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Living a Double Life

Four young people laying in grass studying

A blog by Daisy, senior biology major

My experience as a college student is unique to some! I am an undergraduate student, an ambassador of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, and I have the opportunity to serve in the United States Army Reserves. These photos show snippets of my years of experience thus far as a reserve soldier, which allows me to also attend Texas A&M as a full-time student. My dream is to attend veterinary school at the VMBS and serve in the Army Veterinary Corps to care for service dogs, horses, and on-base family pets!

These pictures show a variety of places, including Camp Bullis, Fort Cavasos, and Fort Hunter Ligett, California, where I got to ride on a black hawk and watch early morning sunrises on our camp setup. The tent picture is a 6 a.m. sunrise in California before we packed up to “jump” (Army term for “move quickly”) to our actual training site.

As a student, I am a major coffee lover! The bag of coffee pictured is commonly seen for soldiers in the field looking for a caffine kick! The bag, along with a packet of instant coffee and creamer, frequently comes in our packaged meals called MRE’s.

Drill weeks often run into my exams, which Texas A&M always helps me rearrange so that I can fufill my duty! Some of these pictures show me studying as we wait for certain training events so I do not fall behind on my classwork.

I often think about how lucky I am to serve in the Army and have these life experiences. No school understands the needs of student soldiers quite like Texas A&M!

Daisy and an Army friend with black hawk helicoptors in the background
Daisy and her Army friends
Hand holding a bad of liquid coffee
Daisy on a bus seat studying
A bunch of tents in a field with the setting sun in the background

A Month in Thailand

William, a VMBS ambassador and Texas A&M junior, got to learn about veterinary medicine and conservation during a month-long education abroad trip in Thailand!

“I had many unique opportunities, such as providing rescue veterinary care to elephants and assisting in neutering stray dogs and cats,” William said. “I stayed overnight in a mountain village to learn about the sustainability practices of the indigenous people. I planted hundreds of trees, and I got scuba certified from conservation dives on the coral reefs surrounding Koh Tao.

“It was a great opportunity to learn about how a different culture embraces the animals and the environment around them,” he said. “Truly a life-changing experience!”

Torres taking a selfie with elephants in the background
Torres in scuba gear in front of bright blue water

Learning at the Schubot Center

Meet Alyssa, a third-year veterinary student who loves birds and has an interest in avian and exotic animal medicine.

One of the ways that Alyssa is exploring this interest is by serving as a member of the Schubot Aviary Veterinary Student team that helps care for birds at the Schubot Center for Avian Health.

On any given day, Alyssa helps perform physical exams, collect diagnostic samples, medicate birds, and perform other routine care practices like preparing diets and maintaining proper husbandry. Learn more about the Schubot Center and its opportunities for students at https://vetmed.tamu.edu/schubot/

Alyssa holding a cockatiel
Masked Alyssa holding a baby cockatiel

Alex’s African Adventure

Second-year veterinary student Alexandra had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend three weeks studying abroad in South Africa this summer!

“During this trip we had the opportunity to place tracking collars on lions, provide care to and relocate black and white rhinos, transport over 30 antelope across the African plains, and so much more,” Alex said. “I made friendships that will last a lifetime and got to work under Dr. Peter Brothers, a career wildlife veterinarian who will forever be a mentor to me. I hope to have the opportunity to travel in my future career and learn more about veterinary medicine practices and methods around the world!”

In these photos, you can see Alex monitor a rhino’s breathing as it was relocated to a safer location and help care for a sable antelope that is wearing special tubes over its horns during transport to protect both the animal and its caretakers.

Finding Ways To Serve In Veterinary School

By Reagan S. ’27, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student

As I go through vet school, I find I’m grateful for the many veterinary learning opportunities I had access to in my high school years. Recognizing the importance of these opportunities has made me want to find ways to serve and provide similar opportunities to others while I’m in veterinary school.

Taking Inspiration From Mentors

Early on in high school, my vet and mentor Dr. Jason Thorne taught our 4-H club how to bandage horses, take vital signs, and other important aspects of horse care. He continued to serve through teaching the FFA veterinary science team different tools and treatment techniques that he used in everyday practice.

Another opportunity I had was the Oklahoma 4-H program, through which our local Equine Extension Specialist put on a Horse Science Academy. Every year we learned new skills, including how to test the nutrient levels of hay, horse first aid, tests for intestinal parasites, equine heart anatomy, and more. There were many more events I attended, and many of these opportunities were events or programs that required many volunteers to make it happen.

