Stress Remedy?...Punxsutawney Phil & Zumba!

It’s week three of Spring semester here at Regis and already my semester is booked!…Daily group tutoring sessions with students ranging from undergraduate to Doctorate students, weekly hours in the writing center, private tutoring sessions almost nightly, and promotions for Graduate Admissions…oh yeah, and class & school work. Phew!  This morning I spent the greater part of breakfast trying to convince my sister that it was Tuesday, not Thursday.  Spring semester has certainly lived up to its reputation thus far: It’s FAST.  And in a very literal way, Spring semester has actuallyfelt like spring; 60 degree afternoons, sunshine in the mornings, and even singing birds (I’m pretty sure I got a bug bite the other day…could be an allergic reaction. Uh oh).  Thanks to that cute little groundhog, we have been “cursed” with 6 more weeks of this winter weather. Darn.

                  While it is important to keep busy in graduate school, balance is important.  What do I do to cope?  I schedule more things.  Early mornings, late nights, in between classes, I make sure my planner is covered in ink and stuffed with appointment brochures and cards.  But if you were to actually peak into my planner, the tiny last minute write-ins are not extra classes or meetings.  They are fun things like shopping, watching my favorite TV show, doing my nails, and working out (Yes guys, it’s fun).  Every night, for example, I schedule one hour of time just to play games on my computer.  As a hard-core “Words with Friends” addict, this is something I HIGHLY look forward to.  I’m pretty sure the entire undergraduate services department looks forward to it also as I have wrangled them into being just as obsessed with the game as I am.  I have certain shows that I just love and instead of feeling remorse about missing them to study, I just watch them.  I take that time to relax, decompress from my day, and catch up with my sister.  Yes, we do live together, but I think I see her as often as an eclipse.  Relaxing is just one activity I pencil into my free time.  I also try to exercise when I get the chance.  This means a lot of early mornings, late nights, and “costume changes” throughout the day.  But the benefits are so worth it.   

This past Wednesday I attended a Zumba class taught by our very own Claudia Pouravelis, Director of Graduate Admissions.  Having never done one before, I immediately signed up, knowing that anything taught my Claudia HAD to be awesome!  So I pulled myself out of bed, downed a quick breakfast, and headed to Regis for the 8am class.  By 9am I was covered in sweat, completely disgusting, but so ready for the day ahead which was slated to be through the roof.  I ran upstairs to meet my first appointment for the day who laughed at me because I showed up sporting my gym shorts and brown riding boots.  Woops. Somebody’s FABULOUS!  She wasn’t laughing when I rocked our session for 2 hours straight, without breaks, and suggested we meet the following day…at 6am.  Let’s just say that some of my appointments for next Wednesday have called to reschedule for a day when the “Zumba-crazed drill sergeant” isn’t in attendance. 

                  The rest of my day went similarly; I buzzed through filing, whipped out APA edits, and had a very successful Advanced Pathophysiology tutor session.  At 3pm, the start of the session, I had one student in attendance and by 3:40 there were over 15, which is a large group for a drop in session.  In the midst of questions and drawing mitochondria on the white board, the director of the Student Success Center had booked us a classroom for next week’s session.  It was a really great feeling to have it be 5pm and still have energy to thank each student for attending.  I had been on the Regis campus for 9 hours going non-stop and felt like I could do hurdles.  That Zumba class had certainly changed my day for the better…and maybe even frightened a few of my students into studying more!:)

                  This moral of this week’s story is simple:  There is always time to do something for yourself.  Whether it’s waking up an hour earlier to attend a class or take a walk with a friend, it’s these moments that drag us away from the duties of being a graduate student and make us “human” again.  Do the things you love and the things that seem like chores will seem less like work.  Gotta dash.  Next on my schedule is lunch with my co-worker and good friend Caitlyn.  It’s her birthday this weekend and we have to plan festivities. 

 The life of a workaholic grad student is really so hard;)  Until next week!

Round 2...spring semester!

​The arrival of January means a lot of things.  First, Christmas is definitely over.  And it’s not like leaving the tree up in the hopes of extending the holiday season until December 31st (even though you try and convince people it is now a “New Years Tree”).  It’s the realization that it is not only time for a new countdown to Christmas, but a new semester.  Spring 2012!...and while this year is not slated to be a very good one according to the Mayans, it’s shaping up to be an exciting semester at Regis!
 
