ConradJoseph M.

The midterm period in Biochemistry has been a challenging yet meaningful part of my journey as a first-year medical student. Compared to the preliminary period, I found the topics more difficult and demanding, requiring a deeper level of understanding, critical thinking, and application of concepts. Although I continued to put effort into studying and preparing for our assessments, I noticed that my academic performance was not as strong as it had been during the preliminaries. This was somewhat discouraging, especially knowing how much time and effort I had invested. Nevertheless, I reminded myself that learning medicine is not always about consistently achieving high scores, but also about recognizing my weaknesses, overcoming challenges, and continuously striving to improve.

Throughout the midterm period, I gained a deeper understanding of Biochemistry, particularly how the different metabolic pathways work together to produce energy and maintain the body’s normal functions. Topics such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, glycogen metabolism, and gluconeogenesis helped me appreciate the complexity of the human body and the importance of these processes in maintaining homeostasis. Beyond the academic knowledge I gained, this period also taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, discipline, and self-improvement. Compared to the preliminary period, I struggled more with understanding and retaining certain concepts, which made me realize that my previous study habits may not always be enough as the lessons become more complex. Despite these difficulties, I learned that academic growth is not always reflected by grades alone, but also by the effort, patience, and willingness to improve after every setback. This experience reminded me that becoming a physician requires not only knowledge and intelligence, but also resilience, consistency, and the determination to keep learning even when things become difficult.

Reflecting on my midterm experience, I realized the importance of adjusting my study habits, managing my time better, and prioritizing adequate sleep. I also recognize the need to make sacrifices, such as spending less time playing video games, to focus more on my studies. Furthermore, I noticed that my body is still adjusting to the physical and mental demands of medical school, as I have become more susceptible to common illnesses such as coughs and colds. These experiences reminded me that taking care of my health is just as important as fulfilling my academic responsibilities. Although this midterm period has been more challenging than the preliminaries, I see these struggles as opportunities for growth. Despite the setbacks, I remain determined to persevere, improve, and become a better student and future physician.