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Sephora VIB Picks: My Daily Make-Up Essentials

By popular request, all my make-up essentials (including shades!) are linked below. I have sensitive, acne-prone, oily/normal skin. I have hooded eyelids. I wear the same make-up products for class, rotations, and interviews. I value make-up that does not break me out, is long-lasting, and is business appropriate. I’m also attaching a few non-filtered photos so you can see the true appearance/color of the products.

1. Face Primer: Skin stays matte, pores less apparent, and allows my make-up to last all day. I buy the mini version, which lasts me 6 months.

2. CC cream (everyday wear): I don’t wear foundation but instead wear this full-coverage CC cream. It is my go-to when I go out with friends or special events. It has SPF 50 with a natural, skin-like finish. My shade is “Light”. This 1 tube has lasted me almost 2.5 years because you need so little for a beautiful flawless look.

3. CC cream (business interviews): I loved the matte version of this CC cream while interviewing for residency. The days were often super long (some of my interviews began at 7 AM; I woke up at 5-5:30 AM) and it helped me stay matte, requiring no touch-ups for 7-8 hours. My shade is “Light”.

4. Concealer: Not part of the Sephora sale, but my holy grail concealer. Can cover everything. I am shade “Light Medium”.

4a. Anti-Fatigue Eye Balm: The green tint cancels out red/purple undertones in dark circles. Also leaves your undereyes silky smooth, a perfect canvas for concealer next.

4b. Under-eye corrector: My holy grail! I use shade “Light Medium”. It brightens up my undereyes a ton.

5. Beauty sponge: I don’t wet mine before using it because it often sheers out my coverage. I only buy a new sponge once a year. I wash mine every 2-3 days.

6. Eyeshadow primer: One of my ESSENTIALS! If you have hooded & oil eyelids, this is a MUST to make your eyes last all day. I use the anti-aging version of this eyelid primer, and it makes my liner last for 12+ hours. The standard size has lasted me years (seriously, it’s been like 2 years). I tried the popular trend of using concealer as an eyelid primer, and this primer still works 110% better.

7. Eyeshadow: I only ever use 3 shadows. They are all individual, matte singles in a custom quad. I cannot wear glitter/shimmer eyeshadows because my eyes are too sensitive :( They currently have a promo going on for a custom quad for $32. My own quad has lasted me 3 years, and I still haven’t finished 1 eyeshadow entirely. I wear the shade “Burnt Orange” matte every day. For special occasions, I will deepen with the shade “Blazing” and “Deep plum”.

8. Eyeliner: I hate how much I love this eyeliner but it is what it is :( It is my holy grail liner, and lasts all day & night. It glides on easily, with no tugging on your eyelids, and a little goes a long way. I stock up once a year and go through 1 pencil every 2-3 months with daily use. The shade I use is “Blacquer”.

9. Bronzer/contour: Baby face? No problem. I love this powder because it looks like a natural shadow on the hollow of your cheekbones. It hurt to take the plunge because the cost seems ridiculous for a powder, but I use this EVERY DAY. I have now had it for a full year and am still not done with it. This powder has a matte finish, with no shimmer. I have never broken out using this, and it does not need to be set to look flawless. My shade is “Medium”.

10. Blush: The longest lasting blush ever. The shades “Exposed” and “Paaarty” are my ride or die. They are both matte finish, with no shimmer or glitter. This is great for business/interviews. No breakouts on my sensitive skin.

11. Setting powder: My favorite face powder that mattes my skin without being cakey. I have been using this same product since I was 16 years old and have never change it because it’s that good for sensitive skin. Comes with its own puff in the compact. I’m in the shade “01 Stay Buff”.

12. Lipstick: I use this lip crayon in the shade “Calvados”. Perfect “my lips but better” with brown undertone. Creamy, doesn’t dry out your lips, and great for every day wear.

13. Gloss: I live for a glossy lip & my favorites are the one with the mint-like sensation. I love this gloss because it has a gorgeous rose undertone that is almost angelic. It also claims to have lip plumping properties, and although I don’t need more lip plumping, it may interest those who look for that in a product. It is sticky & not very long lasting, though, so I would not recommend for outside events. I use for special events & going out with friends because I love the color so much (Rosy Glow).

14. The only face brush I use: This dual-ended face brush is my favorite brush of all time. I love dual-ended brushes because I am so lazy and refuse to carry more than 2-3 brushes in order to fit all my makeup in 1 bag. It is on sale now (I bought mine full-priced so this is a steal!). I use 1 end for blush/contour, and the other end to powder.

15. Finishing powder: By far the most expensive makeup product I own and I value it greatly. I do not use this everyday, only for photos or special events because it gives you the most beautiful, ethereal “glow from within” look. I don’t use highlighter because it can be overwhelming and can enhance texture, but I love these powders in particular to give you a next-level, natural and appropriate glow.

16. Setting spray: My security blanket! I sometimes also get their matte-ifying version but to me, they’re both really similar. Will lock in your make-up for hours. I buy the full size to use on the regular, but loved the travel sizes to bring with me while interviewing/TSA compliance.

17. Makeup remover: Finally, to take it all off, I love this makeup remover. I loved it so much I even brought it with me during traveling. After a full day of make-up, I noticed my wipes and cleanser weren’t taking off the residue, causing me to breakout. I like this model because it doesn’t break the bank like their other versions. One charge can last me 2-3 weeks.

Hope that was helpful! If you are interested in my skincare regimen, I am also happy to share in the near future. My skincare is incredibly affordable (90% of it is drug-store) and simple with few steps.

xx Anh

#sephora #sephoravib #sephoravibsale #makeup #makeuproutine

Emergen-C, OnlineMedEd notes, and any form of back support – this is all I needed to survive 3rd year. All kidding aside, it was one of the most exciting years of medical school; I enjoyed time to actually talk to patients and correlate clinically after two long years of religiously hitting the books. I loved every single one of my rotations, all for different reasons. But to survive the long days – I always made sure I was comfortable. Because I had an inpatient service every other month and spent my spare time in the ORs, I often found myself in scrubs and tennis shoes 95% of the time. Picking a pair of tennis shoes that was versatile enough so I could wear them on the wards, during my workouts, and out casually with friends was paramount in my selection. Selecting a pair that were comfy, functional, and versatile were key.

I’ve been testing out my Vionic Kiara Pro sneakers for the last 30 days. They come in 3 colors: navy, light grey, and black with varying accents for a stylish twist (sky blue, lilac, dark grey). I chose the navy color to help prevent noticeable stains that come with a job in medicine. I wear a size 7.5, and they fit true to size. Compared to my running shoes or my soft leathered Annie Los, these have a more robust, well-structured exterior.

