Links to Other SO Blogs

• Coghills in Grenada - Kelsey is a Significant Other of a med student and has been blogging since March 2009.  She is the past volunteer coordinator (a very committed one) of the SO board and has much experience around island life and culture.  She is the go to Magic 8 Ball for Grenada-related questions hahaa.  You can contact her through her blog or send her a personalized message through the SO website.  On her page, on the right hand side, she lists many other SO blogs that she follows.

• Life After Grenada -  SGU SO, Amber, talks about her past experiences in Grenada while her husband attended Saint George's University and also talks about both hers and her husband's life after Grenada. 
• Count On Me For Life- Marisa, a significant other of an SGU Med student Grad keeps up to date with her personal experiences and experiences with Andy and also includes details of his journey through clinical years.

• Footprints In The Sand
• The Lackey's Grenada Adventure
• The Conleys in Grenada

• Jessie - Loves Worth It
• Cat - Budget Blonde
• Holly - Adventures and Beyond
• Marieke - IKAT Lessons From the Loom
• Emily -  Evidence of Grace
• Natalie -  The Kings are Konquering Grenada
• Taylor - Life In Grenada
• Sarah - Sarah Smiles Awhile... and Sometimes Not So Much
• Lizzy-  http://www.wrightsingrenada.blogspot.com/

Once You've Arrived Checklist

• if you live off campus, straighten out all housing details with landlord-sign contract, ask when rent is due, make copy of keys, inquire about access to laundry facilities, straighten out electricity, cable, and internet concerns, and so on.
• make your way to the grocery store - IGA is the preferred grocery store of students with.  They have items you'll be most familiar with (assuming you're from America).  At the same time, they're more expensive because these items are imported and you're also paying for the convenience of buying from an AC ventilated store.  Don't forget to sign up for a "frequent shopper" card. Receive 1 point for every dollar you spend. 500 points will land you $5. If you would like to accumulate, great! They don't expire. The "Grand Anse" bus (you can catch it at the campus bus terminal or at any of the stops on the bus route) stops right in front of the store.  Foodfair is about 1/4 mile away from IGA. You will find a more local selection of produce.  I buy produce here because it's cheaper and always fresh.
• visit the hardware store for pots, pans, utensils, converters, surge protectors for your computers, and everything else you need for your house.  There's a hardware store right next door to IGA but it has limited selections with high prices.  If you end up purchasing items from here, don't forget to ask for your student discount!  They don't ask for ID but I would have it just in case you come across a by-the-book type of person.  You may not want to venture out at this point because you're completely new to the island, but I highly suggest you do to a nearby hardware store called Hubbards found about 1/4 mile away from IGA. It's past wall street (where all of the banks are located) in the shopping center across the street of Scotia Bank.  Foodfair is also located in the shopping center.  Ask a local or student nearby to help you find your way. They are very friendly.   
• hang lines up for laundry or purchase clips if you already have them. you can also purchase stands made specifically for drying laundry at the hardware store.  Make sure that if you arrive during rainy season (June-December) that you get the rhythm of how weather works here. One moment its sunny and the next, it's pouring.  Very unpredictable! I chose to dry clothes outside because the sun is so warm and it's also FREE to use.  I dedicate all of the energy I would've used for my dryer to my marvelous Air Conditioning machine that keeps my dog alive. 
• attend Meet and Greet SO events. Here you will find many older term SOs that will answer all of your questions. You will also have an opportunity to meet friends-both new SOs and older SOs.
• apply for your SO ID. Take your husband with you and make sure he already has his school ID. Also, don't forget to bring another form of ID to confirm who you are.  SGU guards do a good job at checking ID upon entering the school.  You will also need your ID to use the Pool dring SO pool days.
• sort out all financial matters.  The SO website has detailed information on banking. If you have a Bank of America account, you can use Scotia Bank to withdraw money without getting charged a fee.  Note: Be aware of your credit card international fees.
• bus system is dependable for me and the husband (we're in a busy area where they frequently stop), but for those of you who want the extra convenience of driving, it's good to do some research.  Make sure you check out the post through your significant other's school account to find the best deals.  Try finding out which cars are common in Grenada and try getting one of them.  You'll have an easier time with maintenance and finding parts.  Otherwise, parts and labor can be expensive.

