Long time, no blog.
There is a reason for this, and it something I think I am finally ready to share with people.
Having gone through a really rough patch during the summer (something which I hid from even the closest people to me), I thought that beginning second year at uni would change this and I would be able to go back to myself. This wasn't exactly the case, and unbeknown to everyone bar the people closest to me I was really struggling. Having finally admitting to myself that there was a problem, I put my big girl panties on and braved going to the doctors all by myself (well without my mum- still took a very dear friend with me). It was then that I was diagnosed with Anxiety and Depression. These are two words which I never wanted to have to associate with myself. Me? How could I be depressed? I had a good life. People that cared about me, people I cared for, studying (and partying) in the best city in the UK (an opinion favoured by more than just me). How could it be true? This was a question that bewildered me for months and was something that I was not willing to admit was true until a few weeks ago, when I shocked myself by realising that I was the happiest I had been for years. I was no longer fake laughing, had not a care in the world what others thought of me (something which for a long time was a big problem I had) and I finally began to feel like the real Holly. A Holly which after speaking with professionals I found out had not been present for an extreamly long time.
I am no where near being fully recovered but I am certainly making huge leaps in getting there. That is something I have a lot of fabulous people to thank for (you all know who you are)!!!!
With all this going on I have still made sure that I made the most of second year so far, and would not change one bit of it for the world. I have never laughed and had as much fun in my whole life than I have in the last 10 weeks, and I cannot stop smiling when I think of all the memories I have began to create with a 'me' that I am finally happy with.
Mental health is a topic many people find it hard to talk about, a feeling of judgement is cast before the words even leave your mouth. At least that's what I thought. How wrong I was. The people around me who have been incredible in helping me to rebuild the new me are an amazing group of people and ones who deserve the moon and stars. I was worried some of my friends wouldn't know how to act around me, that it would change the dynamic that we had but it only made our friendships stronger and that is something I will be eternally grateful for. Anyone reading this who is going through similar and is finding things difficult, I would like to say that although things may seem tough, they get better. A hell of a lot better. Just have faith, don't push people out and believe in yourself!
H. X
Friday, 22 December 2017
Wednesday, 16 August 2017
A-Level Results Day
It's that time of year again...A-LEVEL RESULTS DAY!
It's been a whirlwind of a year since I was a nervous wreck waiting for my results to come through, but I won't ever forget the day nor how it changed my life (cliche as it may sound)! Results day can be the best or worst day of your life, and there's no denying the fact that whatever the outcome things will change. Even if you aren't off to university, I feel that you become a true adult after opening 'the' envelope (or looking online) and that life suddenly starts to feel 'real'!
The day can go one of two ways. Simply put, you either get the results you want and need or you don't! I had always hoped, as I'm sure many do, that results day would be the best day of my life! Although this wasn't the case for myself, it wasn't the worst day of my life either; something which I have come to realise in the months that follow. No I didn't get the results I had hoped for, and no I didn't get into my chosen university to study my chosen degree. BUT after starting at Newcastle, meeting new people, living independently, working my 'butt' off, enjoying the social aspect and finding new doors to open for myself, I have realised that it's not all bad. In fact I am very fortunate! I've had opportunities thrown at me, that I know might not have been an option had I followed the path I had always planned. My original path was straight. My current path is full of twists and turns, each one offering something more exciting than the last.
Looking back, I needn't have worried like I did. Life has a plan for each of us (that's what I believe anyway), and no matter which journey we take if it's meant to be we'll get there. One way or another.
So when you wake up tomorrow morning (or afternoon), and the butterflies are very, very real just remember to take a deep breath. It may be easier said than done, but take it from someone who has been through it all!
Good luck, I'm rooting for you!
H. X
P.S. Clearing (if it comes to that) is not as scary as you may think!!
It's been a whirlwind of a year since I was a nervous wreck waiting for my results to come through, but I won't ever forget the day nor how it changed my life (cliche as it may sound)! Results day can be the best or worst day of your life, and there's no denying the fact that whatever the outcome things will change. Even if you aren't off to university, I feel that you become a true adult after opening 'the' envelope (or looking online) and that life suddenly starts to feel 'real'!