While on medicine rounds, it’s pretty easy to come across hospital floors being wiped down and cleaned. This is especially true in the ORs, where the rooms are often cleaned between cases. These Kiara Pros have a slip-resistant sole to help with balance.

I enjoyed how sturdy the shoes were, and over the last several weeks, noticed how the fabric melted to the shape of my foot without compromising abutment. Though the fabric is not as airy as some of my running shoes, I particularly valued this because I felt my feet were protected. The Vionic Kiara Pros boast an orthotic sole, and coming from someone with a very flat foot, it has been very helpful in providing adequate support after long days standing.

Overall, I’ve been really impressed with these sneakers. I have worn them while on rotations, running errands, and even at my own appointments. Because of the neutral navy color, I have been able to match them easily with any colored scrubs, and they look great with casual athleisure as well. To me, it’s important to make an investment that you can feel confident and comfortable wearing all day, all night, and from one setting to the next. Looking forward to updating y’all on how these sneakers hold up in the next few months!

If you could get your own pair of Vionics, which color would you choose?

#review #productreview #vionic #vionicshoes

5 Things I Wish I Knew As An MS1

Congratulations to all the incoming medical students. I originally wrote this post last year for the Strive to Fit blog, but found it fitting to share again with so many recent, joyful white coat ceremonies. I hope you find it helpful.

1. Eat well, be well

Higher education asks you to be the best version of yourself -- whether that be in the classroom, lab, or hospital. To have a sharp mind, start fueling yourself with foods that will help you become better and stronger. Incorporating vegetables, fruits, and vitamins is always achievable. Portion control is important. I like using the MyFitnessPal app to track what I eat. Whenever I am able, I also try to find plant-based alternatives. I really like Mann’s Fresh Vegetables, specifically their Nourish Bowls, and find them often at my local supermarket. Instead of pasta or rice, they’ll use zucchini noodles, cauliflower, and the like as a base. It takes 5 minutes to heat up after a long day. My favorites are the Monterrey Risotto & Spicy Thai.

I did not begin my health journey until MS2. I truly wish I begun sooner. Fast food, though convenient, can leave you feeling groggy and thoughts hazy. Try meal prepping the week before, bringing packed lunches with controlled portions, or balancing workouts with your food intake.

2. Less is more

You will often be overwhelmed with study resources. At the beginning of medical school, our upperclassmen were so generous with sharing resources, we had 11-12 books/sources to choose from. Every student will be different. Pick 2-3 resources, stick with them, and learn them well. Do not spread yourself thin. I enjoyed Firecracker, First Aid, and a Q-bank (Kaplan, USMLE-Rx, UWorld). If a resource does not work for you, identify the problem early and fix it. Every student, including you, is unique.

You can get a phenomenal discount on Firecracker by using my referral link here.

3. Balance is possible

You will study a lot. It is inevitable. Plan ahead, make to-do lists, and use productivity time to actually be productive. It is possible to go home, spend time with loved ones, and most importantly, work out. Prioritize school, but with adequate planning, you can still do well while living a balanced life. Join extracurricular groups you are interested in, explore the town, and find a hobby outside of medicine.

4. Be consistent

Review. Learn well, and review.

5. Take it one day at time

Too often we fail to give ourselves grace. Ask questions, because you are here to learn. Be humble, because every person has their strengths and their weaknesses. Be patient, work hard, and let your kindness prevail. A bad day is only 24 hours, but your resilience will last forever.

Anh

NIDA Week x IZEA

Empower yourself & your loved ones. Stay safe by differentiating the facts vs. myths of alcohol and substance use. To learn more, check out http://izea.it/ahzGXNs & shatter the myths with us during National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week. #NDAFW #ad

MedicalMyanne’s Best of 2017: A Comprehensive Gift Guide

I am a huge fan of practical gifts. If an item can be used daily, while still reminding you of your beloved, I consider it the perfect present. Below are my Christmas/Holiday gift ideas for any student in your life, ranging from $1.75 to under $100 for 2017.

Stocking Stuffers:

1. MUJI Polycarbonate Pens - $1.75

We get it -- med students study. Make it more bearable by gifting the student in your life a decent pen they won’t lose within hours. These MUJI polycarbonate pens write like a dream. They are retractable, write smoothly, and come in 6 different ink colors (black, teal, magenta, true blue, red, and orange). These don’t tend to leak like the original MUJI capped pens (as much as I like these as well), and are great for white coat pockets, college students, and even Grandma, who loves to pen you a letter every now & then.

2. BadgeBlooms Badge Reel - $6

Melissa is a nurse-turned-entrepreneur based in Chicago, IL. Her Etsy shop is stocked full of badge reels for every medical professional in your life. My personal favorite are her felt badges -- created into human organs, cute animals, and the most adorable inanimate objects (think - tacos, pineapples, cupcakes!). I own 2 of these myself & they are of great quality. At under $10, these would be great stocking stuffers or for several nurses on your floor while on a student budget. BadgeBloom’s huge selection gives you a chance to make it personal (everyone has a favorite animal or organ), and a badge reel is practical in its every day use. Your recipient will be reminded of you every time he/she puts on his/her badge.

3. Glossier Balm Dot Coms (lip salve) - $12

Makeup is universal, but chapped lips shouldn’t be. As a chronic lip picker while studying, the Mint BDC has been my holy grail. Balm Dot Coms come in 6 different scents (Original/Unscented, Rose, Mint, Coconut, Cherry Birthday Cake). I have always found gifting makeup to be an extremely personal preference, but lip balm is something that gives more leeway. Mint is my personal favorite (think Burt’s Bee’s classic lip balm, but way less waxy), and I’ve gifted them to a couple of friends already. Boys -- this would be a great idea so your girl doesn’t have to exchange a foundation 3 shades too light at a Sephora 30 mins away. You can get 20% off your entire Glossier purchase using my affiliate link here. Balm Dot Coms also come in a trio -- you’ll get any 3 flavors for $30, saving yourself a cool $6. You can spend that on a Burrito Bowl all for you, and cover 3 stocking stuffers for your 3 besties this holiday season.

4. The gift of giving back - Starbucks/Tiff’s Treats Gift Card - $20

Give for others to give -- literally. I have always been a huge fan of “just because” gifts, and with friends all fighting their own battles in grad school, I like to give a little pick-me-up to someone to brighten their day. Give a gift card to Starbucks or a food-delivery company -- not for your recipient, but so they can treat someone, too.

Recently, I’ve started placing Starbucks “To-Go” mobile orders in various locations, based on my recipient’s current location (must be within 100 miles, I believe). All your recipient has to do is pop in & pick it up -- and it’s already pre-paid by you.

