Second year: done!

1. Exams

The core of this academic year was clinical sciences. We had a list of about 160 common conditions (e.g. asthma, stroke or breast cancer) for which we had to learn the pathophysiology, symptoms and signs, risk factors, investigations and treatment. Moreover, we were also examined on pharmacology, microbiology, public health and things from first year. I started preparing revision materials from December and I had a detailed revision timetable for the month leading up to exams. I think my revision methods this year were much more productive and focused compared to last year’s and thus, my results reflect my work accordingly.

2. Vietnamese Society in Sheffield

This academic year I joined the Vietnamese society committee as an event officer. Our biggest event of the year is called the Vietnamese culture day during which we celebrate and promote the Vietnamese culture by running a 2-hour show of authentic Vietnamese performances. At the end of the show, we also provide home-cooked Vietnamese food for all our guests. Apart from cooking, I oversaw the programme, hosted the whole show and took part in the final fashion catwalk in traditional costumes.  I have never truly engaged with the Vietnamese side of me before and only towards the end of the academic year, I realised how much the people in this society have looked out for me and how much they have taught me. Hence, I decided to apply for the position of president next year and indeed, I received it. I have many ideas and plans for the society and I am looking forward to work with my new committee. The photo below was taken during our quiz at the Vietnamese Culture Day show which was definitely one of my favourite days this year.

3. Medics’ Badminton, Sexpression and French

Besides the Vietnamese Society, I have also taken part in other committees too - namely, Medics’ Badminton and Sexpression. For Medics’ Badminton, we organised more games than the year before and we beat University of Manchester medical school which was the highlight of our season. As for Sexpression, we hosted a very successful national conference and continued to teach sex education lessons at nearby schools. Volunteering for Sexpression gives me a lot of self-confidence and an amazing opportunity to engage with the local community. I decided to apply for a committee position once again, but this time instead of a school liaison officer, I ran for the Planning and Resources officer. I received this post and I am very excited for our future events. I have continued studying French which I started in first year too. I found this year’s French classes more challenging but I am keen on keeping studying it for next year.

4. Friends and family

What this year has taught me very well is effective time management and being able to prioritise what is important to me. My friends and family have contributed a lot to this learning curve by constantly motivating me to work on myself. Especially during the stressful times, they have always been there for me. This year would not have been the same if I was not surrounded by such caring people and I am extremely grateful for all the friends (in Sheffield, Prague or elsewhere) I have in my life right now. I would also like to thank my parents for the endless support, patience and the delicious food they always spoil me with when I am back home. Finally, I would like to thank The Kellner Family Foundation for the support throughout this year too. This photo below shows how happy (and relieved) my medic friends and I were after finishing our exams this year – as they say: “Work hard, play hard!”