If I could go back to my first year, I’d sit my younger self down and say:
“Hey, life isn’t just about studying. Take a breath, enjoy the journey, and remember—you’re human, not a robot.” 🤖💆♂️
Back then, I thought: “If I just study non-stop, I’ll ace everything and life will be perfect.” Spoiler alert: That’s not how it works. 😅
🔥 My Biggest Mistakes?
📌 Not solving enough past questions. Instead of focusing on how exams were structured, I drowned myself in notes. I wish I had done more active recall and practice questions—it would’ve saved me SO much stress. 🤯
📌 Thinking I had to do everything alone. I should have joined study groups earlier. Learning with others isn’t just effective— it makes things 10x easier and way more fun. 🎯
📌 Ignoring my mental and physical health. I kept pushing through exhaustion, thinking “I’ll rest after exams.” But the truth is, burnout doesn’t wait for exams to end. 😵💫
But here’s the biggest lesson of all…
✨ School Isn’t Just About Books
There were moments I should have paused. Taken a break. Gone for a walk. Enjoyed a hobby. Said a prayer. Talked to friends. Laughed. Because after years of just studying, I realized something:
Life is more than just passing exams. 📖🎢
💡 Key Takeaways
✅ Past questions are GOLD —practice them like your life depends on it. ✍🏽📖
✅ Burnout is real —don’t wait until you crash before taking a break. 🛑💆♂️
✅ Balance is key —academics, social life, mental health, all of it matters. ⚖️🧠
✅ Find a system that works for YOU —not just what everyone else is doing. 🎯
✅ Life is more than books —don’t forget to actually live. 🌍✨
🔚 Final Thoughts
Freshman year is overwhelming, but don’t lose yourself in just academics. Work hard, but also make time for life. Because trust me, medical school is a marathon, not a sprint. 🏃♂️💨
👉🏽 If you’re a freshman, what’s been your biggest challenge so far? 💭
👉🏽 If you’ve been through it, what’s one piece of advice you wish someone had told you? 💡
Written By : Esther Asiedu.
@Asiedu Esther
Final year, Medical Student
Université Hassan II de Casablanca, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie – Morocco
Posted by: Dr. Richeal Shola Makinde, UCC School of Medical Sciences Alumnus, LinkedIn Profile