If you are based in Texas, Tiff’s Treats is a cookie delivery company who delivers freshly baked cookies right to your loved one’s doorstep. I think I’ve placed over 20 orders for birthdays, as thank yous, and just a little “thinking of you” surprise. They’ve recently amped up their packaging, and you can even write a personalized note to your recipient for free. The delivery comes wrapped in a bow, and comes baked fresh & piping hot (they call your recipient to confirm their delivery prior to baking!). Give a gift card to your beloved to encourage them to treat someone special in their life, too.

Mid-Range:

5. SLMD Daytime Acne Lotion or Clarifying Treatment - $30/each

Dr. Pimple Popper, need I say more? I’ve battled with my skin nearly all of my life, and have been loving the SLMD line. The Daytime Acne Lotion is 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria, and the Clarifying Treatment contains retinol, a Vitamin A derivative shown to reduce blackheads, fine lines, and even wrinkles. I was first introduced to these when I started the SLMD 30-Day Acne System (also a great gift idea @ $45). I loved both these items so much, when I finished the trial as well as my normal prescribed topicals, I purchased full sizes of the Acne Lotion & Clarifying Treatment to keep my stress-induced acne at bay.

6. White Coat Clipboard - $25-31

Move over PSLs & UGG boots -- it’s time for the real basic grad school essential. Sleek enough to fit into a white coat pocket, practical enough to have high-yield lab values & fit a whole stack of paper, white coat clipboards are the way to go. I have one as a hand-me-down from an upper-level and was recently given a brand new gorgeous teal one from my med school Big! They come in tons of colors (pink, purple, black, etc.). Be sure to differentiate the medical vs. nursing versions based on the future life-saver you’re giving it to.

White Coat Clipboards are made of metal, and it folds with well-built hinges. These would also be great for high school students just starting to volunteer at hospitals, pre-meds beginning their shadowing experiences, or even physicians who’ve been in the game for a while. Its convenience & durability lasts several years, and can withstand the test of time, as well as the years dedicated to your craft.

7. A Freshly subscription - $45

Meal delivery right to your front doorstep. Not even a box of ingredients you’ll have to wash, cut, and prepare. Straight up food -- chef-prepared, packaged with care, and all you have to do is heat it up. Freshly came in so clutch during block exam weeks for me, I ordered an additional week after that and thought I lost all knowledge of how to cook after the 7 days in heaven ended. Not to mention -- their customer service is amazing. They’ll personally call you to confirm food allergies, remind you of your delivery date several hours before, and have your box filled with ice packs to keep your food fresh if you’re working late. Though “surprise” & trial boxes like FabFitFun & Sephora Play!, etc. are absolutely adorable, the greatest gift, in my opinion, is the gift of convenience & not having to wash dishes (hahah). This would be perfect for truly anyone -- a best friend, boyfriend, or a struggling classmate -- nose-deep in finals, recovering from post-call, or “just because” on a lazy week.

You can use code med639 to save $20 off your first 6 meals. I receive no commission nor compensation from this code.

BOUJEE:

8. NurseMates Anni-Lo Shoes - $76.95

These are the cutest shoes known to man. Anni-Los scream comfort with its orthotic shape & adorable mix between the Sperrys & Keds aesthetic. I have these in white & wear them literally every day. I love them so much, I actually ordered a second pair in the same size & color just in case these wear out. These run true size (I wear size 7 normally in shoes, and have these in size 7). Annie-Los can be worn with scrubs or even out in daily life, and even have a little platform that elongate & flatter your legs if you have shorter ones like me.

9. FIGS scrubs - $86

Yes. The hype is very, very real. FIGS are the most flattering scrubs in the game. It boasts a draped & tapered fit, luxe fabric, and an admirable mission to boot (buy one pair, they give a pair to a health professional in need). These are by far the most flattering scrubs I own, their customer service team is a dream to work with, and they really do believe in the concept of altruism (read about their work for Hurricane Harvey here). I am rather petite (5′3″) and a ride-or-die top-tucker. My picks are the Catarina top ($38, chest pocket for optimal tucking) & the Kade Cargo Pants ($48). They recently released a bunch of new colors (burgundy, dark harbor, white) & lots of other “lifestyle” wear. I’ve always been a fan of their lifestyle vest (comes with lots of secret pockets, which I believe is discontinued) and their long-sleeve underscrub (also the most flattering long-sleeves I wear in autumn).

You can use my code MyanneFIGS for 15% off your entire FIGS purchase. I receive no commission nor compensation from this code. FYI - right now, FIGS is offering complimentary, custom embroidering on all orders to celebrate the holiday season. Be sure to take advantage of this!

10. A freaking good pair of yoga pants - Lululemon Pace Rival Crops - $88

I found Pace Rivals completely by accident -- on a Lululemon clearance rack that was a size too big for me in Canada. These soon & very quickly became my favorite pants. Their length is extremely flattering, and the material is very durable (I feel like I don’t have to baby them as much as Aligns, which are luxuriously butter soft and also a favorite), but still breathable. Because they are a bit looser, I can hide them underneath a white coat and have it low-key kinda-sorta pass as business pants (#teamlazy). I consider Pace Rivals to be truly worth the price you pay for the usage you will get out of them. My picks are a pair in the color black for a professional monochrome look.

Jockey Scrubs Review

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jockey Scrubs. All opinions are 100% mine.

It’s here. Finally. A pair of scrubs that were made for me. At a height of 5’3” paired with a smaller frame, finding a pair of scrubs that are flattering – while not suffocating, or taking a day & a half to sew modifications – is a constant battle.

I often compromised by wearing scratchy fabrics just so I get a tapered waist fit in return. The length of the pants? Forget it. Hemming pants became second nature. Arm holes for tops could fit two of my arms combined. But Jockey finally made a pair that fit me, for me.

I am wearing size XS top and XS bottoms in the color “New Navy”. The top is in the style “Modern V-neck”. The pants are in the style “3-in-1 Convertible Scrub Pant”.

Jockey Scrubs recently launched a brand new set of scrubs in the most glorious way possible. Integrating the ever-so-popular athleisure feel with incomparable sleek & modern fit, the fabric feels very similar to a workout top. At 72% polyester, 21% rayon, and 7% spandex, the fabric feels sturdy yet flexible. The thickness of the fabric is high quality. Nothing is see-through, and you can feel comfortable yet confident in a pair of scrubs that feel custom-made.

The top boasts a semi-relaxed fit, which tapers in slightly at the waist to give you the elongated & slim aesthetic that is so sought out for. Venting along the sides allow increased movement – whether you’re in the hospital, or out running errands.

Details are apparent in accent stitching in both front pockets, and a Jockey® cloth label is stitched subtly yet proudly on the left side pocket. Finally, my favorite thing– the neck-line is feminine yet modest, and the arm holes are smaller so the top looks like it actually belongs to me, and not a hand-me-down!

