Having never taken an anatomy course before now, I had no idea that every single bone isn't just a single bone. They each have about two dozen crests and fossae and processes that comprise it and allow it to perform its function. And just learning the parts of the bones of the forelimb is keeping me majorly busy! It's only the second day of anatomy lab (again, totally foreign material for the most part) and dissecting our cadaver and then comparing it with models and readings at night really is helping everything come together. I definitely understand now what we were warned about - it's not the innate difficulty of the material but the sheer volume we have to learn.
Each bone has multiple parts. Each part attaches to one or multiple muscles or articulates with another bone in a joint. Each muscle attaches to another bone and performs a certain function in a certain location. Each of these muscles corresponds to a nerve and blood supply. And each of these components have long Latin or Greek names that must be spelled correctly.
Oy.
So far, challenging and a little overwhelming but fun. Our other classes - bacteriology, histology, and physiology - are still in review stage for me, so it's giving me a little break to ease into the groove (intertubercular groove?) of anatomy.
I'm also thinking about what clubs and activities I would like to join. I'll apply for small animal treatment crew, which is a paid commitment of 2 shifts of 2 hours per month - it's competitive, so I'm not sure I'll even get it. Club-wise I'll be joining PathHeads (pathology), the small ruminant club, internal medicine club, and critical care club; club members get preference for wet labs but the time commitment outside of that isn't huge. SCAVMA, of course, will be getting my money so I can join said organizations. And I'm also thinking about running for some sort of SCAVMA or student government position...but we'll see.
Also, I felt like utter crap today. Sore, tired, achy, even some tummy-ache this morning. Hoping that this means that I'll be skipping the next bug to go around closer to exam time! Tomorrow we get an intro to our evidence-based medicine class where we break into small groups and discuss, research, and analyze individual cases. I'm hoping that it helps lots of different concepts "gel" into a concrete example that's easy to remember and understand. I don't think I could handle a whole curriculum of it, but a small amount might help more difficult concepts come into focus.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
First Day...done!
It's only the end of our first day, and I'm already exhausted! But I do think I'm coming down with a cold, so I'll write it off as one of the side effects of that.
Today was kind of a blur - physiology lecture (NOT on the exam!) about the rapid pace of biotechnology evolution, histology/cytology lecture (starting in with basic cell bio review), histology lab, anatomy lecture (thoracic limb), and anatomy lab.
The only one that concerns me right now is anatomy. We've kind of been thrown into it without an idea of what to do. The depth of the notes versus the dissection guide is pretty inconsistent...so I'm not quite sure just how many of those tubercles, fossae, and edges I should really worry about. I'm guessing all of them (or at least as many as will fit into my head). Our first exam is in two weeks and will cover bones and muscles of the limb. It's a bit smaller just to ease us into testing.
Our group has two dogs (male and female) and a cat. We started today with just removing the skin from the left cranial sides of the animals, extending from the mandible down to the umbilicus. Tomorrow we'll get more into identifying actual muscles, insertions and origins, actions, etc.
Going off now to study a bit more of the forelimb bones before I get too far behind! And then...glorious sleep! :)
Today was kind of a blur - physiology lecture (NOT on the exam!) about the rapid pace of biotechnology evolution, histology/cytology lecture (starting in with basic cell bio review), histology lab, anatomy lecture (thoracic limb), and anatomy lab.
The only one that concerns me right now is anatomy. We've kind of been thrown into it without an idea of what to do. The depth of the notes versus the dissection guide is pretty inconsistent...so I'm not quite sure just how many of those tubercles, fossae, and edges I should really worry about. I'm guessing all of them (or at least as many as will fit into my head). Our first exam is in two weeks and will cover bones and muscles of the limb. It's a bit smaller just to ease us into testing.
Our group has two dogs (male and female) and a cat. We started today with just removing the skin from the left cranial sides of the animals, extending from the mandible down to the umbilicus. Tomorrow we'll get more into identifying actual muscles, insertions and origins, actions, etc.
