White coats are rather spiffy.

After picking up the boy at the airport late on Thursday night (lovely stormy weather kept him delayed in Philly), I had another full day of orientation on Friday.  We got a pretty comprehensive tour of the school and hospital, and it really helped us get excited after a long day of sitting and being talked at/to on Thursday.  Some corny team building activities followed and then we had a few more talks about personality types, studying, and diversity.  And apparently my Myers-Briggs personality type is ISTJ, for those who were wondering. :)

Mom arrived late afternoon on Friday, and we packed up to go back to the school for some tasty Carolina BBQ.  Gotta say that even though I will definitely miss Pennsylvania stuff like scrapple, easily available water ice, and cheesesteaks, southern food makes up for it with BBQ, sweet tea, and biscuits.  I fully expect to be gaining some weight this year...

Boy and I saw "The Other Guys" that night, and it is seriously the best "stupid guy-humor" movie I've seen since "Anchorman".  HILARIOUS.  Definitely go see it!  Just to pique your curiosity, there is a two minute discussion on how tuna would annihilate lions in a battle.  Awesome.

And yesterday was my white coat ceremony!  After hitting the farmer's market that morning for some fresh bread, fruit, and veggies, we got all dressed up for my official induction into the field of veterinary medicine.  Each of us went up on stage and were presented and gowned with our white doctor's coats by a person of our choosing.  A lot of us had chosen parents (like I did) or doctors that were instrumental in gaining interest and experience in the field.  Really nice ceremony, and it definitely solidified the fact that, yes, we're here and this is really, really happening.  We're actually starting our training this week and in four years we'll be doctors. 

During the ceremony we recited the modified Oath of Geneva, which really sums up why we're here.  It was a perfect way to close such as signficant day:

I solemnly pledge myself to dedicate my life to the relief of pain and suffering and to sound veterinary practice.

I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due.

I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity.

The health of my patient will be my first consideration.

I will use discretion in discussing the veterinary medical concerns of my patients.

I will maintain by all means in my power the honor and noble traditions of the veterinary medical profession.

I will respect the opinion of my colleagues.

I make these promises solemnly, freely, and upon my honor.