Three pockets total are embellished in the front of the Modern V-Neck Scrub Top – two vertical pockets, and 1 mini-pocket built in on the right. The mini-pocket is secured with a zipper for your keys or an ID badge off-duty. The two vertical pockets are spacious, and are capable of fitting an iPhone, granola bars, and a stethoscope. For those who tuck in their tops such as myself, the scrubs still look extremely flattering, and there is minimal “pillowing” effect.

The “3-in-1 Convertible Scrub Pant” is a gamechanger. Buy 1 pant, wear it 3 ways. It is a semi-relaxed fit, and comes with a drawstring. The 3 ways you can wear it are:

1. Traditional: Tie waistband on outside for traditional scrub look (that’s what I did)

2. Flat front: Tie waistband on inside for flat front, tailored look

3. Sporty: Tie traditionally, then flip the waistband down.

The pants are also made with the same gorgeous fabric, and are semi-relaxed fit – contouring all your curves, while still giving you room to breathe. Fun fact: the pants were also made rather “high-rise”, accentuating your waist, and making you feel comfortable & secure the whole day.

So you’re telling me: athleisure-like comfort, pockets, 3 ways to wear 1 pair of pants, doesn’t need hemming, fits me, for me? I’m sold. This pair of Jockey® scrubs easily slid into my top 3 favorite scrubs of all-time. I encourage you to check them out, and let me know if you’d also #LiveInJockey below.

August Wellness Calendar

A few months ago, I was inspired by @nicolet.life when she talked about how she kept & filled out a little chart every day. She tracked whether she worked out, ate well, and a couple of other things that were important to her. She would shade in the boxes and tally up her results at the end of the month. I loved this idea, and decided to give it a go for the remainder of August.

I’m keeping it simple with 5 goals this month. I want to focus on mainly sleeping, eating, and being well. My 5 daily “goals” are:

1. Sleep at least 7 hours (cumulative) a day (including naps).

2. Finishing everything on my personal school “To-Do” list

3. Eating well OR working out for at least 20 minutes

4. Skincare 2x a day (cleanser, treatment, moisturizer, AND sunscreen!)

5. Spending only 1 hour (cumulative) on social media a day.

My goal in doing this is to keep myself accountable.

At the end of the day, I want to see if accomplishing all my 5 daily goals correlates with having a “good day”. There are many factors that are beyond our control to determine our good days, but there certainly are things that you can do to make those chances as high as possible! If I shade in at least 67 boxes (meaning 70% “accountability” rate), I also hope to reward myself with something (probably food LOL!)

PS - I also have this “Wellness” Calendar template I made up on my blog for you to use! I kept the top row blank so you can jot in your own goals & make it completely yours :) You can download it here.

Has anyone tried this? Do you have certain goals for your month? Let me know below!

Talk soon (I’ve already used up 30 minutes of my social media time!)

Anh

My Wellness Journey: 3 YouTubers Who Taught Me How to Cook

I never thought I would be able to say that I’ve been eating well for the past couple of months. Hours? Days? Maybe. But months? It feels unreal.

Image Credit: Liv B from @itslivb on Instagram

Recap for those who are just tuning in: In May 2017, I began meal prepping, learning how to cook healthier in the kitchen, and learning about my nutrition after not feeling my best at the conclusion of my first year of medical school. Since then, I’ve experimented with meal delivery services, frozen, pre-prepared meals, and finally, now, intuitive eating, and have lost nearly 15 lbs.

I never grew up actually being conscious of the food I ate. I was able to eat whatever I wanted because I was dancing competitively throughout the week. The poor habits then accumulated over the years, until one day, college hit and I was no longer dancing to burn off the excess calories I ate. I was just tired of feeling groggy and constantly under the weather.

I reached out to a few of my fitness-passionate friends, Chris & Nikki, in the past when I asked them for tips on “eating clean”. They gave me great advice, introduced the concept of macros to me, and encouraged me to seek my own information. But I was lazy, and expected a unique, designated meal plan of exactly what to eat, how to eat it, when to eat it, to fall into my lap, and it never really stuck with me -- so my bad habits continued. One of my phenomenal upperclassman friends, who’s also a medical student, Grace, once told me that one of the keys to wellness is, obviously, to eat well a few months later. Her words have as resonated with me since.

And thus began the journey to wellness. My first step was to learn how to eat. My next step is to learn how to work out and take care of my body physically. Below are my favorite #healthspos who’ve shown me, essentially, how to cook, and how to make better food choices for my needs.

1. Liv B (Liv’s Healthy Life)

Liv’s videos are concise & to the point. Her intros are less than 1 minute long (#holygrail status) and her videography is incredible. When I want to learn how to cook, I love to see how each step is done, and I appreciate how she takes us through each step of that process visually & verbally. Liv incorporates lots of plant-based substitutions to normal food, as she is on a plant-based vegan diet.

Image Credit: Liv B from @itslivb on Instagram

Although I am not vegan, her content inspires me to find out what I can substitute with vegetables to make meals still delicious but healthy. Because of her, I’ve learned how to add lots of various veggies to meals, make my own dressing, and tried tahini (it’s GOOD).

Her take on a “healthy” pizza (starts at 1:39) is one of my favorites & truly shows her creativity. She replaces a typical pizza crust with a simple flour tortilla, and tops with tomato sauce, arugula, and her choice of condiments. This is so genius. I’m also a huge fan of her “What I ate today” series, and especially, her “Comfort Food” series.

I truly love her content because she also emphasizes recipes on “lazy day” food. As someone who loves carbs & chocolate until the day I die, I appreciate this. I love how she reinforces the idea that you don’t only have to eat chicken breast, broccoli, and sweet potato every day to be considered “healthy”.

2. Stephi Nguyen (Nursing Student)

Stephi is a nursing student. She also posts out occasional workout regimens to emphasize key regions in your body.

I love her “meal prep” series because it’s one key word — easy. Everything she does and makes for herself, I feel like I can do myself. I don’t have to hunt down a rare grain to make a meal. I also appreciate how her meals seem like they take less than 15 minutes each to make on the spot, or her meal prep takes less than 2 hours for the entire week.

Fun fact: This meal prep video of hers is the video that pushed me to finally do a real meal prep. After watching, I went to Wal-Mart to buy all the ingredients. I replaced pasta with zucchini, but made her turkey meatballs, used the same sauce, and everything. It tasted great, and very easy for a beginner like me to make.

Stephi is the most relatable health YouTuber I’ve found thus far. I relate to her because we are both students who don’t have a lot of resources or time to create lavish & extravagant meals.