Going off now to study a bit more of the forelimb bones before I get too far behind! And then...glorious sleep! :)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
I love binders.
If it feels like I'm dragging out this whole "I'm starting vet school!" thing, then you have an inkling of how I feel. We had yet another day of orientation yesterday and a day "off" today - classes start bright and early tomorrow morning and not a minute too soon! The last day of orientation, once again, held a lot of administrative stuff to pound into our heads, but some of it was slightly more interesting. We had a talk about rabies and infectious disease control (i.e. why you shouldn't pet raccoons) and some info about clubs and organizations. And we also got an intro to the anatomy lab - how to properly handle instruments, make incisions, suture, and dissect. Fun but a little overwhelming...still wonder how I'm going to learn everything I'm expected to.
Today I did a few errands and lounged around. I went to the school to pick up my supplies and books along with my ID badge. I actually ordered a pretty light load - only the dissection guide, coveralls, lab coats, dissection kit, and a pair of scrubs (no other textbooks!) - and it was still about $350 in total. Oooooh well. That's what my impending loans are for!
My first classes start tomorrow at 8:00; we're following a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday schedule this week to get started and are switching to normal next week. Tomorrow is physiology, histology and lab, and anatomy and lab. So, have you ever wondered exactly what a week of veterinary school entails? Take a gander at this, which I'll be following this semester:
I'm definitely excited but wondering how the heck I'm going to physically make it through the days, let alone the WEEKS. Plus, I don't have a caffeine addiction and don't plan to start one anytime soon. I'll be making it through the torture au naturale.
On a personal note, I booked a flight to visit the boy in Pittsburgh the weekend of August 27th. During his past weekend here I gathered all of the class syllabi, wrote them in my planners (yes, multiple), and we found weekends that are good for visits (meaning, I have no exams the next week). I don't think I've explained our situation too much, but we've been dating/together for about 20 months and have been long-distance for 15 of those. We were separated by a five hour drive this whole past year, and things were awesome between us; we're both excited about going into this next year despite being an eight hour drive or a flight away. The really great thing is that his job gives him a ton of flexibility for (fully compensated!) travel, so his coming to see me should be really easy to accomodate.
I've always heard that med and vet schools are relationship killers, particularly long-distance relationships. I think often about how we'll handle the next few years but I don't really worry about whether we'll be able to do it. This past year was EASY and really worth it, so I have hope that we can stick to our planned visit schedule and make it work. Long distance isn't ideal, but we don't really have a choice. He has work, I have school, and until he goes back to school in two years, that situation isn't going to change. We figure, sacrificing now when we're young will give us much more time to enjoy our lives when we're older.
Well, off to iron my lab coat, pack my lunch, and hit the hay! Classes in 10 hours! :)
Today I did a few errands and lounged around. I went to the school to pick up my supplies and books along with my ID badge. I actually ordered a pretty light load - only the dissection guide, coveralls, lab coats, dissection kit, and a pair of scrubs (no other textbooks!) - and it was still about $350 in total. Oooooh well. That's what my impending loans are for!
My first classes start tomorrow at 8:00; we're following a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday schedule this week to get started and are switching to normal next week. Tomorrow is physiology, histology and lab, and anatomy and lab. So, have you ever wondered exactly what a week of veterinary school entails? Take a gander at this, which I'll be following this semester:
I'm definitely excited but wondering how the heck I'm going to physically make it through the days, let alone the WEEKS. Plus, I don't have a caffeine addiction and don't plan to start one anytime soon. I'll be making it through the torture au naturale.
