One of the most frequently asked questions vet students get from new applicants is "How are you paying for school?" They tend to follow up this question by explaining that they are reluctant to go to school because of the large amount of debt students acquire. By saying this is a loaded question would be an understatement. The following commentary is my own opinion, and in no way reflects the opinions of other students. That being said, what I am going to advise and write next may be inappropriate for viewers that are easily offended. Continue reading at your own risk.
If I'm honest, it really irritates me when applicants reveal that they are questioning going to vet school. First of all, you have already put in so much work to get this far. You've taken the classes, studied the material, volunteered and worked with animals, and you just now decide to look at the debt-to-income ratio? That's just plain irresponsible and negligence. You should look at all aspects before you even decide to start pursuing a career.
Secondly, if you are not certain that this is the right decision for you, DON'T APPLY. Veterinary Medicine is an incredibly competitive field, and people that aren't completely ready to commit to taking on the debt that comes with the degree are selfish. When you apply, you are compared to every other applicant. There may be someone who truly wants this, and is prepared to face the debt, but their grades might be lower than someone who decides at the last minute to question their decision. More often than not, the student with the higher grades is going to be picked. By questioning your decision, you take that chance away from someone that really wants it, and probably deserves it more than you do.
Lastly, if you are looking for a career to make money, this career is not for you. Don't waste your time. Veterinarians do not make half of what pharmacists or physicians make. Plus, medical school is easier to get into. Go there if you want to make money. But truly, if you aren't prepared to take a position that you LOVE, regardless of the income, then you should probably reconsider your ambitions. Veterinarians have a lot of debt. It is what it is, and it isn't a big deal. There are resources to help you manage your loan payments, and programs to alleviate the amount of debt in the long run.
If becoming a veterinarian is something that you truly want to do, then the money ought not to matter.
That's my two cents. Take it as you will.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Friday, April 22, 2016
Big Animals and Big Heartache
The past two weeks have been some of the widest-in-range when it comes to my emotions. In addition to being exhausted from studying (I failed a physiology exam, and really need to step up my game in that class), I've been ridiculously happy, and horribly heartbroken all within a span of about two weeks.
One of the best experiences I have had in labs thus far has been being able to actually interact with live animals. This week, we were able to learn from both horses and cows, two animals I want to work with as a veterinarian. Midwestern is unique in that it is one of the few schools in the US that currently have models called Haptic Cow and Haptic Horse. These plastic models allow users to experience a virtual reproductive or digestive tract, without having to palpate a live animal. I personally found these to be super cool, but if I am honest, it was actually harder to figure out what things felt like in the virtual world versus actually being inside the animal. However, the faculty was so helpful in guiding us, and it was a great tool to map out where structures should be in the tract. My favorite feature was that you could feel for an aortic pulse, and you actually felt a heartbeat from within the model. I forgot to take any photos of the haptic devices, but you can read more about these tools here.
The school isn't currently set up to allow equine palpation, but they have a plastic model horse with blow-up organs that can be adjusted to mimic colic, impaction, or displacements. We were able to palpate what each of these things felt like, and learn the overall anatomy of the digestive system. In addition, we were able to ultrasound our live horses legs to see their tendons, which was very cool.
When you go to vet school, there are several "Rites of Passage" that you will have to go through. One of the messiest (although most fun) is bovine palpation lab. It is important for all veterinarians to know how to perform a basic physical exam on any animal that may come to their clinic. Part of a cow's physical is rectal palpation. I personally want to work with farm animals and small animals, so I was especially excited to learn the technique. While some of my classmates were less than enthusiastic, we all had a fun time with the girls. We have 8 Holsteins and 3 Jersey cows currently at Midwestern, and they each have their own personality. Phyllis is probably the sassiest cow, and she will poo the entire palpation, as I found out very quickly. But hey, it's all part of the experience! My favorite cow, Rose, even look the liberty of peeing on me to show her appreciation! Thanks, Rose!
