What made you interested in the tutoring program here at AUC?
I wanted to give back and share my knowledge and experience with students in an effort to help them successfully navigate their own courses. I enjoy teaching and saw this as a great opportunity to do so.
What strategies helped you excel in your academics during your first two years of medical sciences at AUC?
I realized that I had to approach each semester as a clean slate. What I did the previous semester may not work for the current semester, so I had to be okay with adapting my study approach to my new classes.
How would you describe your tutoring style, and what strategies worked well for you?
I wanted to be respectful of everyone’s time, so I focus on key concepts that I believe are important and will maximize our study time. I would also go over specific questions from students, and I tried to share as many practice questions as I could to help solidify the material.
What part of tutoring did you enjoy the most?
The best part of tutoring is seeing the joy after students take an exam and come back to me to let me know that my sessions were helpful. Or, they’ll tell me that a concept they didn’t understand at first is clear to them now. Seeing them succeed is all the gratification I need.
Do you think tutoring helped you prepare for your board exams?
Yes, tutoring allowed me to take another pass at the information I learned from the previous semester. I was able to better connect the dots with certain concepts, which then helped me explain the material more clearly to the students I tutored.
Have you been involved in extracurricular activities at AUC?
Yes, I served as the president of the Student Judiciary Committee during the September 2020 semester. I also served as an Anatomy teaching assistant and have been active in Community Action Day throughout my time here in Sint Maarten.
How do you manage your time?
I try to stick to a schedule and adjust it each semester depending on the classes I’m taking, and how much time commitment is needed for each class. Mainly, I’ve strived to be diligent on the weekdays so that I could take one day off every weekend.
Do you have any tips on test-taking strategies?
I’ve noticed that I have some test day anxiety, so I have worked hard to always go with my first choice and move on to the next question. I try not to switch my answers unless I am 100% sure. Also, as simple as it sounds, you need to “read the question.”
How would you describe your sleep habits?
I don’t play with my sleep or pull all-nighters—I have to sleep at least six hours every night. Sleep is so important in order to consolidate what you’ve learned.
Do you have any tips for preparing for Shelf / Comp and United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE) Step 1?
I would suggest studying for these exams by going through the systems. So, if I am focusing on cardiology, then I’m going over the embryo, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology for cardiology. I would repeat that for the other systems.
Do you set aside time for self-care?
I absolutely plan time for self-care. Medical school is demanding, and if you aren’t careful, you risk burning out. I make sure to take time for myself to watch movies and go to the beach. I like relaxing at home and just taking my mind off school, which is peaceful for me.
What are your hobbies?
I love to eat, so trying different restaurants on the island is a blast, and I’ve been trying to do more cooking as well. I also enjoy working out, which has been a way to maintain my mental health, as well as hanging out with friends and just enjoying their company.
What is your advice for other students at AUC?
Remember that school isn’t your entire life and you shouldn’t lose yourself in it. Make sure you find an outlet because school is stressful and demanding, but you need to be able to find a way to relax and recharge. Also, remember your “why.” This is important when you go through challenges. Remember why you are doing this in the first place.
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