Class of 2020... how you doin?

Veterinary Science Graduate Programs from U. of I.
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This is my lab group, too. We're switching after the first exam and I'm so bumbed because we all get along so well and lab has actually been really fun with them!
 
You guys....I may be crazy...but I'm having a TON OF FUN in vet school. 😛

I'm afraid to tell my classmates because I think they might hate me lol, but...this is about the happiest I've ever been. Even with the stress and work level--it's just all so cool and interesting and I'm learning so many neat things! 😀 😀 We just had our first test last Friday and lots of people were panicking...there were definitely a couple things I didn't know but overall it felt really good and it feels like my study methods are working!

Anyone else totally nuts like me and loving it?
 
I wouldn't say I personally am loving the school parts. But I don't hate it either. I've never really had time off school like a lot of people get, so I'm just kind of bored with being in a classroom. I'd say there was a honeymoon phase of things at the start when I was crazy excited about everything, but that's fizzled out. That said, I'm not burnt out yet. What I do like is being so far away from home and meeting so many new people. Also, the cool opportunities you get through clubs and things 🙂 glad you're enjoying yourself. Hope it lasts!
 
Ever since vet school started, I have been really, really bad about eating enough food everyday because I have just been so hyperfocused on studying. Today all I have had is one small sandwich and a cookie, and since about 1:30 I've had a horrible headache, as you might imagine, which was only exacerbated by the formaldehyde in anatomy lab.

And that's not even getting into the anxiety part of it. I know that I HAVE to take breaks and take care of myself before anything else, and not doing so means I'm not performing optimally, but I'm having a hard time convincing myself of that right now when I feel absolutely swamped and am terrified of floundering during this first big week of tests.

Urgh! I know I have a problem. 🙁
 
SandstormDVM said:
Ever since vet school started, I have been really, really bad about eating enough food everyday because I have just been so hyperfocused on studying. Today all I have had is one small sandwich and a cookie, and since about 1:30 I've had a horrible headache, as you might imagine, which was only exacerbated by the formaldehyde in anatomy lab.

And that's not even getting into the anxiety part of it. I know that I HAVE to take breaks and take care of myself before anything else, and not doing so means I'm not performing optimally, but I'm having a hard time convincing myself of that right now when I feel absolutely swamped and am terrified of floundering during this first big week of tests.

Urgh! I know I have a problem. 🙁
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*Hugs* That sounds awful! I'm sorry you're so stressed. When I'm stressed I don't eat, either, and then wonder why I'm tired, stressed AND grumpy. Chances are your classmates feel the exact same, so it might help to talk to someone you trust. Counselors are also a really good idea--I know some schools offer free counseling for vet students because they know what a high-volume high-stress environment it is. Even if it's not free it would still be worth it. Just remember it's VERY rare for a student to fail out...at our school it's happened once in 14 years, so if you need additional academic support don't be afraid to ask for it! You're paying for all this lovely stress school imparts, so take full advantage of your resources. I hope you have time to at least order yourself a pizza tonight. <3
 
Trilt said:
Anyone who has a VIN account play with their new 3d anatomy models? I poked around during lunch and they looked neat: http://www.vin.com/members/3DLearning
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Just got the email from VIN about it 15 minutes ago. It's really neat. Our school bought every 1st year a license for LlamaZoo's EasyAnatomy, and I've been using that while doing the assigned readings to get a better picture of what the dissection guide is describing. It's nice and similar to the program on VIN, but I think I like VIN's better. While EasyAnatomy lets you isolate and hide muscles, the interface is actually pretty annoying, and you're limited in how you can move the picture unless you keep selecting "focus" to manipulate it. It also doesn't have some of these extra functions. I've only poked around the VIN one for a couple of minutes, but it's already shown itself to be more useful. I really like that it lets you group muscles by nerve and that there's a quiz function where you can type things directly into it. I think I'm going to be using this more than EasyAnatomy.
 
