Summer Studying (Whaaaa??)
Why would anyone in their right mind study during the summer? Especially if it’s the last summer break they’ll ever have.
There are so many different things you can do with your summer off after 1st year of med school:
Go on a trip
Research
Shadow
Do a summer program of any kind
Get a summer job
Start a business
Learn a language
Move to another city for 2 months
Nothing (I would definitely do this if I didn’t have rent to pay)
Most would say studying during a break isn’t smart, but it’s mainly a concern for being stressed and getting rest after a crazy year. My approach to studying has been more leisurely than stressful. What? Is there such a thing as studying that’s not stressful? Why yes, there is!
Before or after work (my temporary summer job at school), I grab my computer and a notebook and watch a Dr. Najeeb video. I’m only watching videos on what I feel I struggled with most, and I don’t stress about how many to have done by the end of the summer. If I can get a clearer understanding of at least one concept before the summer is over, I’m happy! I take my time, and I am enjoying tackling the monster that is cardiovascular physiology 😅. (click here to see me study in real time!)
It’s also been beneficial because I can revisit my study habits before it counts, and relearn what works and what doesn’t. I have a better idea of how I want to study when school starts, so I won’t waste time the first few weeks of school trying to figure it out. I don’t necessarily care for being ahead on the material, but I do care about efficiency when learning new material. I’ve had so many “aha!” moments about how I learn, and it makes me excited for the upcoming year!
The thing is since it’s your life, you can do whatever you want. That’s common knowledge, I know, but as a “perfectionist” and professional worrier I forget that I can shape my own life however I see fit, even if others don’t approve of it for their own life. So this summer, I’m studying.
If you’re like me and you’re hesitant about doing something you want, consider these 3 things:
Will this benefit me?
Do I feel stressed when thinking about doing this?
Will it make me happy?
If studying over the summer is what you want (and it does NOT make you want to rip your hair from your scalp), then go for it! The only suggestion I have is to make it your own. Stick to your way of doing it so that you can truly enjoy it. And if you don't want to study at all, the thought makes you sick to your stomach, then definitely don't!
If it’s right for you, then it’s the right thing to do!*
*as long as you’re not doing something that harms someone else 🙃