The day can go one of two ways. Simply put, you either get the results you want and need or you don't! I had always hoped, as I'm sure many do, that results day would be the best day of my life! Although this wasn't the case for myself, it wasn't the worst day of my life either; something which I have come to realise in the months that follow. No I didn't get the results I had hoped for, and no I didn't get into my chosen university to study my chosen degree. BUT after starting at Newcastle, meeting new people, living independently, working my 'butt' off, enjoying the social aspect and finding new doors to open for myself, I have realised that it's not all bad. In fact I am very fortunate! I've had opportunities thrown at me, that I know might not have been an option had I followed the path I had always planned. My original path was straight. My current path is full of twists and turns, each one offering something more exciting than the last.
Looking back, I needn't have worried like I did. Life has a plan for each of us (that's what I believe anyway), and no matter which journey we take if it's meant to be we'll get there. One way or another.
So when you wake up tomorrow morning (or afternoon), and the butterflies are very, very real just remember to take a deep breath. It may be easier said than done, but take it from someone who has been through it all!
Good luck, I'm rooting for you!
H. X
P.S. Clearing (if it comes to that) is not as scary as you may think!!
Thursday, 6 July 2017
Making the most of the summer post GCSE's, AS-levels, A-levels and beyond...
As exam season comes to an end and the summer break is beginning, many people can become stuck in a mundane routine of binge-watching TV shows and eating their way through everything in the kitchen cupboards. BUT, in order to make your personal statement stand out (both for medical school applications and others), you must make the most of the time off. From finding a part time job to volunteering at your local hospital to backpacking across Asia, find something you can do, want to do and most importantly would enjoy doing.
For myself, I have spent the majority of my summers since finishing my GCSE's volunteering and completing work experience placements, on top of revising for the UKCAT and writing my own personal statement and, more recently, CV. This along with making time for friends and family, and of course jetting off to a sunny destination provides me with feelings of accomplishment.
I, of course, find time to completely 'switch off' over the summer period, but I have found that as I have gotten older and my future is that much more important to me, that being able to 'switch off' is a lot more difficult. One of the most important things to me is becoming the doctor I have always dreamed of becoming! This is the reason that I spend as much time as possible working and volunteering...to make my dream a reality!!
Making the most of the summer can seem difficult when results day looms in the background. Some people are not fazed, but most feel anxious for weeks prior to the actual day (that is if you are like me anyway). This is completely NORMAL, but it's something that you should not let consume you!! Trust me when I say that sitting around thinking of every possible scenario is NOT a good idea. You will eat yourself up, not enjoy your summer and possibly make yourself ill. Of course, it is fine to think about the directions the day could take (after all your results are a big part of your future), but this should be in moderation and should certainly not take over your summer break! The summer is there to be enjoyed, and not for worrying (too much).
Wherever you are continuing your journey to after the summer break (whether it be to exactly where you had planned or you have to take a detour like myself), remember to enjoy every moment. The summer period is prime time to wind down and recharge your batteries. Make the most of every opportunity, seize every adventure and most importantly enjoy!
H x
For myself, I have spent the majority of my summers since finishing my GCSE's volunteering and completing work experience placements, on top of revising for the UKCAT and writing my own personal statement and, more recently, CV. This along with making time for friends and family, and of course jetting off to a sunny destination provides me with feelings of accomplishment.
I, of course, find time to completely 'switch off' over the summer period, but I have found that as I have gotten older and my future is that much more important to me, that being able to 'switch off' is a lot more difficult. One of the most important things to me is becoming the doctor I have always dreamed of becoming! This is the reason that I spend as much time as possible working and volunteering...to make my dream a reality!!
Making the most of the summer can seem difficult when results day looms in the background. Some people are not fazed, but most feel anxious for weeks prior to the actual day (that is if you are like me anyway). This is completely NORMAL, but it's something that you should not let consume you!! Trust me when I say that sitting around thinking of every possible scenario is NOT a good idea. You will eat yourself up, not enjoy your summer and possibly make yourself ill. Of course, it is fine to think about the directions the day could take (after all your results are a big part of your future), but this should be in moderation and should certainly not take over your summer break! The summer is there to be enjoyed, and not for worrying (too much).
Wherever you are continuing your journey to after the summer break (whether it be to exactly where you had planned or you have to take a detour like myself), remember to enjoy every moment. The summer period is prime time to wind down and recharge your batteries. Make the most of every opportunity, seize every adventure and most importantly enjoy!
