Last weekend in St. Maarten- 2007

I'm going to make this one short...I have my final block exams this Monday so this weekend is going to be one study extravaganza. This week in Anatomy lab, we have been dissecting the lower limb and it can helped me understand many of the injuries I experienced during my soccer days as well as the causes of the aches and pains of everyday life...I have so much to share when I come home...Much love to all...Caribbean Karina is home in less than a week!!!!!

Final Strech

These next two weeks will mainly consist of preparing for my last set of exams on December 10th. We are finishing up our first semester in Anatomy with the pelvic region, urogenital system and the rest of the lower body. In Histology we are reviewing the urinary system. Lastly, in Molecular Biology we are learning about Lipid Metabolism. After I finish my exams, I am moving to my new apartment right on the Lagoon. The apartment is within walking distance to school and has all the amenities that I need (Internet, washer/dyer, fully stocked kitchen, etc.). I'll post some pictures as soon as we get the keys!!Now, Back to my glycolipids...Hasta!

Aerial View- taking off from Princess Juliana Airport

Three more weeks!

Three more weeks left of my first semester! One more set of block exams to go and then going back to California for 2 weeks. I am definitely ready to go home... see family and friends, sleep, watch movies, play with my dogs and just relax. Thus far, I am doing well in all of my classes and am enjoying my Anatomy class the most. I have learned a plethora of information, I just hope I will be to retain it all. I am still happy and healthy here in St.Maarten...see you all in three weeks!!

Finding a balance...

After being in St.Maarten for a little over 2 months, I have found a balance between studying, working out, hanging out with friends and staying in touch with those back home. Thank you again to all of you who have sent me letters/packages. I will be home in about a month!!!! In anatomy, we are covering the abdominal area, which includes everything from the diaphragm to the pelvic region. We are also learning the "embryology" (study of the embryo) of these systems. In my molecular biology class, we are learning about the making and breaking down of glucose and other processes of metabolism. We'll...I'm off to the library...

Halloween Party

Another fun night on good ole' St. Maarten. Secret Service is checking out the scene.

MY roommate, Jyoti and me...night out after Block 3

My life for the past couple of days: Four green teas a day, 18 hour study days, take-out and 20 minute workouts...all worth it in the end... ;)

This past weekend, I went to Miami to visit Alec. I had a wonderful time visiting the UM Law campus, eating some outstanding Cuban food, shopping and just spending time relaxing with him. I will be back! Now I am back in St.Maarten...deep in the books...see you all in a week. My third block of exams is a week from today. I have a long week ahead of me!!!

@ The Wharf for dinner (yummy ribs and live music make for a great night) and "Cultural Dinner Party" at the dorms (My enchiladas were amazing!!)

This week in Anatomy we started learning the thoracic region of the body. We are studying the ribs, heart, lungs and everything above the diaphragm. I absolutely love what I am studying! In histology, we are covering the Respiratory system. Our professor is one jolly Belgian who keeps the class entertained. Lastly, in MCB, we are looking at the cytoskeleton in cells. This includes studying what causes Muscular Dystrophy and other important proteins that are involved in the make-up of the cytoskeleton. I will have some pictures up soon.

Surviving...

I survived my second set of block exams and still going strong. I studied this past weekend from about 7am to about 1am! This Anatomy exam covered the head and neck and were introduced to many clinical correlations. I learned what causes an epidural hematoma, what happens when certain nerves in the head are damaged...the list continues...One day, one class at a time! Thank you all from back home for all your e-mails, letters and messages. Hasta!

Brace yourself...

See that lovely crafted wooden desk in the corner...that is where I spent my weekend. See that charming blue quilt, there is a bed there... I am lucky to enjoy shut-eye for more than 6 hours in a night...

Hitting the books...

After my first set of exams, I am definitely in the groove of studying. Right now, I am studying the Cranial Nerves, their pathway, what they innervate and their function. I am also learning about the birth and life of Red Blood Cells and the "Central Dogma"- DNA, RNA and Protein manufacturing. Oh yes, and the muscles of the face...it is time to review those...chau!

Study Breaks do not get any better than this...