Palpating cows was so much fun, and I was surprised at how much easier it was to identify structures the second time around. The first time I practiced palpation, everything felt like poo. This time, I identified cervix, uterine horns, aorta, kidney, rumen, and even an ovary with a corpus luteum! We also got to watch one of our vets administer a lumbosacral epidural, which vets give to cows that are having a hard time calving, or have a prolapse. Did you know that veterinarians perform C-sections on cows while they are standing up? Pretty amazing!
One of the best experiences I have had in labs thus far has been being able to actually interact with live animals. This week, we were able to learn from both horses and cows, two animals I want to work with as a veterinarian. Midwestern is unique in that it is one of the few schools in the US that currently have models called Haptic Cow and Haptic Horse. These plastic models allow users to experience a virtual reproductive or digestive tract, without having to palpate a live animal. I personally found these to be super cool, but if I am honest, it was actually harder to figure out what things felt like in the virtual world versus actually being inside the animal. However, the faculty was so helpful in guiding us, and it was a great tool to map out where structures should be in the tract. My favorite feature was that you could feel for an aortic pulse, and you actually felt a heartbeat from within the model. I forgot to take any photos of the haptic devices, but you can read more about these tools here.
The school isn't currently set up to allow equine palpation, but they have a plastic model horse with blow-up organs that can be adjusted to mimic colic, impaction, or displacements. We were able to palpate what each of these things felt like, and learn the overall anatomy of the digestive system. In addition, we were able to ultrasound our live horses legs to see their tendons, which was very cool.
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| Our model (looks like she can skate!) |
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| In we go... |
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| Sometimes it's hard to figure out what you are feeling! (This is my, "what the heck is that?!" face) |
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| Christine and me with Tank |
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| Go big or go home! Brittany settled for the smaller Jersey |
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| All in a day's work. |
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| The life of a large animal vet! |
I mentioned at the beginning of this post that I experienced some sadness this week. Now, I am a Minnesota girl, born and raised. I am incredibly proud of my home state, and one thing about Minnesotans is that we have a real sense of community and family for our celebrities. Yesterday, April 21, 2016, I was taking a brief moment to browse Twitter in anesthesia lecture (future vet students, try not to do that), and I saw that Prince had passed away. I immediately texted my dad and asked him to keep me updated.
My family knows that as a dancer and a Minnesotan, I absolutely adore Prince. I remember attending a show at his club (First Avenue) and I looked over, and saw Prince standing there. I kid you not, it was almost God-like seeing him in person (by the way, he is very short, and even more beautiful in person).
It was a sad day for Minnesota. Seeing all of the pictures and videos of people flocking to Paisley Park (Prince's home) and First Ave made me miss home more than ever. The outpouring of love from Minnesotans, and even non-residents, warmed my heart. Prince's family even gave pizza to those bringing flowers to Paisley. I will for sure return to Minnesota and visit these places to pay my respects.
As a little extra for this post, I'd like to share my top 3 (technically 4) Prince songs with you. Because you can't be a Minnesotan and dislike Prince!
#3. Raspberry Beret.
I used to listen to this song almost every day walking to class at the University of Minnesota. Listening to it now brings back memories of college, and genuinely just makes me feel happy.
#2. When Doves Cry.
This is a classic Prince song. With its soulful lyrics, this song reaches right into your core. All the feels. Fun fact, this song lacks a bass line, which was a unique feature for music at the time of its release. In addition to vocals, Prince played all the instruments in this song.
#1.5 P Control.
One of the rare Prince songs, I was introduced to this song by one of my best friends while we were working nights at the hospital. I won't tell you what the P stands for, but go ahead and look up this song. It is the ultimate feminist anthem, and I really enjoy it.
#1. Kiss.
I don't know if it is the song or the music video I adore more, but I have vivid memories of dancing around my house/dorm/apartment to this on repeat. It has been my favorite Prince song for years, and it is excellent to sing while in the shower or tub ala Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman."
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| Rest Peacefully, Sweet Prince. |
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Social Media
Hi! You can now follow Ventures in Vet School on Instagram and Twitter! Also, you can follow my class on Instagram now too!