Paying It Forward

I realized in high school how important these opportunities were for me. The leaders of the events encouraged me to pursue vet school, and they gave me connections, opportunities to gain useful skills, and a space to explore veterinary medicine. I decided to ‘pay it forward’ and help with some of the activities that had been crucial in helping me explore my passion for animals and veterinary medicine. I gave speech writing and speech coaching workshops in the barn where the group met (with breaks to visit the horses of course!). The 4-Hers were all interested in horses, so I helped them find different horse topics they were curious about, helped the younger ones with typing their speeches, and coached them through how to practice and deliver them.

Creating Ways To Learn

Knowledgeable owners are key in keeping their animals healthy, so I designed a scavenger hunt for my local 4-H Horse Club with puzzles and clues that had to be solved with knowledge of horse diseases. The week before the hunt, I gave the kids a packet of information I had compiled over vaccines and how common diseases are spread, what causes the specific disease, and disease symptoms. The kids read over the information that week and then got to apply their knowledge working in teams to solve puzzles and get the next clue. Everyone had lots of fun during the event, and one mom told me her daughter liked it so much she wanted to do it for her birthday party!

Inspiring The Next Generation

I continued to find other service opportunities in veterinary school. One opportunity was Veterinary Education Day at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, where over 200 local elementary-aged kids got to explore being a veterinarian. I was selected to be a co-leader to plan events focused on learning about large animals (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs). As the co-leader, I planned and gathered supplies for a horseshoe matching game, learning how to rope, a model on how horses see, how to make butter and where it comes from, and more fun and educational stations! I also continue to coach the local FFA veterinary science team and do educational workshops for my local 4-H club.

Giving Back In Veterinary School

I have discovered that there are many ways to serve while in veterinary school, and often many service opportunities closely align with my schedule as well as my interests and passions. For anyone looking to give back to their community, there are often several groups in your area that align with your interests that need volunteers throughout the year. I know volunteers were a crucial part of encouraging me and helping me discover my passion for veterinary medicine. Volunteering is a rewarding experience and can take many different forms, and you never know when you might make a positive, lasting impact on those you serve.

Exploring Coffee In College Station

By Kara K. ’27, B.S. in Animal Science student

A pair of iced coffee drinks on a white table with two English muffin sandwiches.

Moving to a new city as a freshman in college can be daunting; however, as both a lover of coffee and a student in need of a good place to study, I have been relieved by the numerous coffee shops open in Bryan-College Station (BCS). There has always been something about the smell of freshly ground coffee mixed with the subtle stir of people that puts me at ease and helps me to focus while studying. Therefore, when moving to College Station, I was determined to take advantage of this town’s variety of ‘hole-in-the-wall’ coffee shops that give the town so much character. I’ve written down the coffee shops that I’ve visited so far in BCS and what makes them so special to me.

Gough Gough Coffee Company

The first coffee shop I visited in College Station was Gough Gough Coffee Company, which is located off of Highway 6. Gough Gough is definitely one of my go-to coffee shops especially when I’m wanting a quick grab-and-go cup of coffee due to their quick services and delicious coffee. This family-owned shop has some of the friendliest workers because they are always attentive to the customers. On top of the friendly staff, Gough Gough has very reliable Wi-Fi, which is perfect for long study sessions that are fueled by caffeine from their delicious coffee.

POV Coffee House

POV Coffee House in Bryan is also another go-to for me. Something that is unique about POV, other than their beautiful building and aesthetic decoration, is their delicious coffee. If you are a fan of the taste of coffee, POV is perfect for you. POV never fails to have their coffee beans roasted to perfection to create some of the most unique and flavorful beverages I’ve ever tasted. This is definitely one of my favorite spots to meet with friends and simply enjoy and delicious cup of coffee

Carport Coffee

Another popular coffee shop that I made sure to venture to during my first year at Texas A&M was Carport Coffee. Carport Coffee is another beautiful establishment that is not only pleasing to the eyes, but also produces coffee that is pleasing to the tastebuds. One of the most standout parts of Carport is their food. Any food item that I have tasted here has been very delicious and has remained unrivaled by any other coffee shop. Not only does Carport have delicious food, but it is also conveniently located right off University Drive and is within walking distance from main campus.

A college student sitting at a table in the corner of a coffee shop with the thumbs up gesture.

Sweet Eugene’s

The College Station classic, Sweet Eugene’s, was another coffee shop that was on my list to try. Something that is unique to this family-owned shop is the funky and cozy atmosphere, which makes for a whimsical coffee shop experience. Not only does Sweet Eugene’s have a unique appearance, it also has a unique menu that is fully stocked with delectable baked goods all day long. As for their coffee, it definitely stays true to their name in the sense that Sweet Eugene’s never fails to provide an extra sweetness to their coffee which makes this shop perfect for a little sweet treat.

