Given the task of writing about the differences between GEP into 3rd year, I found myself looking back. I wanted to write about the transition from pre-clinical to more clinically based subjects, and was amazed that it is the end of the semester! I feel as if I am continuing the transition period now, half-way into third year. As we moved from the pre-clinical classes of anatomy and physiology to the more clinical pathology, pharmacology, anaesthesia, and surgery, it was a complete change of mentality from studying to be a vet, to actually putting yourself in the veterinary profession and faced with problem-based scenarios. Although challenging, it is certainly motivating to be learning directly about fascinating diseases and science that you always imagined when picturing your future as a vet! It will be interesting to continue this transition into next year when we complete the Dog and Cat course, as we continue to learn more.
Outside of school, it was lovely to return to Edinburgh after a long summer away. Sometimes when returning to school in my undergraduate education, there was a sense of loss as the summer was coming to an end and I had to get back into the school frame of mind. However, when returning to Edinburgh, there was excitement. I was excited to return to the city that I have grown to call my second home, and see my new-found international friends. Now, I am counting down to Christmas to seeing friends and family back home. I think that the transitions between home and school are less dramatic this year, and I look forward to both, instead of missing one or the other. I am excited to see how this changes throughout my degree, as the feelings of home have always come in ebbs and flows. For now, although this semester has been interesting with its new courses and challenges, I am excited to be finished with exams and travelling home for the holidays!
– S