Twitter: @venturesincvm
Instagram: venturesinvetschool
Midwestern CVM 2019: mwuvetmed2019
Twitter: @venturesincvm
Instagram: venturesinvetschool
Midwestern CVM 2019: mwuvetmed2019
Friday, April 8, 2016
Holy Cow!
It is hard to believe I am half way through my final quarter of first year. I've been in Arizona for nine months, and they have flown by! I'm so excited to finish first year and see what second year will be like. I'm most excited/nervous for pharmacology. I hope that I can do well with my background in human pharmacy.
One of the most surprising things about my first year is that I've discovered my love for large animal medicine. We had our first bovine labs, and continued with physical exams on horses. After only two sessions, I decided that pursuing a mixed track is something I would like to do. Being from rural Minnesota, I think it will be good to have skills in both large and small animal since there are not many large animal veterinarians out there.
A few of my classmates and I had the opportunity to volunteer at an alumni picnic for the DO and Pharmacy programs. The event was held at the bovine/equine center, and I had an amazing time giving the alumni tours of the facilities and speaking about the College of Veterinary Medicine. I am looking forward to volunteering at similar events soon!
In addition to working with cows for the first time, I also got to shadow the second year students in the surgery suite. It is amazing to see what they can do, and I almost can't believe that in less than a year, I will be doing the same!
I am still pretty sure I want to move back to Minnesota after graduation, but I do have to admit that Arizona has some funny little creatures. These three geckos hang out on my balcony every night!
One of the most surprising things about my first year is that I've discovered my love for large animal medicine. We had our first bovine labs, and continued with physical exams on horses. After only two sessions, I decided that pursuing a mixed track is something I would like to do. Being from rural Minnesota, I think it will be good to have skills in both large and small animal since there are not many large animal veterinarians out there.
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| This is Ellen. She was not happy about being in the chute! |
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| Gonna have to get used to cow slime...Thanks Ellen |
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| Tying for venipuncture. |
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| Scout helped us in our equine lab |
A few of my classmates and I had the opportunity to volunteer at an alumni picnic for the DO and Pharmacy programs. The event was held at the bovine/equine center, and I had an amazing time giving the alumni tours of the facilities and speaking about the College of Veterinary Medicine. I am looking forward to volunteering at similar events soon!
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| Volunteering in the sunshine! |
In addition to working with cows for the first time, I also got to shadow the second year students in the surgery suite. It is amazing to see what they can do, and I almost can't believe that in less than a year, I will be doing the same!
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| Surgery was awesome! Special thanks to Danielle (second from right) for making our caps! |
I am still pretty sure I want to move back to Minnesota after graduation, but I do have to admit that Arizona has some funny little creatures. These three geckos hang out on my balcony every night!
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| They didn't get me a discount on insurance... |
Stay tuned for more ventures in vet school!
Friday, March 18, 2016
It's not just puppies and kittens. Vet School Realities
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.
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.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Motivation
There are moments throughout vet school that will make you question what you were thinking when you decided to embark on this doctoral journey. Most of these moments will occur around exam time, and it can be hard to stay motivated to study sometimes. When I get stressed, I either throw myself completely into my work, or shut down completely. This week, I'm on the verge of shutting down. All because of a class called Veterinary Physiology. Specifically, neurophysiology.
I can assure you, I did not get into vet school based solely on my grades. Although I am smart, I am not a test taker. I am only recently learning to keep myself calm during exams and am beginning to see higher marks. That being said, I tend to be okay with getting lower exam grades, because I know the material, regardless of what score I receive. However, there are some subjects that will never be easy for me to understand, and one of these is neurophysiology. Honestly, physiology in general is difficult for me. There are so many details, and it is hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that all of these things occur inside the body system.
It is incredibly difficult not to compare myself to other students. Especially those that do so well. Needless to say, I tend to be really hard on myself and that sometimes leads me down a very dark path into a negative mindset. By the time I am ready to shut down, it is hard to pull myself up and motivate myself to keep going. Add in personal stresses outside of vet school, and it is a royal recipe for disaster.