rockatiel said:
I wouldn't say I personally am loving the school parts. But I don't hate it either. I've never really had time off school like a lot of people get, so I'm just kind of bored with being in a classroom. I'd say there was a honeymoon phase of things at the start when I was crazy excited about everything, but that's fizzled out. That said, I'm not burnt out yet. What I do like is being so far away from home and meeting so many new people. Also, the cool opportunities you get through clubs and things 🙂 glad you're enjoying yourself. Hope it lasts!
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Yeah I've been out of school for five years--so for me, the vet school schedule is actually less grueling than my work schedule was. I have way more time off, way more flexibility in scheduling, and even though I study throughout the day overall I spend less time in class and studying than I did as a full-time tech. So that's a huge relief. Plus all these years of only get bits and pieces of understanding how biology works...even studying on my own there were some questions I just couldn't answer, and now I have all these available resources. It's really wonderful. Glad you're not burnt out yet! Hoping to hang on to some of my enthusiasm for at least the first semester or so. The second years are getting pummeled right now so I'm sure I'll have a different attitude next year. 😛
 
TerraVet said:
*Hugs* That sounds awful! I'm sorry you're so stressed. When I'm stressed I don't eat, either, and then wonder why I'm tired, stressed AND grumpy. Chances are your classmates feel the exact same, so it might help to talk to someone you trust. Counselors are also a really good idea--I know some schools offer free counseling for vet students because they know what a high-volume high-stress environment it is. Even if it's not free it would still be worth it. Just remember it's VERY rare for a student to fail out...at our school it's happened once in 14 years, so if you need additional academic support don't be afraid to ask for it! You're paying for all this lovely stress school imparts, so take full advantage of your resources. I hope you have time to at least order yourself a pizza tonight. <3
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Thanks so much for the support. 😍

We do have free counseling specifically for vet students, so I might go and check that out after our tests.

I just feel so, so much farther behind than everyone else and that it's my fault because I haven't been studying hard enough or smart enough despite my honestly not doing anything else outside of school. Maybe a better work-life balance is actually what I really need--it might help me focus and retain information better when I do study.

All I know is that I can't operate at this pace for three years without changing something. I'm not even a month in and I already feel burnt out.
 
SandstormDVM said:
We do have free counseling specifically for vet students, so I might go and check that out after our tests.
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This is so worth taking advantage of. I can't even stress it enough. I had the same issue of moving at a snail pace and feeling so tired. There are ways to fix it. Just please take care of it now. You'll feel so much better once you do.
 
missdarjeeling said:
Just got the email from VIN about it 15 minutes ago. It's really neat. Our school bought every 1st year a license for LlamaZoo's EasyAnatomy, and I've been using that while doing the assigned readings to get a better picture of what the dissection guide is describing. It's nice and similar to the program on VIN, but I think I like VIN's better. While EasyAnatomy lets you isolate and hide muscles, the interface is actually pretty annoying, and you're limited in how you can move the picture unless you keep selecting "focus" to manipulate it. It also doesn't have some of these extra functions. I've only poked around the VIN one for a couple of minutes, but it's already shown itself to be more useful. I really like that it lets you group muscles by nerve and that there's a quiz function where you can type things directly into it. I think I'm going to be using this more than EasyAnatomy.
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Not fair!! It really sounds like they're trying hard to improve the anatomy course.
 
orca2011 said:
Not fair!! It really sounds like they're trying hard to improve the anatomy course.
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If it makes you feel any better, we still have to share bones and still can't take them out of lab. And the pelvis and fibula in my group's locker are both broken. 🙁
 
SandstormDVM said:
Thanks so much for the support. 😍

We do have free counseling specifically for vet students, so I might go and check that out after our tests.

I just feel so, so much farther behind than everyone else and that it's my fault because I haven't been studying hard enough or smart enough despite my honestly not doing anything else outside of school. Maybe a better work-life balance is actually what I really need--it might help me focus and retain information better when I do study.

All I know is that I can't operate at this pace for three years without changing something. I'm not even a month in and I already feel burnt out.
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please, please, please take a break. I promise you will do better if you do. Make time for yourself every night. I know it seems counter-intuitive. Do it anyway
 
Agreed. Took me an entire semester to convince someone that by incorporating their hobbies back into their schedule, test anxiety and overall stress levels went down and they did much better. For him, running also brought life balance back. Went from failing despite studying 6 hours a day to low B and a couple hours on select days, few more with tests looming. Gotta find an outlet or it becomes a deep pit of despair.
 
dyachei said:
please, please, please take a break. I promise you will do better if you do. Make time for yourself every night. I know it seems counter-intuitive. Do it anyway
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I'm quoting this because it is so true. I instantly noticed an improvement in my happiness and my grades when I allowed myself to relax and have a break. Seriously, taking a night off won't make or break you passing an exam.
 