On a personal note, I booked a flight to visit the boy in Pittsburgh the weekend of August 27th. During his past weekend here I gathered all of the class syllabi, wrote them in my planners (yes, multiple), and we found weekends that are good for visits (meaning, I have no exams the next week). I don't think I've explained our situation too much, but we've been dating/together for about 20 months and have been long-distance for 15 of those. We were separated by a five hour drive this whole past year, and things were awesome between us; we're both excited about going into this next year despite being an eight hour drive or a flight away. The really great thing is that his job gives him a ton of flexibility for (fully compensated!) travel, so his coming to see me should be really easy to accomodate.
I've always heard that med and vet schools are relationship killers, particularly long-distance relationships. I think often about how we'll handle the next few years but I don't really worry about whether we'll be able to do it. This past year was EASY and really worth it, so I have hope that we can stick to our planned visit schedule and make it work. Long distance isn't ideal, but we don't really have a choice. He has work, I have school, and until he goes back to school in two years, that situation isn't going to change. We figure, sacrificing now when we're young will give us much more time to enjoy our lives when we're older.
Well, off to iron my lab coat, pack my lunch, and hit the hay! Classes in 10 hours! :)
Sunday, August 8, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Day 1 - Completed!
Out the door at 7:30 this morning for my first official day of vet school (even though I don't think it REALLY counts since it was just orientation and not classes, but let's not be picky)! Nervous at first but when I got there with 79 other friendly, happy first-years and tasty food was provided, I felt much better.
I met up with the group of six or seven other girls that I've been hanging out with and getting to know these past few weeks and also talked a lot with a few other students. Unfortunately, it wasn't the most exciting day since it was a lot of faculty introductions and mini-lectures about studying, financial aid (blergh), student services, etc. Etc. Etc...Etc. I mean, it was incredible actually being there and starting but by 4:00 pm, nearly all of us were getting super-antsy. I felt bad for the last guy who was talking about loans, but I just didn't care by that point. Also, we had a few icebreakers and they weren't too painful - even for someone like me who usually hates them.
Take away points from the day?
I met up with the group of six or seven other girls that I've been hanging out with and getting to know these past few weeks and also talked a lot with a few other students. Unfortunately, it wasn't the most exciting day since it was a lot of faculty introductions and mini-lectures about studying, financial aid (blergh), student services, etc. Etc. Etc...Etc. I mean, it was incredible actually being there and starting but by 4:00 pm, nearly all of us were getting super-antsy. I felt bad for the last guy who was talking about loans, but I just didn't care by that point. Also, we had a few icebreakers and they weren't too painful - even for someone like me who usually hates them.
Take away points from the day?
- I found my locker and mailbox and they've already started in with the SWAG! Walked away today with several notepads and pens and a nice, pretty diagnostic imaging book from Purina. Cannot wait for the free stuff and food over the next few years.
- The boy/girl ratio is definitely as drastic as we were always told. Total of 8 or 9 guys out of 80. Weird to sit in a class and see alllllll females.
- Noticed a few loners today but nearly everyone was super-friendly and excited and talkative, which was great.
- There were FIVE people from Pennsylvania in the class (out of, I think 18 out-of-state students)!!! Four of whom are from Eastern PA!
- After our financial aid talks, I realized I want to talk and think about loans even less than I did before school started. Seeing those numbers and figures in print while actually sitting at the school was painful.
- We were given the statistic that we cover as much material in a day of school as in 2 weeks of undergrad. Eeeeeek.
- We have a ton of very adorable old and British (not always mutually exclusive, either) faculty members - super cute!
- So excited to actually get started!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Tomorrow!
This whole summer I was really doing a fairly good job not thinking about what was right around the corner. But it's the night of Wednesday, August 4th...and in less than 12 hours I will be sitting in the classrooms of NC State's College of Veterinary Medicine beginning orientation. Holy crap!
Probably not a surprise to say that I'm getting excited and nervous and antsy and scared all at once - wish it was here right now because sleep won't be coming tonight!
