When you give vet students Play-Doh as a stress reliever.... |
We are finally learning what blood tests can actually tell us about the health of a patient, what body systems are affected, why this disease is so catastrophic if it enters the United States, how to tell parents that their child didn't get pinworms from their dog, but rather from another child at the day care center. This semester reminds me so much of the logic puzzles I loved as a kid (if you've never heard of them before, try them out here: http://www.logic-puzzles.org/ . They're addicting!!) We are now detectives, learning about palpations and how to tell that your cat has anemia because you gave it Tylenol, etc. Yes, there's a lot of work and studying still. My colleagues and I definitely hit the ground running! But it's now much more fun rather than strict memorization. I still have those thoughts of, "I don't understand any of this, I'm an imposter, I don't know anything, How can I even be a vet when I can't even tell these two white blood cells apart?" And then I find myself answering questions regarding cases in class, and I'm actually correct 85% of the time, and the other % is either a memorization failure or a brain block. My friends, family, and boyfriend continue to support me even when I have to leave the library in tears from stress. And now, I am feeling more and more confident as the semester continues.
Rolex 3-D Event 20016. This jump was about 4.5 feet tall and was filled with apples and potatoes. |
Toothless, you freaking weirdo. |
My jump I was stationed at with a vet from FL. 5 foot high with a 5 foot spread. |
Soon To Be Veterinarians:Some of you know better than others that for some reason unknown to me, I find it difficult to accept gifts. I can’t explain it. At the same time, I am fully aware of gifts that you have bestowed on me for many years, gifts that you may not even know you have given. You should know that your enthusiasm and your curiosity are what we teachers feed on. It is sustenance. It gives us worth above and beyond the basic worth we all possess as human beings. That is a gift.
That your enthusiasm and your curiosity are in no small part driven by your desire to do good by all animals only wraps the gift in a bigger gift still.
You have no idea how rewarding it has been to be surrounded by such souls for so many years.
Best Wishes and Best of Luck to all of you,
AR
Thank you Dr. R. His words have also helped to eradicate some of these negative thoughts that have been bouncing around in my head lately. I can do this. I will get through this. And if you, whoever is reading this, are in my shoes and need a friend to talk to, I will gladly help. I have a bunch of Awkward Yeti / vet school memes to keep us both laughing for hours.
On the hill before the beach, Stand By Me hike. |
No railings, only planks to walk on, and we found out the train DOES still pass through this hiking trail. |
All the best to all of you-
S.