Student Experience

Submitted by Caitlin Mitchell, Auburn University

My best experience is vet related and it started the summer after my junior year of undergrad. I had been trying so long to get into a clinic to work at but because of covid they weren’t accepting anyone new at the time. However, that summer I finally found a clinic that let me join them. I had never been in a clinic and saw all the things that happen behind the scenes such as surgeries and all the chaos. I had only had the opportunity to work on my own animals that got hurt around the farm with minor things of course. But that first week I was blown away. At first, I was quite taking in everything, especially the surgeries. In the beginning, it made my stomach twist into knots. Not knowing whether I would be able to handle doing this everyday even though it had been my dream for as long as I could remember. However, I stuck with it and after a couple weeks I begin to bloom showing my real passion for vet med because in those weeks I learned that this is exactly what I want and that I am meant to make a difference in both the animal’s lives and their owners. Each and every thing we underwent I got so excited that I lit up at the task no matter how big or small. Not only that but the team that was at the clinic begin to really get to know me and we began to bond. I realized over time that what they have at the clinic there is special. Because not only do they care about helping animals, but they also care about the owners and each other. Going out of each other’s way to protect one another and help out when the other needs a hand. I’ve learned that vet med can be frustrating at times. Especially when we can’t save every animal and that brings on a tough day for everyone because we love them as if they’re our own. In that time this team allows one another to step in and let the one needing it to catch a breather and take a step back for a minute. This was amazing to see for me. Not only that, the clinic enjoyed me working there and they have given me the opportunity to come in on my breaks or during the summers to help out when I can and gain even more knowledge.

After getting into vet school they brought my experience to a whole new level as the doctors there begin to mentor me in beginning surgeries with shelter dogs. They have taught me how to perform these surgeries and given me the opportunity to further my knowledge inside and out. I have performed multiple surgeries now under their watch and the passion I have for vet med has only bloomed more for me. I guess in the beginning this was considered a job and turned into more of an externship. But regardless for me it has been the opportunity of a lifetime because it’s helped shape me into the person I am today. Someone that steps out of their comfort zone and into the light with a scalpel blade. Daunting, yes but I couldn’t have asked for a better experience that has only made me drive more towards the dream that I’ve always wanted. Not only that but along the way I have gained a second family that has been so supportive of me. I’ve learned to work under circumstances that are unimaginable. Some of these experiences I didn’t realize how important they were to me until this opportunity showed me that I am meant to be a veterinarian because that’s where my passion lies with no doubt. This has been a very meaningful part of my veterinary experience and one that I hope to continue in the future.