​With the continuation of the free coffee on weekends, graduate lounge snacks, and now an ice skating rink, graduate students at Regis are off to a speedy and prepared start.  I have continued to spend time between Graduate Admissions and the Student Success Center, helping both graduate and undergraduate students throughout the semester.  It has come in handy knowing so many of Regis’ faculty and the roles they play in the students’ lives.  For example my Public Policy professor is an individual whom I have seen in the halls at least twice a day in passing at work, and it is nice to have a professor with whom I am already acquainted.  There are also various opportunities for graduate students to meet and have lunch with President Hays who is also an RN and is very passionate about advancing nursing education.  I am eager to attend the February event and learn about President Hays’ plans for Regis.  
 
​As far as classes go, I am enrolled in three for the semester: Advanced Nursing Research, Health Policy, and Advanced Clinical Pharmacology where I will, by May, have the knowledge to prescribe medications (Eee! So exciting!).  Many students have said that the class is quite challenging, but I am looking forward to that next level of medication knowledge, as medications are my favorite part of nursing.  Health Policy is proving to be a very cool class; with one four hour class once a month and a total of 30 field hours, it is a very reasonable class to take, especially with a busy work schedule.  Throughout the semester I must attend Legislative, Executive, and local hearings which revolve around public policy and healthcare laws.  At first my heart sank at the idea of attending actual government sessions where I wasn’t sure of the difference between the House and the Senate.  And I mean this honestly, government (and really the gavel) frightens me.  And this commitment was made even more complicated by the fact that I was from another state and I had no idea where the State House was.  But after countless emails to my professor and a little help from the public transportation app on my phone, I was able to find the State House last Thursday on a brisk snowy day.  The trip was well worth it as I got to see a bill passed that allowed nurse midwives to practice independently, a very big landmark in the nursing world.  I grabbed a Dunkin’ and rode the T back to my apartment eagerly planning my next visit to the “Golden Dome”.  
 
​In addition to work, school, and squeezing in a night with friends here and there, I am also in search of a nursing job.  Not that RN experience is a requirement to graduate, but I do miss the clinical experience and the patients.  Perhaps not this summer but this fall I plan on entering the nursing world in a per diem or part time position.  While I have been browsing the internet for places I might enjoy, I am also learning that finding an RN position, at any time, will be difficult within itself.  The nursing market today is not wildly keen on new graduates, and many job postings seek nurses with vast experiences and credentials.  After scanning through tons of jobs, it seemed like some of the postings read, “Seeking staff nurse, Bachelors certified, 2-5 years experience, with the power to mold titanium rods into balloon-animal shapes”.  It is certainly a discouraging process.  But nonetheless, I have been fortunate enough to be placed in a program with many highly skilled and qualified nurses who can help point me in the right direction.  In addition, I am also reminding myself that this is nursing, and there are hundreds of paths one can take to reach their professionals goals and be successful.    
 
​But for now I am very content just having the opportunity to pursue my graduate education; it has been a dream of mine for quite some time and I have faith that opportunities will present themselves at the proper time.  And while I wait, I will be sure to acquaint myself with new medications, research proposals, and Congressmen (and women!). Until next time!

The Race to Finals Week!

(Sorry for the delay all, but this is my posting from my finals week! Soon to come, inspirations for starting the second semester!) :)

It’s December 7^th ;the time for holiday shopping, warm winter sweaters, and of course, Christmas music!  But here at Regis College, it’s 60 degrees outside, students are wearing flip-flips, and there is not a flake of snow on the ground.  These are not the images I think of when I envision the end of the semester.  So it seems strange that in this “heat wave” of winter, finals have crept up on the Regis Community…and on me!  In my Pharmacology class Monday evening our professor began to tell us how much he has enjoyed teaching our class this semester.  Confused, I figured we had been really well-behaved that particular evening, a stark change from our giggly and inquisitive norm.  But when I looked at the syllabus towards next week’s schedule, I realized that we had only one session left and its’ topic was one word: FINAL. 