H x
Tuesday, 18 April 2017
Preparing for exam season
As exams quickly approach, many of us can succumb to the stress and worry of making sure we succeed. I know for me that exam season is the period where I am most prone to lashing out at my loved ones (not intentionally, but a side effect of the stress), and although I am still prone to an occasional snappy remark to my parents, it is something that I have been able to work on with the help of a few tips I have found.
For me, I start my revision plan months before the exams begin. I don't like to rush into revision and I'm not the type of person that can cram and do well. For me, the long game works (or at least it has so far). I also make a revision plan and ensure I stick to it. This is usually an hour or so each night at the start of the academic year, and as exam season approaches I increase the hours spent revising until I am confident that I understand and can apply the topics.
Exam season is a time that people can 'forget' to do anything but revise. Your mind can become focused only on this; which isn't a bad thing but too much can result in underperformance, ill health and unhappiness. It's important to enjoy yourself (but not too much) in the midst of exams; remember the important things in life and spend time away from the books. I try to have a 'day off' each week to take time for myself and to spend time with family and friends.
Exams become a big part of your life if you are like me, and the focus can sometimes become overwhelming. Being able to manage your time is key to ensuring you are at your optimum when the day comes to prove yourself, and show what you are made of. Granting there should be some compromise to ensure you perform at your best, you should still be able to enjoy your hobbies and interests regardless of the fact that there is revision to be done. It took me a while to realise this, and it is still taking me time to get used to it. But it is an important realisation that I made, and one which will serve me well on my journey into medicine.
I hope that this little reminder to take time for yourself is something that you will all keep in mind. Although succeeding is important, being happy is more so!!
H. X
For me, I start my revision plan months before the exams begin. I don't like to rush into revision and I'm not the type of person that can cram and do well. For me, the long game works (or at least it has so far). I also make a revision plan and ensure I stick to it. This is usually an hour or so each night at the start of the academic year, and as exam season approaches I increase the hours spent revising until I am confident that I understand and can apply the topics.
Exam season is a time that people can 'forget' to do anything but revise. Your mind can become focused only on this; which isn't a bad thing but too much can result in underperformance, ill health and unhappiness. It's important to enjoy yourself (but not too much) in the midst of exams; remember the important things in life and spend time away from the books. I try to have a 'day off' each week to take time for myself and to spend time with family and friends.
Exams become a big part of your life if you are like me, and the focus can sometimes become overwhelming. Being able to manage your time is key to ensuring you are at your optimum when the day comes to prove yourself, and show what you are made of. Granting there should be some compromise to ensure you perform at your best, you should still be able to enjoy your hobbies and interests regardless of the fact that there is revision to be done. It took me a while to realise this, and it is still taking me time to get used to it. But it is an important realisation that I made, and one which will serve me well on my journey into medicine.
I hope that this little reminder to take time for yourself is something that you will all keep in mind. Although succeeding is important, being happy is more so!!
H. X
Thursday, 16 March 2017
A day in the life of a Biomedical Sciences student
For this blog post, I have changed the style and decided to run with a timeline of one of my days as a Biomedical Sciences student. I thought that this would be useful for those thinking about studying Biomed (and especially those who have received offers recently).
This post is based on March 13th...
7.00am - ALARM 😢
I woke up early this morning due to needing to revise for my In-Course EMI (mock exam)
8.00-9.20 - Revision.
This consists of me reading over lecture notes, then making colour coded notes based on the topics and themes that I struggle to remember.
9.40 - Walk to the Medical school ready to start lectures
10.00-11.00 - Microbiology and Immunology lecture
This particular lecture (for anyone that is interested) covered the topic of viral replication
11.00-12.00pm - Physiology lecture
Here we looked at sensation and motor control within the nervous system
12.00-1.00 - LUNCH 😋
1.00-2.00 - Pharmacology lecture
In this lecture, we were given an introduction and overview into drugs which target the endocrine system
2.00-5.00 - Microbiology and Immunology lab
This lab was a continuation of our lab from the previous week. In this two-part practical, we worked to identify bacterial colonies.
5.30-6.00 - TEA
6.00-8.30 - Revision and lab write up
I continued with my revision from the morning and began my lab write up.
