Tuesday June 14th 2011

The stresses of Internet connections and homework.

Today is Epi-Info day. I've been working on setting up our database and setting up our questionnaires in Epi Info which took almost half the day. It is very interesting because UB wants me to have an Epi-Info class instead of the latest: SAS, which would be diffcult to do here since 
1. SAS is expensive
2. SAS is not conducive in a place with limited computer capacity
3. SAS is not simple for people without some background in computers.
I am actually disappointed that SAS is not taught in the Epidemiology department. The only exposure i have received about EPI-Info was in Global Health 2 with Dr. Corvin (Thank you Dr. Corvin). I think it should be woven in, especially for students who decide to be dual program students in the Global health department and whatever other department. The program is very simple and it is good to have this background especially for those of us (like myself) who want to work in the international arena in some global capacity. Nonetheless, I am excited because I now get to reacquaint myself with the program and I also get to say that I have taught others about the program and what it can do. I guess in some way I am getting to give back to Belize since Belize is allowing me to gather information.

After lunch I took time off to study for my exam that I have this Thursday and Friday. I am actually very very frightened. My worst fear is the internet going out mid exam or worse yet the power going out and then me not having the ability to contact any one is the U.S to let them know my situation. I wonder if they would be sympathetic? I actually really like this EOH class and I am learning a lot. It is also confirming to me that I want to study medicine a lot more and that medicine is right for me. 
Our professor has given us the option of taking an exam that is 100 questions with 2.5 hours to take it or a 175 question exam that is 5hrs long. There is definitely a pro and con for each choice. If I take the 100 question exam and I have to do well on a lot more questions to get an "A" but if I take option 2, I have more time and can miss more questions and still get an "A" but I don't have the most reliable internet here...I need time to think and gauge what I will do, ugh! I hate having choices but also like having choices....