I've made a list of things that help keep me going when these moods hit. I hope that you find them helpful too.
1. Remember you aren't alone.
This sounds easier said than done, but chances are, in a class of 100 students, there is at least one or more students that are feeling the same way you are. The thing about vet school is that we aren't competing anymore. We've all made it and we are all going to be doctors. We are a family and we have to support each other. Of course there are going to be people you don't get along with, and there are always cliques, but for the most part, your classmates are there to support you and help you through whatever situation you are going through. Reach out to your classmates. It will help.
2. Read the SDN forums for your incoming class
I've been following the newest applicants for next year at Midwestern and Minnesota on Student Doctor Network, and one of the things that really makes me feel happy is reading posts by newly accepted students. It brings me back to when I was first accepted, and how excited I was. There is also a real sense of humbleness in reading these posts as well, because I read the posts from rejected students, and I realize (again) how blessed I am to be here, even if it is hard at the moment. We were chosen to our programs for a reason, and for each accepted student, there's several that had to be turned away. It is important to never take this opportunity for granted, because there are people that would give anything to be in our position. (no matter how miserable we may be at the moment!)
3. Call your family
Besides your vet school family, remember your loved ones. Moving out of Minnesota was the hardest thing I have ever done, and my heart breaks every day when I think about how far away from my family I am. But I know that even from afar, they are there for me and will always be there to cheer me up and tell me I can do it. I make everyone send me pictures of home, and it makes me happy knowing that in a few short years I will be able to go home again.
4. Practice self-care
No matter how stressed you are, or how many lectures you feel like you will never get through, it is vital to take care of yourself first. I refuse to sacrifice sleep while I am in school. Mainly because I am prone to crankiness and mid-lecture narcolepsy, but also because I cannot function if I am tired. My brain will remember every song lyric from early 90s songs, but I won't be able to distinguish a vein from an artery. It is important to sleep well, but also to eat well while in school. By nourishing your brain, you will feel less tired and be less likely to get sick if you are getting all your vitamins and minerals. I can tell when I am lacking protein, for example, and I will take an extra half an hour to cook some meat and make a good meal for myself. It is also important to get exercise. This boosts your mood, and helps keep your body fit and healthy. I like to hit up the gym at my apartment and do a little cardio and lift some weights. I also make sure to stretch really well every day, because stretching makes me feel lean and strong. I also am a huge advocate for bubble baths. Once or twice a week (sometimes more), I like to draw a hot bath and spend an hour relaxing and listening to music. Sometimes I bring my notes in and study a little bit, but most of the time I listen to music and surf the web. I also take a couple hours a week to just relax in front of the TV. Now I know that this seems like a lot of hours in the week that I am giving up to relax rather than study, but whenever I skip these self-care tasks, I find myself feeling horrible and upset. I would rather take a few hours for myself and be happy than have perfect grades.
5. Remember why you started
Time for a little tough love. WE CHOSE THIS. We came into this program knowing that it was going to be hard. But, of course, that doesn't make our tough moments less justified. You are allowed to feel upset and sad and angry even. It's okay. But try to remember why you started in the first place. I love animals, and I want to take care of them as their doctor. And that is sometimes all the motivation I need to keep going.
I can assure you, I did not get into vet school based solely on my grades. Although I am smart, I am not a test taker. I am only recently learning to keep myself calm during exams and am beginning to see higher marks. That being said, I tend to be okay with getting lower exam grades, because I know the material, regardless of what score I receive. However, there are some subjects that will never be easy for me to understand, and one of these is neurophysiology. Honestly, physiology in general is difficult for me. There are so many details, and it is hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that all of these things occur inside the body system.
It is incredibly difficult not to compare myself to other students. Especially those that do so well. Needless to say, I tend to be really hard on myself and that sometimes leads me down a very dark path into a negative mindset. By the time I am ready to shut down, it is hard to pull myself up and motivate myself to keep going. Add in personal stresses outside of vet school, and it is a royal recipe for disaster.
I've made a list of things that help keep me going when these moods hit. I hope that you find them helpful too.
