy you seeing yourself ending up with?" Their reaction is usually a resounding no. And you say, "Is this really what you want to be doing? Is it making you happy?" Not quite so resounding, but also usually a no. And when they hear that they don't have to have sex, the looks on their faces are shocking. Because it seems to plain to me- of course you don't have to have sex. But this is news to them.
Here's the kicker for me. One of the doctors said to us, "If I tell these young girls that they don't have to have sex, that their lives will be less complicated, that they don't want to get STDs, ect, and I say, 'I really think you should try abstinence' and then I give her the birth control anyway, just in case, the message I'm sending is, 'I think you should try to be abstinent, but I don't really believe you can." Wow, I just keep thinking about that. And I'm still not sure what I think.
Many of the patients here need someone to believe in them much more than they need birth control. I just can't get that thought out of my head. If you preach abstinence but continue to give birth control, you're sending the message that you don't believe abstinence is possible. That you don't believe your patients can be abstinent. That's what everyone has always told them. Someone needs to believe in them.
This is probably rambling, but I'm still trying to make sense of it in my head which is why it probably doesn't make sense here. Anyone have any thoughts? I'm open.
Friday, July 13, 2007
i am sooo bad!
Wow, I am so sorry for how horrible I've been able keeping up with my blog since I've been in Chicago. Let me give you two excuses: 1. Our days are sooo long and exhausting and 2. I have been pretty sick this week which adds to the exhaustion.
I am struggling with sinus problems which are affecting my asthma and all of this is not helped by the poor air quality here in Chicago, the necessity of sleeping with the windows open, and living with cats. I don't really feel like I can skip out on things at the clinic so I just try to get a lot of rest while I'm home.
I didn't let my sickness stop me from going out with some of the group on our Wednesday off. We went downtown and got off the train at Millennium Park. For those of you who know Chicago well, you will realize that what I'm about to say is absolutely crazy. From that point, the group decided that they wanted to go to the Lincoln Park Zoo (which for the record is nicer than the Indy Zoo and free as opposed to $13). And they wanted to walk! I knew it was far but I had no idea how far. It took us over and hour to get there! But we got a great walking tour of the city. After the zoo, half the group went home but three of us stayed around for the free concert. It was excellent! There are free concerts in Millennium Park every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday during the summer. Chicago is so much fun!
On the non-medical side, we have been having great discussions about racial reconciliation during our conference times and we are all making great bonds with the kids that we're mentoring. Hopefully this Sunday, I'll be going with Mayra to her church and then out for some authentic Mexican food in our neighborhood, Little Village.
We have our second health fair tomorrow and hopefully it will be as successful as the first!
Oh yes, and I registered for my grad school classes at IUPUI. I'm getting a master of science degree there this year.
Hopefully it won't be so long before I write again! Thanks for not loosing faith!
I am struggling with sinus problems which are affecting my asthma and all of this is not helped by the poor air quality here in Chicago, the necessity of sleeping with the windows open, and living with cats. I don't really feel like I can skip out on things at the clinic so I just try to get a lot of rest while I'm home.
I didn't let my sickness stop me from going out with some of the group on our Wednesday off. We went downtown and got off the train at Millennium Park. For those of you who know Chicago well, you will realize that what I'm about to say is absolutely crazy. From that point, the group decided that they wanted to go to the Lincoln Park Zoo (which for the record is nicer than the Indy Zoo and free as opposed to $13). And they wanted to walk! I knew it was far but I had no idea how far. It took us over and hour to get there! But we got a great walking tour of the city. After the zoo, half the group went home but three of us stayed around for the free concert. It was excellent! There are free concerts in Millennium Park every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday during the summer. Chicago is so much fun!
The whole team at one of our group dinners (here at Dae and Esther's house)
The night before, on Tuesday, I had promised Shane that I would go to Borders on Michigan Ave to get Floyd Landis' book signed for him. It was definitely worth it because I got to have my picture taken with Floyd. He's a really nice guy. In case you don't know, Landis is the guy who won the Tour de France last year and was accused of doping.
Me and Floyd Landis. On a side note: I did not see him put his arm around any other fans.
The project is going well. Our home visits are going much better- we had zero "no shows" this week and made lots of appointments for patients to see their doctors. We felt like we actually accomplished something this week. At our health fair last Saturday, we did over 150 blood pressure and blood glucose screenings! This is really a great step in encouraging people to seek routine medical care.
Our home visit teams
The Chicas: Linda and Jenna
The Hawks: Gabe and Mahate
The Ninjas: Justin and Ibukun
The Canes: Chase and Jess
Some pictures from our first health fair at a local grocery store
On the non-medical side, we have been having great discussions about racial reconciliation during our conference times and we are all making great bonds with the kids that we're mentoring. Hopefully this Sunday, I'll be going with Mayra to her church and then out for some authentic Mexican food in our neighborhood, Little Village.
We have our second health fair tomorrow and hopefully it will be as successful as the first!
Oh yes, and I registered for my grad school classes at IUPUI. I'm getting a master of science degree there this year.
Hopefully it won't be so long before I write again! Thanks for not loosing faith!
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
a few observations
There were a few things from my day that I wanted to write down:
1. I find it interesting that in the neighborhood where I'm living, the only regular kind of store is Target- the most expensive store of its kind. And it has a Starbucks. Not complaining, just observing.
2. I'm sitting in the kitchen with the balcony door open because it's hot and there is very loud music in Spanish. But it's kind of summery and festive:) I think I like it.
3. What goes around comes around: As I was wheeling my cart of groceries out to my car today a girl probably about my age said, "Excuse me, can I ask you a favor?" I said sure and she told me that her car was sitting at the gas station of the store (Food-for-Less) completely out of gas and her debit card wasn't working. She asked if I would give her 2 or 3 dollars to put a little gas in her car to get back home, adding that she was so embarrassed. I had some cash on me that I gave to her, she thanked me and we parted ways. After I loaded my groceries, I also needed gas so I pulled into the station. As I was filling my tank, the lady at the pump next to me said, "Would you like one of these coupons for 10 cents off per gallon? I have several of them." I couldn't believe it. I had just helped someone pay for their gas and now someone was helping me pay for mine. I say this because I think this is one of the most important lessons that Lawndale has to offer. The people at the clinic may be giving up things to work there, but when you give of yourself in faith (no matter how big or small), you will never be empty. Your cup will overflow.
1. I find it interesting that in the neighborhood where I'm living, the only regular kind of store is Target- the most expensive store of its kind. And it has a Starbucks. Not complaining, just observing.
2. I'm sitting in the kitchen with the balcony door open because it's hot and there is very loud music in Spanish. But it's kind of summery and festive:) I think I like it.
3. What goes around comes around: As I was wheeling my cart of groceries out to my car today a girl probably about my age said, "Excuse me, can I ask you a favor?" I said sure and she told me that her car was sitting at the gas station of the store (Food-for-Less) completely out of gas and her debit card wasn't working. She asked if I would give her 2 or 3 dollars to put a little gas in her car to get back home, adding that she was so embarrassed. I had some cash on me that I gave to her, she thanked me and we parted ways. After I loaded my groceries, I also needed gas so I pulled into the station. As I was filling my tank, the lady at the pump next to me said, "Would you like one of these coupons for 10 cents off per gallon? I have several of them." I couldn't believe it. I had just helped someone pay for their gas and now someone was helping me pay for mine. I say this because I think this is one of the most important lessons that Lawndale has to offer. The people at the clinic may be giving up things to work there, but when you give of yourself in faith (no matter how big or small), you will never be empty. Your cup will overflow.
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