It is 5 weeks into a new semester, one that is becoming more and more clear to me that I was born to do this work. My classes so far are still in the fundamental stages. I'm currently taking Animal Nutrition, Epidemiology (the study of mostly zoonotic diseases and animal/human public health), Pathology II, and Clinical Pathology.

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.

I guess I should mention that over this past break I was able to attend the Rolex 3-Day Event in Lexington, KY as a representative of RUSVM's SCAVMA AAEP Chapter (the American Association of Equine Practitioners.) 7 of my colleagues and I were able to network with various veterinarians on the course, were able to attend the veterinary debriefings both pre- and post- to the cross-country event, and were given a tour of Hagyard Veterinary Hospital (arguably one of the best equine hospitals in the nation). Who knows? Maybe this time next year I'll be doing an externship with them during my break. Or at the legendary Claiborne Farms? I'm still undecided at the moment about an internship vs. externship. But regardless, my mom and I were able to have some bonding time together, and I think this might be the start of an annual trip (Dad, you're coming with us, next time!) My horses at home are doing well. I still miss them every day, but now I can officially tell my parents "This is why we're feeding this brand of feed and why each horse gets something different."

Toothless, you freaking weirdo.

Life on island is much the same as ever- Toothless is still the terrible terrier, my island car has been out of commission for 2 weeks because a $10 US part hasn't been flown over from St. Martin yet, and I still love binge watching Gordon Ramsay videos and trying to learn to not be a picky eater anymore (Mom, look, I'm trying!). But I believe the rest of this semester will be a little bit sad for one reason.

My jump I was stationed at with a vet from FL.
5 foot high with a 5 foot spread.

My favorite professor, and likely one of the most influential mentors I have ever had, is leaving us after 25 years. We- the student body- are crushed to see him go. After all, there are so many other things that he could be teaching us. More anecdotes and examples that we could use later on in our careers. More "Out of the mouth of R-" quotes that never fail to put us back in a good mood. But we are all so happy for him that he finally chose to retire, to do what he pleases and not be bound to just one or two countries anymore. He deserves this. So when he sent the students the following email, his words only helped to solidify my respect for him as a mentor, as a professor, and as a human being.

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.