I appreciate how all of her recipes actually look good. As I was transitioning to healthier eating habits when school kicked in, I often struggled with not even wanting to eat what I prepared, because it was not enough food, or because it was too “restrictive”. I also like how she emphasizes intuitive eating, as she does not track macros or calories. I thought this was very admirable, as she obviously looks great, and encouraged me to seek out my own version of intuitive eating that worked for me. She also has a great video filled with ideas for savory snacks, which I absolutely adore. I find there are often too many “healthy snack” videos that focus on sweets, and this was a breath of fresh air.

3. Whitney Simmons

Whitney is a fitness influencer on YouTube. Her personality is as vibrant as her smile. She posts a variety of workout videos, “fitness favorites”, and occasional meal prep/workout routine videos on YouTube. She is also a GymShark apparel athlete.

I love her use of the CrockPot, how she keeps it real with the challenge to find time to meal prep during the week, and how she talks about getting “bored” of certain same meals after 2-3 days (I relate to this greatly!).

That’s it! 3 incredible #healthspos who’ve shown me how to cook. Do you have any favorite healthy recipes or people who inspire you? Let me know!

Matcha Latte Recipe

I worked on tapering off my traditional iced coffee consumption this past summer by exploring different caffeine alternatives. I was introduced to matcha by the Instagram community, especially by Dorothy of @_dorothyfaye and Shanice of @purelypositivitea. My personal matcha recipe is below:

1. 1 tsp of matcha powder. I use this EcoMatcha Ceremonial powder from Amazon. I like how it includes the choice of a sampler or value pack. I bought the $10 sampler pack to test if I liked it at first. The sampler pack lasts me about 3 weeks.

2. 8 - 12 oz of hot water.

3. 1/2 cup of original almond milk (any brand is fine, I usually just use my local supermarket’s brand)

4. Milk frother. I bought this one for less than $7 at Amazon. It is battery-powered, so make sure you have a couple batteries on hand. You can also froth your milk using a blender.

Take 1 tsp of matcha powder and tap into mug. Heat up 8-12 oz of water (or as much as you’d like) in a microwave for 2 minutes. Pour hot water into mug with matcha powder. Stir to integrate powder.

In a separate cup, pour 1/2 cup of almond milk. Froth with hand-held milk frother until desired texture. Pour frothed almond milk into hot matcha.

Use spoon to stir. Sweeten with Stevia, honey, or sugar as needed. I do not sweeten my matcha and drink it as is. It reminds me a lot of the traditional flavor of Green Tea Kit Kat bars.

Some tips:

1. Some people purchase the accompanying matcha brush/whisk. This helps dissipate the matcha powder at the bottom of your drink. Personally, I do not have this and it tastes just the same! I am mindful of the powder I have left on the bottom of my mug.

2. Replace almond milk with half & half if you are looking for a denser, richer beverage. You can also try coconut milk. I like almond milk because it feels light, and 1/2 cup is only 30 calories.

3. Don’t forget you can drink it iced just as you can hot! Just add ice to your latte, stir, and you have a great summer drink in hand.

I usually drink matcha as my afternoon caffeine with a snack when coffee is too strong before bed. I’ll throw on some comfortable pants (hello scrubs), put my hair up, tuck myself in with a cup of matcha in hand, and close out the night.

What’s your favorite afternoon caffeine source? I’d love to know and try out your recipes!

Note: Light reading ft. Cherokee Revolution. Get 10% off a brand new pair of their gorgeous scrubs on ScrubShopper.com using the code “MYANNE10″.

Cherokee Revolution Scrubs Review

Cherokee Uniforms recently released their brand new scrub line called Revolution. Below are my thoughts & comprehensive review:

The Story: Cherokee Uniforms has been America’s sweetheart for decades. Revolution, its new scrub line, is a new take on the classic scrub, worn by healers and life-savers all around the world.

The Facts:

It comes in 15 different colors, including the classics — Navy, Ceil Blue, Wine, and Black. I’m a huge fan of their new Eggplant color, and this gorgeous Caribbean Blue as well.

The line is inclusive & affordable. All sizes, ranging from XXS - 5XL are available for purchase, for both men and women. Everything is under $20.

Each Revolution purchase comes with a complimentary phone grip, similar to the PopSocket, which allows you to take selfies & prop your phone to watch movies/do practice questions. Personally, it has also saved me from dropping my phone twice.

I am wearing the Revolution Collection’s Women’s Mock Wrap Top & Bottom in size small. The color is Ceil Blue.

Sizing: Size down. XS top & XS bottom fit best on me. As for the length of the pant, for the shorter girls out there, you will need to hem these. I only wish more scrub bottoms had a Petite size, but I have yet to find any scrub brand make a pant that I don’t need to modify (anyone else fun size?) I have to hem nearly all of the scrubs I wear, so this is not a deal breaker for me.

For size reference, I am 5’3”, wear size 4 in pants, and wear size S in tops. I wear regular tennis shoes with scrubs. I normally have to hem approximately 2 inches.

Features:

1. Yoga waist band: To die for. I didn’t know I needed these until I tried wearing hospital-administered scrubs that tied into a knot. I was always untying, re-tying, and pulling them up like crazy person. Revolution’s yoga waistband is really similar to the one in its iFlex line (one of my all-time favorites). It is different from other brands because it is thicker, and almost feels like a felt-like velvet. This allows room for the post-lunch bloat, doesn’t dig into your skin, and rests securely on your waist — right where it should be.

2. The ability to tuck: I know there are two types of people out there — scrub tuckers and non-scrub tuckers. I am appreciative for Revolution because it accommodates us both. I personally like to tuck.

For the non-tuckers, the top boasts 2 gorgeous, spacious pockets with a key loop to store all of your essentials. You can easily fit your phone, a couple of granola bars, and your badge. I like how large these pockets are because it is practical. Some scrub tops on the market will boast of 4-5 pockets, but the actual size of them can’t fit any of my essentials, and I am still left pocket-less (lol!).

For the tuckers, putting your top in will NOT give you that normal muffin top effect! The waistband holds down your top flat, and it looks perfectly classic and timeless. I like this.

One of my favorite things about the top is how flattering the V-neck is for the women’s tops as well. It is an uncommon topic to discuss, but I often struggle with finding a flattering V-neck. Revolution’s top prevents from too much exposure, but it also doesn’t make you look like you’re basically wearing a men’s scrub top because the neckline is so high. I love that.

3. How it covers everything: The fabric feels like it’s worth your money. With just the right amount of thickness, stretchiness, and durability, I feel like this is truly a revamped version of the “classic” take on scrubs. I feel like if I stained these, it would wash right off. I’m not worried about babying them or being cautious of where I sit.

Final thoughts:

There is a current existing shift in medical apparel toward active wear. We all can genuinely appreciate the comfort it brings. However, at times, shopping for a pair that is durable, flattering, and maintains professionalism is difficult.