SandstormDVM said:
Ever since vet school started, I have been really, really bad about eating enough food everyday because I have just been so hyperfocused on studying. Today all I have had is one small sandwich and a cookie, and since about 1:30 I've had a horrible headache, as you might imagine, which was only exacerbated by the formaldehyde in anatomy lab.

And that's not even getting into the anxiety part of it. I know that I HAVE to take breaks and take care of myself before anything else, and not doing so means I'm not performing optimally, but I'm having a hard time convincing myself of that right now when I feel absolutely swamped and am terrified of floundering during this first big week of tests.

Urgh! I know I have a problem. 🙁
Click to expand...

Take some time for yourself, Sandstorm. Also, please make sure you are drinking enough water. Try to take sometime this weekend and prep some snacks for yourself so you have something grab-and-go for the days when it's really rough. Maybe try going to bed an hour earlier, put everything away and focus your mind on something else for that small amount of time. I know it's all easier said than done. We're worried about you!
 
I studied some right after the exam yesterday and then just had fun the rest of the day. Got my introvert time in the afternoon and then in the evening a group of us went to get ice cream, then to dinner, and then to see a movie. Not getting home until midnight was not the best idea ever BUT it was a lot of fun and I think we all needed the break after all the studying.

I did realize though that I'm nowhere near as stressed as most of my friends seem to be about everything. I guess that's just me but when I see them all worried about things I'm like "Should I be more worried?? What's wrong with me?" Idk. It's weird.
 
WildZoo said:
I did realize though that I'm nowhere near as stressed as most of my friends seem to be about everything. I guess that's just me but when I see them all worried about things I'm like "Should I be more worried?? What's wrong with me?" Idk. It's weird.
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I've been feeling this way too lately.
 
WildZoo said:
I did realize though that I'm nowhere near as stressed as most of my friends seem to be about everything. I guess that's just me but when I see them all worried about things I'm like "Should I be more worried?? What's wrong with me?" Idk. It's weird.
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Same here too. It's been making me think that I'm not being serious enough about school. Or maybe it's all the other life stresses that are making vet school seem like a break from everything else that makes it not stress me so much.

On another note. Had my first test, and didn't die. It was actually alot easier than I thought it would be.
 
wheelin2vetmed said:
First anatomy exam mañana. I'll make sure to run over everyone's feet in the lab and just plow my way through the crowds. #gimplife
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Mine's tomorrow, too. Not feeling very prepared for it at all despite how much I've been studying, but I've come to terms with the fact that I all I can do is give it my best and see how things play out.

Or maybe the apathy is already settling in. I don't even know.
 
I think one of the hardest hurdles I'm going to have to get over is not comparing myself to others. I was super happy with my high B on my first anatomy test, and then my friends are like "I got a 90 and I barely even studied" or "I got a 94 just studying during my all nighter last night" or, my personal fav, "I got a 102, that test was a piece of cake".

I know it doesn't matter what I make and what they make, but I wish people would just keep it to themselves because now I feel bad for not being super happy for them and wanting to get a better grade next time. I keep trying to tell myself "IT LITERALLY DOESN'T MATTER, STOP IT RIGHT NOW" but it's hard 🙁
 
hazelmoo said:
I think one of the hardest hurdles I'm going to have to get over is not comparing myself to others. I was super happy with my high B on my first anatomy test, and then my friends are like "I got a 90 and I barely even studied" or "I got a 94 just studying during my all nighter last night" or, my personal fav, "I got a 102, that test was a piece of cake".

I know it doesn't matter what I make and what they make, but I wish people would just keep it to themselves because now I feel bad for not being super happy for them and wanting to get a better grade next time. I keep trying to tell myself "IT LITERALLY DOESN'T MATTER, STOP IT RIGHT NOW" but it's hard 🙁
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Just remember that they could definitely be lying and most likely studied a lot. Just ignore those closet studiers.
 
