First Year Doesn't Determine Your Future | Am I Still Set on MedSchool?

This blog post is not meant to be scary, but I recommend keeping it in mind!

The first year at a university doesn't determine your future. I have talked to SO MANY PEOPLE who wanted to become doctors, scientists, etc., and now some of them have dropped out, changed the programs, transferred to other universities, or have decided that post-secondary education is not at all for them. This list of circumstances doesn't even include individuals with low averages, with no extracurriculars, or lacking some sort of professional skills. 

Here is a thing...the majority people who feel like the first year will determine their entire life are wrong. Here is why - YOU CAN MAKE IT UP IN THE YEARS TO COME!

1. You can increase your average! It's true that MedSchools are looking for high grades, however, what they appreciate more is the INCREASING TREND in grades; plus you can have a story behind why your grades are low.

2. You can get involved! Just join some of the clubs! And trust me, if you didn't get an executive position right away - that's fine; what's important, is the connections you make to, later on, have high chances of getting that executive position!

3. You can volunteer! I'm not gonna lie - it's hard to get a position (especially at a hospital), but aim for smaller establishments; not only they might need more help, but also, it will give you experience which will be useful while looking for a better position. 

Some people, on the other hand, just think that whatever career they wanted to pursue is not "their thing" anymore, which is absolutely fine! THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER CAREERS! 

In science alone, you can pursue:

1. Research

2. Academia

3. Forensic Science

4. Medical Specialties

5. Creative jobs

6. Social jobs

7. Recreation

...each of which has AT LEAST 10 different specialties within it. 

University is definitely an eye opener. But I don't want anyone who has done badly in the first year to get discouraged. Even if you will have to take a year or 2 in between undergrad and MedSchool, you can do things that will make you a much stronger applicant. Just to name a few:

1. Work 

2. Study

3. Travel

4. Receive certificates

5. Discover something (about yourself or just in general)

6. Learn a language

etc. 

As for me...am I still set on MedSchool? 

Of course, I am!  :) 

How to Deal with Dissapointment

Hi, guys!

Disappointment. I feel like I experienced it a lot of times this year. Maybe, I was hard on myself, or maybe, I just didn't really accomplish what I wanted. But regardless of the reasons, I felt disappointed. What do I do?


1. Firstly, you should consider the reasons behind the failure.
If you didn't accomplish what you wanted, try to understand why. Poor time management? Procrastination? Misunderstanding of material? In my case, I found it was my ADHD...
If you are too hard on yourself, then be careful. Don't get me wrong. High expectations are great, but you shouldn't set them if you are not ready to fail. It's like poker; all or nothing. And some of the times you can control your success or failure, but sometimes it's unfair.
Basically, work on getting a "never give up" mindset.

2. Acknowledge the disappointment
You've probably heard "Every great person has some time failed", or "You learn from your mistakes", but these phrases are not making me feel any better, to be honest. But I know that without the negative feelings, you would never be able to recognize positive ones (success) and fully enjoy it.

3. Deal. But How?
The truth is, every person copes differently. Different people need a different amount of time. The most important thing, like I've already said, is the mindset of yours. If you have already started pursuing something (and really want to continue), then don't stop; otherwise, you are wasting your time even starting on something.
Plus we only live once. We have to take some sort of "risks" in pursuing our dreams.
Finally, nothing is completely set in place. You can improve your skills, change your habits, and become whoever the F you want.

Insomnia & ADHD in Undergrad/Pre-med?

Hi everyone,

It's about time I share something that I knew about myself and also, something that I have discovered recently...

Since I came to Canada (about 6 years ago), I've had insomnia. In fact, my circadian rhythm is so messed up - I fall asleep at 4, but then I have to wake up early; but even if I don't have to wake up early, I still do. Basically, on average 4-5 hours of sleep.
To some people, it may seem normal, but sleep is very important for concentration - something which I already naturally lack.
So, to solve this issue - I use Melatonin; a natural hormone which regulates circadian rhythm. This summer though, I will try to exercise (and terminate Melatonin) and see if I have any improvements of my insomnia.

Speaking of concentration...I have ADHD. I know that a lot of people might have suspected it, but I myself started suspecting it in grade 12 - in my math class. That class was where a single tiny mistake will lead to the loss of grades, and since there are so many small nuances to it, I kind often got it wrong. For example, I'd switch a + and a -, or some number with another number.
Once again, it might seem like nothing, and "everyone does that", but I did those mistakes ALL THE TIME.
I would also not be able to concentrate on math for more than an hour, but our class is 2.5hrs.
Long-story-short, even my teacher (who, I think, is the best) told me to go get checked for ADHD. I didn't...

So having completed my first year at university, I mostly struggled with problems related exactly to ADHD - decreased concentration towards details, and lower performance in timed conditions.
As for the other part of ADHD, hyperactivity, I am very grateful for that. Only because of hyperactivity I am able to stay energized and motivated all the time, even with insomnia. I also found myself being creative.

Below, I'll list my symptoms, and I'll also list some weird observations:
Disadvantages
1. decreased concentration for prolonged periods of time
2. almost uncontrollable inattention to details (most of the time, but not always)
3. shift of focus
Advantageous (I think) symptoms
4. constant hyperactivity and energy; hyperfocus periods
5. endless drive and motivation
6. creativity
Also...
7. I don't procrastinate that much
8. I do fully complete the tasks once I've started them

I would like to also mention that I do not have anxiety, so my inattention is not due to that. I don't get overstressed on almost anything, but I am hyperactive.

The most interesting part - what am I gonna do with my ADHD?
I just got diagnosed in April 2017, and my doctor suggested trying the medications for improved focus. I'll start it mid-August, and I'll be letting you guys know how I'm doing.
To be very honest, having lived so long without knowing that I have ADHD, and now discovering it and going on medication is difficult, and I judge myself for that a lot. I know, lots of you are going to judge as well... but try to understand that something that you naturally have (required levels of certain neurotransmitters) - I lack; so I'm just bringing it to the norm :)