                As corny as it sounds, I feel like I JUST started my semester here at Regis.  Looking back at the apprehension and nervousness I had at the start, it seems foolish to have had such feelings; as normal as they were, I can now say that I am not only well-acquainted with the Regis Community, I consider them my dear friends and my family.  How quickly one can build such meaningful and close relationships in mere months!  And all in the hustle and bustle of a full time graduate class schedule…

I attribute this rapid progression of the semester to the encouragement of my peers and the support we have given one another.  Some really wonderful things about Regis graduate students are the never-ending jokes, stories, words of wisdom, and advice that has been shared among the graduate program.  Graduate school mentality is focused on the independent career advancement, but there is also an underlying tone of the program as a whole; we recognize how demanding Graduate studies can be and how easy it is to get caught up in that fact.  Therefore we are always sharing funny experiences and pushing each other through the more stressful weeks.  This aspect is unique to Regis and certainly a hallmark of the Graduate School.

As I prepare for my finals, I am keeping a few things in mind: The first is the minimum grade I must receive on my finals to stay in my program of study.  As an MN student, I must maintain an 80 in all my classes and that means maintaining this average on 4 exams per class.  My Pharmacology and Advanced Pathophysiology class grades are composed of 3 exams and one non-cumulative final, which is nice since studying for one quarter of the material is much better than studying for an entire semester’s worth.  My Nursing Theory class (the one I had some slight difficulties with) is based off of two presentations, two online assignments, and one paper which is 50% of the final grade.  Having given my final presentation in Nursing Theory last night, I do not have to sit for a final next week.  I also feel more confident about my final grade as I reflect on the additional work I have put into this different and challenging class.  Today I have calculated the minimum grade I need in both finals to maintain my desired grade and have created a timeline for each final in order to allow for adequate study time (and fun time!...fun time is very important as wellJ).    

With my job in Graduate Admissions and various tutoring hours, I am also keeping in mind scheduling.  I have a tendency to over-book myself (as do most Graduate students) and with my desire to always be everything for everyone, I have to be cognoscente of my overall goal which is to pass graduate school.  I have found in the past that typical time to prepare for an exam takes about 15 hours of study time (about 5 hours for each class session).  That means I have to make 30 hours open between now and Monday, the day of my finals.  While finals are certainly a big deal and I will approach them as such, I am also being realistic; each final I must take is the equivalent of one regular test both in length, material, and weight.  The studious side of me is shouting, “STUDY STUDY STUDY! IT’S A FINAL!” while my sensible side is saying, “Ashley, you’ve taken 6 of these this semester. You’ve got it!”  I find that success in Graduate school comes from having a balance of both sides.  And while I tend to lean in the diligently-studious and overly-responsible side, this semester has helped me to develop my sensible and rational side as well. 

So here’s to finals everyone! Me and my two sides are going to start making Medication flashcards now…but first…a hot cup of hot cocoaJ

Regis College Runs the Tufts 10K!

 Representing Regis College @ the Tufts 10K this past Monday, October 11th, 2011!

     This past weekend was a great day for women as over 7,000 signed up to run the 6.2miles in the 35th Annual Tufts Health Plan 10K....two of them from our very of Graduate Admissions office!

Regis held residence under a large white tent, sheltered from the scorching October (October??) heat.  We were able to promote all of programs and gave out some much-needed Regis College lip balm in the process:)

At the starting line...thousands of women line up to run in support of one another.  Many first timers but all sisters, mothers, and daughters...and all women from all over running for a very good cause!  I was glad to represent Regis at such an inspiring event, and hope to run next year!

Test Week at Regis!

Monday morning began with my usual; checking e-mails, breakfast, morning news, and a heaping cup of caffeine (to which I added Pumpkin flavoring to celebrate the season).  But this week had a different feel to it.  As I locked the door to my apartment I realized what that feeling was.  It was test day and in the midst of driving to school I had forgotten why I had stayed up so late the night before.  My pharmacology test!  Running through the mechanisms of cell death, I suddenly felt more comfortable about taking my first grad-school exam in less than eight hours.  In undergraduate I got used to getting myself pumped-up for exams bright and early and getting in-and-out of the test before 10am.  But in graduate school all of my classes start at 5pm so I had to find a way to keep that level of excitement going throughout the day.  This made me a bit nervous since I am a creature of habit and like to get all the hard parts of my day out of the way first.  Maybe I would have a cup of coffee every hour on the hour?  No, too much caffeine and besides, I had to steady my hand enough to fill in the bubble sheet.  Perhaps jogging a few laps to get the blood flowing?  I looked down at my feet and realized I had chosen my highest heels and didn’t feel like breaking an ankle, especially on a Monday.  Worse case scenario I did have my iPod with plenty of “Space-Jam” music to get myself amped by 5pm.  “This could work…”, I thought to myself. 

