I Will Make You Proud

This is a blog created by a Premed who has dreams of going to Baylor College of Medicine. I want to go into family medicine with a focus in underserved communities. I will make you proud momma 😚

[fujoshijpeg]

no other person on this planet was made for you, they were made for themselves. love is all about choices. no one is going to be perfect for you, and i think we need to stop raising everyone on the belief that someone out there, just one other person in the whole world, was “made for you” because it isn’t true. no one is made for you, besides you. other people belong to themselves. if you want to make it work with someone, it’s about hard work, understanding, compassion, communication, and choice

[blulilly]

[the-movemnt-deactivated20170912]

this is true love y’all (x) | follow @the-movemnt

[screengeniuz]

😂

❤️

[enchantechante]

pls let this be the start of a trend

[lawyeringinlilly-deactivated201]

THISSSS

[academla]

Lately, I’ve been seeing something slightly bothersome around studyblr, and I just want to say something about it. Basically, there seems to be this attitude cropping up (or at least that I’ve seen/heard about more frequently these days) that your grades reflect your level of effort, or that by simply working hard and putting more effort in, your grades will automatically improve. I disagree.

Yes, there are certainly some cases where you’re already proficient in a class and if you just put in the extra time to study, you’d do better. But there are some classes where grades are not a measure of the level of effort you put in, and therein lies my biggest issue with the grading system and these types of studyblr posts in general. This was certainly the case with me in honors physics (so bear with me, because I have a very large point to make with the following anecdote).

Personally, I’ve always had “easy A” classes where I don’t have to work hard; my brain and academic strengths simply favor me in that particular subject, so with minimal effort I can still be top in the class. And then I see peers who go in for tutoring every day, who spend hours studying and meeting with teachers, who basically invest 100 times the effort I do… and still can’t get above a B or C.

This is not to mention people who take classes that are “reaches” and, accordingly, don’t do so well – even though they work hard – because it’s a challenge. Then there are those who take lower level classes but have capabilities beyond that – and don’t need to put effort in – thus giving them an unfairly easy A. Does their A mean that they work harder? That they’re a better student, studier, scholar, intellectual? Hell to the no.

English is one of those “easy A” classes for me. I’m just innately strong in verbal-linguistic intelligence (going off of Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences), so I’ve literally never had to study for English tests or reading comp/writing. But put me in other classes, particularly science classes? Well, that’s something else entirely.

Which brings me to junior year honors physics. 

Guys, I studied my ASS off, for hours at a time. I desperately Skyped people in my class nearly every night to try to understand the homework and spent every lunch block trying to master the material. I met with my physics teacher and tutor all the time and had a dozen anxiety attacks (and I mean actual, diagnosed anxiety attacks) over that one class because I tried harder than I’ve ever tried… and I got a B for the whole year. I was the one who dreaded seeing that red number scrawled on my test, who shoved it into my backpack before others could see and blinked back tears, thinking, But I studied so hard!

Physics was a nightmare I was desperate to forget by the end of junior year. But then a couple things happened that shocked me, and I instantly thought of them when I read some of these posts about good effort = good grades.

Now, my physics teacher, who has a reputation for being on the strict side and being a tough grader, has had four teaching assistants (TAs) in five years of teaching. Most science teachers at my school have as many as five a year. At the end of 11th grade, after I’d scraped by with a B in his class, he asked me if I wanted to be a TA. Out of the entire grade – out of the multitude of students I’d watched parade past with straight A’s and “that test was so easy” and “I barely studied” and “sorry Edye I don’t know how else to explain it to you” – he chose me.

I think I (very graciously) blurted out, “What? Why?” because I was so taken aback. He said that I was hardworking and dedicated – that I’d always gone above and beyond in my studying and meeting with him – and he wanted someone like me to be a TA. I was flattered, and I thoroughly enjoyed being a TA during senior year. (Also, anyone who doesn’t think he’s super nice is incredibly wrong. He’s awesome.)

Two years later, I got to read his college recommendation for me. Bear in mind that I was not, based on my grades, a top student in his class. And this is what he wrote for his opening line:

Honors Physics is a rigorous course that draws from the strongest students in the junior class and Edye proved to be one of those students.

