February 3, 2007
I just finished with my first semester of
Medical School in Havana, Cuba 2006-2007 school year. I did it! I PASSED all my
finals (Biochemistry I, Anatomy I, Histology I, General Internal Medicine,
History of Medicine) despite being obligated to learn the material in a second
language (Spanish). I am so relieved and proud that I made it to this point
after my hard work and the support I received from family, friends, and
individuals whom have never physically met me but still offered words of
encouragement and financial assistance. We only have one week of vacation in
between semesters, then we go right back to studying. Next semester we have
Biochemistry II, Anatomy II (Neurology), Physiology I, Embryology I, and
Histology II (I’m prepared to get less sleep next semester). I am in good
spirits and health, and I am ready to proceed forward.
I know next semester will fly by quickly and I will successfully complete that
obstacle as well. I miss all of my family and friends deeply, so I am eager to
spend quality time with you this summer vacation. Due to the high cost of
telephone calls and lack of Internet time, it has been hard to keep in contact.
There were a countless number of times where I wished to have the ability to
make that phone call just to see what’s going on or to vent off any frustrations
I encountered. However, I learned to adjust and fill the void by befriending
several of my classmates whom come from similar backgrounds and with similar
goals and aspirations. Nevertheless, you all are irreplaceable and I anticipate
my departure date after completing another semester of Medical School.
I apologize for not being able to update my website on a regular basis, but this
summer I will make it a priority to respond to e-mails and add information on my
status in Medical School. Hopefully I will be able to throw something where
everyone can personally ask me questions or simply meet me.
Again, I am thankful not only to the Cuban Ministry of Health for allowing me to
study in this beautiful country, but as well to the people who assisted and
continue to support me in the completion of this program. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Joya Mosley
First year Medical Student
Latin American School of Medicine
Havana, Cuba
Help Joya realize her dream of becoming a doctor! Please consider a donation. Make your gift payable to Joya Mosley, P.O. Box 76399, Milwaukee, WI 53216. Those with additional questions, or who may require a personal interview, can contact Joya via e-mail at joyamd@yahoo.com.
For those who wish their contributions to be tax-deductible, and handled through IFCO, please send checks to IFCO, made out with "for Joya Mosley" in the memo section, mailable to IFCO, 418 W 145th Street, New York, NY 10031