At work I kept myself busy filing, returning e-mails, and making trips to the photocopier.  I even indulged myself in a sugary snack at lunch to keep the gears moving.  Before I knew it work was over and I had some time to hop on over to the library for some last minute studying.  Shuffling through my note cards I noticed some other students who were also in my class and I asked if they wanted to go over some notes together.  We hit every topic under the sun from the meiosis and cell division to complex drug receptor binding.  It was great to get a second perspective on the class and also say my note cards out loud.  We each learned something new from the group and felt relaxed knowing we were all on the same page.  I checked my watch and almost had a panic attack…it was 4:30pm.  My test was in 30 minutes and I hadn’t even had dinner or my lucky cup of tea before the test.  I grabbed my notes, said farewell to my classmates, and sprinted like a madwoman who just caught a glimpse of Brad Pitt on campus.  Mid-run I shoved my dinner into the microwave at the grad lounge, warmed up some tea, and impatiently tapped my foot as I watched the clock hit 4:45.  I would definitely not have my ritual first row-center seat, but I would at least have dinner.  The microwave didn’t even have enough time to beep before I grabbed my scalding hot leftovers, threw on the cover, and continued my Brad Pitt-sprint through campus. 

4:50pm…I arrived at Science Hall, flew downstairs to Room #2, and was shocked.  No one, not one single person was in the classroom.  What was this?  Didn’t we have a test today?  Had I truly lost my mind?  Was I in the wrong room? I was not prepared to run in heels to the other side of campus, especially with smoking-hot ziti. 

And then it hit me.  Monday, one of the only days that was set apart from the rest, class started not at 5pm, but 5:30pm.  I breathed a sigh of hysteria but also relief.  Taking my usual seat I opened my pasta dish and leisurely ate, not even believing that I ran like a fool to a class that hadn’t even begun…in heels.  Feeling ready tackle the exam, I was happy I was even still awake for it.  I had certainly found a way to keep my adrenaline running right up until test time.  Mission accomplished. 

First tests are a funny thing.  You wait so long in anticipation and before you know it you’re in the hallway waiting to be called back in for lecture.  And not soon after that, test week is over and you have completed test after test without even blinking.  It felt great to dump all the knowledge that was in my head on paper and be done with it this past week.  My friend Natalie and I joke that we felt like we had to walk perfectly straight all week for fear of having our knowledge spill out.  And all in all, it wasn’t too bad!  The professors had certainly prepared us both for the test itself and the knowledge that we would have to apply in the field of nursing.  Each professor held a review session which was open, informative, and extremely helpful.  That’s one thing I have really come to love about Regis: the professors.  They always remember that we have other commitments throughout the day and by 5pm we are often pretty wiped.  So classes are very interactive, specific, and oftentimes hilarious.  And the review sessions were scheduled not around the professor’s day, but the students’.  I attended one study session that started at 9am since most of the students had work that evening so the professor agreed to stay late.  Even on test day the professors make sure that we all feel confident and relaxed.  I have appreciated this aspect of graduate school very much and am thankful to be in an environment that fosters such holistic learning. 

In the end, test week wasn’t terribly terrifying.  I could compare it to meeting a friend’s greyhound for the first time.  Those guys are big, and kind of wild-looking, but once you get to know them, they are sweet and very manageable (with the help of a friend of course!).  Once you have the knowledge and experience to handle one, you can handle any that come your way!...Especially when you have a great pair of running-heelsJ

The Exam-time habits of Grad Students

I cannot believe that it is already the third week of school, almost October, and almost the official first day of fall (this Friday!)…This is definitely my favorite time of the year but all of this crisp autumn air and pumpkin-flavored goodies comes with a price: First round of exams!  The first test is always the worst.  At least that’s always the case for me.  Test number one is the student’s way of analyzing which parts of the notes to focus on, which parts of the book to omit, and what future tests will be like.  It’s like riding a wild rollercoaster for the first time; you can do your best to prepare for the big drop but it always takes your breath right out of you.  There are parts you expected, and others that are completely new.  And like a rollercoaster, this first exam can even make you a little queasy.  But after you shake off the adrenaline you feel accomplished and are ready to ride again knowing exactly what to expect in round two.  I would compare the first exam to one’s first boxing match but exams usually don’t result in black eyes (or do they?).