1. Remember you aren't alone.
This sounds easier said than done, but chances are, in a class of 100 students, there is at least one or more students that are feeling the same way you are. The thing about vet school is that we aren't competing anymore. We've all made it and we are all going to be doctors. We are a family and we have to support each other. Of course there are going to be people you don't get along with, and there are always cliques, but for the most part, your classmates are there to support you and help you through whatever situation you are going through. Reach out to your classmates. It will help.
2. Read the SDN forums for your incoming class
I've been following the newest applicants for next year at Midwestern and Minnesota on Student Doctor Network, and one of the things that really makes me feel happy is reading posts by newly accepted students. It brings me back to when I was first accepted, and how excited I was. There is also a real sense of humbleness in reading these posts as well, because I read the posts from rejected students, and I realize (again) how blessed I am to be here, even if it is hard at the moment. We were chosen to our programs for a reason, and for each accepted student, there's several that had to be turned away. It is important to never take this opportunity for granted, because there are people that would give anything to be in our position. (no matter how miserable we may be at the moment!)
3. Call your family
Besides your vet school family, remember your loved ones. Moving out of Minnesota was the hardest thing I have ever done, and my heart breaks every day when I think about how far away from my family I am. But I know that even from afar, they are there for me and will always be there to cheer me up and tell me I can do it. I make everyone send me pictures of home, and it makes me happy knowing that in a few short years I will be able to go home again.
4. Practice self-care
No matter how stressed you are, or how many lectures you feel like you will never get through, it is vital to take care of yourself first. I refuse to sacrifice sleep while I am in school. Mainly because I am prone to crankiness and mid-lecture narcolepsy, but also because I cannot function if I am tired. My brain will remember every song lyric from early 90s songs, but I won't be able to distinguish a vein from an artery. It is important to sleep well, but also to eat well while in school. By nourishing your brain, you will feel less tired and be less likely to get sick if you are getting all your vitamins and minerals. I can tell when I am lacking protein, for example, and I will take an extra half an hour to cook some meat and make a good meal for myself. It is also important to get exercise. This boosts your mood, and helps keep your body fit and healthy. I like to hit up the gym at my apartment and do a little cardio and lift some weights. I also make sure to stretch really well every day, because stretching makes me feel lean and strong. I also am a huge advocate for bubble baths. Once or twice a week (sometimes more), I like to draw a hot bath and spend an hour relaxing and listening to music. Sometimes I bring my notes in and study a little bit, but most of the time I listen to music and surf the web. I also take a couple hours a week to just relax in front of the TV. Now I know that this seems like a lot of hours in the week that I am giving up to relax rather than study, but whenever I skip these self-care tasks, I find myself feeling horrible and upset. I would rather take a few hours for myself and be happy than have perfect grades.
5. Remember why you started
Time for a little tough love. WE CHOSE THIS. We came into this program knowing that it was going to be hard. But, of course, that doesn't make our tough moments less justified. You are allowed to feel upset and sad and angry even. It's okay. But try to remember why you started in the first place. I love animals, and I want to take care of them as their doctor. And that is sometimes all the motivation I need to keep going.
Friday, January 29, 2016
Hell Week Survival
Today marks the end of what the CVM class of 2019 dubbed "Hell Week." It consisted of three exams, two simulations, four writing assignments, an interview, and, if you were proactive, a pathology assignment/quiz and a nutritional analysis. Now, I am sure that there are plenty of vet schools that have multiple exams in one week, and probably even multiple exams in one day. However, the thing to consider in relation to the program I am in is that we are a quarter system. We ideally fit 16 weeks worth of material into 8, which means we have a LOT of information to handle. It isn't unbearable (most of the time), but it does take a toll on your brain, let alone your emotions. I know I am stressed to the max because I have an eruption of breakouts across my face, and I haven't eaten a decent meal or been to the gym in over a week. I'm honestly surprised I've showered this week. But I made it, give or take a couple embarrassing moments, which I will share with you now.
