Back in routine

Isn’t it amazing how easy you slip back into your old routine after a vacation? I’ve been at it again for 4 weeks now, and it almost seems like I never went away. One week ago I started a new course, which is an extra pull back into reality. Those 3 weeks of writing my thesis were easy compared to the 9 to 5 classes, filled with endless presentations. Although it  is a interesting subject about vaccines and vaccination, after 4 hours of presentations my brain is just swamped with information. And my but is beginning to hurt from the hard chairs. Really, are they trying to make it even flatter than it already is?! Also the weather has taken a turn to the cold, marking the return to normal life. It’s unbelievable: two weeks ago (during my thesis) my friend and I decided to take a break from writing, and treat ourselves to a trip to the Primark and the beach, while wearing shorts and summer dresses. And now, two weeks later, I’m actually wearing the winter sweaters I bought during the hot sunglasses-and-ice-cream Primark trip. The Dutch weather is really the most unpredictable thing… And we are famous for complaining about it ;)
Other good news! My application fund from the Dutch Cancer Society good approved! Finally, after the previous fund rejection some good news. Which sort of feels justified, since we are loyal contributors and my dad did many projects funded by the foundation. Unfortunately, at the same time my friend is experiencing firsthand how lazy and unhelpful a psychiatrist can be. After my bad experience I warned her about taking a (bachelor) thesis position at the children’s psychiatric department, but we were both confident that it wouldn’t turn out as crazy as mine. However, after just 4 weeks she’s beginning to regret her decision. He burns her writing down to the ground, without ever making suggesting for improvement, and told her to work with a statistics program she’s never heard of and has no experience with. He told her to just “figure it out” and seems very reluctant to help her. So she’s asked me if I could help her out, which of course I will try to do as much as I can. But it does make you wander about the profession of psychiatrist. For someone who job it is to talk to people, they seem to have very little communication skills. Luckily I have my program coordinator to stand by my side. She has talked about my previous internship, the supervisor and seemed genuinely shocked and helpful to straighten things out. So I’m happy this thing can finally come to somewhat of a happy end. Anyway, can’t dwell on it anymore now, need to start learning for my exam next week. ;)

Hope you have a nice weekend!

Willemijn