What? He had seen my report card, right? I got worse grades than all of my friends. I got a goddamn 66 on a test in that class, my all time low. He continued:

One of the many examples of Edye’s commitment [is when she] had been ill and missed quite a bit of school and consequently had a lot of school work to make up in all of her classes.  Many students in this situation would take one or more classes pass / fail for the quarter; Edye would not take the pass/fail option and insisted she complete all the work and complete it with the grade she would earn.  She did in fact complete all of the work and with a B-.  A remarkable accomplishment considering she kept current with her studies while making up all of the missed work.

He called a B-minus “a remarkable accomplishment.” Did he say “too bad she didn’t put enough effort in, which was reflected in a B-minus” or “she only got a B-minus, so I guess she didn’t try hard enough”? No, he praised the amount of effort I put in, even though I didn’t even get a “good” grade.

I’m hardly one to knock putting in effort, but what bothers me is that this attitude, that effort = good grades, has the potential to make people feel bad. To feel like if they aren’t acing a class even though they’re studying harder than anybody else, well, they just aren’t trying hard enough. Yes, grades are important. So is effort. But they are not always directly correlated. As is evidenced by my story, sometimes people who get lower grades have worked even harder then those who got high grades. And, if they’re lucky, this will be acknowledged. (I can certainly attest that while I’ve been praised by English teachers for my writing skills and intellect, they’ve never singled me out for putting in an exceptional amount of effort. They know that while I’m proactive and responsible, I don’t try super hard because, well, I don’t really need to in order to get a good grade.)

Encourage other students to put in a reasonable amount of effort; recommend different study methods. But don’t tell them that good effort = good grades. Teach them to measure their success by looking at how productive they’re being, how proactive they are in reaching out for help, how dedicated they are to their education, how resilient they are in the face of obstacles, how committed they are to school. Admire those who refuse to take the easy way out, even if they only get a C. These qualities, which are far more important than a 4.0, just don’t always translate directly into good grades.

I dislike seeing this message all over Tumblr, that to get better grades you just have to try harder – which carries with it the implication that if you don’t get good grades, it’s because you aren’t putting enough effort in – when I know from firsthand experience that this is not always true. I strongly believe in trying to be the best student you can be, rather than trying to be in the top 5%. But in the end, do what works for you. Just take it with a grain of salt.

And to my followers, and anyone reading this… please know that, if you work hard regardless of your grades, you are already a model student, and you are absolutely someone I look up to.

[bookmarksandbrushpens]

I have terrible writing posture, but this photo by @elinorsroses felt too good to not post. Writing out my daily in my bullet journal and brainstorms for today’s prompt by @journaling-junkie

[cwote]

Stop regretting the past. Stop dwelling on all of the chances you wish you took and the moments when wish you kept quiet. All of the first kisses you were too afraid to lean into, all of the 5 seconds of no-fear that you never had. For whatever reason, you made the choices you made and they’ve shaped you into who you are today. You did what you thought was right. You did what you had to do to make it to where you are today. Don’t look back in sorrow. Do not lament. Simply let it be and look forward into your infinite future. You are doing so great.

[foodffs]

10+ Galaxy Sweets That Are Out Of This World

Really nice recipes. Every hour.

Show me what you cooked!

[onlytwitterpics]

[nxtome]

ryan reynolds and his daughter 

[boredpanda]

20+ Proud Cat Mommies With Their Kittens

[brothaearth-deactivated20160627]

@itsthelesbiana Too much purity in one post.

[black--lamb-blog]

OH MY GODDDDDD 

[turbomun]

@rafespeaks

[captainlordauditor]

@orsinohawke so many lgcs

[bollydastaan]

[poeticpremed]

I can't with how stunning she is!

[pleasedotheneedful]

there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk about for a while.

identifying a patient’s race/ethnicity on your presentation and note. I used to do it routinely, until a resident interrupted me (months ago, not here) and instructed me not to do this on a regular basis. she said “well does it change your course of treatment?”

sometimes it does? it doesn’t change how I address the patient, but my recommendations change, or at least my consideration of treatment options. the JNC8 guidelines are a common example. if I have a black patient with uncomplicated hypertension, it doesn’t mean I won’t try them on an ACEi/ARB but I know I may have to go to a thiazide or a CCB which are what the guidelines currently recommend.

even if it doesn’t change treatment, I think it’s important. it’s 2016, it’s time to move past this “I don’t see race/color” bullshit. we should acknowledge someone’s race/ethnicity in the clinical setting because it helps paint a picture of the whole patient. this patient is black, this patient is asian, this patient is latinx, this patient is hispanic. this patient is polish, this patient is filipino, this patient is congolese. it should be okay to acknowledge our patients’ backgrounds whether in cultural identity, racial identity, etc.