After each practical, we are set a post-lab exam which we have a week to complete.
8.30-9.00 - Shower, washing up, prepare for the next day
9.00-10.00 - TV
10.00-11.00 - FaceTime with my parents
11.00 - BED 🙌
**This 'day in the life of..' is based on the way that I personally spent this day, and in no way is representative of all Biomed students.
I hope that this has been informative to those thinking about studying Biomedical Sciences, (or who will be in September 2017) and provided you with a little insight into the work.
H. X
This post is based on March 13th...
7.00am - ALARM 😢
I woke up early this morning due to needing to revise for my In-Course EMI (mock exam)
8.00-9.20 - Revision.
This consists of me reading over lecture notes, then making colour coded notes based on the topics and themes that I struggle to remember.
9.40 - Walk to the Medical school ready to start lectures
10.00-11.00 - Microbiology and Immunology lecture
This particular lecture (for anyone that is interested) covered the topic of viral replication
11.00-12.00pm - Physiology lecture
Here we looked at sensation and motor control within the nervous system
12.00-1.00 - LUNCH 😋
1.00-2.00 - Pharmacology lecture
In this lecture, we were given an introduction and overview into drugs which target the endocrine system
2.00-5.00 - Microbiology and Immunology lab
This lab was a continuation of our lab from the previous week. In this two-part practical, we worked to identify bacterial colonies.
5.30-6.00 - TEA
6.00-8.30 - Revision and lab write up
I continued with my revision from the morning and began my lab write up.
After each practical, we are set a post-lab exam which we have a week to complete.
8.30-9.00 - Shower, washing up, prepare for the next day
9.00-10.00 - TV
10.00-11.00 - FaceTime with my parents
11.00 - BED 🙌
**This 'day in the life of..' is based on the way that I personally spent this day, and in no way is representative of all Biomed students.
I hope that this has been informative to those thinking about studying Biomedical Sciences, (or who will be in September 2017) and provided you with a little insight into the work.
H. X
Tuesday, 21 February 2017
'When life gives you lemons...' 🍋
Having gone through my own heartbreak and hurting upon not securing my place at medical school first time round, I know how hard it can be to try and pick yourself back up and carry on like your whole world hasn't just come tumbling down. It's an experience that I don't wish on anybody, however unfortunately it's something that can't be avoided sometimes. It's the way we deal with this type of upset that makes us the stronger and better person in the long run.
I thought this blog would be fitting considering at this time of year, medical school are in the process of getting back to applicants with either the great news of an interview or the devastating news that it's not yet your time! And that is exactly what it means!! If you receive news from a medical school that you really didn't want to then that's not the end, in fact it's just the beginning. It's life saying 'Hey, you might not have made it just yet... but you wait, your time is coming and it's going to be bright!'
Having this outlook on the situation was not easy. It took me weeks to get over St Andrews, and to this day there is a piece of my heart missing that will only be filled upon getting into medical school! But that hasn't stopped me and instead made me work even harder for it. I'm hungrier than ever to reach my goal, and there will certainly be no stopping me. I hope that all you deserving but unfortunate applicants don't despair and instead look to the stars and carry on working hard to reach your dreams!!
So - 'When life gives you lemons, make the best damn lemonade you can!!'
H. X
I thought this blog would be fitting considering at this time of year, medical school are in the process of getting back to applicants with either the great news of an interview or the devastating news that it's not yet your time! And that is exactly what it means!! If you receive news from a medical school that you really didn't want to then that's not the end, in fact it's just the beginning. It's life saying 'Hey, you might not have made it just yet... but you wait, your time is coming and it's going to be bright!'
Having this outlook on the situation was not easy. It took me weeks to get over St Andrews, and to this day there is a piece of my heart missing that will only be filled upon getting into medical school! But that hasn't stopped me and instead made me work even harder for it. I'm hungrier than ever to reach my goal, and there will certainly be no stopping me. I hope that all you deserving but unfortunate applicants don't despair and instead look to the stars and carry on working hard to reach your dreams!!
So - 'When life gives you lemons, make the best damn lemonade you can!!'
