Dr. Neil Hudson always reminds us students that if a city boy like him with no previous equine experience can become one of the horsiest veterinarians, then so can we. Now, I still may not want to become an equine vet but the message has stuck with me through this year. I’ve only discovered that I was going to take this path toward a career in veterinary medicine a few years ago. I have always loved animals but it wasn’t until my third year in college that my passion for science really began to flourish. I sometimes find myself struggling to retain a level of confidence that I think we all deserve to experience. We’ve worked so hard for this and finally made it to vet school and yet when we get here, some of us will still contemplate the question of, “Can I do this?” But the truth of the matter is, YES, you absolutely can. There may be times when we feel that we haven’t quite performed our best, or maybe are frustrated if we don’t understand something right away. But the solution is attainable and all we have to do is remember that if Dr. Neil Hudson can become an equine practitioner then so can you. Success in vet school is not just met with the best marks; but with grit, perseverance, curiosity and optimism.
As a graduate entry student, our class has just completed the first exam for what is now the Animal Body Systems and Cases course. Through didactic lectures and clinical based learning, we are exposed to various body systems and it is wild to learn how the entire body is essentially an intricate system working together. That being said, no matter how interesting, it’s always a nice relief to be done with another exam. Post-exam weather in Edinburgh has been warm and sun-filled. I decided to take advantage with a stroll through the Meadows and it is absolutely breathtaking. It is a nice feeling coming back to reality after a big exam. Take the chance to be mindful, notice your surroundings, listen to your body. You might want to have a drink with friends at the pub to let off some steam, or maybe you just want to go for a jog and eat a salad. Or maybe you just want to clear your emails, call your mom and get organised so you’re ready for the next round.
I guess what I’m aiming at is to emphasize the importance of intuition, of optimism, and of confidence. We’ve made it to vet school. We are capable. We can do this.
Best,
Michelle