I was going to leave the topic alone but I’ve had a few colleagues encounter this view as well. it strikes me as well-meaning but damaging. blindness says “I treat everyone the same.” it’s a nice sentiment. but treating everyone the same without acknowledging that they might have grown up/live differently than you is a recipe for failed expectations.

you’re going to make lifestyle recommendations, and if you aren’t considerate of the world they live in it’s not going to work. often there’s more to it than race/ethnicity/culture (socioeconomic status is a big player) but this is all part of it.

and it ignores the fact that while you treat them equally, others in their world may not.

I know writing note/presenting patients is an art and having superiors shape students to do things their way is a long-standing tradition. but to pull students aside and insinuate that they’re going to address someone with less than the finest care because they made note of their race/identity/culture is ridiculous.

I know when I’m a patient I would appreciate being identified to other providers as an asian male, thai-indian male, southeast asian male, whatever. you and those who you present to need to know from the outset that I’m more prone to having undiagnosed diabetes. that my coronary vasculature may predispose me to cardiac events.

show me the study that says I’m wrong, and maybe I’ll change my mind. otherwise get this colorblind bullshit out of my face. yes, we are all human. humans come in many colors, shapes, sizes, attitudes, and lifestyles.

I’m sure it looks like I’m making a big deal out of nothing. but if enough people are taking time to tell us “we shouldn’t do this” then I’m going to take the time to tell you why we should. just as we were trained.

[bluely9]

[emeraldjade]

Y’all this is serious! My friend’s 13 year old daughter is missing. (8/3/2016)

She was last seen yesterday wearing a grey t-shirt and a purple skirt in  Bridgeport, Connecticut . She is 5'4", slender built, with her hair twisted up into a ponytail. Her name is Ariana.

If you see her contact the police immediately. 

Please keep your eyes open and pray that she is found safe and returned to her family.

[the4thdrinkinstinctistakingover]

[anateamy]

Hello, beautiful studyblr community!

So, lovely @educate-enrich-energise asked if I have any advice for her, since she has a new studyblr - I decided to make a masterpost for her! I hope you’ll enjoy this one and find it helpful! If you have any questions, you can message me anytime! ^^

0,5. What is a studyblr?

Studyblr = Study + Tumblr

Community of studyblr is made of everyone who has a tumblr related to studying, productivity, etc.! 99% of people in here is kind, nice & polite!

Article about us!

0,75. Why should I create one?

You’ll end up with bunch of study buddies - and make new friends!

You can share your awesome accomplishments and wins!

Looking at studyspo makes you more motivated to go study, increase your productivity, etc.! 

You can find here awesome masterposts, study tips, tricks, school hacks, etc.!

There’s so much inspiration!!! <3

1. Creating a studyblr:

CHOOSING AN URL

The best you can is to get it somehow related with studying, productivity, success, etc.! But please, don’t feel pressure to do so! You can honestly choose whatever you want and like!

Loads of people use [their name]studies/studying or [something you adore]studies/studying

Loads of other people also somehow use Hermione Granger’s reference

Loads of another people use deformed forms of ‘studyblr’ or ‘studying’, etc.

Loads of different people use references of their favourite stationery/drinks/artists/famous people, etc., that are related to knowledge and education

GRAPHIC ESSENTIALS

Some people prefer photos and some graphics, as header and icons, and it’s completely okay!

You can for sure choose whatever you want to!

Don’t feel a pressure to make your icon a selfie or flawless graphic!

Lots of studyblrs doesn’t have it related with studying and education! As I said, the decision is up to you!

You can find some free themes for your blog here!

2. My blog is all set-up. What do I do now?

INTRO POST

Lots of blogs start their “path” with an intro post

You can introduce yourself by saying things that you’re comfortable with!

