Being Kind While Smelling Like Fried Rice

By: Katelyn Guill-Sanchez

My most rewarding experience thus far on my journey to DVM has nothing at all to do with animals and everything to do with humility – waiting tables. It sounds so silly, but I think waiting tables has helped me to develop better client interaction skills than any formal training that I’ve had. I work in a busy sushi/hibachi restaurant near Kansas State University every Friday and Saturday night. After every sleepless Thursday night and every dreadful 8 am Friday exam I drag myself to work – and it’s the thing I look  most forward to each week. Beyond my curriculum, it gives me a sense of time management and purpose, and some extra money in vet school always goes a long way. Being a waitress has taught me how to triage (cats and noodles are basically the same thing, right?). It has taught me to work quickly and efficiently and how to be kind and patient with strangers, even under stress. I love my job. I have met some wonderful people, and my restaurant experience even landed me my Student Rep position with Hill’s. I strongly encourage other students to work odd jobs during summer breaks if their schedules allow. Taking a step outside of vet med has given me a new perspective on being understanding and patient with strangers – because hell hath no fury like small children with plates of fried rice.