This week’s coming attractions include two tests: Monday is pharmacology and Wednesday is pathophysiology.  The pharmacology test encompasses the basics of drugs and their effects on the body.  While there are no actual medications to learn on this test, it’s going to be a challenge since it’s essentially the foundation of drug-patient reactions.  Like the good little grad-student I am I have read the chapters, highlighted the notes in no less than five different colored markers, and have still managed to convince myself that I don’t know a word of it.  But this is typical.  In my experience working with other graduate students on the weekends in the Graduate Lounge I have learned many habits that we as higher-lever-learners have managed to engrain into our brains.  As twisted as some of them are, we can’t hate because we all do it.  The first was just stated…

1.  We manipulate our brains into thinking that the right answer cannot in a million years be the right answer. 

            In order to better describe the phenomenon, let me give an example.  The other day I was eating my turkey sandwich in the grad-lounge and overheard a conversation about the drug Morphine.  Morphine, as most of us know, is a drug used for pain.  It also has the insane ability to make you sleep like Rip Van Winkle.  While one student was describing how morphine induces sleep another chimed in stating that maybe, just maybe, it actually puts you in a hyperactive state.  She then went on to justify how morphine could produce rebound effects and that in some cases patients might feel awakened and not sleepy at all.  At the end of her speech the other students looked at her and said, “Well, that’s our cue to stop studying”, and they all laughed.  This is a classic example of over-studying to the point where you don’t trust your intellect anymore.  In other words, you drive yourself CRAZY!  And rightfully so, as a graduate student it is almost impossible to pass without rigorous studying.  But there is also something called a gym, a café, and a bed.  Spending time studying with friends should be balanced with laughing with friends.  One chapter of reading should be rewarded with a brownie (or four).  But most importantly brain exercises should be rewarded (punished) with physical exercise as exercise has been linked to better grades and peace of mind.  And all of these things, I have learned, are just as important to studying as flashcards and post-its (I take that back. Post-its are pretty important).

The second habit of success is a bit more literal…

2.  We cry.

            For no reason, to anyone, and with gusto, we graduate student have our emotional moments.  Graduate work is an interesting concept.  We are all so excited to be in our own shoes that we sometimes get caught up in the moment of things.  Like the other day when I was stirring pasta I just broke out into tears and vented to my sister about how lucky we are to have this opportunity to pursue our education.  Little did I know she was taking a nap on the couch the whole time.  But I have witnessed numerous moments where my classmates cry out of stress, out of frustration, but mostly out of gratitude.  Graduate school is work, but it’s a whirlwind of emotions both bad and good.  Like with test week coming up, there will be some stressful tears for sure, but they are almost always followed by happy ones.  Moments like these, like brownies, are important because they make us feel less like studying machines and more like humans. 

Last but not least…

3.  We are creeps.

            Sitting directly next to someone in class will almost guarantee that by the end of lecture you will know the person’s name, where they live, their phone number, and whether or not they prefer their eggs scrambled or fried.  It’s one of the attributes of grad-students that I can say is the most unique.  Unlike undergraduate classes, we have gotten past the awkward “first impression” and skipped right to the point.  Graduate students at Regis are outgoing, friendly, and all about business, even when it comes to getting acquainted with our peers.  This can come off as forward, intense, or even as stated above, “creepy”.  But not to us!  We are all on the same level; willing to learn from each other’s experiences and make the most of our time spent of campus.  We all lean on each other for support, justification, and advice.  We admire this quality in each other and flourish because of it.  My fellow classmates have been some of the best resources I’ve had at Regis.  And if I hadn’t friend-requested them on Facebook in under twenty minutes of meeting them I would surely be missing out. 

While these habits may seem to lead to our destruction, they are actually what motivates us, brings us together, and reminds us why we are perusing graduate work.  To others we may seem overwhelmed, but in our own community we are sane capable adults working our tails off and doing what we can to succeed.  As this weekend approaches, the Regis library will be filled with grad-students no doubt, exhibiting habits 1-3 in intervals or maybe all at once.  Don’t be alarmed.  Come say hello, chat about the latest episode of Glee.  Just don’t steal our Post-its:)

Happy studying!