My first Soccer (Futbol) Game Ever!

some tips on how to survive the first year of medical school

*Tips written by Feisal Brahim, Pd.D., Professor of Anatomy at SGU

You have completed the prerequisites for entrance to medical school and have been accepted to fulfill your desired goal of becoming a doctor.  Congratulations!  You have made it.  Now you are about to embark on a journey through the formative years of your medical education where you will be transformed from a field-dependent learner to a field-independent learner.  While medical school is still undergraduate education, albeit professional, it is not similar to any of your previous undergraduate educational experiences.  What changes or adjustments do you need to make to successfully complete this program?  The following are some tips for academic survival (especially here at SGU):

1.  Do not believe all that  you hear from the upper division students.
As the "new kids on the block," you will be bombarded by advice, undoubtedly with good intentions, from those who are ahead of you.  This advice will range from which professors are good or bad, which textbooks to read, which notes to buy, how much to study, and probably when to study.  However, what may have worked for someone else will not necessarily work for you.  Thus, you must make your own decision on what advice may be relevant for your success.

2.  Develop a weekly budget of your time.
A 7 day time plan should include, not only study time, but time for meals, house chores, grocery shopping, relaxation, etc.  This 7 day budget need not be adhered to stringently, but should serve as a guide on how your time should be spent.  It will allow you to account for your time, similar to that of a financial budget.  Also budget no more than 1 hour of study time without a 10 minute break, and no more than 2-3 consecutive hours on any one subject.

3.  Do not compare yourself to any of your colleagues.
Do not feel that, because another classmate knows something that you don't recall at any particular point in time, you are less knowledgeable.  You may be surprised at how much you really know.

4.  Develop a sense of confidence in what you know.
You will endeavor to learn everything and to master all the information presented to you.  While you may succeed in this objective, you will undoubtedly not remember everything that you have learned.  Don't despair, instead develop and maintain confidence in yourself.  This will provide you with the means to seek out information when needed.  Remember that medical education is a life long journey which you are now embarking.

5.  Develop and work in your comfort zone.
This relates to items 3 and 4 above and indicates that your confidence in your knowledge base is a reflection on how comfortable you are with yourself and your environment.  While the physical surroundings may not be under your control, i.e. the island life, you can affect the creation of your own atmosphere for your learning, and thus reduce any stress that you may feel.

6.  Seek the assistance at the earliest sign of academic difficulty.
Many students who are experiencing academic difficulties wait until after midterm exams to seek advice and assistance, when they should have done so much earlier.  These students include those who enter with high GPAs or who have never been in academic difficulty before, and believe they can "weather the storm" by themselves.  Early help may prevent the catch-up game and certainly reduce stress.

7.  Learn to relax your body and mind.
Make sure that you do not spend all your time studying.
Make sure that you do not spend all your time studying.  Build in some time for relaxation (see item 2 above).  Too often, many students will say that they do not have time to go to the beach or to visit some of the local venues, because they must study.  This is counterproductive to your well-being and academic survival.

8.  Form review groups.
All students spend time reviewing independently, but do not really know what they have retained until they are examined.  Additionally, most students avail themselves of DES tutorials so that they can hear the same information repeated by upper year students.  Which this may be valuable, repetition by the learner is of more importance in the retention of information.  Achieving this can be accomplished by establishing your own review group with a few colleagues, and meeting for about 1 hour a week on each course and questioning one another on pre selected material.  In this way, not only will you develop the confidence in your knowledge base by reinforcing the areas in which you are strong, but you will also identify the weak areas to be addressed to the appropriate faculty member for further clarification.

9.  Do not be preoccupied with the dear of failing.
While the fear of failing may serve as a motivating factor, it should not be preeminent in your mind.  Remember that you have successfully passed the requirements for admission to medical school, so you do enter with elements of confidence and motivation in yourself.  Maintaining this condidence and motivation is required for success.  Moreover, once you have progressed through the first year, you should have developed the discipline and confidence required for continued success and, thus, the thought of failing should become a thing of the past.

10.  Think simple when you are questioned.
Most students, when questioned by faculty on a given subject matter, immediately feel that they must give a detailed answer filled with information not required.  Focus on the question and answer specifically what is asked.  For example, is a question is "does the ulnar nerve supply all the intrinsic muscles of the hand?" answer a simple yes or no and do not volunteer to give the names of the muscles which the nerve supplies, since this was not asked.  You will find this extremely helpful when you are in clinical rotations.

