We all have our excuses — what’s yours? And why are you letting it stop you?
Let me tell you my story.
Back in 2007 I had a B.A. degree in Psychology, a cushy job that I hated, and plans already set to return to grad school in Psychology. I volunteered at the Pasadena Humane Society on weekends doing everything from socialization of dogs to taking dogs out in the community with the Mobile Outreach program. One day, I was out with the Mobile Outreach with a girl who was an undergraduate student at Cal Poly Pomona. She was a pre-vet major and very excited about becoming a veterinarian. I mentioned in passing that that was what I wanted to be when I was “growing up” and, to my surprise, she asked me the most frank and life-altering question of my life to date, “So what’s stopping you.”
I was taken aback and for a few moments struggled to find my voice. When I did, I replied, “It’s too late.” I went on to make all sorts of excuses, “I already have a degree, I don’t have the coursework, I’m starting grad school in a few months,” I went on and on, “It’s just too late!”
She let it go, but that question haunted me for months. I was making all of these excuses that all revolved around time essentially. Did I really think that it was just too late? No, I think I thought it was just too inconvenient to even consider. So I went about my life, started grad school in psychology, took a few law classes in addition, and spent most of the time continuing on that path and continuing to suppress my vet dreams.
That was, until one day.
At one point during the fall term — in either October or November I remember hitting what I now consider a “breaking point.” I was completely bored with my graduate school courses and research and the law classes proved to be even more vapid. I was stuck.
I called my father up and confessed my unhappiness to him. He didn’t argue with my feelings about my current life course but instead posed a question, “So, what do you want to do?”
I hesitated for a moment as I mentally and emotionally dug up my vet dreams from wherever they were hiding in the back of my mind for the past decade and replied, “I want to be a vet.” I teared up upon hearing myself say the words (as I still do today, just recalling that conversation. I was finally being honest with myself and with someone who’s opinion is truly important to me and immediately I felt relief when he replied, “So what do we have to do to make that happen?”
At that point I realized that my admonition came so prematurely that I had not even looked into what I would need to do. I confessed to him that I had no idea, but I anticipated there was coursework I needed to complete and that would likely take a few years. He urged me to look into it and I did.
I spent the rest of fall term researching what I would need to do to make the transition from Psychology to Veterinary Medicine. Everything seemed like a giant rush — perhaps because for the first time in years, I had decided that it was not too late to pursue my dream and now I was doing everything I could to make up for lost time. As I completed the fall term in grad school I contemplated whether or not I would be able to finish my Masters while taking my pre-requisite coursework for vet school. I was pretty certain it was doable, it just wouldn’t be fun. Fortunately for me, my father stepped in and pushed me to choose. He said I needed to decide for sure what I wanted to do, I couldn’t have both — if I wanted my vet dream, I needed to commit to it wholeheartedly and not look back. I knew deep down he was right, but it was hard at first to make that transition and commit to it without any guarantee that I would be successful.
Clearly, it was worth it. While the original plan was to apply for the Class of 2014, I managed to apply and get accepted with the Class of 2013. So I really have been making up for lost time! But time is no longer what’s stopping me from pursuing my dreams — veterinary or non-veterinary related! I’ve realized that just like my transition to veterinary medicine, the first steps to pursuing any goal are the hardest. But once you start, you wonder why you ever waited to begin with.
This is a great post. You’re lucky to have such supportive parents. It must have really lifted a weight from your shoulders when your dad asked what you needed to do to make the switch. Thanks for sharing.
This is a great post. You’re lucky to have such supportive parents. It must have really lifted a weight from your shoulders when your dad asked what you needed to do to make the switch. Thanks for sharing.
Congrats on making it to vet school! Here’s what stopped me. I was a corporate drone who was bored to death and decided to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a vet. Despite having a BA and a Masters in unrelated fields, I had to start with Freshman level science to fulfill the requirements. I worked part time in corporate land and part time as a veterinary assistant AND took biology, chemistry, physics, organic chem 1 and 2. With only biochem and genetics left as prerequisites. That lasted about 2 years. I gave up pursuing the dream because my husband finally told me that he wouldn’t relocate to where ever I got into vet school. So, back to my old job I go.
