What can we help you find?

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.

A Different Story

The Story

Here is a little about me: I am a senior at Texas A&M University in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). I serve as a CVM Ambassador, a Regents’ Scholar, public relations officer for Ags of OAK (Open Acts of Kindness), the chair of TAMU’s Alternative Spring Break committee, and a first-generation college student.

As an end goal for my undergraduate years, I will run a marathon just four days before graduation! In addition to all of this, I am also a writer, a podcast lover, and huge fan of non-profit organizations. I strive to be a professional, I strive to work within non-profits, and I strive to write a book one day on my story.

Another Take

Chau and her momWhen I started my freshman year at Texas A&M, my mom began her own college experience in my hometown of Texarkana.

I am the youngest in my family, and to see my mother begin her ultimate goal is just one reason why she is my role model. When exam weeks approach, I get stressed, but my mom has always been my backbone for strength. English is not her first language, so the transition from small exchanges with friends to a classroom setting was drastic.

We both have our ups and downs throughout our journeys, but those are our constant reminders of the goals that drive us. My mom is an aspiring nurse. I am an aspiring therapist. These two pathways are semi-similar, and we have similar courses!

During my four years here, I have had nights that I FaceTimed with my mom to see how her classes are going. “Chau! I received a 90 on my anatomy quiz!”—I always smile ear-to-ear when I hear remarks like this.

These small moments and exchanges with my mother are the highlights of my days. These moments are simple, but my mom’s dedication to her work is truly inspiring to me.

During my time at TAMU, this story was not told, but this story is my constant motivation. I am optimistic because of my mom, and I strive for the same excellence she aims for in her studies. In two weeks, I get to graduate and I owe it to my inspiring mom, a great student.

Interviewing for Vet School

Carter M.During this past winter break, I was invited to interview with the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon receiving the emailed invitation, I was elated; it was a very surreal feeling. I have wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember and getting my interview made it suddenly feel real.

Obviously, I had not been accepted at that point but getting my interview was a huge step for me. My interview date was about two weeks from when I received my email.

The interview process for Texas A&M’s vet school is in the form of multiple mini interviews (MMIs). On the date of the interview, you show up and have six mini interviews, with the idea being that if someone does not do as well in one of his or her interviews, not all hope is lost.

Each interview lasts eight minutes, and they fly by. Prior to my interview, I had gone online and found practice MMI questions, and each night I would sit down with my mom (who is a veterinarian) and we would do mock interviews. This really helped me get comfortable with the process.

The day of my interview I was nervous, but at the same time, I was excited. Interviewers stress the fact that they want everyone to have fun in their interviews; I tried to focus on this and I think it really helped me. I just tried to enjoy each topic I was given.

When it was all said and done, I felt really good about how I had done. Now all that is left is to just wait.

My Final Year

Alex C.Welcome back to Texas A&M for what is hopefully another great year!

It dawns on me that I am now a senior, meaning this is my last year as an undergraduate student here at TAMU. Whoop! It seems like just yesterday I was meeting with the BIMS advisers to discuss what my first semester schedule would be. It’s interesting to consider what being a senior really means. It means some things are coming to an end and other things are just beginning.

For one, this will be my final year as a student ambassador, a job I’ve appreciated greatly since I started as a sophomore. This job has taught me several things over the years. It’s allowed me to see firsthand the excitement this university and our vet school can bring to prospective students. Seeing the passion these future Aggies have for their educations, and for animals, is inspiring. I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to help acquaint guests with our top-notch facilities, and, fortunately, I still have the whole year to continue leading tours and meeting future students!

I only have two more semesters of classes, as well. Right now, it looks like I’ll be mostly taking classed related to my minors, public health and occupational safety and health. Considering that I plan to apply to Texas A&M’s wonderful public health grad school, that’s an exciting schedule. I’m starting to get more involved with public health-centered curricula and getting to see another side of health promotion. I’ve even begun to start searching for summer internships in order to gain more experience relating to workplace safety. Texas A&M offers are some great opportunities in that realm.

All in all, this is shaping up to be another wonderful year. I can only hope the same goes for all of my fellow Aggies. While this may be my final year as an undergraduate, I look forward to what the future brings. I hope it brings the best for all of us and am optimistic it will.