Homesick on Day 1 || SGU Term 1
Yes.
I’m here on the island! Even better, tomorrow is my first day of class. I arrived last Tuesday. Since we’re from the West Coast, it took two flights - each around 5 hours. To my surprise Kalbi is is a good flyer! It was his first time flying. During his required vet appointment to get clearance to fly, he was prescribed a sedative. I ended up giving him a small fraction dose during the first flight. More than anything, his reaction scared me. Kal is a flat-nosed dog so he had some trouble breathing during take-off and at the same time, he was drunk…His tongue flopped awkwardly as he looked at me confused. I can’t imagine the trip he had. He fell asleep for the remainder of the flight. However, I was anxious all flight and kept checking his breathing to ensure he was alive!
We were really lucky that at the airport SGU had arranged staff to greet us and guide us through the airport and even had taxis take us to our destination.
We are living off-campus in True Blue which is in the same neighborhood as the school. I wanted to stay close to campus because I have a tendency to run late. Another popular neighborhood we were looking at was Lance Aux Pines. We have an amazing and sweet landlord. I’ve never lived on my own. I’ve always had to share apartments with others. My landlord only has two units and feels like an “auntie” to me. Our apartment is a finished basement under the main house with its own small kitchen and bathroom. The only downside is that I wish the apartment had more light. However, the yard is huge. Practically the size of our dog park at home. Hopefully, Kal learns to love it. He whines about not taking walks around the neighborhood so we’re working on it.
Inside my studio apartment, fully furnished!
I learned right away that we live on a tropical island. There are bugs and I have a lifelong crippling fear of bugs. One day, I was defrosting my chicken in the sink. I see something scurry around the bowl. I’m thinking “no way”, but then I see a chunky cockroach in the sink. I panicked and texted my landlord because I don’t have anyone on this island. She texted back “yes, we live on an island”. I eventually killed it with my electric bug racket in one hand and a wooden spoon in the other. Poor Kalbi, had no idea what was happening. Tomorrow I’m picking up a bed tent and I could not be more excited.
View from my Grenada apartment
Last week was our first week and we had 2 days of orientation. I don’t know anyone on this island so it’s been a mix of feeling overwhelmed, lonely, and excited. I think what helps is that I know everyone is likely feeling the same thing. It (sometimes) gives me the courage to greet people.
The two days of orientation were about 6 hours of presentations from different departments educating us about the resources available to us. There are so many points of contact to get help - the upper term led small groups, workshops, etc.
SGU Lecture hall
I had to pick up my books. People were smart and brought their small rolling backpacks, but I didn’t want to bring mine on the bus. Why?
All books and PD kit included with my tuition
I’m writing this at 1:05 AM on Monday (my first day of lecture) because I stayed up late studying. Yes, we already have homework. Likely formally optional, but what’s really optional in med school?
Can’t wait to tell you about my first week!