Congrats on making it to vet school! Here’s what stopped me. I was a corporate drone who was bored to death and decided to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a vet. Despite having a BA and a Masters in unrelated fields, I had to start with Freshman level science to fulfill the requirements. I worked part time in corporate land and part time as a veterinary assistant AND took biology, chemistry, physics, organic chem 1 and 2. With only biochem and genetics left as prerequisites. That lasted about 2 years. I gave up pursuing the dream because my husband finally told me that he wouldn’t relocate to where ever I got into vet school. So, back to my old job I go.
p.s. i’m 39 years old
p.s. i’m 39 years old
Amy, your story brings up such a good point: every relationship is different, and sometimes one must put their marriage in front of their career goals. Some people make the opposite choice and choose to sacrifice their marriage/relationship for going to vet school. Others feel that both are equally important, which obviously brings difficulties of its own. The dynamics of a relationship are so complicated and no one but you can know what is right for you given your circumstances. If your marriage is clearly more important to you than being a vet, then I commend you for being honest with yourself about your priorities.
I don’t think any of us yearns for the chauvinistic days of yore, but in some respects I feel maybe we have swung too far in the opposite direction. In society – or maybe just in my own microcosm of society – there is a message that “we are women, we can do whatever we want, get out of our way!” But this can foster a selfish attitude, almost “Screw your dreams, it’s all about what *I* want to do.” Being in a marriage, for me, is about joint goals and joint priorities, and if vet school happens to be one of the things you both value (for one or both of you), then that’s great. But if it’s not a joint priority, that’s fine – and totally understandable.
One last thought for Amy: have you considered going the RVT route? Clearly different skill sets, but given your circumstances it might be a good compromise.
Amy, your story brings up such a good point: every relationship is different, and sometimes one must put their marriage in front of their career goals. Some people make the opposite choice and choose to sacrifice their marriage/relationship for going to vet school. Others feel that both are equally important, which obviously brings difficulties of its own. The dynamics of a relationship are so complicated and no one but you can know what is right for you given your circumstances. If your marriage is clearly more important to you than being a vet, then I commend you for being honest with yourself about your priorities.
I don’t think any of us yearns for the chauvinistic days of yore, but in some respects I feel maybe we have swung too far in the opposite direction. In society – or maybe just in my own microcosm of society – there is a message that “we are women, we can do whatever we want, get out of our way!” But this can foster a selfish attitude, almost “Screw your dreams, it’s all about what *I* want to do.” Being in a marriage, for me, is about joint goals and joint priorities, and if vet school happens to be one of the things you both value (for one or both of you), then that’s great. But if it’s not a joint priority, that’s fine – and totally understandable.
One last thought for Amy: have you considered going the RVT route? Clearly different skill sets, but given your circumstances it might be a good compromise.
My marriage provides me with many things and my husband and I have an incredible relationship. We have accomplished many goals together and have supported each other in many thing we have wanted to do jointly and alone. I totally understand his unwillingness to uproot our family so that I can go to school. Honestly, if the reverse were happening, I wouldn’t want to move.
Hindsight being 20/20, I would have pursued vet school when I was in undergrad. I should never have listened to people who told me it would be too hard to get in and that I’d never make it. I did what everyone thought I should do. I majored in business, worked for a while, then went to business school…always wondering, what if.
I have worked as a vet tech in the past. That’s the reason I wanted to go to vet school…so I could do more than a tech can do.
I suppose the grass is always greener, too. I have a friend who is an extremely talented veterinary surgeon. I envy her career. However, she has put so much time into it that her personal life is non-existent. She is single, and it makes her sad. She often wishes she has what I have at home.
I am trying now to find a way to blend my business background and my love of veterinary medicine. I am sure there is a way to do it. I’ll find it…
My marriage provides me with many things and my husband and I have an incredible relationship. We have accomplished many goals together and have supported each other in many thing we have wanted to do jointly and alone. I totally understand his unwillingness to uproot our family so that I can go to school. Honestly, if the reverse were happening, I wouldn’t want to move.