If you are truly looking for a timeless set that will retains tradition, allows you to breathe (no more scratchy hospital scrubs that feels like sandpaper mixed with despair), and one that you can keep in your closet, 10 years later, and still wear it — Revolution for you. It is a perfect gift for someone in your life looking for their first pair of scrubs, or a nurse who’s been in the game for 30 years and deserves a new pair. Is it for someone who wants to highlight all the right places, or enjoys turning their scrubs into life wear? I don’t think so. Rather, I believe that Revolution is built on the concept of clothing you, for who you are, what you need to do, and what you can contribute, instead of having the apparel wear you. It is durable, it is timeless, and it is classic. Just as scrubs are meant to be.

Have you tried Cherokee’s Revolution? Let me know what your thoughts are below!

FTC Disclaimer: These Cherokee Revolution scrubs were sent to me by Cherokee Uniforms. All opinions, words, and thoughts above are my own.

My friends over at Cherokee has helped hook you up with a code for you to try them out for cheap. Use code “MYANNE10” for 10% off and free shipping on your entire Cherokee purchase of $100 or more on Scrubshopper.Com. Shop using the link here. Ends 7/31.

How to Become a Morning Person

A few months ago, I set out some goals I hoped to achieve by the end of the summer, designated as the hashtag #summer3 on Instagram. The goals were: 1) Become a morning person, 2) Eat healthier & become proficient in the kitchen, and 3) Find a holy grail comfy pant. In the next few posts, I hope to share a few tips & experiences I learned in the journey to making these goals a reality. Up first - how to be a morning person!

5 Tips on How to Be an Early Bird:

1. Plan the night before. I always make my to-do list, clean my desk, and have my iced coffee ready in the fridge for the next morning.

2. Have an energy source, and drink it immediately. After I brush my teeth, I drink black coffee straight after. It takes about 15 minutes to kick in! You can also try tea, a cold face wash, or light exercise, if you are not a coffee lover. I learned this from @dr.andreatooley on Instagram. Check her out!

3. Skip the e-mails, and get straight to work! For me, I find that e-mails & checking social media decrease my focus and productivity. However, I know so many who feel differently. It’s all about what works best for you.

4. Eat an easy, convenient breakfast that will fuel you and make you excited to wake up. I love Belvita Bites (brown cinnamon sugar tastes very close to Teddy Grahams), SquareOrganics protein bars (Coconut is to die for), Health Warrior Chia Seed Bars, or a good Bolthouse Farms smoothie (literally any flavor), because I can eat it while I’m working. I always get super hungry when I’m studying, and eating while doing so helps me skip the food coma from 1, dense meal & constantly feel fueled.

5. Give yourself grace, and know there’s no such thing as “I can’t do it”! It took me nearly 11 weeks to be a “morning” person. I started with considering 8 AM to be too early. Now 8 AM means breakfast, a couple hours of grind time, and a packed lunch already done. To me, it truly was a lifestyle change, and not a quick fix.

Every week, I set my alarm one hour earlier, until I’m able to naturally wake up the time that I need to. Though I still don’t consider myself a happy morning person (lol!), I am grateful to those hours where I can focus and feel like I am truly at my best.

And that’s it! 5 not-so-secrets to how I started becoming a “morning” person. Are you a morning bird or a night owl? What are your favorite rituals & tips for a good, productive morning or evening? I’d love to hear from you!

#skinofastudent: LUSH Mask of Magnaminty Review

Mask of Magnaminty by LUSH is often described as a “holy grail”. Does it live up to its hype? Yes. Did it solve all my skin problems (acne, oily skin, hyperpigmentation)? No. But realistically, no product is a good “one thing does all”, which explains why we have a cleanser for one purpose, a moisturizer for another, etc. I really enjoyed MoM, and I recommend adding it to your regimen. It improved my skin’s texture and prevented nasty breakouts when I could sleep less than 3 hours per night and drank little water. It feels soothing and did not irritate my sensitive, acne prone skin. More on these improvements below:

1. This clay-like mask improved the texture of my skin. I was surprised. I never really thought very much of the “little bumps” I had around my nose and chin. I am far from a dermatologist and know little about the correct terminology behind skin, but I always referred to these bumps as “dormant acne” (lol), where I had to be cautious about caking too much makeup there because I knew a new pimple would pop up in a few days. The mask did not make my pores disappear, but my chin & nose are now the “same level” as the texture has disappeared, making makeup application a lot easier, and appear more natural. I’m a fan.

2. I also like this mask because it prevented my acne breakouts. Exam weeks always follow closely with hormonal weeks. My skin is a hot mess, with lots of acne around my T-zone and my chin around this time. I left this mask on for 20 minutes while I continued my studies daily for 7 days leading up to my test.

Please note my bed time was no earlier than 3 AM, I drank little water because of coffee replacement, and I ate something spicy almost daily. On exam day, my skin looked better than it ever has after a week of little sleep and high stress. It definitely not eradicate ALL of my acne because there is no such thing as a miracle, but it definitely prevented most of it. This is pretty cool.

3. I liked how gentle MoM was. It never left my skin feeling stripped, overly dry, or deprived of appropriate hydration.

Mask of Magnaminty is rich, thick mask made with peppermint oil, kaolin clay, vanilla (to calm redness), honey (for moisture), and ground aduki beans (for gentle exfoliation). I broke the recommended rules of leaving it on for 10-15 minutes and only using the mask 2-3 times a week. Instead, I left it on until it was completely dry and used it daily during exam week. I liked what I saw, and would re-purchase and recommend it to a friend.

Note: This post is not sponsored (seriously, I only wish it were!). I want to thank my good friend Mahak for gifting me this to show her support for #skinofastudent. You can purchase a small 4.4 oz tub to test how you like it for $14.95 here. For those of you who’ve tried MoM before, I would love to hear your thoughts, and how you use this mask in your own life.

Rate: 4.5/5

For more photos & skin care reviews, check out IG: @medicalmyanne

#maskofmagnaminty #lush #lushcosmetics #skinofastudent

Study w/ Me: January Live Stream Questions

Hi! Thank you for joining me on the “Study w/ Me” Instagram live stream on Sunday afternoon & evening, and for your questions and inquiries. Below are answers to the questions asked in the comment section!

What are you working on?

I was working on an essay for my Ethics class! Earlier in the afternoon live stream, I was studying Pathoma.

Favorite motivational quote?

My favorite motivational quote is actually a tweet from John Mayer LOL.

“2015 is about ambition. And ambition takes focus and focus takes discipline and discipline takes discomfort. Have an uncomfortable year.”

Tips on staying focused while studying?

Studying while on the elliptical or while doing something active & mindless with your body, Pomodoro method (study for 25 minutes, taking small breaks, returning back again), and taking a nap whenever your body feels deprived.

