About my first medschool year (Swiss edition)
I remember when I started my first “medschool” year, which, here in Switzerland (and also in France), is the most selective year. I was so anxious and depressed because I was constantly comparing myself to everyone around me, tried to copy some study methods that didn’t worked for me and literally spent every single day doing nothing but sitting on my desk writing and re-writing my notes. That year I lost 6 kilos, cried every 2 days, did zero physical activity and I was feeling like a total failure. And you know what happened? I failed the final exam. I didn’t pass the first year. I was devastated and lost nearly all my self esteem.
I spent the whole summer being sad, angry, and, on top of it, frustrated and jealous of the others that passed.
Hopefully, I had a loving family and an amazing boyfriend that supported me and motivated me to give it a second try (AKA the last one, as you can’t apply for medicine in the whole country of Switzerland if you fail 2 times).
But that second try was different. Of course, I already knew the program but that wasn’t sufficient at all. I had to review everything all over again, and i realized how limited my comprehension was the first time. I did physics and chemistry quizzes EVERY DAY till I knew all of them by heart. I memorised all the metabolic pathways by drawing them again and again. I wrote all my notes on my computer, printed them and organised them in little self-made textbooks. Plus, for the first time, I worked out nearly every day, saw my friends more often and actually ENJOYED my studies. I stopped comparing myself to everyone and focused only on ME and MY METHODS. I tested my self every week, and ASKED FOR HELP when I needed.
When the final exam arrived, I felt like I had already seen the questions. My brain was fusing and all the memorised information came to me. I passed the year, with a 80% score. Now I’m about to start my 4th year as a medical student. I sold my little text-books notes for a tutoring class. I’m living the happiest life I’ve never lived before. And, that little cat on the picture has been supporting me by sitting on my lap for the whole journey.