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Lessons Learned from Last Semester

I’ve made it through my first semester as a veterinary student and am now charging my way through second semester. As I look at the classes, labs, tests, and experiences that lie ahead this semester, it is a perfect time to reflect on all that I learned from last semester and how it will help me moving forward.

 

Our first test of this semester is already just around the corner. In your first year, it is typical to have a test on Monday and Friday each week. This schedule can be demanding at first, but you learn ways to manage your time in order to succeed.

 

Last semester, I fell into a schedule of studying for a particular test as it came up, which ended up leaving me with very little time during the weekends before Monday tests. Losing weekends for consecutive weeks definitely took a toll on me, and I got very tired later in the semester.  Knowing what I know now, I plan to try a different approach to studying for my tests. Each day, it is my goal to set aside 30 minutes to an hour right after school during which I will stay at the school and recap all of the things I learned in each class.

 

Then, at least once a week, I plan to review again the things I learned in class that week. Hopefully with this strategy, I can keep topics fresher on my mind, instead of learning something in class and then not revisiting it until the week before the test.

 

I’d also like to see if this helps free up more of my time on the weekends so that I can use that time to relax and recharge or take care of things like grocery shopping and cleaning. I also found it challenging to put aside time to take care of my physical health last semester, especially on weeks with two tests.

 

Now, I am making it a goal to use the gym at the veterinary school at least three days a week, since I know that once I am home, I tend to focus on studying and can forget to fit in a workout. From the times I did stick to my workout schedule last semester, I found that it really made me feel better and more awake during the day and also served as a great mental break from studying. For that reason, I want to make my physical health an even bigger priority this semester.

Veterinary school is, without a doubt, a challenging time, but reflecting on the things you learn about yourself can help guide you toward a more successful future. It’s all about learning what works best for you and what is sustainable with your schedule!

Staying Involved with Aggie Traditions

As an undergraduate, I fell in love with all of the amazing traditions at Texas A&M. Once I began veterinary school, I worried that I may not have as much time to participate in such events, but I’ve found the opposite to be true! There are still plenty of opportunities to experience what makes this school so great.

One of my favorite traditions, Silver Taps, is a somber memorial in which A&M students gather to remember the students who have passed away in the previous month. Families are invited to join students in Academic Plaza for a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Silver Taps” (a special rendition of “Taps”) to commemorate our fallen Aggies.

Even though I find myself very busy with studying most days, it’s easy to take a short break to attend Silver Taps and show mourning families that they, and the memory of their loved ones, will be with the Aggie family forever.

Another tradition that I love is, of course, Aggie football! While I can’t attend as many games as I used to, it’s good to remind myself that I can relax and have fun sometimes.

Hanging out with fellow students in Kyle Field and cheering on the team turns out to be a great study break! Gamedays are full of all sorts of exciting things to see, as well, like watching the Corps of Cadets march-in, hanging out at the Parsons Mounted Cavalry tailgate, and seeing the “Nationally Famous Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band!”

All in all, it is so important to maintain a healthy balance in veterinary school, and I’ve found my way of doing so by keeping up with all things Aggieland. It’s just my way of remembering why A&M is so special, which gives me even more motivation to do well in school!