the beginning of the final chapter

So the title says it all and to my fellow Biomeders..it's no big surprise. This time next week, we'd be beginning the final chapter of our three year journey as a Biomedical science student of the University of Auckland. Our second last semester of our Bachelors start next week and while there are some who are already counting down the days, I am making a mental note to enjoy the last 2 semesters, the last 7 papers and definitely the last year of our undergraduate degree.

Whenever people ask me what I'm doing at varsity and I tell them 'Biomedical Sc.' I always either get gasps or 'ooohhs and ahhhs'. People often ask me if I'm enjoying what I'm doing and well let's just say stress, hectic schedule and working 24/7 during semester put aside, I LOVE what I'm doing. Since not getting into med at the beginning of last year, I really cannot think of anything else to do but Biomedical Sc. I mean, thinking about it, even with two accountants as parents, I do not get Accounting. Accounting in KH was a nightmare and I must think a flair in accounting must defnitely not be genetic. I have no interest whatsoever in Business, Law (no offense to the lawyers in the family..am proud of what you all do :P), Engineering and the rest. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't admire the other professions, I seriously do. It's just that I don't see myself doing it. So that just leaves me with the science: biology and medical scieces- both of which I absolutely adore. Get me to talk about who I'd vote for this impending election and I'd just give you a blank stare. Okay, I admit. I'm ignorant when it comes to politics. But get me to talk about the wonders of our body or the anatomical snuff box (yes Aaj, I'm still obsessed with the snuff box and anatomy as a matter of fact), I'd leap at the chance to inspire you and awe you with the magnificent things we learn. Get me to talk about the heart and it's like a huge flame has come alive inside me. I am still in LOVE with Dr. Colin Quilter- the main reason why I've chose to major in Cardiovascular and why I think the heart still remains the most vital organ of all time. I also have a secret obsession with red blood cells viewed under the light microscope. They are possibly the most beautiful sight ever.

Seeing how Colin Quilter left a mark in all of us in Stage 1 and how passionate and enthusiastic lecturers can reach out and make learning easier and enjoyable, I applied to be a lab demonstrator for Biosci 107, the first paper in which most stage 1 students are exposed to the wonders of medical science. Actually, to tell you frankly, I thought the labs back then were hell. So intense and I really didn't enjoy them. Looking back and after attending the prep meeting and having to do the first two labs again, it's actually not that bad. I finally can do the eyepiece calibration- something I couldn't grasp when I was in stage 1. So yeah, I'm really looking forward to teaching this lab. Whatever I do, I hope I'll be like what Colin Quilter was to us, to teach with passion and make every learning experience a wonderful one.

Okay. Enough talking. Just some pictures to wrap up my last two months of silence k? Enjoy!

On the way to airport.


Papa and I at the airport. Just landed.


Under the blue sky.


Reunion dinner.


Give these kids a camera...


Before..two years ago


After.. two years today


Bye for now....