People openly talking about their grades all the time to anyone within earshot is one of my pet peeves. It's unprofessional and obnoxious, IMO. I hope your classmates stop doing it.

Also remember that most people are full of crap when they say things like that. Few people who advertise their grades so blatantly are completely honest about it all. Don't feel bad for not being ecstatic for them. It's perfectly normal to react to people like that by questioning yourself and getting upset about how you did. It's definitely hard to focus on yourself when people are flapping their gums like that, but keep trying to put them out of your mind. We have enough stuff on our plates. We don't need to be adding more worries for no reason.
 
hazelmoo said:
I think one of the hardest hurdles I'm going to have to get over is not comparing myself to others. I was super happy with my high B on my first anatomy test, and then my friends are like "I got a 90 and I barely even studied" or "I got a 94 just studying during my all nighter last night" or, my personal fav, "I got a 102, that test was a piece of cake".

I know it doesn't matter what I make and what they make, but I wish people would just keep it to themselves because now I feel bad for not being super happy for them and wanting to get a better grade next time. I keep trying to tell myself "IT LITERALLY DOESN'T MATTER, STOP IT RIGHT NOW" but it's hard 🙁
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We haven't even had any tests yet but I have already started falling into this trap, too. The majority of students in my class are freaking out about anatomy, but then there's that small but vocal minority claiming that they are 100% certain that they're going to pull As that they are only planning on cramming the night before. These are also the same people who brag about how "rigorous" their undergrad education was and how they're destined for success, etc etc. Confidence is great, but there is a fine line between that and arrogance, and they are definitely treading that line precariously. 🙄

It's hard, but you've really just got to try to not compare yourself to everyone else. Like kata said, for all you know, they could very well be lying. Let them relish in their fantasy world where vet school is a cakewalk.
 
It takes all kinds to make the world go round. You can be irked, but just do you. Those that talk grades and little studying could be lying or telling the truth. In the end, it matters little because likely their goals in life are different than yours. I never let any of that chat bother me because sometimes it takes those kind of people to fulfill a niche in our profession. Sometimes it takes arrogance and self confidence to take on certain challenges. That is my take on things anyway. You guys are all great, so keep going and keep your heads. 🙂
 
Thanks guys... I'm like "is there something wrong with me studying this hard to only pull off a B"? I know there's not, and there's probably people who did worse with studying more than I did... But still, it's hard! I wish you weren't allowed to talk about you grades!

But then the school goes and posts your class rank every quarter, so you're kinda forced to compare yourself to others -__-
 
hazelmoo said:
I think one of the hardest hurdles I'm going to have to get over is not comparing myself to others. I was super happy with my high B on my first anatomy test, and then my friends are like "I got a 90 and I barely even studied" or "I got a 94 just studying during my all nighter last night" or, my personal fav, "I got a 102, that test was a piece of cake".

I know it doesn't matter what I make and what they make, but I wish people would just keep it to themselves because now I feel bad for not being super happy for them and wanting to get a better grade next time. I keep trying to tell myself "IT LITERALLY DOESN'T MATTER, STOP IT RIGHT NOW" but it's hard 🙁
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Have the same issue here too! People have even posted grades on our class facebook page. I'm all for my classmates doing well, but can you refrain from posting that you got an A on the histo quiz on fb please! You know if you got an A, that there are others that scored less than you. So what really was the motive of your post?
 
hazelmoo said:
Thanks guys... I'm like "is there something wrong with me studying this hard to only pull off a B"? I know there's not, and there's probably people who did worse with studying more than I did... But still, it's hard! I wish you weren't allowed to talk about you grades!

But then the school goes and posts your class rank every quarter, so you're kinda forced to compare yourself to others -__-
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That is because there is still a reason grades matter. There are thousands of vet students all vying for positions in internships and residency after vet school. Life has been and is currently a competition for those that are ambitious for certain jobs in life. You are not doing yourself any favors by judging them for playing the game. It's just the way things are. You need to be confident in yourself as you know and stop wasting energy in the form of anger towards the people in a different world than you.
 
