Thanksgiving has come and gone, and we are finally in the home
stretch of the semester. It is hard to believe that I am already
nearly halfway done with my second year of vet school. It
feels like just yesterday that I was sitting in orientation, both
excited and terrified about the challenges awaiting me. As
this semester comes to a close, I'd like to reflect a bit on my
feelings about veterinary school. To begin, I am more and
more grateful each day that I will be a part of this
profession. As classes become more clinically focused and
applicable, I find myself excited to learn and pleased with how
much I have learned already. There is a sense of pride when
you hear a veterinarian reference a drug and you understand the way
it works and why it is being used. It only takes a few of those
instances to remind you of why you're putting yourself through the
daily challenges of veterinary school.
As a second year student, I have far more time outside of the
classroom, which I certainly enjoy. I still spend a lot of my
time studying; however, I have found ways to make it more
fun. For example, my friend and I turned pharmacology
studying into a game, and it turned out to be very effective.
On days when I'm really finding it hard to be motivated, I grab a
Starbucks and find a comfortable spot in my apartment with my puppy
by my side. I can certainly say that I find second year to be
more enjoyable than first year.
With the semester drawing to a close, I am anxiously waiting for
December 5th when my finals are complete, and I can
enjoy family, friends, and the holiday season. I must admit
that my Christmas tree has been up since the week before
Thanksgiving, so I am already in the spirit! But four finals from
now I will be watching Elf, singing Christmas carols, and sipping
hot chocolate by the fire (unless it is still 80 degrees
outside). So to those of you who are taking finals, good
luck! For those of you that aren't, I am incredibly jealous.
But most of all, Happy Holidays to all of you, and see you in
2013!