Finally, time to blog!!

Salam alaikom wa rahmatollah wa barakatoh

Respectful readers,


After my first week in school, I come to recall last year. This year I had a chance to attend part of the orientation for the new freshmen, to show them the appropriate uniform to wear in lab (i.e: a mask instead of a niqab, rubber gloves instead of cloth ones, scarfs have to be tucked in the lab coat...etc.).

I looked upon this large class, viewing the different faces from different walks of life. It reminded me of my class, and how I felt when I came. I was nervous, as lots of people were as well, not knowing what to do or what to expect. Am I going to succeed in this school, and have good relationships with my colleagues and faculty? Or am I going to be dismissed, just because I looked different, or hadn't attended a challenging American school as lots of my peers had?.

It's quite relieving to remember this now, after my first year has passed. Well, school was really hard when I first came, and I struggled with everything. However, I always had very understanding faculty and staff to always help and support me. I also had some wonderful friends, who helped me a lot with my academics, and helped me acclimate...

Honestly, I learned how to progress in school from my friends. By working with them, I learnt how to meet the due dates, and how to tackle hard assignments. This doesn't mean that now I know everything, or that I'm top of my class (not even of the top quarter, to tell you the truth!). I just learnt that that doesn't matter so much. You don't have to be top of your class to be a good student. You just thrive to learn, and try to understand the material you're being taught.

As I always say, go to your faculty for questions and advice on how to make progress in your courses. Reach the student affairs (specially the wonderful Ms. Donney), for any problems you're facing ( social or anything). Form groups with some of your friends to work together on assignments. You'll find that life isn't as vague as it used to be. May be very tough, but still enjoyable. ( I always refer to that as Cornell's theme "a lot of work, but lots of sun as well")

I end this with words from two great professors I had (or still have):

1- "You might not be the best student, but you can be the best MD". (Dr. Rishel, Calculus)

2- "When patients come to your clinic, they won't ask you whether you were on top of your class or not, they'll just be happy to have a good doctor there to help them". (Dr. Pungente, Organic chemistry)

Allah hafez (always make dua / pray !!)

Rana