I have so, so much exciting stuff on the horizon. I love my classes so far this term, which include the following:
Systemic Pathology II: We're starting with neuromuscular and CNS pathology, and having Chester (my mystery neuro dog) thankfully triggered a profound interest in neuropathology, which has served me well so far.
Pharmacology II: I got way too excited about a two-hour lecture on cancer drugs yesterday! If I were to pick an internal medicine specialty to study, I actually think it would be oncology, depressing though it may sound.
Diagnostic Imaging: Pro- learning to interpret radiographs is super exciting! Con- it's heavy on the physics. Enough said.
Clinical Pathology: Love it. That is all. My blood smears leave something to be desired, but I'm working on it! Wait, there's a chance that came out sounding weird. I don't even think I'm going to bother explaining stuff like that anymore- I'm just going to shrug apologetically and say "vet student". Except minus the apology. ;-)
I found out that I made the Dean's List last term. That felt nice given that at the beginning of the year, there were so many challenges that I wondered if I'd be better off deferring a year. I've pushed through the struggles though, and feel much more hopeful about my time here now. I'm in a different place, and I am a different person- my relationship of 6 years has ended, I no longer have my Chester, and there is a lot of uncertainty in general. Still, I am making a commitment to investing my energy each day in things that are good and healthy and positive. It can be scary not to have any clue of what the future holds, but it's also very exciting.
I found out last term during finals (after writing my Pharmacology exam, to be exact!) that I was selected as the 2nd year student to represent OSU at the Smith-Kilborne Foreign Animal Disease program in New York in May. I am HUGELY EXCITED! It's a massive honor- the USDA sponsors one student from each veterinary school in the United States to attend, so I'll be spending several days each at both Cornell vet school (!!) and the Plum Island Animal Disease Centre. I will get to nerd out to the max with 27 other (presumably equally nerdy) vet students. Here's some information about it, for anyone who's interested.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/smith_kilborne/
In addition, I found out over the holidays that I've been accepted for my first choice in RAVS trips this summer. I'll be spending 2 weeks in July in Spirit Lake, North Dakota and Cheyenne River, South Dakota. There, I'll be improving my surgical, anesthesia, and physical exam skills on two separate high-volume clinic projects. RAVS stands for Rural Area Veterinary Services, and is a program run by the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. It will be an incredible learning experience! I also plan on driving to meet the rest of the team- I have seen so little of the States, I love road trips, and I'd really, really like to drive through Montana and/or Wyoming. I may even see about doing a little camping in Glacier or Yellowstone- we'll see what happens and whether time permits a bit of an adventure!
Here's some information on RAVS: http://www.ruralareavet.org/
I've also applied to be a team member on our own vet school's "pet" project, which is an annual small and large animal clinic on the island of Ometepe, in Nicaragua. It will take place in early September, and students plan the whole thing throughout the year, leading up to the clinic itself. That would be the icing on the cake for me, but we'll see. It's competitive of course, and there is a selection process involved, so I won't know for a bit whether I've been accepted. I am also looking forward to applying for a CAAT trip or two- I am so grateful that my summer breaks now coincide with the time of year that there are a lot of amazing clinic projects. This is the area of vet med from which I glean immense satisfaction and reward...it's always in the back of my mind when I'm studying, learning, and working. What information will be the most important for me to remember when I'm working in underserved, remote communities? What are the needs of the animals...the people? What sorts of diseases and parasites should I expect? Am I aware of any unique cultural perceptions in animal and human health that might impact the provision of services in these communities? There's so much to know...and so much to look forward to.
This weekend, I'm volunteering on Saturday with a cat vaccine clinic in Salem. Sunday, I am headed to Eugene to volunteer with Pro-Bone-O for the day. It's nice to be able to do these things before things start getting really crazy with school, though let's be honest, I'll keep doing them even when they do! These are the things that keep me focused, keep me passionate, and keep me in the moment.
Lots of love to all of you. On my mind, and in my heart. <3
