Oasis

You don't always have to travel far to have meaningful experiences!  Read about where Rachael Lahar of the University of Illinois goes for some well deserved R&R!

Oasis

Directly across from the University of Illinois Veterinary School is an oasis. I stumbled upon the arboretum in the first week of veterinary school. Since then, it has been my favorite place to visit when I was overwhelmed by the weight of knowledge I need to comprehend.

As I explored the gardens, my body relaxed, my mind cleared, and the stress upon my shoulders lifted. I was surrounded by blooming flowers, greenery, fresh air, and even monarch butterflies. My visits continued throughout my first semester; each time I would discover a new aspect I had overlooked on my previous adventures. As the seasons changed, I experienced my first taste of fall and now snow.

No matter what is happening in my life or the stressors of veterinary school that are upon my mind, the arboretum is there for me.

A place of peace.

 

An Old Friend

An Old Friend

By: Danielle Howe, Cornell University 

I recently had the opportunity to learn from one of the founders of ophthalmology, Dr. Seth Koch. I was externing at an emergency and specialty hospital when the manager asked if I wanted to meet Dr. Koch since he only flies in to work for one week each month. I introduced myself to the 80 year old man and he immediately forgot my name and called me every other name he could think of. He told me there were 2 rules to understand veterinary medicine: all pet owners are crazy, and all crazy people own pets. He said exactly what was on his mind and my first impression was that he was a cynical man. He asked if I wanted to stay and watch his next appointment so I did. The eye had always seemed like a mystery to me but Dr. Koch told me to describe what I see and take it one step at a time. Although I don’t plan on becoming an ophthalmologist, I gained confidence in diagnosing and treating eye disease. The next day he asked if I wanted to watch him perform a parotid duct transposition and how could I say no to the expert that pioneered this surgery in the veterinary world! I had such an unexpected and amazing experience though I was initially intimidated by his brutal honesty. After hours of getting to know him, laughing about his absurd life stories, and learning about the eye, I would consider him a friend… even if he can’t remember my name.