It’s also common to list subjects or courses you’re taking

You can add up links to your other socials + main blogs, so we can follow you!

List people who inspired you when making your blog or your favourite studyblrs!

Some predication about what you want to post will never go wrong!

I love reading every random fact about yourself, you want us to know, as well!

MAKE FRIENDS

Lots of people don’t know how to, or are shy to do so, but here are some tips you might find useful!

Don’t be shy! Yes, I know how hard it is - I’m probably the most anxious person. But in all honesty, studyblr community is so welcoming! And it will never let you feel like your are left out. 

Also, please don’t be afraid to message me! I’ll for sure be your friend, if you want to! <3

Be yourself. It’s all about that. Just be who you truly are, don’t be afraid about that. Nobody will judge you here! And if somebody will do, block that somebody.

If you don’t want to make some informations about you public (such as age, or country you live in…), just say that you’re not comfortable sharing! We’ll respect it!

FILL YOUR DASHBOARD

Ok, ok, so, as the studyblr, you’ll want to see inspiration. This is for sure. Here are some blogs that I LOVE and are definitely worth your follow: @dyslexicstudying , @study-and-fika , @mymidnightlatte ,  @studylou , @studycxlture , @elkstudies , @productivecoffee , @katsdesk , @ordinarystudies , @areistotle , @athenastudying , @bookmocha , @pythgaoras , @arystudies , @obsidianstudy , @academla , @studyign , @asazora , @studypetals , @studylikeaslytherin , @hqstudy , @sirenastudies , @gracelearns , @strivingforthatmd , @educatier , @studyguideverified , @emmastudies , @eintsein , @hbstudy , @cmstudy , @chic-studies , @blushstudy , @studylingue 

Feel free to add on your favourite studyblrs!

Follow tags like #studyblr, #studyspo, #studying, #productivity, #bullet journals, etc.

3. What should I post and how can I get followers?

REBLOGGING POSTS

Reblogging is the fastest way to share anything you like and that inspire you, and you’ll also get to know lot of people!

You can reblog whatever you want to, it doesn’t have to be studyspo and motivational quotes 24/7

Study-related-content-posts are photos of studyspace, stationery, notes, etc., motivational quotes, study music, masterposts, printables…

REBLOG, DON’T REPOST - so, for the people who don’t know what that means, please note that reposting is saving somebody else’s picture/text/masterpost and then posting it and claiming it as yours - reblogging is basically when you click the ‘reblog’ button on Tumblr, so it will appear at your blog

Don’t remove captions when you reblog, because it’s part of what owner of the picture posted and it’s rude to do that!

ORIGINAL POSTS

You can post whatever you want to!

It can be text post where you rant about your day!

It can be masterpost!

It can be photo of you studying, your notes, etc.!

It can be a study playlist + another one!

It can be printable!

It can be motivational quote! (You can create one here!)

Anything that will come in to your mind & it also doesn’t have to be study related all the time!

Tag your original posts with #simmietakealook , so I can see them and reblog them!

FOLLOWERS

When you post original posts lot of people can find you and follow you, so that will definitely help!

Be nice to people!

Keep your blog active (I also recommend to use queue, that will be running nonstop, so your tumblr will be always active!)

I think that’s it! As I said, being yourself is completely only thing that you need.

4. What is that cute stationery and where can I find it?

First of all, you don’t need to spend $100 on stationery. You can post original content whether you have or don’t have expensive stationery! Your productivity will for sure not change if you are going to have macbook or not. Don’t feel any pressure about that!

You can find places to get them here!

Make some DIY school supplies?

Bullet journals are planning systems which you can fully customize. Learn more here and if you can start one, watch this!

5. How about the apps and extensions?

I believe that everything you’ll need is here!

Owners of listed masterposts + videos: @etudiance , @obsidianstudy , @studiyng , @tastemysuccess , @studyign , @hermionegoals

So, I believe this is everything you’ll need in your first days of studyblr! I really hope that this helped you, and that you will find studyblr community helpful!

love, Sim.

P.S.: Request or ask anything here!

[studyquill]

woAH there’s an article about us? that’s so cool!

[memorian]

One of the best Pokemon Go stories so far.