New Year, Fresh Outlook...By: Susan Ramirez

picture from: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ReviewPhotos-g34227-d633477-r7476815-Cocobelle_Resort-Fort_Lauderdale_Florida.html

Happy New Year everyone!

  I'm sure you're all off to a running start as you get back to work or school. First year Biomeds are now in the second half of Anatomy and Histology, and second year research students are well underway in their projects. 

  As my post-vacation serenity started to slowly give way with the rush of school, I decided to try new ways of kicking back and catching my breath. Learning is a priority in my life but burnout can make me lose sight of my goals (& lose my mind!). 

 Well, a few months ago a friend asked me a question about a park I walk through everyday. I was embarrassed that after living in Philly for over 10 years, she knew more about that park than I did. So, I'm checking out these "attractions" soon to learn more about my city. 

• Mummer's museum: The Mummers are a group of 10,000 people (yes, ten thousand!) that dress up and orchestrate a parade down Broad St. to welcome the New Year. The parade has been a Philly tradition since the 1800s, and it's rooted in the traditions of Philly's earliest settlers. Tickets are under $5 for adults. http://phillymummers.com/index.php  http://www.mummersmuseum.com/home.html
• Federal Donuts: This is Philly's new Chicken & Donuts food spot. I know it's not the healthiest of food choices but there's something about well-seasoned crispy (chicken) skin that makes my mouth water. I also don't want to pass up the challenge of getting in line early enough to actually get some chicken! This is just one of many of Philly's family-owned food spots, and in the heart of South Philly. http://federaldonuts.com/main.html

  If volunteering is more your thing, here are a couple of opportunities that I’m a part of:

• Puentes De Salud: http://www.puentesdesalud.org/welcome
• Puentes Hacía el Futuro: https://sites.google.com/site/puentestutor/

You can also find more opportunities here: http://www.uwsepa.org/

And take a break to check out this year’s student production of the Vagina Monologues, February 11^th @7pm or February 12^th @2pm.  Learn more about V-Day here: http://www.vday.org/spotlight2012

I hope to keep work-life balance a regular priority and part of my lifestyle rather than a New Year's resolution (you know- “in” for January, out by February). Leave a comment to let me know what you guys do to unwind, I’m always up to try something new!

Out With the Old, In With the New... By: Jameel Shareef

Hello everyone. I would just like to congratulate all of the first year Biomeds for completing the fall term. There is still plenty of work to be done, and the remaining courses are not to be taken lightly, but in my personal opinion, the worst is over. After hitting the ground running shortly after school started, I know most are looking forward to the break next week as much as I am. The break is much needed and well deserved, but at least for the next few days I encourage you to remain focused. Letting up between now and then could set you back a bit when you return, and that is the last thing you want to have happen. Anatomy and histology are “monsters” in their own right, but the hands-on aspect of the courses certainly makes learning the material a little easier.

Anatomy was my favorite course of the Biomedical Sciences program, mostly because of the lab component of the class. At first, the idea of working with a human cadaver may be daunting to some, but for me, it made the course exciting and intriguing. Being able to examine the intricacies and inner workings of the human body first hand was an amazing experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.

A few words of advice: the key to success in anatomy is to LIVE in the lab. It’s true that everyone has different ways of learning, but just speaking from my experience, lab time is invaluable. The lab is open most of the day, including weekends, except for the day of exams so I encourage you to spend as much time there as possible. I would also suggest that you study with some of the cadavers that belong to the other groups, as long as you have their permission. Key tissues or structures in certain cadavers may have been damaged or removed altogether during the dissection, but if it is listed in the lab manual, you must be able to identify it on the practical. If anyone has any questions about the course please do not hesitate to stop me and ask when you see me around campus. Good luck to everyone, and I wish you all continued success in the program.