Hindsight being 20/20, I would have pursued vet school when I was in undergrad. I should never have listened to people who told me it would be too hard to get in and that I’d never make it. I did what everyone thought I should do. I majored in business, worked for a while, then went to business school…always wondering, what if.
I have worked as a vet tech in the past. That’s the reason I wanted to go to vet school…so I could do more than a tech can do.
I suppose the grass is always greener, too. I have a friend who is an extremely talented veterinary surgeon. I envy her career. However, she has put so much time into it that her personal life is non-existent. She is single, and it makes her sad. She often wishes she has what I have at home.
I am trying now to find a way to blend my business background and my love of veterinary medicine. I am sure there is a way to do it. I’ll find it…
This was a great post and very encouraging for me. In fact, some of it resonates so much with me, I could have written it. After years in the corporate world (with the requisite master’s degree and all), I finally decided to get out of my own way and pursue my dream in veterinary medicine. I am excited, proud and a little terrified all at the same time. Like you, I have to start at the beginning, taking all of the science prereqs. You guys—I am 46 years old and hope to be part of the class of 2018! So if anyone is out there reading this and saying, “I’m too old”, think again! The biggest obstacle for me all of these years was that I didn’t have a science background. I finally asked myself..”Really? Are you going to let THAT stand between you and your dream?”. And finally, there was a loud, clear voice that I recognized as my own saying, “not another minute longer!”. So I put one foot in front of the other and just began…..
This was a great post and very encouraging for me. In fact, some of it resonates so much with me, I could have written it. After years in the corporate world (with the requisite master’s degree and all), I finally decided to get out of my own way and pursue my dream in veterinary medicine. I am excited, proud and a little terrified all at the same time. Like you, I have to start at the beginning, taking all of the science prereqs. You guys—I am 46 years old and hope to be part of the class of 2018! So if anyone is out there reading this and saying, “I’m too old”, think again! The biggest obstacle for me all of these years was that I didn’t have a science background. I finally asked myself..”Really? Are you going to let THAT stand between you and your dream?”. And finally, there was a loud, clear voice that I recognized as my own saying, “not another minute longer!”. So I put one foot in front of the other and just began…..
Never think you are too old. I’m in my last year of vet school and there are two ladies in my class that are in their 50’s, one is almost 60.
Never think you are too old. I’m in my last year of vet school and there are two ladies in my class that are in their 50’s, one is almost 60.
I’m delighted to hear that!!! one foot in front of the other, well done. It’s never too late. Live the dream and best of luck to you all! Jen 25, 1st year vetmed
I’m delighted to hear that!!! one foot in front of the other, well done. It’s never too late. Live the dream and best of luck to you all! Jen 25, 1st year vetmed
Hey,
I stumbled upon your blog today and couldn’t help but notice that you must be a fellow Sagehen! Chirp, Chirp! I graduated in 2007 with a degree in Latin American Studies and after four years working in education (Teach For America), have decided to pursue what I believe is my true calling- veterinary medicine. I’d love any tips, pointers etc for doing the pre-reqs in Los Angeles as it seems like you might have done that not too long ago. I’m looking at taking mine at Pierce College as they have an agreement with UC Davis that allows a lot of courses to be taken there.
Hey,
I stumbled upon your blog today and couldn’t help but notice that you must be a fellow Sagehen! Chirp, Chirp! I graduated in 2007 with a degree in Latin American Studies and after four years working in education (Teach For America), have decided to pursue what I believe is my true calling- veterinary medicine. I’d love any tips, pointers etc for doing the pre-reqs in Los Angeles as it seems like you might have done that not too long ago. I’m looking at taking mine at Pierce College as they have an agreement with UC Davis that allows a lot of courses to be taken there.
It is nice to hear about older students. I am 47 and just starting my prerequisites (I have a BS in Psych, Teaching and a MS in Computer Science). I also do not live in a state that has a veterinary school. By the time I finish my prerequisites (I work full time) I will probably be about 51 when applying. I had almost dumped my dream due to my age.
It is nice to hear about older students. I am 47 and just starting my prerequisites (I have a BS in Psych, Teaching and a MS in Computer Science). I also do not live in a state that has a veterinary school. By the time I finish my prerequisites (I work full time) I will probably be about 51 when applying. I had almost dumped my dream due to my age.