Every coffee shop that I’ve tried has been unique, but what they all have in common are delicious coffee, immaculate customer service, and great places to study or just sit and chat with friends. Exploring the different coffee shops in BCS has been so comforting and has provided so many great memories with my friends. This coffee adventure has instilled excitement in me for the coming years of college because there are still many more coffee shops here in BCS to try! 

5 Tips for Surviving Vet School Finals

By Blake O. ’26, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student

Finals week is scary. No matter what stage of education you are in, a week of high-value exams is not for the faint of heart.

In vet school, it can understandably be quite daunting with the volume of material you are learning. However, just because finals week is scary doesn’t mean students need to be afraid of it. I have found that with the right mindset and a few key perspective changes, I have learned to survive (and dare I say, even enjoy) finals week.

Here are five of the tips I follow to help me get through finals week each semester.

No.1 – Set Reasonable Goals

Vet school finals are challenging enough! There is no need to set goals that make it even harder. Before the exams start, sit down, grab a calculator, and figure out where you stand. Set your final grade goal and figure out what you need to score to make that grade. The only difference between a 100% and that minimum score is that the 100% is going to require a lot more stress and work on your part.

    No. 2 – Get Into A Routine

    Once the week starts, it’s time to get into your marathon mindset. Come up with a schedule that is sustainable and leaves room for self-care. Set a sleep schedule, mealtimes, and time to relax. Then, protect that time! No matter how stressed you are about studying, you will be better off with a balanced schedule instead of cramming.

    No. 3 – Take It One Day At A Time

    Effective goal setting requires short and long term goals. Finals week is a time to focus on the short-term. While looking ahead is great, don’t let the exam on Friday stress you out all week to the point where Monday through Thursday’s exam grades suffer. I try to dedicate as much of my study time as possible to the immediate next test, and if I feel confident, only then do I start looking ahead.

    No. 4 – Don’t Be Afraid To Switch Your Study Style

    The part about finals week that trips a lot of people up is that you have to switch mental gears much more quickly than usual. So, if you want to avoid the pitfalls of finals, be flexible! This is especially true when it comes to study techniques. Reading radiographs and performing surgery are very different skills, so why would studying for classes like Diagnostic Imaging and Principles of Surgery look the same? If you feel like you are hitting a wall, try a different approach.

    No. 5 – Remember Your Self-Care

    Yes, finals are important. They hold a lot of weight and can even make or break your success in certain classes. But, ultimately, your well-being is more important. In the long run, staying up all night, chugging coffee 24/7, and rewatching every lecture in the entire course will cause more harm than a bad grade on one test. So, don’t hesitate to take breaks when you need it, and don’t feel guilty about studying less than you feel you should.

    Finals week is scary. But it is just a week. It will happen, and then it will be over. So, don’t let stress take control of your life. Hopefully these tips help you. Happy studying!

    Tips For Being Married In Vet School

    By Soha L.’25, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student

    A young man in a navy blazer and a woman in a white medical coat standing in the shade under a tree.

    If you find yourself taking an alternative route before applying to or starting veterinary school, know that you are not alone! Soon after completing my undergraduate degree in 2019, I got engaged and therefore decided to take a couple of years off from school to work, live life, and get married.

    At the time, I had no idea how much having a spouse during vet school was going to shape my life. If you are lucky enough to be in a committed relationship with someone who is willing to move anywhere with you and help you follow your dreams, then I have some tips for being married in vet school for you!

    Make Time For Each Other

    Always make time to go on dates and spend quality time together that does not revolve around vet school. You will spend more time than you think sharing your experiences with your partner/spouse, and while I’m sure they want to be supportive, it’s considerate to give them a night off and just make time for them.

    Take Your Spouse To Outings With Classmates

    It was a little difficult at first for my husband to make friends with everyone since we talked about school a lot and he couldn’t relate. You will form a family-like bond with your classmates over the years with people that genuinely love you and will be supportive of everything about you. Over time, my classmates and I realized how much we have in common aside from school, and not only did my friendships grow with them but my husband has become much closer with them as well.

    Don’t Forget To Support Them, Too

    Lastly, you will feel like you’re having some of the hardest moments of your life during vet school due to the academic rigor, isolation from friends and family who predate your veterinary school admission, and constant pressure. At the end of the day your spouse is who keeps you smiling through it all. But understand that they are going through hardships too and constantly supporting you, so always give your support back.