H. X
Wednesday, 1 February 2017
Getting your 'fix' of medical education
If you are anything like me and want nothing more than to study medicine and become a doctor, then getting your 'fix' of medical education is a massive deal! While not currently studying medicine, I find that in my free time between university work, revision and exams I cram as many medical themed 'things' in as possible (this is aside from the medical education I receive on my course)!
I'm lucky at Newcastle in that you don't have to study medicine to join the medical themed societies (this may be the same for other universities). I took advantage of this!! I am a member of Surgical Society, Neurological Society, Teddy Bear Hospital Society, Global Heath Newcastle, LINKS and Newcastle Emergency Medicine Society. This may seem like a lot, but we have the flexibility to pick and choose which events and activities we wish to attend. Those who know me well will know (or be able to guess) that Surgical Society is my absolute favourite! I look forward to receiving emails from them, knowing that they have something new for me to try or a talk by someone which will make me fall more in love with medicine. So far I have been to every talk with Surgical Society, watched an autopsy and been in the dissecting room multiple times to learn about anatomy of various parts of the body.
Aside from Societies, I also try and fit in reading around various medical advances and reading of medical themed books. I have quite a collection building up! Reading is something that can be hard to fit in around a degree, but when I go home for the holidays and if I have an afternoon off (and I'm on top of my work) its something that I really enjoy doing. I love to learn about current issues in our NHS and new treatments/breakthroughs being found, along with reading about clinicians own journies through their medical career. One of my all time favourites is 'Adventures in Human Being' by Gavin Francis, and I am currently enjoying 'Being Mortal' by Atul Gawande which was recommended to me by a very dear friend!
Another way to get you 'fix' of medicine, is to volunteer or work in a hospital or hospice where you are around patients, doctors and nurses all the time. You get to see first hand what it's like to be a healthcare professional, and the effect they have on people lives. This is the best way to feel involved in medicine, and an opportunity which should certainly not be taken for granted. I love the time I spend volunteering, and wouldn't give it up for the world.
Finally, my last way of ensuring I feel part of the medical community is to relax at night by watching my favourite medical themes TV shows and dramas. Obviously some are completely made up, both the story lines and the medical care provided, but the factual ones such as 'Hospital' provide key insight into the day to day running of the NHS.
Hope all you aspiring doctors out there find this helpful, and manage to get your own 'shot' of medical education!
H. X
I'm lucky at Newcastle in that you don't have to study medicine to join the medical themed societies (this may be the same for other universities). I took advantage of this!! I am a member of Surgical Society, Neurological Society, Teddy Bear Hospital Society, Global Heath Newcastle, LINKS and Newcastle Emergency Medicine Society. This may seem like a lot, but we have the flexibility to pick and choose which events and activities we wish to attend. Those who know me well will know (or be able to guess) that Surgical Society is my absolute favourite! I look forward to receiving emails from them, knowing that they have something new for me to try or a talk by someone which will make me fall more in love with medicine. So far I have been to every talk with Surgical Society, watched an autopsy and been in the dissecting room multiple times to learn about anatomy of various parts of the body.
Aside from Societies, I also try and fit in reading around various medical advances and reading of medical themed books. I have quite a collection building up! Reading is something that can be hard to fit in around a degree, but when I go home for the holidays and if I have an afternoon off (and I'm on top of my work) its something that I really enjoy doing. I love to learn about current issues in our NHS and new treatments/breakthroughs being found, along with reading about clinicians own journies through their medical career. One of my all time favourites is 'Adventures in Human Being' by Gavin Francis, and I am currently enjoying 'Being Mortal' by Atul Gawande which was recommended to me by a very dear friend!
Another way to get you 'fix' of medicine, is to volunteer or work in a hospital or hospice where you are around patients, doctors and nurses all the time. You get to see first hand what it's like to be a healthcare professional, and the effect they have on people lives. This is the best way to feel involved in medicine, and an opportunity which should certainly not be taken for granted. I love the time I spend volunteering, and wouldn't give it up for the world.
Finally, my last way of ensuring I feel part of the medical community is to relax at night by watching my favourite medical themes TV shows and dramas. Obviously some are completely made up, both the story lines and the medical care provided, but the factual ones such as 'Hospital' provide key insight into the day to day running of the NHS.
Hope all you aspiring doctors out there find this helpful, and manage to get your own 'shot' of medical education!
H. X
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