So I haven't really updated all year but hello!
Has been a super tough semester, uni has been beyond insane with assignments, as well as so much outside of uni.
This semester focused on clinical techniques and physics of CT and ultrasound, as well as aspects of clinical ethics and law. CT and ultrasound have very complicated physics mechanisms so it's been a huge struggle to understand these individual concepts and then integrate them into how machines work, and then the combined effect of these optimising parameters on the final image quality and practical, real time data manipulation. Having never studied sound, going back to learning these interactions from scratch was really challenging, and the machinery is going to require a lot of study during swotvac to get right, so super excited for the next two weeks!
I've had a lot going on with stress, family problems, and trying to sort things out so the assignments haven't been to a good quality standard. I think I've submitted two on time this whole semester and as ashamed as I am, as long as I pass I think I can live with this, as other things have been of higher priority to me. I'm finally taking the time to look after my mental health. After seven years of moderate to severe bouts of depression, a couple of years of mild anxiety, two attempts with psychologists, one psychiatrist and a few GPs, several friends desperate for me to help myself and family realising I'm not doing well, I've just started counselling, and for the first time, I think I want it and I'm working hard to make it worth my while. I'm starting to like myself as a person, do things that make me happy, I'm motivated, I'm seeing a future for myself, I'm feeling confident and I'm finally deciding what I deserve and what I want in my life. I'm not usually one to put this side of myself out there, but I'm actually really proud and this feels like genuine progress. Hard work, sacrifice and mentally exhausting, but worthwhile. I hope someday I can find peace and value and joy in little things, have less guilt, less resentment, more love and transparency, replace anger with passion and hurt with forgiveness.
I got back into reading. It's been a really great way to unwind, get out of my head and relax. I was never into non-fiction when I was younger but the last year, it's been really eye opening, motivational and a big opportunity to learn. I've also been volunteering heaps, I've met some incredible people and it has enriched my life so much. I feel appreciated, I get to do things I love, be a part of people's lives, experience new things, have fantastic opportunities, help those in need and not a day goes by when I'm volunteering that there isn't a smile on someone's face, and at the end of the day, that's what I want to be a part of. I also completely tidied my room, and invested in some diaries and planners that will hopefully keep me inspired and driven, and I actually really recommend these if you like mapping out what you’re achieving and how you’re using your time!
Hopefully soon I will be uploading a first year survival guide that myself and a couple of colleagues wrote last year for this course, as well as some information about entry into the program and some FAQs.
Will also do a full update on this year’s placement experiences.
In the meantime, I have three exams in the next three weeks, then onto intern applications, networking, tours, ASMIRT events and seminars, and completing some courses in ultrasound and image interpretation. Not an easy road, but for once, one I'm excited to take 🙂
Hope everyone's keeping well and good luck with exams!! ❤❤