So, I am writing, first, to give you an update on this mind-humping task of studying for my medical board exam aka USMLE Step 1, and second, to ask my annual favor of assisting me in filling-my suitcase to serve another year of my 6.5 year prison sentence, I mean medical school education.
For these past eight-weeks, I have faced one of the most difficult challenges of my life, more of an obstacle to becoming a physician. The national medical examining board unbelievably accepts around 65% of correct answers as passing. I have never hoped and prayed to get a 65% ever in all of my of schooling, but as I go into robot-mode sitting through the 8-hour exam consisting of 322 questions, all against the clock, yes…I will be hoping to get 65% of these mind-humping questions correct. I imagine myself coming out of the exam with some form of post traumatic stress disorder, lying on the sidewalk in the fetal position, sobbing out of relief, or maybe just unresponsive. Mom, just be prepared to retrieve an inebriated child after the exam. The pressure is on, grateful to have the voices of my Cuban professors telling me what the right answer is in the back of my mind. Educated guessing, as I call it seems to be in my favor. Repetition is key in conforming my brain to the national board of medical examiner’s standards of quality. Oh believe me, putting in 12-hour study days, training my mind and body for this marathon of an exam has not been easy. Thank you to all who have been praying for me, snapping me out of my break-down moments, and cheering me on through this process--especially, my mom who has tolerated a not-so-normal Sarah these past 8 weeks. I feel like somehow everything is coming together as I head into the final stretch. Yesterday, I sat through a 4-hour practice exam at the testing center, and passed. By this time next week, I hope to have closed this chapter, celebrating with my dearest friends and family whom I have neglected for these past 8 weeks.
I plan to travel back to Cuba on October 7, and I am hoping that you can help me with some suitcase love. I am including a link to my wish list from amazon.com. http://amzn.com/w/1FRMSH7O5SV3I This summer, I am requesting a few books, but as you can see I have quite a list of toiletries and I am in need a new school uniform. My others are 3.5 years old. Gross, as you can imagine 3.5 years of hospital cooties, amongst my own that accumulate in the hot, humid climate of the Cuban streets. Honestly, if I did not need these items I would not be requesting them. And please, if you do purchase something, request a gift receipt. I was so upset to learn last year that I was not receiving purchaser information with the orders so I was unable to properly thank the gifters. I sincerely apologize if any of you did not receive a proper thank you from me for your donations. I am always super grateful and will make sure that you receive a special thank you note. As my favorite gun-totin' judge in Northern Nevada puts it, "shed a little karma."