It’s so nice to hear some upbeat words about vet school. Not that I think it’s going to be a rose garden, but so nice to see people excited to be in class.
I have been on a few forums and all that exists are ho-hum yep I’m a vet student and broke and poor and 200K in debt. Gawd!
Then, get out of it! I’m so glad to hear people like you talking happily about the pursuit!
It’s so nice to hear some upbeat words about vet school. Not that I think it’s going to be a rose garden, but so nice to see people excited to be in class.
I have been on a few forums and all that exists are ho-hum yep I’m a vet student and broke and poor and 200K in debt. Gawd!
Then, get out of it! I’m so glad to hear people like you talking happily about the pursuit!
I just found your blog. I am 41, married with 2 kids, in a career I do not like, and considering becoming a vet, which I know I would love. I do have a bachelors and an advanced degree in science fields, and am checking how much of my coursework would apply to the vet degree at Ohio State. My concern is the financial aspect of it. Mainly what kind of income can I expect once I graduate. I hate that it hinges on that, but I still have student loan debt from my degree and want to know that I will make a good living before going into it. I’d love to hear anything you can share about that. There is also the obvious of the time involved when I have 2 kids, I’m assuming its extremely intensive just as other advanced degress are? This is probably a silly question, but there isn’t a part time option is there? Thanks
Hi Sarah —
Though there are no part-time programs that I know about at this time as it is, as you expected, an extremely intensive program. As far as the finances, vet school costs a lot, so unless you have the cash reserves to pay for it, expect a good deal of loans to be taken out. Once you graduate, do not expect to be making a hefty sum. I believe the average salary for a small animal vet in the US right out of vet school is somewhere around 60k. Salaries vary by field (equine, food, small animal, etc) as well as by location (an area with a higher cost of living will likely have higher salaries for their vets). Depending upon what you want to do with your degree, there are (or will soon be) ways to pay back your debt by working for the government, non-profit organizations, or the army.
Good luck with everything and feel free to post any additional questions or comments!
~S
I just found your blog. I am 41, married with 2 kids, in a career I do not like, and considering becoming a vet, which I know I would love. I do have a bachelors and an advanced degree in science fields, and am checking how much of my coursework would apply to the vet degree at Ohio State. My concern is the financial aspect of it. Mainly what kind of income can I expect once I graduate. I hate that it hinges on that, but I still have student loan debt from my degree and want to know that I will make a good living before going into it. I’d love to hear anything you can share about that. There is also the obvious of the time involved when I have 2 kids, I’m assuming its extremely intensive just as other advanced degress are? This is probably a silly question, but there isn’t a part time option is there? Thanks
Hi Sarah —
Though there are no part-time programs that I know about at this time as it is, as you expected, an extremely intensive program. As far as the finances, vet school costs a lot, so unless you have the cash reserves to pay for it, expect a good deal of loans to be taken out. Once you graduate, do not expect to be making a hefty sum. I believe the average salary for a small animal vet in the US right out of vet school is somewhere around 60k. Salaries vary by field (equine, food, small animal, etc) as well as by location (an area with a higher cost of living will likely have higher salaries for their vets). Depending upon what you want to do with your degree, there are (or will soon be) ways to pay back your debt by working for the government, non-profit organizations, or the army.
Good luck with everything and feel free to post any additional questions or comments!
~S
Hi. I am 39 years old and am waiting to hear from Western as to whether or not that would like to interview me. This is my second year applying. I did a year of vet school in Grenada at St. George’s but moved back after becoming pregnant. Now I have a 2 year old am still going at it. I like to hear about the older students because that is a major concern for me. My class at SGU was sooo young!
Sharon, how is Davis? What is your typical day like and do you know if any classmates have young kids?
Hi. I am 39 years old and am waiting to hear from Western as to whether or not that would like to interview me. This is my second year applying. I did a year of vet school in Grenada at St. George’s but moved back after becoming pregnant. Now I have a 2 year old am still going at it. I like to hear about the older students because that is a major concern for me. My class at SGU was sooo young!
Sharon, how is Davis? What is your typical day like and do you know if any classmates have young kids?