A lot of people think that being a veterinarian means we get to cuddle cute puppies and play with adorable kittens all day, and maybe use the stethoscope once in awhile. Vet students know this couldn't be further from the truth.
The same goes for vet school.
I knew this wasn't going to be easy. But what I didn't know was that the difficult part for me would be the social aspect of school.
Disclaimer: These are all my own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of anyone else in vet school.
Vet school, as I have discovered, is really a strange version of high school. Only everyone is nerdy, just in different ways. What I mean is that the number of "cliques" is astonishing to me, and the maturity level of the students in vet school is less than admirable.
I'm not perfect. I definitely have negativity spewing from me at times, and I definitely have no desire to spend time with certain classmates outside of school. However, being a true Minnesotan, I try to exude a little something known as "Minnesota Nice." I try to be polite and respectful to everyone, but there are times when I'm known to throw a bit of shade.
The thing is, cliques aren't bad. It wouldn't make sense to hang out with people that don't share your interests, because you wouldn't enjoy yourself. But the way you treat people outside of your own niche says a lot about you as a person.
The main cliques in vet school are: food animal people, horse, people, and small animal people. I began vet school primarily as a small animal person, but with the growing need for large animal veterinarians at home, I've been drawn more to wanting to learn as much as I can about food animal medicine. The problem is, there is a lot of animosity between the "cliques" and more than once I have heard comments made that seem to put down anyone who wants to try to break the boundaries of the clique.
The thing is, we are all paying for the same education. Shouldn't we all be entitled to the same opportunities to learn? I pay tuition too, and I deserve the chance to experience all that I can get. I would love to see the day when students begin to reach out to each other and offer to help by using their knowledge to teach those who are eager to learn.
If you are someone who feels passionately about your specific area of interest, please don't frown upon those that want to learn your passion too. Honestly, that is just selfish. And also, it is just plain rude. Take a moment to check your pride and step back. These people will be your colleagues, and we will all be working towards the same goal. Stop competing and stop being selfish, and frankly, just shut up and let people be.
Okay, now that I have aired my grievances regarding cliques, let me discuss the lack of maturity among vet students.
I'm one of the older students in my class. I spent a few years after graduation teaching and working in a hospital. I don't know if it is because there are so many students that are fresh out of undergrad, and they haven't had much life experience outside of school, or what, but not a day goes by that I don't shake my head at something I see or hear in class.
I want this post to be somewhat helpful, rather than just informative, so I've compiled a list of helpful hints to help future vet students prepare for a professional program.
1. Don't interrupt your professor.
Yes, I am sure you will have dozens of questions or comments, but before you shout out in class, ask yourself whether your question will be beneficial to the rest of the students. If it isn't relevant to the current lecture topic, write it down and ask your professor later. There isn't a lot of extra time for professors to answer several questions. So unless you need clarification on something, save it for after class. Similarly, wait for your professor to finish his/her point. They may answer your question, so let them finish the slide before asking questions.
2. Dress appropriately.
Ladies, I am all about expressing yourself and dressing however you want to. Unfortunately, we are students representing our program at our schools, and we need to respect their dress code. If the handbook says business casual, please don't wear inappropriate clothing. Make sure your skirts are a decent length. Wear those short ones outside of class! And men, you need to keep it classy too.
3. Don't come late
Seriously, everyone notices when you walk into class ten minutes late. We hear the door slam, and we see you climbing over classmates to get to your spot, and the professors see it too. If you are going to be late, be quiet. Close the door softly, sit in the back, and take the time to email your professor and apologize for your tardiness. A simple courtesy goes a long way.
4. Don't leave early.
I don't care if class ended three minutes ago; if the professor is still speaking, sit there and listen. If you are in vet school, chances are you have the exact same schedule as everyone else in that room, so you don't need to rush to be anywhere. Give your professors the time to finish what they have to say, especially if your professor was kind enough to stop and answer your unrelated questions. What they have to say is probably important.
and finally,
5. Silence your freaking phone.
It's not like cell phones just came out. Learn to use it.
