Sunday, August 14, 2011

Naturopathic Medical School

I have now been in Washington for about 7 weeks total. For the past 5 weeks I have been attending three Summer Quarter classes to begin my Doctor of Naturopathy program at Bastyr University. I have been taking Histology with lab, Fundamental Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Fundamentals of Research Design. In addition, I have been working at the school's bookstore three to four days per week. This all, as you can imagine, has kept me very busy.

It's been a struggle to adjust to a new schedule, after having lived a fairly luxurious life for the past two years. I was able to eat meals at home and have plenty of time to grocery shop as I needed. I could go to yoga every day and have spare time for fun activities.

Now, however, I am faced with what some would call "real life." Being at school for many hours of the day means that I have to plan meals ahead (or succumb to the incredibly high-priced cafeteria food), which is difficult when I come home and feel exhausted. I must study, workout, cook, clean, grocery shop, and do laundry in those few precious hours each day. Oh yeah, and eat! It's been a big struggle.

I look forward to the help of Nick, who is and will truly be my partner in this endeavor (he has been in Alaska for the summer working for Princess). I hope not to leave a huge burden on him, but instead to just have him help me survive!!

All this being said, Summer Quarter has been great. It's been great to get to meet some of my classmates and I've made some nice friends so far. My teachers have been mostly exceptional and I look forward to having some of them again in the Fall and in the future. I've learned a lot, especially about Chinese Medicine.

That's all for now, I must study for finals!