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What was the biggest obstacle when going into veterinary medicine and how did you overcome it?

I am curious to any vet med students or those who were previously what you felt the biggest setback was and how you persevered!

career-path veterinary-medicine fall24
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Angel’s Answer

One of the biggest obstacles many face in veterinary medicine is the intense academic workload and emotional stress. Balancing rigorous studies with practical experiences can be daunting. Overcoming this often involves building a strong support system, connecting with peers, and finding effective study methods. Many find solace in joining study groups or seeking mentorship. Remember, it's a journey! Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and don't hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. You’ve got this!
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Grady’s Answer

I went to vet tech school. *Living* was the hardest thing. Paying rent, gas, utilities, going to school full time &, at one point, working 3 jobs. My parents definitely helped me get by, until I graduated. I could not have done it without them. They were FAR from rich, but helped me without question. I made it through determination. I was going to do it, regardless of how it happened.
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Roma-Ann’s Answer

It's more of academic loads and how you manage your time. You need great group of friends while you're at it. That made me survived college, tbh
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Valerie’s Answer

Time management was the hardest part for me. Finding time to study the intensive coursework and balancing school with finding time to still be myself and enjoy life. Here are some suggestions:

Make Commitments & Keep a Calendar:
- Designate study days and times. Put it on your calendar.
- Communicate this with family and friends so they know you are unavailable during these times.
- Cut it off at the designated time so you don't burn out and can have a good school/life balance.
- Reminder: it is ok to miss a deadline as long as you reschedule it and keep moving. Don’t get frustrated or mad at yourself. Life happens, just keep moving!

Study Time:
- Have a place to go if home is too loud (siblings, roommates, pets), stressful (you feel like you should be doing laundry, cleaning), distracting (TV, music on) – go to Starbucks, the library or the park.
- Write yourself a plan for when, where and how long. Be realistic. You cannot attend class for 8 hours and then study for 4 hours every weekday and then also study all weekend.
- Keep a hobby going. Go to the gym, or take a walk outside a few times a week. You will need something to mentally take you away from school or you will burn out.

Accountability Buddies:
- Is there someone or a handful of people in your class that you connect with? You can use this person to hold you accountable to your commitments.
- Sometimes talking through topics that are difficult to comprehend or remember will help clarify them and solidify them in your brain.
- Helps you remember that you are not alone and your stressors are real.

Don't forget what motivates you!
- Remember why you are doing this. Make a note, hang it in your room or study space, or write it on the front of your notebook.
- Celebrate successes. Post on social media. Send your family and friends a snapshot of a good grade.
- Reward yourself when you reach a pre-set goal. Buy a candy bar, give yourself permission to take a nap, buy a fancy bottle of lotion, shower gel or shave cream, buy yourself flowers, go for a mani/pedi, take a long bath, read a chapter of a non-school book.

Valerie recommends the following next steps:

Here is a place to find some great resources: https://www.pennfoster.edu/blog/time-management-tools-125-resources
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