1. Start Working Hard From The Beginning

Now Teaching English Online

Hey everyone!!

Now that I have moved back to Canada I will be giving online lessons via verbalplanet. If anyone is looking to better there conversational skills or studying for the Cambridge exam please try a free lesson with me(Ashante C) at:

http://www.verbalplanet.com/publicviewprofile.asp?tr_id=10028741945&lang=ENG&lang2=ENG

*It’s hard to tell which one is me lol I’m the one infront with the converse shoes and backwards cap:)

-IGGY

here’s 23 uni specific rules to help u out 4 future: 

rule n1: no zero days - never have a day where you do no uni work even if u just do 5 minutes no zero days no excuses 

rule n2: never miss tuts or lectures unless u r dying uni culture is great but u gotta get the d(egree) or its 4 nuthin alotta lectures are recorded so even if u can’t physically be there schedule a time to listen and treat it like a proper lecture

rule n3: spend 15-20 minutes doing work for each of your classes everyday (I do this in the morn when I get up) 

rule n4: replace your phone with ur readings take your readings with you on public transport and when u go to the toilet (srsly its weird but I do most of my readings there because I have nothing else to do) 

rule n5: be 2 days ahead, pretend everything is 2 days before it actually is so you’re prepared 

rule n6: go to bed before midnight for uni days always

rule n7: start all assignments 2 weeks before they’re due 

rule n8: never start anything after 9pm its better to wake up early when ur brain is rested

 rule n9: your brain associates places with actions so don’t study anywhere like your bed, have set spaces or go the quiet section of the library

rule n10: to do lists are your best pals write and review at the start and end of each day, make lil rewards 4 yourself when u complete them 

rule n11: help out other peeps with assignments, uni isn’t like school ur not competeing for ranks so everyone can help each other. it helps you focus, sometimes means you don’t have 2 buy text books and you know you know something if you can teach it to others 

rule n12: limit social media times i know its hard but u gotta 

n13: reward yo self and always look forward to things (this will keep you sane) but dont reward yurself fo nuthin 

n14: TURN OFF YOUR PHONE WHEN U R STUDYING OR PUT IT OUT OF REACH GODAMN U CAN TWEET LATER

rule n15: get your sleep (so your brain can sort shit) but don’t nap all day (your brain will get lazy af), eat at least one vegetable and 2 proper meals, never skip breakfast and take a multi vitamin there are cheap ones

rule n16: schedule the use of your freetime between and outside classes (see rules 7 and 5)

rule n17: project guternberg has heaps of books for free if your doing lit courses so check there before you buy things

rule n18: be strict on yourself, but not hard, you might be your own worst enemy somedays but you’re also you’re the only person who won’t give up on you

rule n19: plan your essays/assignments according to the marking rubric NOT the assignment question

rule n20: read your course outline and know who your professors/tutors are if u need help they are your bros

rule n21: ALWAYS ASK IF YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND bruh you are literally in class cos you want to be there and learn stuff its not school where u gotta be there and u dont wanna ask questions so you’ll look cool like you are there to learn so do it and dgaf what anyone thinks of u but also don’t be a dick and try 

rule n22: try and say one thing during class discussions and never leave a class without 3 dotpoints written down

rule n23: learn to say no bruh i get it you wanna go to that party cos if you dont ur mate will be pissed but guess what pal u have an assignment u gotta finish due tomorrow and lets face it thats gotta happen so say no because there will always be parties but you wont always get marks you lost back

I know from personal experience that sometimes sitting down to study sometimes means just staring blankly at a screen or notebook for a few minutes before ‘giving up’ and logging onto tumblr or facebook instead. I’ve been asked a few times about how to avoid wasting time and studying effectively, so here’s what my advice would be: 

What kind of learner are you?

Something that is only just starting to be understood by schools is that people learn in different ways. Just because you struggle to take in information when it’s written down in front of you, it doesn’t mean you’re ‘stupid’ or bad at revising. It’s important that you find out what methods work for you, because you might be any one of these learners, or a mixture of a few!: 

Visual Learners

If you’re quite a fast talker, or you get impatient during your revision, you might find that you are a visual learner. This means you take in information by looking at it and visualising what it is. Ways that you can revise that will encourage your visual learner traits would be:

Present your information with colourful charts and graphs. 

Use flashcards with pictures to learn vocabulary. 

Create powerpoint presentations with animation to explain key topics. 

Watch educational Youtube videos. 

Auditory Learners

If you’re a natural listener in conversations and find it easier to have things explained to you verbally, then you might be an auditory learner. This means that it’s easier for you to take information in by listening to it. Ways that you can revise that will encourage your auditory learner traits would be:

Record yourself saying your notes and listen back to them. 

Listen to educational Youtube videos or podcasts. 

Learn songs or poems in your target languages.