    It may seem difficult to prioritize and set aside the time for a partner/spouse during vet school at first, but you quickly realize that this person is going to be there with you every step of the way and be there for you when you need support most. From when you get your acceptance letter, Aggie ring, and white coat, to when you’re feeling burnt out and defeated, your better half will always be there cheering you on.

    Making Time For Ballroom Dancing

    By Hailey D. ’26, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student

    Two young women in ballroom dancing dresses posing for a photo in a school gym.

    Howdy everyone! My name is Hailey and I am a second-year veterinary student at Texas A&M University. A big hobby that I’ve had since I was a teenager is ballroom dancing. Dancing has been a big part of my life for about 10 years now and has helped me meet new people, learn tons of new dances/moves, and get some good exercise in!

    Both my parents were avid country dancers and taught my brothers and I how to two-step and line dance. This quickly led to me finding a group of friends that went to swing dancing halls and getting more immersed in the culture of dancing and expanding my understanding of all the different styles of dance out there.

    Once I came to Texas A&M University for undergrad, I was able to join the Texas A&M Ballroom Dance Association (TAMBDA) and continue to learn new styles of dancing.

    Within this group, I was able to learn that there are two overarching categories that most dances fall within: smooth and Latin dances. Smooth dances include the waltz and foxtrot, while Latin dances include some of the stronger styles of dance like tango, rumba, and bolero.

    Being involved with this organization led me to compete at different universities in Texas and helped my team place in many different categories of dance!

    While I may not get to compete as often while I am in veterinary school, I still enjoy going to the dance halls with my friends and fiancé to dance the night away and get some exercise in.

    Relaxing in Arizona for Spring Break

    By Maria S., ’26, B.S. in Biomedical Sciences student

    A college student in snowboarding gear posing with their board at the bottom of a snowy slope.

    Taking a break from university life and exams is refreshing every once in a while. This spring break, a step into nature was necessary, so I traveled with friends to Arizona for snowboarding and visiting the Grand Canyon. 

    The week started with a 16-hour road trip, most of those spent crossing Texas. As soon as we entered New Mexico, the landscape changed to hills and gorgeous views. My favorite car activities for entertaining myself during the trip were singing throwback songs, listening to podcasts, talking with my friends, and enjoying the views.

    Snowboarding At Arizona Snowbowl

    At last, we entered Arizona, which was a spectacular moment since we drove on the historic Route 66! It was amazing to feel like I was immersed in the Cars movie. 

    When we arrived at the house we were staying in, we only had two things on our agenda — renting the snowboarding gear and preparing for our hike in the Grand Canyon.

    All my life I have been a skier, but on this trip, I wanted to try something new — snowboarding. I was very nervous, but I decided to give it a try since all of my friends do snowboarding.

    On Wednesday morning, the excitement was unstoppable! We woke up early, grabbed our gear, and headed up to Arizona Snowbowl on Mount Humphreys. However, we were a little concerned about the snow conditions, as we did not see any snow until we were 5 minutes away from the base of the ski resort. The view was breathtaking.

    I took classes to learn how to snowboard for the first time, and after many, many falls, I finally got the hang of it at the end of the day! I was extremely happy because it meant that I would be able to join my friends in the mountains. 

    A group of twelve college students in winter clothes posing in front of the Grand Canyon.

    Visiting The Grand Canyon

    On Thursday, to take a break from snowboarding, we decided to go hiking in the Grand Canyon. I had been there when I was very young, so I barely remembered how incredible the view was.

    In all honesty, I feel like this side visit was the best part of the whole trip. You truly don’t believe your eyes and can’t wrap your head around how beautiful the Grand Canyon is. The pictures don’t do it any justice compared to its beauty in person.

    Standing there in front of the canyon, I realized why it is one of the natural wonders of the world, especially after learning its history and how it was formed. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, even if it’s only for a couple of hours, GO! You won’t regret it.

    For the next couple of days, we continued to head up the mountain and enjoy snowboarding. Any sport involving the snow is so refreshing. They are always a blast because it makes you feel so alive, so I am very glad to have tried snowboarding on this trip.

    Seven college students in snowboarding gear standing in front of a snowy slope with pine trees.

    Making The Most Of My Break

    Although my body ached at the end of each day, it was so much fun to experience going with all of my friends. I still don’t know what I prefer between skiing and snowboarding, but I will say this — if you are looking for thrill and speed, go skiing; however, if you are looking to enjoy the mountain and surf the snow, then snowboarding is for you.

    This spring break was unforgettable. I got to relax from my everyday life and enjoy a week filled with adventure, joy, laughter, and memories with the people I love. Now, more than ever, I am ready to crush the end of the semester and feel motivated for the rest of the year!