Deiondra Chalwell

Hi everyone! Needing some advice please 🫶🏻 Micro has been kicking my buuuuutttt this semester to the point where I know my teacher doesn’t have hope in me 🥲 I’ve asked them for help but it’s pretty obvious , they get frustrated every time I do so, so I tend to just stay quiet and ask my other classmates for help. And that’s sad to say. I’ve tried taking my own notes , notebooklm , and now trying flashcards. I don’t know what else to do honestly 😭 I’m bummed out! It’s my final semester of my program and I want to prove her wrong! What else can you all recommend ? TIA!

New comment 19h ago

Deiondra Chalwell

2 likes • 6d

Hey Beth 🤍 first off… don’t get discouraged. Micro is HARD for a lot of us, you’re definitely not alone in this. If notes and flashcards aren’t sticking, try switching how you’re studying: 🧫 Instead of memorizing everything, focus on patterns Like: • Gram + vs Gram – • Shape (cocci, rods) • Key tests (catalase, coagulase, oxidase) 🧠 Try asking yourself: “If I saw this in the lab, how would I identify it step by step?” 💡 Also try: • Teaching it out loud (even if it’s just to yourself) • Watching quick vids (sometimes seeing it helps more than reading) • Practice questions > just notes (this is a big one) Sometimes all it takes is looking at it a different way and it starts to click. If you’re open to it, I’d genuinely love to help you more one-on-one, not just suggestions in the comments but actually working through topics with you step by step (like breaking things down, practice questions, whatever you need). 💙 Let me know and we can go from there!

Deiondra Chalwell

0 likes • 19h

@Beth Cruz Of course I got you! 😉

Justina LeSassier

Feb 3 •

General discussion

Frustrated

I’ve been studying and just doing practice questions and I keep getting 50’s! If I do 25 questions with random difficulty I’ll get half correct, if I do 50 questions, half correct, if I do 100 questions, half correct! Clearly I understand half of what I learned in the last year. I’m starting to get nervous now 😩

New comment Feb 5

Deiondra Chalwell

1 like • Feb 3

Hi Justina I’m Deiondra — I recently passed the ASCP (M) exam (on my 5th try), so I really understand how discouraging this phase can feel. Consistent 50s usually don’t mean you only know “half” the material. It often means you understand the core content but are getting tripped up by question wording or application. You might find it helpful to switch from random sets to targeted practice by topic and focus on reviewing why questions were missed. This kind of plateau is very common right before things start to click. Take a breath — you’re closer than you think. You’ve got this 💪 If you’re open to it, what areas are you finding most challenging right now? I’m happy to help strengthen any microbiology topics you’re struggling with.

Deiondra Chalwell

2 likes • Feb 4

@Justina LeSassier Yes reviewing the wrong answers is a great next step. Once you see the patterns, things usually feel a lot more manageable. When time is limited, even short, focused review sessions (instead of long random question sets) can be more effective. Go ahead and take a look at where you’re struggling most, and feel free to let me know what you notice. We can focus on tightening those areas rather than trying to do everything at once.

Marilyn Virgo

Jun '25 •

General discussion

[START HERE] Welcome to the Microscope Views Community 🦠🔬😋

👋🏾 Hello, my little Gang of Nasties! I’m really glad you’re here. This space was made specifically for students and future lab professionals who are trying to study smarter, stay motivated, and finally pass the ASCP exam without losing their minds. Whether you’re still in school, prepping for boards, or coming back after a break—this is your space. 👇 Introduce yourself to our FREE Community: 1. What’s your name? 2. Where are you in your lab journey (Student? Graduated already?) 3. Which department is your biggest struggle? 4. Which department is your favorite? I’ll go first… My name is Marilyn, aka @marilynthescientist 👩🏾‍🔬 I’m a Clinical/Medical Laboratory Scientist with 10 years of experience in the field. 💉 I’ve worked everywhere—from tiny Critical Access Hospitals to busy Level 1 Trauma Centers. 🧳 6 of those years were spent traveling across the U.S. 🩸 Currently, I’m holding it down as a Blood Bank Supervisor in California. This space is here for us to learn, laugh, rant, and master the lab world together. No dumb questions, EVER! 📲 Follow me on socials if you want extra lab tips, rants, and ratchet breakdowns: Instagram | TikTok 🧬 If you ever have questions—even the “silly” ones—DM me or post them in the group. 😤💅🏾

109

289

New comment 11h ago

Deiondra Chalwell

1 like • Feb 4

@Yvie Monkam Hy of course! I can assist with and ask microbiology-related questions, share study tips, and help explain difficult concepts when needed. I’m always happy to help clarify micro topics or point people toward helpful resources if something comes up.

Deiondra Chalwell

0 likes • Feb 4

@Yvie Monkam what topics or areas do you need help focusing on?

1-3 of 3

Level 2

14points to level up

Deiondra Chalwell

@deiondra-chalwell-4568

Entrepreneur building communities for travel, remote work skills, and microbiology study help. Let’s learn, share, and grow together!

Active 6h ago

Joined Feb 2, 2026