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[sophiesimmonds16-blog]

From Music to Medicine: My Journey.

[sophiesimmonds16-blog]

Yoga???

Any yoga fans about? I'm terrible for being a stress head and terrible at mindfulness so my new target for the next week is to do a yoga routine each day. Just finished my first one and I feel so relaxed and peaceful.

[sophiesimmonds16-blog]

Exams are OVER!!

So exams have been over a few days now and I’ve recorded a vlog to talk away my general attitude to them but until then... here we go!

I’m so glad exams are over although it feels like the year has only just started. I can’t believe my 4 years at USW are over :( The exams were the hardest I’ve ever done (which I’m guessing was the point?) but each year I’ve walked out of exams more confident in my abilities but this year not so much. I’ve been reflecting on why this is, I believe this year, we’ve taken a lot more responsibility for our studies and general learning as well as such broad topics yet specific exam questions. It was hard but I got through them.

My plan for the summer now is to relax and just enjoy my last summer off. I’m trying not to work too much as every summer the last few years I’ve been studying for GAMSAT or extra exams to help my med school application. I have my graduation ball now on Tuesday that I’m attending with my boyfriend George and then we are going to Harry Potter on Thursday.

[sophiesimmonds16-blog]

Exams!

So I’m sure by now you’re all panicking and exhausted about upcoming exams... you’re not alone. No matter what level of education you are, exam fears are always the same and it’s fine to feel everything you are, it’s normal.

I always feel like a complete failure and that I know nothing but when I actually sit down and spend even half hour going over something, my confidence goes up so much.

So rule #1 is Don’t hide from revision. If you hide you’re only confirming that you will do bad.

Rome wasn't build in a day... and neither is your revision. Don’t cram the night before because the smallest thing in an exam can throw you off. Do it little and often to ensure you are prepared for anything!

Don’t just study... I tend to take mornings off as I’m more of a night owl. So I’ll start around 2 or 3pm then study till around 1 or 2am. Alternatively, if you are a morning person, wake up early and get revision done so you have your evenings to yourself.

Reward yourself! Before every exam I make a deal with myself about something I will do after exams, it could be something simple like a nap (my favourite) or if I have seen something I like in a shop or something, I’ll go and buy it after the exam. It’s something to look forward to after the exam.

Finally, don’t punish yourself. What’s done is done... don’t study the morning of an exam you most likely wont retain it and will just tire yourself. Also afterwards, don’t think about what you could have done, there is no going back, just have faith you did your best and the rest will follow.

[sophiesimmonds16-blog]

I’m so happy and grateful to have been nominated for “Most Inspiration Student of the Year” fingers crossed I win! I’ve loved my time at USW and being able to create a medical prep society aimed at helping younger students has been an incredible experience. Thank you to everyone that voted for me :)

[sophiesimmonds16-blog]

Mature Student?

Ok... I have to admit I don’t see myself as a mature student however, if you’re starting uni later say around 21 (I was 20) you are considered mature.

This was actually a big worry of mine... I had never left education but the idea of starting fresh with 18 year olds was a strange one but I was so wrong to worry.

Yes, I'll be graduating at 24 but I’m far away from being the old lady on campus, uni is there for all ages and abilities. I have never felt out of place or “too old” if anything I’ve felt the opposite.

That’s the great thing about university, anyone can better themselves in academia. Yes, you may not want to go to the student social every night and get smashed and you may have extra responsibilities... in my case I have a job but for others this could be children.

If I could give 20 year me any advice it would be not to worry about being a bit older (I’m short anyway so can’t tell haha) just enjoy the experience and get stuck in. Also I had this idea that in order to be so focused on my course I should keep myself to myself and just work work work... wrong again. Having friends has been an amazing experience and really helped for lab work and having someone there during stressful times.

Your degree is all on you yes, but university life takes a village... or well a Valley in this case!

[sophiesimmonds16-blog]

So Wednesday we had another interview day! It was amazing to meet hopeful future students and it was great to see they had researched the course! Always remember to check out unistats and student blogs to see what the uni / course is really like but most importantly is it the right path to take you to where you want to be. If the path is medicine, medical science is the degree for you!

[sophiesimmonds16-blog]

Weekends are for the weak! (Totally kidding I just have loads to do) 3rd year is proving to be quite a challenge but so worth it. Four weeks left before I finish my final term at USW and begin preparing for exams. Where has this year gone????