Read-Write Learners: 

If you enjoy reading and writing in all forms then you’re likely to be a read-write learner. This means you work well when interacting with a text. Ways that you can revise that will encourage your read-write learner traits would be: 

Take part in written tests that you make yourself or past papers. 

Summarise notes from a textbook.

Create your own handouts based on youtube videos or textbook chapters.

Kinesthetic Learners

If you prefer the more hands-on approach to learning, then you might be a kinesthetic learner. You learn best by doing the task at hand and practising! Ways that you can revise that will encourage your kinesthetic learner traits would be: 

Roleplaying or doing mock walkthroughs of tasks. 

Practising your languages by interacting with other speakers. 

Memory games and interactive ways of learning work well. 

BBC Key Skills has a test that you can take to help you work out what type of learner that you are! 

Other tips?

Avoid distractions

A proper revision session is rarely done with the TV blaring in the background or twitter open on another tab. So I would suggest trying applications like the StayFocused Chrome Extension if you can’t be trusted to stay on task when revising. I know that lots of people can’t stand silence, so try classical music or music from video games on a low volume in the background if you want to avoid being caught up in the lyrics. Get that phone on silent or airplane mode! 

Don’t overwork yourself

There’s very little point in sitting for hours and hours revising. You’re not going to take everything in and you’ll be very bored in the process. Tackle a few tasks, then take a break before revisiting them to ensure that they’ve stuck in your head. ‘Take regular breaks’ is a mantra I find myself repeating a lot. 

Have fun! 

The best encouragement for studying is by doing it in a way that you enjoy. If you’re arty, make your own posters or infographics that clearly display your topics. If you work well by interacting with others then organise a study group with some of your friends. Resources like educational youtube videos or memory games are perfect for keeping revision lighthearted. 

share for share

University (2) Masterlist

part one

Creating Hope (ao3) - wrightaway

Summary: Dan finally managed to make a few friends at university, but they’re not exactly what you would call “good influences”. On a dare, Dan calls in a professional female cuddler, but a mix up causes a man named phil to show up. Oddly enough, their relationship seems natural, and soon grows to something more. With the help of Phil, Dan begins to see the truly amazing possibilities life provides.

Double-Booked - evacuated-heart

Summary: It’s finals week, and the university’s art and photgraphy studio just so happens to be double booked.

Endless Cities Multiplying Out, Oceansize - krys-etc

Summary: Phil is trying to figure out his gender, and Dan is his roommate.

Every Day - zuzonicorn

Summary: UniStudent!Phil doesn’t really care to watch YouTube sensation danisnotonfire’s videos or live shows, and his uni class always ask why. He always gives them the same answer: “it’s like he hears it every day.” His classmates are about to find out why he always gives the same, dull answer in a way they never would’ve guessed.

Fly Around In Circles - dannihowell

Summary: Dan moves into Uni and finds that his new roommate is Phil, his ex-boyfriend.

I Can’t Do This Anymore (ao3) - alixinsanity

Summary: When Dan returns from his university lecture in tears, Phil comforts him.

I’ll Be Your Sugar Daddy - skinnyjeanshowell

Summary: When Dan is desperate for money for university, he does the one thing he never thought he would do. He goes to a sugar daddy for help.

I Sing The Body Electric - nokomisfics

Summary: genderfluid!phil university flatmates au.

I Will Take You There (If You Let Me Take You) - cafephan

Summary: In which Dan is a fresher and Phil is his RA, and a misunderstanding leads to something unexpected.

Snakebite Heart With A Bubblegum Smile - dark-days-dark-nights-xx

Summary: Phil didn’t want to be there, he really didn’t, but his parents had insisted Uni would benefit and he was determined to hate it. That was until he met his roommate, a guy whose wardrobe consisted of pastel jumpers and flower crowns who made Phil admit who he really was. (Punk/pastel Uni! AU)

Take Every Ounce of Love (And Beg You For More) (ao3) - starsalign

Summary: Uni!AU / Coffeshop!AU in which Dan has finals and the only thing getting him through this week of hell is seasonally appropraite coffees and the cute barista with pretty eyes.

Take My Hand, We’re In Foreign Land - phansomniac

Summary: Dan studies english lit and creative writing at university, a writer wound up in the works of art words can create. Phil transfers to english lit, and after a one night stand they face the trials of living with each other for a year, coping with each other through ups and downs and, eventually, they find they’re closer than anticipated.

Vibrancy - howellesterfics

Summary: Dan is in his third year of studying art in uni. His future is set by societal standards, and he’s prepared for his life beyond graduation: his relationship with Louie will continue to flourish, they’ll tackle the whole white-picket fence thing, have a dog and a kid and a perfect life. He’ll make a living off of his respected artwork. Everything is falling into place - minus the fact that Dan has fallen hard for the photographer on campus, Phil Lester.

Things I learned during my first year of medical school

I cannot believe I’ve finished my first year of medical school already! Wow! 