11.  Develop the ability to reason.
Many students believe that role memorization is all that is required to get through the basic science component of the medical curriculum.  Too often, students who have the basic facts cannot apply them when asked to do so.  Basic sciences form the scientific foundation of medicine, and are of major importance when used in problem solving, which requires reasoning.  The understanding of factual information and its relevance to the practice of medicine begins with the ability to comprehend the meaning of terminology that make up the language of medicine, much of what is presented the first year.  Thus, developing the ability to reason in your freshman year reduces the need for much memorization, and will undoubtedly enhance long-term retention of your knowledge.  This about it!

12.  Develop a sense of humor.
While medicine is serious life and death business, it is, nevertheless, an interplay between doctor and patient, two people whose interactions would determine the wellbeing of the patient.  A doctor who has a sense of humor will present a pleasant and relaxed personality, and would undoubtedly win the confidence of his/her patient.

Apple Ham Ginger Sesame Salad

A lot of people aren't fond of the first salad they come across and end up developing a distaste for all other salads.  It may be the case that they haven't yet found the "right" salad.  There are endless types of dressings, cheeses, meats, and so on to experiment with.  I'm sure there's an ideal type for everyone!  Here's one more to consider.

Ingredients:

• ~4 leafs of romaine lettuce roughly chopped
• 1 small tomato diced
• 1 big slice smoked or honey ham
• 1 Gala or Fuji Apple diced
• Cheddar Cheese
• Ground black pepper
• Wishbone Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette dressing

Directions:
1. Toss all ingredients in a bowl with salad dressing.
2. serve with buttered bread and give yourself a pat on the back for eating healthy!

*Click HERE for a cooking dictionary. 

Important Phone Numbers

*Information is subject to change

Saint George's University
University Operator 444-4175
Billing 1-631-666-9485 billing@sgu.edu
Dean of Students ext.2059 dos@sgu.edu
Department of Educational Services 444-5008 or ext. 2285 des@sgu.edu
Financial Aid -631-6669485 faid@sgu.edu
Health Insurance 1-631-666-9485 lwagner@sgu.edu
Housing 444-3991 or ext. 2063 Ms. Plutin  splutin@sgu.edu
Information Technology ext 2120 http://shor.sgu.edu
Registration Issues 444-3607 or ext. 2262 regmail@sgu.edu
Academic Schedule Questions School of medicine: bcooper@sgu.edu
Bookstore (473) 444-2868


Financial Aid
US and Canada 1(800) 899-6337, ext 1232
United Kingdom 08001699061, ext. 1232
Grenada (473) 444-3991
Others (631) 665-8500, ext. 1232


Student Finances
US and Canada 1 (800) 899-6337, ext 1270
United Kingdom 08001699061, ext. 1270
Others  (631) 665-8500, ext. 1270


Registrar
US and Canada 1 (800) 899-6337, ext 1342
United Kingdom 08001699061, ext. 1342
Grenada  (473) 444-4357
Others  (631) 665-8500, ext. 1342
Grenada Campus Telephone Directory


Security and Emergency
General Emergency Number  777#
True Blue Security Booth  (473) 444-3898
True Blue Night Supervisor  (473) 444-3388
Others  (631) 665-8500, ext. 342
Grenada Police  (473) 444-4454/1535/1537
Busing Coordinator  (473) 405-1247


University Health Services Clinic
Hours: 9am-12pm/ 2:30 pm - 4:30pm
Phone:  (473) 444-4671
Clinic Doctor On Call   ext. 2146
Clinic Nurse   ext. 2119


Psychological Services Center (PSC)
Phone:  (473) 439-2277 or ext.2449
Ms. Christopher: cchristopher@sgu.edu
The PSC is found on the second floor of Building E on the True Blue Campus. Comprehensive services are available for all students, staff, faculty and their significant others.


True Blue Campus
RA On Call Beeper
    (473) 405-2891
Superdorm 1
    (473) 439-4118
Superdorm 1
    (473) 439-3884
Superdorm 2
    (473) 439-1332
Superdorm 2        
    (473) 444-4130
Superdorm 3  
    (473) 439-5537
Superdorm 3     (473) 439-5536
Superdorm 4
    (473) 439-6917
Superdorm 4     (473) 439-6897
Superdorm 4     (473) 439-6916
On-Campus Emergency Protocol

    Call your RA or call Campus Security (if you don’t live on campus or if you cannot reach your RA), or
    DIAL: 777# - EMERGENCY LINE (wait at least 30 seconds for the call to go through.  This number is a dedicated line that rings at the True Blue).

Off-Campus Emergency Protocol

    Call the local police at (473) 444-4454/1535-1537
    Call Campus Security - DIAL: 777# - EMERGENCY LINE (wait at least 30 seconds for the call to go through.  This number is a dedicated line that rings at the True Blue).