1. During the anatomy exam, I made the mistake of confusing tears (from lacrimal glands) with cerebrospinal fluid (in the brain). Whoops...
2. By the time I got to the practical, I couldn't remember arteries from nerves. All I was thinking about was the nap I could take when the exam was over.
3. I was typing a post-simulation assignment shortly after the anatomy exam and was very clearly falling asleep and entering strange levels of consciousness. At one point I actually wrote something about underwear. (I think I meant to type something about helping the client to understand, but Lord knows where I was going with that or how I got to underwear...)
4. The afternoon before the exam, I slammed two energy drinks and STILL managed to fall asleep over my notes for a couple hours. The struggle was real, guys.
Note to self: the crash from several b12 tablets chased with alertness beverages is rough.
Although this week was hell, I wouldn't change this experience for anything. I am so blessed to be here, and I never want to take this opportunity for granted. As horribly stressful as this week was, and despite all of my studying, I didn't perform as well as I wanted to. Initially, I was really upset. I felt that I had spent days of my life studying and trying to understand this material, and I couldn't pull off an A. But something one of my professors said this week hit me. He said, "What do you call the person that graduates academically last from veterinary college?"
The answer is Doctor.
We are given this opportunity to become doctors, and only a very small portion of that is based on academics. The skills we need outside of textbooks are just as important to becoming great veterinarians. Fortunately, I think I have that portion of this program under my belt, so I try very hard not to let the lower grades bring me down. As long as I do the very best I can, that is all I can ask for. Some people learn in different ways, and some people take longer to understand things. Just because I can't regurgitate information for an exam doesn't mean that I don't understand the concepts. As hard as it is to have faith in yourself, it is absolutely necessary if we are ever going to survive the next four years.
That being said, it is also important to not let studies overcome your life, because the crash is not fun. Every now and then an all-nighter is warranted. But I make sure to sleep if I need to sleep, and take a break if I need to take a break. My mental health is more important than a perfect score on an exam. Take care of yourself, and you will be able to take better care of others.
Just a friendly reminder.
1. During the anatomy exam, I made the mistake of confusing tears (from lacrimal glands) with cerebrospinal fluid (in the brain). Whoops...
2. By the time I got to the practical, I couldn't remember arteries from nerves. All I was thinking about was the nap I could take when the exam was over.
3. I was typing a post-simulation assignment shortly after the anatomy exam and was very clearly falling asleep and entering strange levels of consciousness. At one point I actually wrote something about underwear. (I think I meant to type something about helping the client to understand, but Lord knows where I was going with that or how I got to underwear...)
4. The afternoon before the exam, I slammed two energy drinks and STILL managed to fall asleep over my notes for a couple hours. The struggle was real, guys.
Note to self: the crash from several b12 tablets chased with alertness beverages is rough.
Although this week was hell, I wouldn't change this experience for anything. I am so blessed to be here, and I never want to take this opportunity for granted. As horribly stressful as this week was, and despite all of my studying, I didn't perform as well as I wanted to. Initially, I was really upset. I felt that I had spent days of my life studying and trying to understand this material, and I couldn't pull off an A. But something one of my professors said this week hit me. He said, "What do you call the person that graduates academically last from veterinary college?"
The answer is Doctor.
We are given this opportunity to become doctors, and only a very small portion of that is based on academics. The skills we need outside of textbooks are just as important to becoming great veterinarians. Fortunately, I think I have that portion of this program under my belt, so I try very hard not to let the lower grades bring me down. As long as I do the very best I can, that is all I can ask for. Some people learn in different ways, and some people take longer to understand things. Just because I can't regurgitate information for an exam doesn't mean that I don't understand the concepts. As hard as it is to have faith in yourself, it is absolutely necessary if we are ever going to survive the next four years.
That being said, it is also important to not let studies overcome your life, because the crash is not fun. Every now and then an all-nighter is warranted. But I make sure to sleep if I need to sleep, and take a break if I need to take a break. My mental health is more important than a perfect score on an exam. Take care of yourself, and you will be able to take better care of others.
Just a friendly reminder.
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