What’s Stopping YOU From Pursuing Your Vet Dreams?

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 Read More …

A First Year’s Guide to UCD SVM: Fall Term Books & Classes

First day of fall term, you all gather in Valley Hall and, upon seeing your classmates in their normal street clothes, you feel your mind going blank as you struggle to remember the names of the people you’ve spent the past week bonding with. Don’t worry, everyone’s experiencing the same thing; just reintroduce yourselves! Fall Read More …

A First Year’s Guide to UCD SVM: Orientation

Rumor has it that Dr. Don Klingborg is no longer leading Orientation for incoming first year vet students. Pretty sad if it’s true as he was a lot of fun. (Catch a spoof that the Class of 2013 made called The Campus to roast Dr. Klingborg and Orientation at the Turkey Roast in 2009 on Read More …

A First Year’s Guide to UCD SVM: Supplies for First Year

You may be wondering what sorts if items you will need for your first year of vet school. Below is a list of important things that come to mind. I will be sure to amend this list if something else comes to mind. NOTE: no books are listed here; that does not mean that you Read More …

Introducing: A First Year’s Guide to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

Thanks to an incoming first year’s suggestion, I’m compiling a First Year’s Guide to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine! Let’s face it, most of us are a little lost when we start off at vet school, I know I was! So this guide will be my meager attempt to do a little hand-holding Read More …

Guest Blogger Jennifer, Part 4: Oh My God, The Loans!

Vet school is expensive. We all know it, even though some of us (me included) try to avoid facing the realities of it. The Office of Financial Aid at UC Davis reports that the average loan amount for vet students per year is around $40,000 – and that’s for in-state students only! When you start Read More …

Guest Blogger Jennifer, Part 3: Starting Over/Non-Traditional Paths

It can be incredibly daunting to abandon your current career and all the work you invested in getting there, only to have to start from scratch. But Sharon and I have both lived through this one, so believe me, it can be done! Even with all the hassles and frustrations of going back to undergrad Read More …

Guest Blogger Jennifer, Part 2: Relationship Concerns

Raise your hand if you’ve heard this one: “Everyone who enters vet school married, leaves divorced.” I decided to switch fields about 4 months after I got married. With a new marriage to cultivate, of course I was worried about what all this would mean for our relationship. All of my fears got ten times Read More …

Guest Blogger Jennifer, Part 1: Fear of Blood

For part 1 of this guest blogger series, let’s talk about blood! Sharon has already discussed this, but I want to revisit the topic, because it was the most important barrier I had to overcome. Throughout my entire life, I have been afraid of blood, veins, and arteries. Until my early 20s, I couldn’t even Read More …

Guest Blogger: Meet Jennifer

Hello readers! Sharon has graciously allowed me to temporarily share her podium by making me a Guest Blogger. Thanks, Sharon! First, a bit about me. My name is Jennifer, and I am an incoming first-year veterinary student at UC Davis. Sharon and I have taken very similar paths, although it took me a bit longer Read More …