Transitioning from a Relaxing Spring Break to a Crazy Week

My philosophy during veterinary school has been to put 100% into whatever I do. If I decide a certain day is a study day, then I study like crazy and accomplish a lot. If I decide to take a Saturday off to go see some Fighting Texas Aggie Football, then I enjoy the game and shut out any thoughts of studying and school and live in the moment. This attitude towards school has worked for me thus far in my career, but might not be the best option for everyone. It has some great aspects, such as being able to have a life outside of vet school and not having to put my social life on hold for four years. However, it also comes with its drawbacks. This type of approach can cause a lot of stress during those “study” days because I’m forced to review a ton of material at once, usually close to the test date. But for me, it is the best balance and has made veterinary school bearable.

This spring break I didn’t touch my books the entire time. I got to spend quality time with my friends and family, who I don’t see often while in school. I also got to see a lot of live music at South by Southwest, one of my favorite spring break traditions. Since family and friends are so important to me, I spent a lot of my spring break driving and trying to see them all. I first drove to Dallas to see an old undergraduate friend and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by going to a huge parade that’s famous in Dallas. I then made my way home to Austin to visit family, old friends, and my boyfriend. I did lots of shopping and catching up with girlfriends. My boyfriend and I both took “free” days (he’s in law school and has to deal with the same school/life balance) saw some shows at South by Southwest. (Side note: if you do South by Southwest right, you get to go to a lot of shows for free, which often include free drinks and food—the perfect date for two professional students.) I then made my way to Houston to visit my college roommates, and we saw Brad Paisley at the Houston Rodeo.

I got to recharge during spring break and spend time with loved ones, which is extremely important to me. I’m now back in the grind of things and feeling overwhelmed, like I can’t come up for air. I just have to remember that this temporary stress is worth the time that I took to invest in my relationships. Vet school is only four years, but I hope the relationships I have with the people I love will last much longer.


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