Reflections.

On this page i will reflect on my experiences and achievements in both my academic and non-academic life so far.

january 2009 module results:

On the whole i was very pleased with my results from my first semester at university. I managed to score an average of 69% which is nearly a first, so i feel i've done quite well. I feel that i will be able to improve on this in the future, and the way i will do this will be to try and develop a more thorough attitude to my work and revision, and try to go "the extra mile" with my studies.

Work experience in Nursing Home:

i really enjoyed working with the elderly, and realised the importance of talking to elderly people. Throughout my experience i was able to develop excellent relationships with some of the people in the home and discoveredthe importance of keeping elderly people mentally stimulated when they are in nursing homes. I also realised that the elderly are really full of life and character. I am so glad i did this work experience as it opened my eyes to an area of medicine that i may not have considered. Now i know how fulfilling it can be to work with the elderly, and how much fun it can be too, this is an area in which i would consider working throughout my future career.

visited low secure unit regarding summer work.

After visiting the low secure unit and speaking to the team leader there, i realised just how valuable this experience could be. not only will i be gaining experience "hands on" i.e not simply following a doctor round all day, or just watching consultations. i will actually be able to deal and interact with patients. Furthermore, i have gained many skills in communication through experiences before, however, i have never realised that as a doctor, there will be patients with mental illness, and these patients may not want to communicate with you, so i will learn how to deal with people who dont want to talk to you, and i think this will be very important.

Music:

I must make sure i join one of the university bands or orchestras next year, as i have really really missed playing the trumpet regularly as part of an orchestra this year. I was asked to go back to my old youth orchestra to help in a concert, and it reminded me how much i enjoy playing the trumpet, and the valuable friendships that are made by being part of music ensembles.

Aims for next year:


 * i will try to consolidate my work after lectures. My at least reading through my notes in the evening, and maybe making revision notes and diagrams.
 * Try to pay more attention to detail, and go the "extra mile" in revision, so that i can do the best i can, and can boost myself up to a 1st.