Lately, everyone is focusing on starting their first year and I've seen the same things happening on the pre-veterinary forum where the class of 2017 is getting ready to start. I remember the summer before first year - it was hectic! Not only did I have to pack up my apartment and move, but I was moving to a new country, alone, and had to deal with all of the trappings of that circus. I remember how anxious I felt, how heart-sick to be leaving everything behind. And guess what? I still feel a little twinge when I realize that I have three short weeks before heading back for my third year.
You probably realize what I'm gearing up to here: advice. In general, I try to stay away from being one of those blogs that are aimed at helping pre-whatevers get into whatever school. Not because I think that's a stupid idea, but because I feel like I barely managed the process myself! Fortunately for you, I'm in the sharing mood and I hope someone somewhere finds some shred of comfort or confidence in what I have to say from the half-way point.
- Stop comparing yourself to others now. Everyone in vet school had to work their rear end off to get in. They all went through the same grueling applications, the nerve-wracking wait and the joy of acceptance, just like you. Some of you barely need to study to get an A. Some of you could hit the jugular vein with your eyes closed. Some of you have utterly non-vet-related skills that many blinkers-on pre-vets never had. The point? You are all different. You all have your strengths and weaknesses (even those who seem perfect!). And yet, you are all in the same boat. Many people are moving. Some of you are leaving behind loved ones. Most of you will have to work on your relationships (be it romantic, family or platonic) no matter the distance. Every single one of you is excited and nervous about school and making friends. So fight the urge to wonder about your orientation group's grades or experiences. Stop telling yourself that you alone are going to be lonely and sad and failing. Embrace your differences and work hard for yourself and no one else. And when the first grades come out, don't share what you got. Work harder if you need to, remember what it took if you did well.
- Don't obsess over grades. Admissions is brutally selective and you've been conditioned to get the highest numbers you can achieve but you're in. Some of you are brushing this off because you want to do residency and guess what? Grades are important for that. But don't let grades rule your life. If you do poorly, find help and find a different way to study. If you do well, be content with that. Chances are there will always be someone who scores higher than you - don't let that poison your mind.
- Find balance. Sometimes I think that people like to complain about how grueling vet school is. And yeah, it's hard. But don't let vet school become your entire life! Find other things to talk about with classmates. Keep up with your hobbies or pick up a new one. Find some way to remain active, even if it's just a walk before dinner in the evening. Get that amount of sleep that you know your body needs as frequently as possible. You may have to prioritize certain things, but make those decisions ahead of time so that you aren't deciding last minute if you will sleep an extra hour or make yourself dinner that night. Give yourself time to do things that have nothing to do with vet school and I guarantee you will be happier.
- If you need help, ask for it. This not only pertains to the classroom but to your mental health as well. It's a big transition period for everyone. Remember Pieces of Advice #1, 2 and 3? Some of you won't follow them and you'll end up burnt out, homesick as hell, lonely and miserable. And it's all downhill from there. If you ever get to that point, find your school's counselor and make an appointment to talk, or even just talk with a supportive friend or family member from back home. Know your support system and utilize the heck out of it.
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