Getting to this point, where I've moved, signed my life away in loans, and am ready for another four years (and then some?) years of education has been lifelong. For those of you who know me, you know that this has been either at the forefront of my brain or percolating on some back burner for a long, long, long time. For those of you who don't, becoming a veterinarian, and completing the schooling to get there, has been more than a dream, more than a goal, and more than an ambition.
It has completely defined my life.
And when it wasn't a certainty that I was going to be accepted - back in calculus or organic chemistry or even this past November when I was waiting for word on my applications - I tried to ignore the fact that literally everything I did was with the intention and hope of becoming a veterinarian. My first (and only) high school job was at a veterinary clinic to gain experience. I went to the Pennsylvania Governor's School for Agricultural Sciences to gain experience and insight. I attended Penn State for both a broad and thorough agriculture education. I crammed classes for two majors into four years and finished a thesis, joined clubs, and took leadership opportunities because of the benefits they would bring to my application and understanding of the field. Summers were spent working to gain experience, and I took a year break from school to work in clinical medicine. This was done with the hope that my application would then be strong enough to allow me to attend a more affordable out-of-state school.
Talk about putting all of your eggs in one basket. I had a vague back-up plan of taking the MCAT and applying to medical school or maybe getting a master's in public health, but neither were very well thought-out. Vet school was the goal, and my academic, professional, and extracurricular experiences were all tailored with that in mind. So I guess it's a good thing I made it here!
Anyway, knowing that nearly every conscious choice and decision I've made has finally, finally paid off and that I'm finally, finally starting this all-important chapter of my life is so exciting. And so terrifying. I've wanted this for as long as I can remember, and now, about to begin this journey tomorrow morning, I am taking a deep breath and hoping that it's the right choice for me after all.
Our schedule for tomorrow runs from 8 am until 5 pm and includes lots of talks from academic affairs, professors, counseling, etc. along with some financial aid stuff and photo-taking. There are also a few blocks of "large and small group activities" in the mix; I'm suspicious they might be ice-breakers, which I mostly hate. But hopefully it'll be a good chance to meet the other 79 students in my class. We continue orientation again on Friday, have our White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, and finish up on Monday. Classes start in a week on next Wednesday!
In other news, my apartment is neat and clean and ready for two visitors this weekend. The fantastic guy in my life is flying here tomorrow evening, and my mom is arriving sometime on Friday; mom is my coat presenter for the ceremony. My apartment is kinda teeny (1 bedroom with no defined dining room), so it'll be close quarters for a couple of days. I'm so excited to be able to relax and enjoy some company before the chaos really starts.
Think I'm going to curl up with a book and cup of tea and try to relax tonight. 10 hours until I climb in the car and start my first drive to school! :)
Probably not a surprise to say that I'm getting excited and nervous and antsy and scared all at once - wish it was here right now because sleep won't be coming tonight!
Getting to this point, where I've moved, signed my life away in loans, and am ready for another four years (and then some?) years of education has been lifelong. For those of you who know me, you know that this has been either at the forefront of my brain or percolating on some back burner for a long, long, long time. For those of you who don't, becoming a veterinarian, and completing the schooling to get there, has been more than a dream, more than a goal, and more than an ambition.
It has completely defined my life.
And when it wasn't a certainty that I was going to be accepted - back in calculus or organic chemistry or even this past November when I was waiting for word on my applications - I tried to ignore the fact that literally everything I did was with the intention and hope of becoming a veterinarian. My first (and only) high school job was at a veterinary clinic to gain experience. I went to the Pennsylvania Governor's School for Agricultural Sciences to gain experience and insight. I attended Penn State for both a broad and thorough agriculture education. I crammed classes for two majors into four years and finished a thesis, joined clubs, and took leadership opportunities because of the benefits they would bring to my application and understanding of the field. Summers were spent working to gain experience, and I took a year break from school to work in clinical medicine. This was done with the hope that my application would then be strong enough to allow me to attend a more affordable out-of-state school.