Do you have a particular study music?

Yes, I love the Yiruma station on Pandora. It mainly plays piano music by the composer Yiruma, and occasionally some piano acoustic covers of popular songs. Sometimes the radio slips in amazing orchestral, theater music that makes you feel as if your studying has tremendous purpose! (such as: Heart of Courage by Two Steps from Hell).

I also love Spotify’s “Atmospheric Calm” playlist as well. Absolutely no lyrics, and a plethora of different instruments that almost sound eerie and like cinema soundtracks.

What was your experience like when adjusting to medical school?

I felt like I never truly learned how to study until I came to medical school. It was difficult and often frustrating to adjust for a long time in the beginning. The amount of content is quite literally like drinking water from a fire hydrant. I felt overwhelmed many times, as my classmates did as well.

However, just like anything else, you will learn to adjust. You eventually find a study method that works best for you, and find your own source of self-discipline. Whether you learn best from reading a book, doing practice questions, or listening to audio files, you will be able to learn what is best for you in time. No matter what your initial result is, know that you can always pick yourself up again and do better next time. I find it important to give yourself grace, and know that you are always capable of being better :)

What nail color is on your fingers?

Essie Fiji! It is an opaque baby pink :)

Are you married?

No, I am not!

Stop texting plz

You caught me red-handed ;)

Do more live streams in the future!!!

Thank you so much for the support, and for over 350 (wow!!!) of you who popped in for a second, a few minutes, or the entire time :’)! I have always loved studying with others in silence, and if you would like, I plan to have more live study sessions more frequently as the semester goes on. I would also love your own answers to the questions above :) Let me know what your favorite motivational quote is, what YOU’RE studying, and what study music you love!!! Thank you so much for tuning in!

TheFaceShop Chia Seed Sheet Mask

P R O D U C T : TheFaceShop Chia Seed Sheet Mask.

P R I C E : $2 flat w/o tax.

U S A G E : 1 time use only. Disposable. For sensitive skin. Purpose is to hydrate.

I'll first be focusing on popular Korean skincare brands & products for #skinofastudent. I chose K-Skincare because many brands have items that are are advertised to be gentle for sensitive skin (my exact skin type -- which if it were touched by the tiniest leaf, it would probably break out into rashes). Furthermore, because skincare is such a big part of Korean culture, skincare items are extremely affordable compared to American products (almost like drug store pricing). What would be at least a $20 cleanser in the US would be $5 in a Korean beauty line.

TheFaceShop offers $2 - $5 sheet masks and $5-$12 cleansers (5 oz). Most of their products are under $15, including clay masks & face washes. Only few, select items range $20-$40. When I bought a cleanser that was bigger than my hand for $5 flat, this spoke to my soul, who continues to suffer after every purchase of another BRS book on Amazon. I purchased my sheet mask an actual TheFaceShop store.

I N T R O: Chia seed sheet mask. Purpose is hydration for skin. Chia seed has soothing properties, and is recommended for sensitive skin. I'm excited. My current skin is freshly washed, taut from dryness due to cold weather, with very mild acne. Pores on nose and inner cheeks not very prominent.

T R I A L: Super slimy mask. Normal cotton material. Oozing with product. Very saturated. Well worth $2. Attaches right into skin, but not sticky. Soothing, cooling, FEELS hydrating. Package says leave on for 15-20 mins. Left on for 20 exactly. Felt some product trickle down neck due to saturation of mask.

P O S T - T R I A L: I left the mask on for 20 mins (recommended time: 15-20 mins). When I took the mask off, my skin felt cool, but slimy. Although I had water/fluid on my face, my skin did not feel "hydrated". I was oily. I hoped my skin would feel supple & plump. It almost felt that the product had not penetrated my skin, and accumulated superficially. After rubbing in the remaining product as recommended, I looked AND felt greasy. It looked like I hadn't washed my face in days. I felt (swiped my forehead with fingers) VERY shiny & full of oil, NOT supple. After letting the remaining product soak for 1 hour, I did a light rinse of slightly cold water. My face was no longer oily, but my skin was DRIER than when I started, with no visible improvements. My pores were bigger as well, despite using colder water (cold water normally closes your pores to be visibly smaller). My skin was not hydrated as the mask intended. I did not break out in the following days, but I would not purchase this mask again.

R E S U L T S: Skin went from greasy to even drier than before mask after rinse. No visible improvements to skin. Skin does not look any more supple, hydrated, or plump. Pores look ENLARGED??!!

R E V I E W: This would be a great "beginner" mask to test if your skin reacts well to sheet masks if you have sensitive skin. It would work best for those who did not have substantial pores as I have. Even though this mask did not hurt (cause allergic reaction, breakouts, rashes), it did not help either. I used this mask on 3 separate occasions hoping for improvement, as this is a popular sheet mask on TheFaceShop's brand. I was left oily, then dry, then with larger pores, and NOWHERE was hydrated skin in the horizon every time 😔 I didn't think there was such thing as a bad face mask, but I would skip this & your precious 20 minutes for something else. 😭 Stick with your normal moisturizer next time you're browsing this in the aisle. Rating: 2/5.

Need a more concise review? Follow the hashtag #skinofastudent on Instagram! | #skinofastudent is a skin product review series written by a real-life medical student (who sometimes can’t always get 6 hours of sleep or eat veggies every day). Follow along for product reviews on cleansers, moisturizers, and sheet mask reviews for teenage acne-prone, oily skin that are all affordable & accessible to a student.

I grew up with #acne much earlier than my peers. I remember always feeling different & embarrassed of my red spots and white heads when classmates my age were playing on the playground with porcelain skin. Luckily, I've learned how to manage my acne as I've gotten older, but every single year, my number one resolution remains the same - get better skin.

This year, I'm starting a series here on my Instagram, @medicalmyanne, called #skinofastudent. Throughout the beauty community, thousands of beauty bloggers share their secrets & holy grails in their own skin regimen. However, although both inspirational & aspirational, I have never found much similarity in our lifestyles for my skin regimen to be the same -- late night studying, stressful exams, fast-paced milestones, limited financial spending - the list goes on and on. #skinofastudent will feature short, concise, and to-the-point reviews of skin products -- sheet masks, cleansers, moisturizers, and the like -- from a real-life, minimal-sleeping medical student, who tries to kind-of-eat healthy but falls back on ramen and high-sodium snacking when there's just no time.

Each product reviewed will be affordable & accessible to a student. It'll be real, it'll be raw, and I truly hope that it will reach to some of you who are going through the same thing as I. Welcome to #skinofastudent, and I hope 2017 will finally be our year of achieving the skin you'll feel confident in ❤️ Thank you for coming along with me ❤️

Be sure to follow the hashtag #skinofastudent on Instagram for more concise reviews.

