Reflections on Second Year

Christine Mallo, University of Illinois

Life as a Vet Student, Entry

Second year, oh second year. As those of us enrolled in veterinary school understand, the type of graduate problem we have aspired our whole lives to be a part of comes as a challenge. There are up and downs, and then they are repeated over and over. Sometimes it feels like there isn’t going to be a break, which is exactly how the second year of school felt for me. It was a challenge, a struggle, and down-right hard, but at the end of the day, I can honestly say that this year has made me not only a stronger student, but a more appreciative individual as well.

Most students would agree that first year of school is the most shocking, as the format of the curriculum is new for all and adjustments must be made quickly to keep up. For me, I went into first year expecting the absolute hardest year of my life, and while it was difficult, I kept my head high and my mind focused and was proud of the grades I received. I worked at a small animal clinic during the summer between my first and second years and fell in love with client communication, as well as animal-wellbeing, and the education that goes behind all of these things. And this became the skill to master my second year.

When second year started, I participated as a leader of more than one club, and as we all know, this does take some time away from studying. What I didn’t anticipate in signing up for so many things was the amount of practice I would receive in being a mentor, someone that my peers turned to for advice or looked to for answers. I had never interacted so closely with my peers, and for this, I am eternally grateful. I would be lying if I said there were not challenges that came along with managing groups made up of your peers and future colleagues, but the practical life experiences I obtained outside the classroom made the material that was taught there that much more valuable. I could take what I learned in class, and teach it to those younger or less experienced than myself. It was an educational experience for myself, and if I was at least able to teach one thing new to those that viewed me as a leader, then I am completely satisfied.

I think that us students sometimes forget about all the other components that go into being a great veterinarian; the patience, the timeliness, the communication skills. By stepping back from the material just a few times a week, we are able to grab hold of these skills and teach ourselves something new in the process. Vet school is a trip, but it is only as enjoyable as you make it. Put your best foot forward and you’ll regret nothing in the end.