Of Theory & Coffee: Resources at Regis College

Week two at Regis College went off without a hitch!  This past weekend I spent Saturday morning directing both graduates and undergraduates to different resources available on campus.  Such resources included the library, where students could find free printing, the hours of the dining halls, and free coffee (that’s right, FREE).  I was very pleased with the openness of students and their willingness to inquire about happenings on campus.  One resource in particular was the Regis Shuttle which took students from Alumnae Hall to Riverside Station.  From my numerous (four) T-riding experiences, I learned that this particular train transports students into different parts of Boston including Fenway Quincy Market, and Government Center on the Green line.  It seemed like such a great way for students to go from studying in the library at Regis to meeting a friend for lunch in the North End.  Both commuter and resident students seemed to using this service and were amazed at how easy the shuttle was to use.  What a great way to integrate Regis students into the city life in Boston!

With one week under my belt, I feel like I am finally starting to develop a routine: wake up, breakfast, check e-mail, library, check e-mail, lunch, work (check e-mail at while at work), dinner, homework, check e-mail, bed…I may or may not get up once in the night to check my e-mail one more time…just kidding!  While keeping up with e-mails do not entirely consume my day, it is very important.  Most, if not all, of the course information is now available online at Regis College, with Moodle being the major server.  Professors and students alike are able to communicate via email and through Moodle which is great considering how busy most graduate students and graduate professors can be.  I myself have enjoyed having both my course materials and my professors at my fingertips as my days can get very packed.  For example I am currently working on a Concept Analysis for my Nursing Theory class in which we take a concept and work to further define its boundaries.  In the midst of doing some intensive research I suddenly decided to change my topic.  So, I emailed my professor and asked her what she thought.  No more than one hour later I had received the O.K. to switch topics.  Knowing that most professors check their emails throughout the day, I was able to maximize my time and my professor’s by sending a simple email.  So, I feel that graduate students like me make it a habit to check emails continuously throughout the day in order to return the favor.  And with the integration of iPhones and Droids into society, it is even easier to communicate via email and Moodle.  I have yet to make the switch to the “phone as a computer” side of the fence but I have a feeling that the transition is coming soon.  Regardless, I am still able to stay on top of emails by using the computers provided by Regis all around campus.

In general, Regis has made going to school easy for me.  Yes, classes are certainly challenging as graduate classes should be, but Regis has made my transition to graduate studies much more enjoyable by taking care of the “other stuff”.  While in the thick of intensive studies, most of us don’t think to sign-off on healthcare forms, obtain a parking pass, or even eat dinner. But through the use of extensive advertising and campus resources, Regis has taken care of the little (and big) things.  Wandering through College Hall you can find posters reminding student about financial aid deadlines, upcoming info sessions, and IT hours of service.  Other essentials on campus are very convenient and often free of charge.  These services include parking, printing, and attendance to social events.  The Graduate program also offers sandwiches, salads, and coffee at a small charge.  This is great for students like me who take night classes and often forget to pack a dinner.  Through the “Graduate Students Run on Regis” initiative, the Graduate office has worked to keep graduate students running…literally.  Free weekend coffee breaks have allowed me to efficiently spend four hours in the library and then run through Chestnut Street at lightning speeds.  Also offered is the Graduate lounge with a microwave and TV, and Happy Hours in the Student Union (I have yet to decide if I’m more excited about the happy hour or the free coffee). 

With all of these resources available I am better able to optimize my time and focus on my classes.  Pathophysiology is my favorite so far; the professor is hilarious and very clear about his expectations on what to know for exams.  My first pharmacology class was great as well.   I really enjoy learning how different drugs are processed by the body and how physicians prescribe certain medications and why.  Most would not say that “pharm” is their favorite subject but the professor has seemed to spark an equal interest in the other students by using real-life scenarios and stories.  The textbooks used in these classes are also wonderfully helpful and make the extensive readings well worth it. 

As week two comes to a close I am looking forward to delving into my Concept Analysis paper.  I made a pledge to myself to not only understand Nursing Theory, but to see theory in my everyday life.  Let me just say that if there is a theory revolving around the concept of free coffee, count me in!