Life as a Vet Student- Advice to First Years

By Chelsea Mason

Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

One year of school down, three to go!  This year was certainly a whirlwind of excitement, terror, fun, and stress.  Probably the most surprising and memorable thing about my first year was the amazing professors!  They were so far from what I expected, and from what I had experienced in my undergraduate studies.  I have never met people so passionate about what they do. They were so eager and excited to teach us everything they know.   I was completely shocked when one of my professors gave out her home phone number and address to all of the students. She even told us that we could come over on weekends if we needed help!  Another of my professors let me borrow his personal copy of a textbook that I didn’t have so that I could understand the material.  These professors were so selfless, and wanted nothing more than for us to learn and succeed.  Their compassion and warmth made the first year so much less stressful, and I am truly going to miss them next year. 

The hardest transition for me was adjusting to the schedule.  I have always been a very active person, so sitting down in the same classroom all day was very difficult for me.  I never realized how much I enjoyed walking between classes in undergrad!  Lunch was the only time that we really got to go outside, but by October it was too cold and rainy to sit out there anymore.  Eventually I accepted it though, and used my weekends as opportunities to go out hiking, biking, and enjoying the fresh air. When all was said and done, I think that I transitioned into veterinary school very well, and my first year was a positive and enjoyable experience.