Talk about putting all of your eggs in one basket. I had a vague back-up plan of taking the MCAT and applying to medical school or maybe getting a master's in public health, but neither were very well thought-out. Vet school was the goal, and my academic, professional, and extracurricular experiences were all tailored with that in mind. So I guess it's a good thing I made it here!
Anyway, knowing that nearly every conscious choice and decision I've made has finally, finally paid off and that I'm finally, finally starting this all-important chapter of my life is so exciting. And so terrifying. I've wanted this for as long as I can remember, and now, about to begin this journey tomorrow morning, I am taking a deep breath and hoping that it's the right choice for me after all.
Our schedule for tomorrow runs from 8 am until 5 pm and includes lots of talks from academic affairs, professors, counseling, etc. along with some financial aid stuff and photo-taking. There are also a few blocks of "large and small group activities" in the mix; I'm suspicious they might be ice-breakers, which I mostly hate. But hopefully it'll be a good chance to meet the other 79 students in my class. We continue orientation again on Friday, have our White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, and finish up on Monday. Classes start in a week on next Wednesday!
In other news, my apartment is neat and clean and ready for two visitors this weekend. The fantastic guy in my life is flying here tomorrow evening, and my mom is arriving sometime on Friday; mom is my coat presenter for the ceremony. My apartment is kinda teeny (1 bedroom with no defined dining room), so it'll be close quarters for a couple of days. I'm so excited to be able to relax and enjoy some company before the chaos really starts.
Think I'm going to curl up with a book and cup of tea and try to relax tonight. 10 hours until I climb in the car and start my first drive to school! :)
Monday, August 2, 2010
Freedom is fleeting...
In 48 hours I will be heading off to bed for the last time before veterinary school officially starts for me. Early Thursday morning I'll be awake and driving to the veterinary campus for my first day of orientation shortly followed the next week by the first day of classes.
Yikes.
As I sit in my quiet new apartment in my new home state of North Carolina only days away from starting my new journey at the NC State veterinary school, I have to admit to a certain level of nervousness. Excitement, anticipation, eagerness - those are all there too, of course - but the trepidation of finally starting on this whole "vet school thing" is overwhelming. Even though I know I'm ready and able to complete the monstrous task before me, I still get those occasional flashes of hesitant thought..."Did they pick the right person? Can I REALLY do this? Can a person survive on pizza and four hours of sleep a night?"
Regardless of the answers, there's not much I can do about it. I'm here. I've moved, started the process of changing my residency, and ordered my books. I've signed away my life in school loans. I've written and highlighted the dates of my exams and quizzes in my planner. I've started training myself to wake up earlier and earlier each day. I've cooked and stockpiled meals in the freezer for hectic study days. I've started this blog, for goodness sake! I'm as ready as I'll ever be and there's no going back now.
In a little over two days, I'll be driving to the campus for the first time as a VM-1 veterinary student.
Scared? Yup. Excited? Absolutely.
Yikes.
As I sit in my quiet new apartment in my new home state of North Carolina only days away from starting my new journey at the NC State veterinary school, I have to admit to a certain level of nervousness. Excitement, anticipation, eagerness - those are all there too, of course - but the trepidation of finally starting on this whole "vet school thing" is overwhelming. Even though I know I'm ready and able to complete the monstrous task before me, I still get those occasional flashes of hesitant thought..."Did they pick the right person? Can I REALLY do this? Can a person survive on pizza and four hours of sleep a night?"
Regardless of the answers, there's not much I can do about it. I'm here. I've moved, started the process of changing my residency, and ordered my books. I've signed away my life in school loans. I've written and highlighted the dates of my exams and quizzes in my planner. I've started training myself to wake up earlier and earlier each day. I've cooked and stockpiled meals in the freezer for hectic study days. I've started this blog, for goodness sake! I'm as ready as I'll ever be and there's no going back now.
In a little over two days, I'll be driving to the campus for the first time as a VM-1 veterinary student.
Scared? Yup. Excited? Absolutely.
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