Class of 2014: Freshman Blog

First week of Intersession- CHECK.

So far, intersession’s been great! I spent my first week going to JHMI at 9 AM every day. I was on the stroke unit and got to watch the neurology team assess patients at the BRU (no, not BRO… it’s the Brain Rescue Unit). Most of the patients there were elderly and had suffered from either a stroke or a TIA (transient ischemic attack, which is less serious than a stroke). The doctors ran a battery of tests ranging from blood tests, MRIs, and CT scans to asking the patients to walk in a straight line. It was interesting to see the patients complete some tests incorrectly. For example, when the doctor would touch the center of the patient’s left palm and ask her to use her right hand to show where the doctor had touched her, she would point to the bottom of her left palm instead of the center. Moreover, she would be satisfied with her incorrect response.

I really enjoyed learning a lot of new medical vocabulary (not that I will be using it any time soon) and watching the residents interacting with patients. The neurology team was composed of doctors in various stages of their medical careers. There was a first year resident (called an intern) and a resident who wanted to be a pediatric neurologist and was required to rotate through the adult neurology unit that year. The attending doctor is the head of the team and she leads the group to determine what tests should be run on the patient to minimize the amount of time they are in the hospital. They all work toward a speedy recovery and future prevention of a stroke. There are many resources available to patients at JHMI, like a dietician who speaks to patients about altering their diets to decrease plaque buildup (a cause for a stroke).

I am also taking a class called The Art of Myth-Making in Animation. So far, we have watched and discussed Hercules, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid.

Winter Break

Yup. My intersession has thus far consisted of neurology and Disney, a formidable combination. I like taking a more relaxed intersession course because it gives me the chance to ease into doing work again. After an entire month of winter break, it is difficult to jump into intensely studying again.

Me being wayy too excited about reading a book...

Other than that, I have spent a lot of time being really really lazy. I have been trying to get through my intersession to-do list (check it out here: http://blogs.hopkins-interactive.com/2014/author/trisha/). I have been up to date on my TV shows too. I just watched another episode of Jersey Shore the other day, and have decided to make as many people as I know watch it so they understand me when I yell out that it’s t-shirt time.

Jersey Shore Premier. nbd

I am really looking forward to Spring Term starting. I recently decided to double major in Neuroscience and Psychology, and the first class I am taking the latter department is Intro to Social Psychology, which looks like a great class!

Anywhoo- hope this gave you a peek into Intersession at Hopkins!