This past weekend was of the most productive weekends this semester. I reviewed many of the genetic and molecular defects that cause cancer as well as the clinical manifestations of certain cancers. In Immunology, we covered Immunological deficiencies and Autoimmune Diseases such as SCID, Multiple Myeloma, AIDS and Multiple Sclerosis. We have covered in depth the cardiovascular system and how it maintains arterial blood pressure, supplies our organs with blood and its response to changes such as gravitational force, excercise and hemorrhage. This just scratches the surface, but it gives you a good idea of what I am studying right now!

Family and Friends-

Just a heads up...you probably won't be hearing / seeing me (on skype)for the next month. I am going into a deep study mode until I finish my 2nd Semester. I have my last set of quizzes, block exams, Shelf exam (cumulative of my Molecular and Cell Biology Class I and II) as well as my final exams on April 17th. Pray for me!!! I love you and miss you all. I'll post updates/pictures on study breaks ;)

I'm taking a study break with my friend, Peter at Cliffhanger in Cupecoy. We were watching some of the sailboats during Heineken Regatta.

Good afternoon(at least in Caribbean time)! I know I have been MIA the past couple of weeks, so I am here to catch you all up on my life on the island. My second semester had been somewhat of a different experience than my first semester. Now that I live off campus on my waterfront villa, I feel I have a home outside of school. Michelle (my roommate) and I really enjoy living together. Whether reviewing for an exam or cooking for each other, we always have a good time! My classes require a whole new level of thinking and understanding. We have to apply many of the concepts we learn in class on our exams. On our past exam, we were tested on the cardiac cycle and electrocardiogram and the factors that influence these systems. We were also expected to understand how diseases are caused at a genetic level and how to comprehend diagnostic procedures that are used to identify these diseases. Lastly, we learned about the characteristics of bacteria, viruses and fungi and how we amount an immune response to them. This is just a taste of what I have learned the past couple of weeks! Outside of school, life has been great- I plan on doing many fun things on the island while Alec is here this week ;)

Right now, I spend more time studying in lecture halls and in the library than in my own home...I am trying not to hit the wall...I still have a whole evening and a day before my block exams. Check back here next week for a big update!