Hi everyone! I hope you are having a great weekend. I put on some press-on nails for the first time in everrrr, and these are so tough to type in, lol! I’m sure I’ll get used to them but my hands are currently looking like baby giraffes learning to walk for the first time.
Anyway! In my program, we are required to do on campus intensives multiple times a year. Basically it entails learning hands-on skills, some testing, case studies and simulations with various lectures in between. I was nervous as could be before my first one with no real idea what to expect. However, once we had our first session the nerves were placated a bit. I loved meeting my peers in person. We learned a ton, and it made things feel quite real! Prior, I didn’t know anyone personally, but after the first on-campus I exchanged numbers with several people. They have been such a great source of encouragement, and often it’s just nice to know I’m not alone in feeling out of my depths sometimes. I don’t know how I would have survived this semester without them!
Our sessions started at around 8 am on September 13th and finished around 4 pm each day. I was able to walk back to where I was staying to eat my leftovers for lunch and work on some pharmacology lectures in between sessions. Once the end of the afternoon session rolled around I was in need of some time to unwind. I decided to walk the campus while listening to a podcast. This walk is one of my favorite memories from the last few months, and I’m happy to take you on this walk with me if you are interested!
It was a bit overcast, but I love overcast days. It felt like it may rain at any moment, but the temperature was perfectly warm and dewy.
While walking I spotted this spider that I thought could not possibly be real! Sure enough… it was. The web was massive. There was no one else around me, but I was eager to share the shock of the spider with someone else. I kept thinking, “Am I seeing this thing right?!”. I also wish the camera had captured the web better, but you can get an idea of the proportion based on the size of the eight-legged terror.
I was a bit more on guard for crawly creatures the rest of the walk, but we boldly traversed on.
I stumbled upon this story circle that was absolutely charming.
When you entered in there was a book exchange box and a cute little sitting circle. I imagine kids just adore this!
More walking on…
When I saw the school buildings I was in awe.
And the chapel… wow…
I knew the campus was beautiful beforehand… but seeing it in person nearly took my breath away. I was truly amazed.
On September 14th after our morning session I went to the food court with some of my classmates.
It was a food court to contend with any top tier food court! I always look forward to trying something new whenever I return.
This time I enjoyed an ahi tuna poke bowl. So refreshing and filling.
I repeated another walk that afternoon, but a more abbreviated version. I chatted on the phone with my family and friends while taking in the serene landscape.
Nothing to calm the nerves like some time outdoors!
That evening I enjoyed an Rx bar and some tea to unwind from the high energy of the last couple days.
Around 3 am I woke up to head to the airport. I settled down to have breakfast at around 5:30 am with Starbucks, a parfait and some of a quest bar.
A valiant effort on the spelling, I’ll say.
And that’s a wrap for my first on campus intensive. I left feeling elated and like I had a new drive to survive the daunting semester. I have doubted myself countless times over this semester- almost daily, but the on-campus intensives always help give me a boost of confidence. I am trusting the process and the fact that God has me here for a reason. He doesn’t call the equipped, but equips the called, right? One of my dearest friends and roommates from college reminds me of this often <3 Hope you all are so well! Have a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays!!
Questions for you:
- Any Christmas traditions?
- This is a bit deeper: Any times you have doubted yourself, but thrived nonetheless? I’d love to hear!
xo <3
