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First day of Gross Anatomy. We were lectured on our subjects and how they got to Yale. It was good to know that everyone was a volunteer. No body snatching like it was done back a hundred years ago. They won't even take people who's families want to donate them. All the subjects contacted Yale with sound mind and body, filled out the paperwork, and 30 to 40% of the families will get their remains back when disection is competed at the end of the term. The best part is in the Spring there is a memorial service for those who donated their bodies. Poems are read, songs sung, respects are paid. It felt really good to know the amount of respect that goes into this, the thanks we give for those who volunteer their bodies so those may learn to help save lives. I'll definatly be at that Memorial Service.

So after orientation it was time to meet our subject. My group of six stood at our table and saw that our subject was a 78yld woman who died of a Heart Attack. We opened the table, pulled back the plastic, unwrapped the bandages and there stood this woman. You can tell she took her appearence seriously, her hair was dyed brown and her fingernails painted pink. She looked Italian or Hispanic so we chose Nonna, Italian for Grandmother.

I know this will be a rough class. They informed us that we will experience all range of emotions during our time disecting. Don't be afraid to cry or step out for a minute they told us. I really hope I can keep it together for this class.

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In other news. I'm still getting used to being here. It still doesn't feel like home. I'm still not in that comfort zone that one needs to be at home. eh maybe someday soon.