PC1 – 1^st Year

I still remember the first day of med school. More than 150 students were gathered in a hall that’s not well lit and cold. Our first class was Anatomy. It was difficult to understand the words and I felt like I was learning a new language.

The first year of medical school was the hardest experience I had to go through by far. Especially as a student who didnt plan to join medical school, every hurdle was magnified. I missed maths and physics and above all getting good grades with minimal effort like it used to be in high school. I lost the meaning of life as I let educational success define me before. There were many days that were hard to get out of bed and even fake a smile.

The lessons I drew for myself from the first year is that passion is important. I also learned the strength that is hidden in you will come in the darkest of times and keep you going even when it doesn’t seem like there is a bright future. The advice I give to others is make sure outside pressure isn’t the reason you make important life decisions.

PC2- Second Year

My second year of medical school started with giving up. I was so ready to quit I began researching what else I can study. I was sure I wouldn’t last any more minute in St. Paul’s compound. But I had parents who didnt raise me to quit when the journey only began. They encouraged me to give it one more shot. They didn’t pressure me but they motivated me to go in the right direction.

As the year went by I learned not to stress myself beyond my limit and to let loose a bit but it still was unbearable. I have classmates who now ask me why I used to have such a serious face and never smiled and socialized in the 1st 2 years of med school.

The lesson I learned from 2nd year was that choosing the right friendships in college is one of the most important decisions a student will do. I also learned keeping your boundaries and respecting yourself will translate to respect from others. The advice I give to others is make sure you are choosing people that will ultimately build you and vice versa. It really matters who you let into your lives.

C1 – Third Year

Life has a funny way of taking you on paths you never even imagined in your wildest dreams. I started my third of medical school a day after being crowned Miss Supranational Ethiopia 2016.This came as a shock to me because I only joined the pageant as a way to improve my confidence and communication skills. There were many girls who had the experience, confidence and means to win. As I went to Poland and represented my country amidst 80 other country representatives, I kept thinking if the experience was real. Everything was new to me. From putting on makeup every morning for 2 weeks to seeing the ladies give their absolute best to make their country proud, it was unchartered territory for me.

After the pageant I took modelling as hobby. I started collaborating with photographers,makeup artists and designers.

My school was super supportive during this time. I was given permission when I traveled and my classmates enthusiasm towards it was amazing.

Clinical year got much easier for me because I realized stress and anxiety is something I can actively work on. I started caring less about the small things and started focusing on what I can  control and do. In the process I got more headspace to learn, grow and help others.

The lesson I learned in my 3rd year of med school is that you have to trust life and walk adventureously. The advice I give to others is it doesn’t make you lazy or uncaring if you decide to worry less. Put your energy towards what matters to you and in the long run to the society.

C2- Minor – Fourth Year

4th year was the easiest year as it is for most students. I got the chance to represent Ethiopia in @missuniversityafrica in 2018 at first and was able to make it to top 10. I was ambitious enough to go for @missuniverseethiopia and was able to get 2nd place. The last pageant I went to is @missafricabeautyqueen and won first place representing Ethiopia. During my travels different departments gave me permission and some even postponed my exam dates. I’m grateful for @sphmmc for letting me pursue my endeavours.

The lesson I learned in 4th year is that you have to care less about what others are thinking about you and live your best and authentic life.

C2- Major- Fifth Year

Just thinking about the Qualification exam aka quali gives me chills. It’s one of those things unless you experience it, you can never fully understand it. The exam alone takes almost 2 months and there is a preparation period of 1 month. During those times I was constantly stressed and anxious. My world was reduced to the library, hospital, my books, lecture videos and note books. As my anxiety rose, I developed bad coping mechanisms and those only brought more anxiety. @ninakassahun @witybabez and @khul_world is what got me through this tough time. And also I was able to read extensively how the mind works and in the process got introduced to great authors and content creators like @drjoedispenza @jasonlsilva @tombilyeu @deepakchopra @brucelipton @robertgreeneofficial

Quali passed successfully and my worry vanished with it too. Most people wont believe this but I had acne at the start of 5th year and I tried so many medications and home treatments in 9 months. Everything failed. The day after I finished my quali exams it started clearing up by itself. Anxiety and stress do manifest on the body too!

The lesson I learned in 5th year is that the mind is something to be cherished and mental health isn’t something to be taken for granted.

Internship – Sixth Year

I don’t know where to begin the internship. From 30-hour work shifts that make your body and mind numb, to residents that give you unreasonable orders, we have seen it all.

I still remember the first week of my internship at the Gynecology and Obstetrics department. On my 4th day, we lost a mother and child to eclampsia (severe high blood pressure during pregnancy that leads to organ damage and leads to seizure) and I was given her wedding ring to give to her husband and also tell him his wife and baby has passed away. I was trying my best not to show my tears and be professional. No amount of reading your medical books or attending lectures will get you ready for moments like this.

What kept me going through the year was thinking it would be over and I would move on to doing what I am passionate about.

The biggest lesson I learned in internship is patience has a way of rewarding you.