Making Tough Decisions
Spring semester is a time for new beginnings and new chapters. As a senior undergraduate, this is the time to make plans for the future.
Over winter break, I made it a personal goal of mine to map out “what ifs” for my future.
I have decided to take a gap year before applying to veterinary school. My parents and quite a few people I know were disappointed to hear that I did not apply for veterinary school last summer; however, I felt relieved.
Mentally, I do not feel prepared for the rigor of vet school, yet. After working as an ambassador for almost three years, I have been given an amazing opportunity to work closely with veterinary students, veterinarians, and faculty members.
From hearing the students’ personal stories on how they got to veterinary school, whether it was applying early, on time, or taking a gap year or more, I made a decision for myself to wait at least one year before applying.
In the meantime, my “what ifs” consist of working full time at a vet clinic, taking online classes to bring up my GPA, doing a non-thesis masters, and/or graduate research.
The future is so unknown and so far from “tomorrow” that it is hard to know where I will be and what I will be doing prior to vet school. I still intend with 100 percent confidence to apply to vet school, but it will now be a matter of “when.”
By looking forward to the future, I also had time to reflect on my past to get me where I am today.
My college career has been full of laughter, tears, and passion. I started off my freshman year in six student organizations, whereas now I’m in four student organizations and working two jobs.
I have gone from a general member of Patriot Paws of Aggieland to president of the organization, continuing to serve in the training of service dogs for veterans in need.
I am a student worker in equine research, and I have gone from living in a dorm to living in a house off campus.
I also am in a serious relationship of over three years, and I own a dog now.
Reflecting on where I started my college career, loving
where I am today, and anticipating the future ahead, I can say that despite the tears, stress, and mental breakdowns, I do not regret who I have become.
College has both challenged and changed me, for better or for worse.
What I know now is that this semester is my final spring as an undergraduate, and I couldn’t be prouder about it.