Lupin21 said:
That is because there is still a reason grades matter. There are thousands of vet students all vying for positions in internships and residency after vet school. Life has been and is currently a competition for those that are ambitious for certain jobs in life. You are not doing yourself any favors by judging them for playing the game. It's just the way things are. You need to be confident in yourself as you know and stop wasting energy in the form of anger towards the people in a different world than you.
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I'm not angry, but I just wish people would respect others and keep people's feelings into consideration before bragging about this or the that or the other... It doesn't do them any good by doing it, so I guess I just don't see the point.
 
RoryCat said:
Have the same issue here too! People have even posted grades on our class facebook page. I'm all for my classmates doing well, but can you refrain from posting that you got an A on the histo quiz on fb please! You know if you got an A, that there are others that scored less than you. So what really was the motive of your post?
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Yeah, it's really just weird to brag about that on fb to your class.
 
katashark said:
Yeah, it's really just weird to brag about that on fb to your class.
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Don't think they bragged on the class page, as yes, that would be tacky. But for your own private FB, it is their prerogative to be proud about their grade. As far as respecting others about their grades, sure. It would be nice if everyone kept grades out of all conversations, but vet school is pretty much life consuming. It is going to dominate most conversations from here on out. Anyway, what I am really trying to say here is get used to it, be confident in yourself, and if it really bugs you, get that A and join in the bragging. haha
 
Lupin21 said:
Don't think they bragged on the class page, as yes, that would be tacky. But for your own private FB, it is their prerogative to be proud about their grade. As far as respecting others about their grades, sure. It would be nice if everyone kept grades out of all conversations, but vet school is pretty much life consuming. It is going to dominate most conversations from here on out. Anyway, what I am really trying to say here is get used to it, be confident in yourself, and if it really bugs you, get that A and join in the bragging. haha
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Total noob when it comes to Facebook, so where ever it was posted I and I'm sure the majority of my classmates could see it. I guess the thing is I would never post my grades on Facebook - even if I did join the A club. Or gloat about them to classmates. When the topic comes up, my go to response is "I believe I passed" or if exams have already been returned "I did as I expected". I view grades as personal and wish others would too. But I understand that we all have different views and I will have to deal with it. I mean, we don't go around sharing our credit scores with eachother.....
 
RoryCat said:
Total noob when it comes to Facebook, so where ever it was posted I and I'm sure the majority of my classmates could see it. I guess the thing is I would never post my grades on Facebook - even if I did join the A club. Or gloat about them to classmates. When the topic comes up, my go to response is "I believe I passed" or if exams have already been returned "I did as I expected". I view grades as personal and wish others would too. But I understand that we all have different views and I will have to deal with it. I mean, we don't go around sharing our credit scores with eachother.....
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speak for yourself. 810 here. :heckyeah: 😉

First year is much more intense than the rest. It will die down. I am always here for anyone that needs a confidence boost or to listen to rants though. Hang tough and the rewards will be most excellent.
 
I always wish for the middle of the road. If the people want to announce to the world that they did well, I want them to also be the people that offer to help those who didn't. If you want to keep your grade private, I assumed you also studied in private and it is working for you. I just wish it was publicly proud = publicly helpful.
 
Lupin21 said:
Don't think they bragged on the class page, as yes, that would be tacky. But for your own private FB, it is their prerogative to be proud about their grade. As far as respecting others about their grades, sure. It would be nice if everyone kept grades out of all conversations, but vet school is pretty much life consuming. It is going to dominate most conversations from here on out. Anyway, what I am really trying to say here is get used to it, be confident in yourself, and if it really bugs you, get that A and join in the bragging. haha
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lol. agreed! just seemed like rorycat said that the person posted in their class fb page. That seems like the intent is bragging. Posting it to your own page, for people outside of your class to see is something else.
 
katashark said:
lol. agreed! just seemed like rorycat said that the person posted in their class fb page. That seems like the intent is bragging. Posting it to your own page, for people outside of your class to see is something else.
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lol. Creepily, I belong to that page and did not see it, which is why I was trying to be reassuring it wasn't on the class page, but likely private.
 
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