From top: @ Jimbo's for Seema's Birthday, @ Fathom's Tavern on a Friday night outing, Mullet Bay Beach- this is a five minute walk from school (study breaks are heavenly here), @ Where's Ivan- a little Gelatoria in Simson Bay- a great place to study and grab a bite to eat

Life in Sint. Maarten

From the top: the painted trees and rocks to match the speed bump, the local MRI Center (for my Cottage buddies, I am not sure if it works), 7- Alive in Simpson Bay, and a pit stop for lunch at a roadside shack (a kind family owns this place and they have amazing pita sandwiches!)

Cupecoy Beach

Weekend before First Block Exams

I am sure most of you back home are wondering what exactly are"Block exams." Block exams are a of set exams comprising of all the classes of first semester. Tomorrow all first semester students will be taking exams in Molecular and Cell Biology, Anatomy and Embryology, Histology and Anatomy Lab. Welcome to medical school!!! Although studying endless hours in a day can be quite exhausting, I have a beautiful landscape to give me some peace of mind. Myself, as well as many other AUC students will be enjoying the landscape Monday afternoon!

Quirky Little Island

Here are some interesting tidbits about St.Martin/Sint. Maarten
1. There are only 2 stoplights on the island (one on the Dutch side and one on the French side)
2. The speed bumps near school were painted by a man who rents/leases cars to students (he preceded to paint the rocks and trees near one big bump down the road. I will have pictures soon.)
3. The "7- Alive" here is the "7-11" like the US
4. All the cars are tiny here (a few SUVs on the road)
5. The gas stations are full service
6. Very ethnically diverse. There is food from all over the world- Thai, Italian, French, Mexican, Japanese, Dutch and American foods.
7. You run into the same people everywhere!!! You see your waiters, professors and classmates at restaurants, nightclubs...you name it!
8. The airport food here is great! It is a beautiful airport with a nice food court. There is even a hair salon and spa in the airport. I have gone out to eat there more times than anywhere else.
9. The beaches are very "European" if you know what I mean!
10. There are not too many Mexicans on the island...
There is definitely more interesting things about this island but it is 1:30 am and that is all I can think of right now.

After our first full week of classes, it was time to be "inducted into the medical community." Our White Coat Ceremony was held in our main lecture hall and was followed by a catered dinner. Our Class of 2011 shared what the white coat truly symbolizes as well as our purpose in the medical community. Later that evening, many AUC students went to a nightclub called Bliss to celebrate together. I must say...I had the time of my life! Every week, I am am falling more in love with this island and what AUC has given me. Although I am up in ears in classwork, there will always be time to enjoy the uniqueness of Sint. Maarten. Okay, it is time to go to bed...

White Coat Ceremony After Party

White Coat Ceremony

Ocean View from Cafeteria

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Island Pictures

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Getting acquainted with island life

I know I am an island girl when sand and bugs have become a staple in my life. It is absolutely amazing to wake up to a scenic view of Simpson Bay everyday. Now that I have started to hit the books, I realize how much I will have to balance the studying and exploring the island. Although we are doing a lot of review in my classes, there is a wealth of new information. I am fascinated with all of the clinical correlations we cover in class. I feel to lucky to live in such a beautiful place where I can go to the beach to have some solace when times will get tough.

First Week- Orientation

After moving into my apartment on campus, I was able to meet many first-year students. Many of us were able to bond at some social events. Together, we have been shopping, eating and going to the beach together. I bought a car with two other girls, so I will be going on road trips around the island after our exams. Today, we had a study skills seminar. I am so excited that everything I will be learning in lecture and in lab will be related to my clinical experience, thus my future patients.

St. Maarten

Karina has has taken a huge step by starting medical school on the Caribbean Island of St. Maarten. It is a little island, only about 37 square miles. It is a beautiful place to live: gorgeous stretches of beach, brilliant blue water, friendly people, good food, and most importantly a little medical school . Basically, one road can take you around the island, which has a Dutch side (that's her side) and a French side. I know a lot of people want to keep posted on how she is going and what medical school adventures she is having... so I thought a blog would be a good idea. I am super proud of her!!!! Check back periodically for her updates...
-Monica

sunset on Cupecoy Beach



loading up at Cost U Less !! (The Dutch Cost Co)



not a bad place to study



lights camera action! downtown Maho




when she put on her lab coat for the first time her smile was unstoppable. :)