2009-2010: Holly Black

Ring try-ons

Hi everyone,

Last Wednesday/Thursday was very exciting for the juniors - we got to try on our rings that we will be getting 58 days from today!  It was a tease because of course, we had to give them back.  Now I'm really excited. =)

The weekend prior was Navy Dining In.  It was a great time with a lot of laughs, but unfortunately I felt very congested that night.  Actually, I felt like I got hit by a truck and ending up sleeping a lot afterwards.  Luckily, [knock on wood] I did not end up getting really sick.  The Command Master Chief from Norfolk was our guest speaker and, in my opinion, was the best we have had in my three years here.  He talked a lot about leadership and how to learn from senior enlisted.  He also has a great sense of humor and explained why he loves midshipmen so much.

I finished my pediatric rotation last week and began maternity clinical yesterday.  It was nice to be back at Dartmouth-Hitchcock.  However, I can already tell you that I do not want to be a labor & delivery nurse - but of course, I have to learn it.  As my dad would say "Different strokes for different folks."

It started snowing after PT this morning and now it's REALLY coming down.  We haven't seen snow in a long time, nor has there been really cold weather either [again, knock on wood].

This past weekend I went home for my great niece's christening.  It was nice to spend some time with family and of course, see the little one in her cute dress!  I felt bad because she was hungry and wanted a nap - but everyone wanted to take lots and lots of pictures. =)

Until next time,
Holly

February at the Wick

Hi everyone,

There was a question on my last blog as to what platoon I am with:  09-3-2.

It's been a while since I last posted and I apologize for that.  Time is flying, despite the fact that February always feels like the longest month at the Wick because A) it's cold and snowy and B) not much else goes on besides the weather.

Classes are going well.  I enjoy Medical Ethics because most of the class is discussion, rather than lecture.  It gets really old sitting in a classroom and listening to a professor talk, talk, talk - so it's a good change.

I am currently doing my Pediatrics rotation for nursing.  I really like the class and did well on the last exam.  However, I am really bummed that we have not had a lot of clinical experience thus far.  The first day of clinical was a complete disaster because paperwork/communication got lost somewhere between Fletcher Allen and the NU Nursing Department, so we pretty much wasted 1 of the 5 days we have there.  Day 2 was better, but a very slow one on the unit - so again, not much.  This past week clinical ended up being cancelled, so it will have to be made up at some point.  I hope the kinks get worked out before it is time to switch to the next rotation. 

The freshmen had a lot of fun yesterday on the ‘Green Mountain Experience.’  It is an annual ski/snowboard trip to Sugarbush, thus the barracks were really quiet.  I took the time to relax, get some work done, and do laundry.

Currently there is cadre training for the sophomores (corporals).  Similar to last year, it consists of two-week rotations shadowing First Sergeants, Platoon Sergeants, and Staff Sergeants.  I think it would be more beneficial to conduct this training earlier in the year when the freshmen are really locked on into Rookdom, but hey – it is still training.

The Officer Selection list came out last week and boards are being conducted this week to determine positions for next year’s seniors (myself included).  My board is on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, I will be getting my wisdom teeth pulled over Spring break.  I’m not looking forward to it, but they are starting to move and it is making my gums sore.

Junior Ring is 75 days away and ring try-ons are right around the corner!

That’s about it for now…

Until next time,
Holly