Hi all!
This is my last blog post for the 2021 to 2022 year. With my first year of the GEP program coming to a close, I would like to share some things I wish I had known before beginning at the Dick school.
- You deserve to be here. Imposter syndrome can and will rear its head but just know that many feel the same doubt you do and that taking longer to learn things or not feeling like things come naturally at first does not minimize the hard work you have done to get here and your achievements. You belong here as much as any of your other classmates
- Self care is key. There will always be work you can be doing, whether it is reviewing that lecture or summarizing those notes. However, you need time for yourself as well, whether it be a long shower and a face mask or a movie with friends. This is just as important as studying.
- Failures are just learning experiences. Pick yourself up again and keep going. You will have lecturers who failed the very subjects they are now teaching and are experts in.
- If you can do some EMS before beginning school this can help give you some actual break time throughout the school year
- You don’t need to get 90%, a 50% means that the school feels you are competent enough to be a vet! You just need too pass.
- The weather in Edinburgh is not as bad as they say it is, there are some really sunny days and it rains just as much everywhere else in the UK haha.
- Take advantage of your professors. They are brilliant and attending lectures and labs keeps you engaged in the material. They are in your corner so ask them questions.
- Schedules will change, Covid happens, remember to be flexible and adaptable. These qualities will help you as a veterinarian too!!
- You will meet some of your life long friends here. Stay open to meeting new people and to new experiences and places.
- Time flies by before you know it. Enjoy the process leading up to vet school because you too will be finishing your first year soon!
Good luck to everyone starting vet school and to all those applying!
xx Hannah
