Dominica

So I made it!
Last night my mom and I stayed in a resort hotel that was practically on campus, in a nice bungalow with A/C. At night the jungle comes alive and the noise from the night creatures in the trees is so loud I only got a couple hours of sleep last night. Oh and the roaches are large and healthy looking (nooooo!!!!)

Ross Blvd.: The main road leading to campus; The white building ahead is my apartment complex.

At the moment I'm in my new apartment at Lucy Villa. It's located across the street from campus and the Ross University Housing department. It is spacious with two full-sized beds, nice-size bathroom with shower and Western toilet (thank the gods), full kitchen with a mini gas stove, microwave, fridge, cupboards, etc. Looks like I have enough storage space. I also have a TV with full cable and DSL internet. So I really can't complain.

A picture of Ross University campus:
white tin roofs and unimpressive architecture with hi-tech learning facilities inside

Looks like my classes will be a 5-15 minute walk away. During the day it has been hot but breezy and lovely in the shade. The ocean is only 5 minutes away, at the back of campus. This town reminds me of a town in India; the post-colonial way of life is strong here, people drive on the opposite side of the road and the majority of goods are imported (barring fresh fruit, veggies, bread). Even milk isn't fresh! All the milk is canned or bottled with preservatives. The islanders are nice and small talk goes a long way for better service and easier communication. Everyone speaks English with a thick East Caribbean accent which hasn't been much of a problem for me so far but it will take my ear some time to adjust to it.
I have only met a couple of students so far as neither classes nor orientation has begun.

Orientation Day 2: Me with my new medical student ID badge on campus

Most of the other students are here with their spouse or are married with their spouse back in the States. Strangely some of these students are only a few years older than I am. Other students are here with friends/former roommates from undergrad.
I am really looking forward to starting classes and getting into the groove of medical school. Can't wait to check out the library/study areas *adjusts glasses nerdily* I'm also looking forward to joining an organization or two to meet people/future study buddies.
Because the program is only 16 mos instead of 2 or 4 years like other grad. programs, the "seniors" are the 4th semester students who are finishing up coursework and getting ready to go back to the States to study for the USMLE 1.
I've bought a few things for the fridge and have started to unpack my bags (I had to remove 60 lbs of stuff in Austin because of strict luggage weight restrictions for the flight to the island).
Tonight will be my first night in my apartment and hopefully I will be able to sleep.
More later!

Packed and ready(ish)!

I'm all packed (all 5 suitcases plus a carry-on) and ready to start orientation for medical school!
Packing was quite a feat; I constantly went back and forth in mind trying to talk myself into only bringing 2 bags but in the end I sided on bringing too much. I figure I need to be comfortable when I'm in medical school and creature comforts are necessary when one is under stress. Therefore...I'm bringing everything.

Moving on from packing...my madre is accompanying me on my initial trip. We have to stay over in Puerto Rico for one night because there aren't any direct flights to Dominica. My father will join us later. It feels weird having my parents with me but it will give them a good chance to see where I'll be living for the next 2 years and also they qualify me to bring more checked bags (haha).
Don't know what to expect at all as far as living situation, culture-shock and most importantly medical school-shock. These are the 3 main burdens on my mind right now (two of which a U.S. student never has to worry about). I'm "looking forward" to only having to stress out about medical school!
And so the adventure begins.
Stay tuned for more! :)

PaCE and Hope for My Educational Experience

I received an email today that informed me that I have been accepted into the PaCE program at Ross. Essentially this program will provide me with more opportunities to hone my study skills, prepare for exams and work in individual student groups on case-based learning. I am happy that working my butt off in undergrad gave me an edge in the first two years of medical school. Although I am optimistic about the program, I won't know for sure how helpful it is until I get there later this month.
Only 2 weeks until I leave Austin. That will mark the first time in my life that I have attended school away from my hometown...out of state AND out of country. Scary.