While this week lacked some sleep and some workout time, such sacrifices are sometimes worth it. Both exams went well, way better than expected. This means one of two things. One there is a little man in the scantron machine that helps me out or that studying in advance over time with other people is very effective.
Surgery went pretty well and was as fun and exciting as it had been on RAVS this summer. I spayed a 6 pound Chihuahua named Trixie with some nasty periodontal disease (grade 3 or 4 perhaps). On my second pedicle as I was breaking it down the suspensory ligament popped and there went the pedicle. I knew what happened right away, and knew the steps to fix it. My teacher came over I told her what to do to fix it and it went well. It is bound to happen in practice with these smaller dogs and was a great learning experience to have it happen in this safe environment, when someone is there to help. It happened to a lot of the other students with small dogs as well. The only other thing that went wrong was that I started closing the body wall incorrectly using muscle instead of the external rectus sheath, but they said we would do that and I have something important to work toward next time. My skin and subcutaneous sutures went well and Trixie went home the next day with only mild swelling.
At the end of that long day I had to study for a big GI exam, and while I was exhausted I kept thinking to myself, "Someone is going to pay me to do this...amazing." I also got a taste of what 4th year will be like working with the technicians and clinicians as a team to provide the best care for the animal. I cannot wait for fourth year.
In summary, once again the impossible was possible and tremendously rewarding. They weren't kidding when they said third year is a lot of fun. It truly is!
As for the menagerie, Spokane went to doggie day care twice this week and on only her 5th visit she initiated play properly on her own. Each day I come home to my 3 cats and dog and appreciate how amazing each one of them is. Of course when Matt is there it is only more fulfilling.
To my few fans and readers out there I can only say keep plugging away! If this is the career you want you have to work for it but it truly will be worth it!
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2 comments:
Hello. I am considering returning to school to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I have a husband and daughter and would like to know what your daily life is like. What hours do you go to school? Is it just Mon-Fri? Do you go to school in the summer or between semesters? How much time is spent studying? This is a HUGE decision for me. I will be leaving a well paid JOB in the auto industry. But just as you said, I am very unfulfilled. Any information you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Ashley Antill
Hi Ashley my email is mlarsen18@verizon.net. To quickly answer your questions. It is a HUGE commitment. There are a number of people in my class with children so it is possible to do. You are basically in class from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday, some days a little less. As for studying I'd say most people study 3-5 hours each weeknight, and a chunk of the day sat and sun. It all depends on how much science you have had before and how you study. Financially it's a sacrifice to leave a well paid job, which I did, but I do believe over time it will work out. As I get closer to my degree it amazes me that I will be paid for a job I will absolutely love and be challenged by.
I look at it as a 4 year sacrifice and commitment for a lifelong career that you really love. In reality we get one life so is it worth being complacent? But it is tough and if you look at my very early posts that could give you an idea of the transition. The transition was rough but each semester got easier.
Anyway feel free to email me with any questions. I am happy to help and inspire. It is a long road, but it is worth it if you are sure who you are and the career you want.
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