Myanne’s College Survival Guide: 5 Study Habits

1. Hide your phone from yourself

When you’re in lecture, put away your phone in your backpack. You don’t have to turn it completely off, but just put it on silent and zip it into the small pocket. Really focus on the lecture and what your professor is saying. With your phone away, it’s fool-proof in taking amazing notes because 100% of your attention is solely on what your professor is saying.

At home or while studying, you can always do the same thing. I loved “hiding” my phone from myself in my backpack while it was still charging.

My last undergrad semester, I completely turned off my text & group chat notifications because I was always tempted to reply whenever I saw my phone screen light up while grabbing a pencil in my bag. I wore a watch so I wouldn’t have to “check” for the time using my phone. It worked surprisingly well, and my grades were maintained. If you have an iPhone, you can do this by: Settings > Notifications > *hit the app that you want (Messages or Groupme, for example)* > swipe “Allow Notifications” OFF.

TIP: Even though it’s a grueling idea to leave a conversation or have Snapchat unattended for an hour & a half at first, imagine your “study break treat” when you open up tons of snaps you patiently earned :)

2. Notes don’t always have to be “pretty”, just as long as it’s “pretty” to your brain

#Studyspos give me LIFE!!! There’s nothing better than browsing through aesthetically pleasing, beautiful notes with color-coded gel pens, Post-Its, and incredible handwriting. HOWEVER, I learned that pretty notes don’t always mean pretty grades. Instead of spending precious time making your notes beautiful, spend that hard-earned time studying the content!

As I went through undergrad, my notes became messier and messier. I no longer took notes with 8 different colors with flawless highlighting and perfect handwriting as I did my freshman year. I saw that it took too long to juggle both writing the content in lecture & making it look good! So I began taking notes that were pretty to me.

I used only two colors of pens, two highlighters, a red marker, and dog-eared pages I had questions over. I made messy flowcharts instead of cute flashcards and intricately paragraph notes. Black ink was for concepts I was familiar with, blue was for questions. I circled anything in red that the professor said he/she would 100% have an exam question over. Any study guides that I made for myself were written with small notes all over. It didn’t look pretty, but to me, the messier the notes, the more I was actually requiring my brain to think about the content.

3. Read: Before, during, and after

It took me so long to accept the fact that the courses you take in college are very well thought-out. If there’s assigned reading before a lecture, take a good 30 mins to at least skim over the material. If you pre-read, the lecture content makes much more sense, and you’ll have the opportunity to really understand the material before you leave the auditorium, and especially have the chance to ask thought-provoking questions to your professor to learn the material.

Also be sure to read after the lecture. Read your lecture notes, brush over what you didn’t understand or did understand, and start making study guides for yourself. What’s the overarching concept? What’s the important stuff? What’s the little unnecessary detail? It becomes a habit over time, and in a short while, it’ll almost be like second nature to you in reading before, during, and after.

4. BE PRESENT when the material is given

We’ve all been there. It’s an “off” day for you, you’d rather be scrolling through Facebook than in an auditorium of 500 bodies, and you pull out your phone and hit “record” to record the lecture to be replayed later. I honestly did this nearly all of my freshman year, and regret not only the quickly depleting memory on my phone, but also the wasted hours I could’ve done something else while replaying audio lectures I should’ve paid attention to the first time around :(

The reality of it is: do you really have time to replay the ENTIRE audio recording and take notes? Or even worse, will having 12 1.5 hour audio lectures on 4x speed help the night before? Unfortunately, I learned the hard way -- and you really don’t have time, nor the energy, to absorb all that info.

Instead, if you already physically go to class -- really mentally be in class! You already walked 15 minutes to be there, why not use that time efficiently? Psych yourself out into thinking “man, this material is awesome” even when you dive into nearly two hours of the most insanely boring material. Take notes, ask questions, absorb the information. Now, since you went to class and understand the information, you’ll have 2 extra hours without a lecture recording to hear, and the night before an exam will be a great night’s sleep instead of an all nighter because you took it day by day :)

5. Be accountable for your actions, but be patient with yourself

Be accountable for your actions. If you don’t know anyone in the class, make a friend or two. If you miss a lecture because of a sick day, you’ll have a buddy to help you out with notes. During lecture, you can keep one another accountable for paying attention (or in some classes, falling asleep!) while being off your phones. Before an exam, you can have someone to study with & quiz the content over. If you’re more of a self-studier, I always loved studying in silence with my study buddy in front of me. Even though we didn’t speak, I was always comforted knowing that I wouldn’t trail off to watch another BuzzFeed video for 10 hours while I should be studying, because my study buddy looked out for me, and I looked out for them.

The final tip is: Be patient with yourself. Even if you follow everything to the T, you discipline yourself, you go to class, you take notes, the whole 9 yards, sometimes results are not what you wanted. Don’t give up. Take a deep breath, and ask yourself - why? Is it my study habit? Are the questions that were on the exam not the content I studied from lecture? Ask yourself questions, visit office hours, talk to your professor. Not all topics can be studied the same way. Calculus cannot be studied the same was as English, and sometimes it’s not always your fault.

But use the opportunity to learn from your experiences, and tweak and improve your study habits for your future! After all, “it’s only a failure when you don’t learn something” :)

Good luck!

xo Myanne

#study tips #medicine #medicalschool #physician #college #student #studyspo #studyhabits #lifestyle

Hello

As shameful as it is, this is my third (maybe fourth?) attempt at blogging. I started Tumblr when I was in 9th grade, tried again as a sophomore in college, but never have been a very consistent blogger -- mainly because I never found anything I had to say very interesting or important. But here I am, with lots of extra time on my hands with a gap semester after graduating college (finally!), and I’d like to tackle a lot of things I’ve always wanted to do: one of them being able to document life and special moments in writing.

I am a pretty poor writer. Apologies in advance for poor grammar and/or run-on-sentences (my favorite). I hope this blog not only allows me to strengthen my writing, but also gives me the opportunity to share some stories, experiences, and goals with students just like me, or with those who may be very different from me. I don’t lead a very adventurous life, but I hope that some highlights/low lights of my journey to/through medical school, getting healthy & fit (that college weight gain though), and exploring the different crevices -- both good & bad -- of life will be interesting to a few. :)

Who am I? I am a student, daughter, and a fellow human being graduating from college in less than 4 days. I love fat dogs & pigs (mostly pugs), funny videos, and the show Parks & Recreation. I’m pursuing my dream of becoming a medical physician. I really enjoy writing sentimental things about the people I love, when someone remembers small details to make their someone happy, and wearing a pair of incredibly comfortable leggings. Whoever you are & wherever you may be: welcome. I hope this blog helps you in some way.

xo, myanne

#intro

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