Warning: long Parks and Rec gif-filled post ahead (90% of these are cheesy but I am pizza levels of cheesy when I’m reflecting):

1. Do your thing

The first semester of med school was a weird time of looking and seeing what other people were doing to study and wondering if I needed to do that too. 

I wondered, should I get a bunch of colored highlighters? Make a million flashcards? Am I behind because I haven’t studied that lecture yet? Should I stream instead of go to class because that’s what other people are doing?

My advice? Try new things out but once you figure out what works for you, don’t be afraid to stick to it. Some people found out that they study best in groups. I found out I study best by myself. I don’t like highlighting but I do like writing down things I need to know in a spiral so I can review/remember them better. I also like doing as many practice questions as I can get my hands on. I like going to class and taking notes on my computer. 

I didn’t know any of that until I got here. And that’s okay. But don’t stress about what other people are doing - you’ll find what works for you. 

2. Don’t try to study 24/7 

Seriously. Don’t. It’s not worth it. You’ll burn out and realize you could have been more relaxed and focused if you took a break. I try to take a couple minutes of break every hour and a bigger break every few hours whenever I’m studying. I also try to take at least one day off per weekend and do something fun (even if it’s small). I also know I study best during the day so I usually take the evenings off as well unless it’s like crunch time. 

3. Investing in dress clothes is a good idea

Inevitably, you’ll forget that you have yet another clinical skills class that requires white coat attire (aka business casual) and only remember last minute, without time to do laundry. It’s way less stressful if you have a few possible outfits. Even easier? If you wear dresses, get some nice professional dresses. Nothing better than only picking a single thing out of your closet to wear! Also, along with that, make sure you have dress shoes that fit and are comfortable. I learned that I need to break in new flats sometimes before I wear them or I will get really bad blisters. 

4. Laughter is the best medicine

As cliche as it sounds, I could not have gotten through this year without laughing. Laughing with new friends, laughing at ridiculous situations, laughing at silly gifs posted in our med school’s FB group specifically created for that purpose (it’s the best, highly recommend. Our class has 3 facebook groups - one for class announcements/club things, one for study materials, and one for laughing. The silly one was started by an MS2 (now MS3 I suppose!)). Laughing is seriously therapeutic for stress. Also some of my classmates just happen to be hysterically funny. Also A+ to tumblr for keeping me giggling. Also, Broad City (put it on your list of shows to watch!) 

5. The days are long but the weeks/months are short

I still cannot believe it is May and I’m already done. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to reflect on my experiences on my tumblr so I can remember them (because sometimes it feels like my memories are getting squeezed out to make room for new knowledge). Journaling here allowed me to process this year in a way that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I would highly recommend it to anyone about to start school (of any kind!). 

6. Make new friends but keep the old

Yes, I am quoting a Girl Scouts song. Because it’s true. I am so very thankful for the technology that has allowed me to (try to) keep up with my college friends. Life is busy for all of us but it’s always nice to chat with old friends (and hang out, location permitting!) Also my med school class is filled with the most amazing people and it’s been so fun getting to know them :) I love my girls so much, they truly are my ride or dies. Med school is quite a bonding experience.

7. You’ll do things you never imagined you could

For me, that was anatomy and clinical skills. I was a bit nervous about dissecting and the whole experience but I was pleasantly surprised. It was not as weird as I thought it would be. In clinical skills, I was terrifyingly nervous about standardized patients and being filmed and getting feedback and learning how to do all the exams. We all got through it and now I feel much more comfortable. There are still hard days (like a couple of weeks ago) but I am not as nervous. I also learned how to do the male GU exam and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. 

 I also can’t believe that I went from knowing nothing to taking a history and doing a physical on a real patient all by myself AND presenting them to my preceptor. I still have a ton to learn and say stupid stuff sometimes but it feels like I’m on the right track. 

8. While sometimes first year feels like this:

You’ll have moments where you feel like

And one last bonus lesson:

Can that be the medblr motto? Also shoutout to medblr for being such an amazing and supportive community. Could not have gotten through this year without y’all!!!! 

Congratulations to all the other first years who are finishing up school or already done :) And welcome medblr class of 2020!!! So excited for y’all. 

How to Manage your Time Better

1. Have a realistic plan for your day. Don’t just work on impulse, and don’t do try to do more than you can handle.

2. Prioritize your work, and do the most important things first

3. Know what your distractions are, and take steps to control them (for example, switch off your phone)

4. Start early, and keep on going, even when you feel discouraged or fed up

5. Know what’s irrelevant, and don’t waste your time on unproductive, or pointless things

6. Switch between focused work and lots of short breaks

7. Be flexible if you meet with obstacles, or things don’t turn out the way you’d planned.

No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true. Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

Steve Jobs (via xwg)

People with passion can change the world for the better.

Steve Jobs (via forbes)

A-Level students right now