"What To Do" by MSIH first year blogger Stephanie Sestito


Medical students study. A lot. But, at some point your brain becomes soggy and mushy and cannot possibly absorb one more fact! At least, this is my experience. And when that happens, what do you do?

You take breaks, and have fun doing things totally unrelated to medicine! Before this semester began, I was under the assumption that I would be panic studying 24/7. Don’t get me wrong – medical school is challenging. There is an immense amount of material to learn. But it’s not wise, or healthy, to live in a constant state of stress. Learning to balance personal and professional life is a struggle faced by so many people in Western cultures, and it definitely begins in professional education. Part of what I love about MSIH is all of the opportunities that exist here – but there will never be enough time to take advantage of all of them.

So, here’s a list of my top five favorite things to do, besides study. ;)  
       Tjida, during our Sea to Sea trek        

   1.   Hang out with my furry pal! Tjida, my beloved pup, has been my most constant companion for the past 5 years. Having a pet while in school is not for everyone, but it’s worked out really well for me. He forces me to take breaks and walks, and keeps me company around my apartment.
   2.    I can’t believe I’m saying this, but… running. I’ve always hated running, but over the past year I’ve slowly become a running convert. Now I say cliché things like “it helps me clear my head,” and “it’s great for my mental health.” And I actually mean them!
Performance Rock, Beer Sheva
     
3.    Go rock climbing.  
      Beer Sheva has a fantastic bouldering gym, and I love it there! They sell coffee, (obviously a big plus for me!) beer, and popsicles made with fresh fruit. There are frequently dogs and kids running 
      around, and it’s a very supportive and friendly 
      environment. It’s easily one of my favorite places in 
      Beer Sheva.
      


       
Muhammed and Ibrahim, practicing giving directions in English
  
  4.   Teach English! On Monday nights, along with a few other students, I teach English to men from Sudan. While they’re not recognized as refugees and face many legal and social disadvantages, they are some of the most eager students I’ve ever had. Many of them have been in Israel for years, are now fluent in Hebrew and work here in Beer Sheva. It’s an honor to be able spend time with them each week.
      
Baked tofu with lemon herb couscous and salad
   

5.   Cook delicious meals. I’m a vegetarian and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by just how easy it is to find veggie and vegan options in restaurants here! But it’s way more fun to make them yourself! Trying out new recipes is great way to enjoy some creativity and fight food boredom.





 


And finally, when all I can do is study… I study while eating good food and drinking coffee. (I highly recommend the vegan shakshuka at Café Lola!) 

 A lovely Saturday morning at Cafe Lola.





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