A Brief Update

I know it’s been a while since I last posted. I’ve been in the US for two weeks now. So here are some answers to some frequently asked questions.

So Sara, how is your re-entry/reintegration going?

For the most part re-entry pretty easy. I started class the Thursday after I got back. I even went out with friends a couple of times. I do miss Burkina on a daily basis. I miss my neighbors, my cat, and my village friends. 

So what hasn’t gone so well?

As some of you may know I had a really bad ear wax problem/multiple ear infections when I was in BF. I thought I was starting to get another ear infection so I went to the doctor. My dad drove, and before I left I took my wallet out of my purse to find an address. When they asked me for ID I realized that I didn’t have my driver’s license with me. Good thing my dad was there to identify me 🙂  Long story short they refused to take my PC insurance (i wasn’t on my parents’ plan yet), to treat me or irrigate my ear and refused to refer me to an ENT for further treatment. A week later I went to my normal primary care doctor and everything was taken care of. That was really frustrating.

How are your classes so far?

So far classes are good. I’ve only had two weeks so far and Biostatistics hasn’t even started yet…Nutrition is interesting. Our teacher seems really engaging. There was a slight controversy over the textbook for the class because it is the Canadian edition, and a different version than the E-Book which is written in Standard measurements and not metric. I really like Epidemiology so far. I think it’s cool to analyze health problems by population. It’s an intriguing class.

So what are you doing again?

I’m taking some post-baccalaureate classes at a local university where my parents work to make myself a more competitive candidate for MPH programs and apply for them to start in Fall 2014.

Last question: What was your first meal back?

Steak, rice pilaf, broccoli, and homemade chocolate mousse. Thanks Mom and Dad!