Before I came to CCNM, I attended a "Discover CCNM" session. This session was designed to provide prospective students with lots of information about the four-year ND program, about the profession, and how to apply. The event also featured a talk by recently graduated and practicing ND. After the formal presentation, I got to talk to the new ND one-to-one. I'll never forget one important thing he told me: even though this program teaches you everything about naturopathic medicine, the program itself is not naturopathic. Do as I say, not as I do.
This week as proven what he said to be very true. In five days, I've written seven 1.5-2.5 hour long exams. If that isn't enough, I have three more to write next week! No matter how much you studied and prepared in advance, exam week will take a bit of life out of you. I feel like I manage my stress very well and studied lots in advance, but I still crammed in studying up to fifteen minutes before each exam and woke-up with some serious butterflies every exam morning. I wrote an exam, then back to the books I went for the next one.
I love, however, the support I've been getting from my classmates. We usually commiserate after each exam, and there is pretty much always a consensus on how the exam went (for instance: Homeopathy was BRUTAL (agreed by all) while Biochemistry was very, very reasonable (thank you, Dr. Fraser! We needed a straight forward exam, especially on a Friday afternoon)).
Although this week has been tough, I've still managed to sleep a good amount every night, eat proper home-cooked meals, take regular study-breaks, and shower regularly (you won't see me showing up to an exam in PJs!); four things that I am very proud of.
In more happier news, I enjoyed my first official Xmas cookie of the season. One of my classmates made gluten-free, dairy-free, star-shaped sugar cookies, complete with pink sprinkles! I am just itching to start my own holiday baking (I think I've decided on Gingerbread Cookies and some more Almond Butter ones for Tony :P). Almost done, then the baking will begin!
P.S. Aunt K - if you are reading, I got your Xmas card; thanks for thinking of me!
Wow we are exhausted for you! And take extra cat naps for your brain.
ReplyDeleteIt is "ironic" that you are sooo stressed out to become de - stessers!
Momma remembers that ND saying exactly what you wrote - there was nothing healthy about this ;(
Unless it gives you the "feel" of what overloaded patients are talking about...perhaps?
xoxo PJ&M - 3 more sleeps :)