Campus Security has protocols for all kinds of emergencies:

    They will contact the Physician Extenders for you (or help you get transported to the hospital if necessary).
    They will contact the Counselor or Administrator on call, and will step in to help local police help you.

Please make sure you fill out a crime report form if you ever are a victim of or witness to a crime.

(Forms are available in the Dean of Students Office, the Business Administration Office and the Security Booths).

Emergency Numbers

Emergency on Campus 9-777 (from an SGU phone) 777 or (473) 444-3898
SGU Operator (473) 444-4175
RA for married housing (473)444-3746
Police (rapid response) 911 or (473) 439-1231
Police 911 or (473) 444-4454
Fire 911or (473) 440-2112
General Hospital Ambulance 434 or (473) 440-2113
SGU Clinic (473) 444-4671
SGU Clinic Nurse ext. 2119 (473) 444-4671
SGU Clinic After hours ext. 2146 (473)444-4671
SGU Health Insurance  1-631-666-9485 lwagner@sgu.edu
Veterinary Teaching Hospital After Hours  (473) 409-0215
true blue security booth (473)444-3898
grand anse security booth (473) 444-4456
SGU Safety Patrol (11am-5am) (473) 405-9101


Airport
Maurice Bishop International Airport, Point Salines
Phone: 444-4101


Hospitals
General Hospital, Saint George's
Phone: 440-2051
ambulance: 440-2113

Princess Alice Hospital, St. Andrew
Phone: 442-7251/2
Ambulance:  442-5400


Animal Clinic
GSPCA, St. George's
Phone: 440-4874

SGU Veterinary Teaching Hospital (473) 435-2900
SGU Veterinary Teaching Hospital After Hours (473) 409-0215


SGU Small Animal Hospital, True Blue
Phone:  435-2900


Pediatricians
Dr. Kecia Lowe-American Board Certified in Pediatrics & Internal Medicine
KeciaLowe@gmail.com
(473) 443-5693
(473) 407-7700 Emergencies
available for house calls as well

Dr. Beverly Nelson
American Board Certified in Pediatrics
Beverley@caribsurf.com
(473) 440-3916
(473) 415-2463 Cell


Dentists
Dr. Vibart Yaw & Dr. Roberts
(473) 440-8386

Dr. Roxanne Nedd
(473) 444-2273

Dr. Tara Baksh
 (473) 444-3200

Tortoise Racing at the Owl

the humpty dance

Tortoise racing?...More like Tortoise Humping hahahaha. The picture to the left is an accurate representation of exactly how much action you will get if you were to attend such an event.

the owner/laura's landlord

The Owl normally races crabs but they were unavailable at the time so the owner decided to race tortoises instead.  Lucky me since  I've never been up close and personal with a tortoise.  I felt as if I were in an episode of National Geographic. Back in America, I think the odds of seeing one up close is slim to none so I was excited as can be.

Aside from being able to meet beautiful Mr. Tortoise... doing natural things (haha), the audience turned out to be equally as entertaining.  Some students placed bets and encouraged their picks to win by shouting hilarious things like "Come on, daddy needs a new pair of shoes," and "There goes grocery shopping for a week."  A girl right next to them (I think she was somewhat buzzed)constantly flashed her tortoise in the eyes with her camera flash in hopes to deter him away from crossing the no crossing line.  Before I knew it, her camera was right in the Tortoise's face like a brick wall.  There was a point when all eyes redirected themselves to her, including mine.  Suddenly I hear "If that's not cheating, I don't know what is," from the guy right next to her.  I laughed hysterically.

Munching away on fish and chips, bonding with the friends, people sipping on cocktails, people betting their life savings on tortoise racing, and tortoise humping, with the sounds of nature playing softly in the backround-- this night was jam packed with fun and unforgettable memories.  I think this is a bucket-list must.

Visit the Owl's website here for more details including directions, hours, and contact information.

Race Breakdown:
1. before start of race, the facilitator informs the audience on what type of race will take place.
-last turtle who crosses the finish line last wins
-first turtle who crosses the finish line first wins
-last turtle left in the circle wins
2.  facilitator places boxed turtles in the middle for everyone to notate behavior in order to make a more informed guess on which one will win

3. humans place bets (turtles are identified by the number written on their shells)
4. race begins
5. shouting, picture taking, cheering, boo-ing, absurd remarks
6. race ends
7. winners cash out
8. repeat process using different turtles and different objectives
 
Soooooo much fun!