Class of 2023... how you doin?!

[janefresheyre]

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Anyone have any advice for incoming students who are shy and/or have social anxiety? I worry the most about clinics and conversing with clients, but also about finding opportunities during school and not being seen, since I'm a bit of a wallflower. I'm currently going to therapy and taking medication.

I'm generally happy with myself but now that I'm in vet school I feel pressure to become outgoing overnight. Has anyone been in a similar position or know someone who is/was? Is it possible to be successful in vet med as a quiet person?

 

[Dinashadow]

Anyone have any advice for incoming students who are shy and/or have social anxiety? I worry the most about clinics and conversing with clients, but also about finding opportunities during school and not being seen, since I'm a bit of a wallflower. I'm currently going to therapy and taking medication.

I'm generally happy with myself but now that I'm in vet school I feel pressure to become outgoing overnight. Has anyone been in a similar position or know someone who is/was? Is it possible to be successful in vet med as a quiet person?

I've been battling social anxiety (and anxiety in general) for as long as I can remember and have been on meds for a long time as well. I currently work at a vet hospital and do a lot of tech work as well as reception and it's gotten really easy for me to talk to clients.

To me it's a job and I'm knowledgeable and passionate about it so it helps. Plus I've been doing it for over three years so practice definitely helps with confidence.

So you can 100 percent do this!

 

[MadDogg91]

Anyone have any advice for incoming students who are shy and/or have social anxiety? I worry the most about clinics and conversing with clients, but also about finding opportunities during school and not being seen, since I'm a bit of a wallflower. I'm currently going to therapy and taking medication.

I'm generally happy with myself but now that I'm in vet school I feel pressure to become outgoing overnight. Has anyone been in a similar position or know someone who is/was? Is it possible to be successful in vet med as a quiet person?

I used to be really shy and reserved, but working in a coffee shop during undergrad actually taught me how to better communicate with clients.

What I learned was, "pretend they are a guest in your home."

This sounds stupid but it really carried over when I worked in vaccine clinics and veterinary clinics. People will most of the time be more open if you treat them like a welcome visitor, and it was easier for me to imagine that scenario because the clinic always feels like home to me. You don't need to be a super bubbly extrovert, just be kind, welcome clients in, and remember they probably are anxious about talking to people too! (Most people are)
Either way, I think once you find your space and your people, you will feel more comfortable and confident and it will get easier. Talking to people isn't a natural born talent, it's a skill and skills can be practiced over time!

 

[janefresheyre]

I've been battling social anxiety (and anxiety in general) for as long as I can remember and have been on meds for a long time as well. I currently work at a vet hospital and do a lot of tech work as well as reception and it's gotten really easy for me to talk to clients.

To me it's a job and I'm knowledgeable and passionate about it so it helps. Plus I've been doing it for over three years so practice definitely helps with confidence.

So you can 100 percent do this!

I used to be really shy and reserved, but working in a coffee shop during undergrad actually taught me how to better communicate with clients.

What I learned was, "pretend they are a guest in your home."

This sounds stupid but it really carried over when I worked in vaccine clinics and veterinary clinics. People will most of the time be more open if you treat them like a welcome visitor, and it was easier for me to imagine that scenario because the clinic always feels like home to me. You don't need to be a super bubbly extrovert, just be kind, welcome clients in, and remember they probably are anxious about talking to people too! (Most people are)
Either way, I think once you find your space and your people, you will feel more comfortable and confident and it will get easier. Talking to people isn't a natural born talent, it's a skill and skills can be practiced over time!

This is really helpful, thank you so much! It means a lot to know that others have been through this before. I forget all the time that shyness and anxiety is more common than I think. 🙂

 

[FutureFelineVet]

I've been having weird feelings. All of my undergrad classmates are graduating vet school this month and I'm just starting this August. It makes me feel like I'm behind even though I know I only realized I wanted to do this last year and that in these four years I've been able to have tons of experiences I otherwise wouldn't have had.

Idk, is anyone else going to school a little later than they planned?

I totally understand. I have several friends that are going into their 4th year in the fall and I just started school this week. I’m super happy to be here but, in a way, I feel so far behind most people I know, even though logically I know that’s not the case. I think it’s totally normal to feel that way. But hey—we’re gonna be veterinarians! Even if it took us a little longer to get to this place 🙂

 

[KCgophervet]

I've been having weird feelings. All of my undergrad classmates are graduating vet school this month and I'm just starting this August. It makes me feel like I'm behind even though I know I only realized I wanted to do this last year and that in these four years I've been able to have tons of experiences I otherwise wouldn't have had.

Idk, is anyone else going to school a little later than they planned?

That was me exactly - my friend from HS graduated vet school and then I started vet school. Cool thing was she ended up as an internal medicine resident at my vet school while I was in clinics - was kind of surreal to work with her in that capacity, but made SAM much more tolerable for me (give me surgery over medicine any day of the week). I was in no way the oldest person in my class, more like right in the middle so don't worry too much about it.

 

[LyraGardenia]

I've been having weird feelings. All of my undergrad classmates are graduating vet school this month and I'm just starting this August. It makes me feel like I'm behind even though I know I only realized I wanted to do this last year and that in these four years I've been able to have tons of experiences I otherwise wouldn't have had.

Idk, is anyone else going to school a little later than they planned?

I first applied for the c/o 2018, so it was a bit weird last year seeing people on here graduate that I remembered applying with. But in hindsight, I was not at all ready for vet school the first time I applied (lack of experience and maturity), and I appreciate that I got to have two years in the "real world" rather than being in school the whole time. As it was, I was pretty burnt out and ready to be done in the classroom this past year. Now watching c/o 2019 graduate is less weird considering graduation is only a year away for me. The time really does fly by!

 

[MadDogg91]

I've been having weird feelings. All of my undergrad classmates are graduating vet school this month and I'm just starting this August. It makes me feel like I'm behind even though I know I only realized I wanted to do this last year and that in these four years I've been able to have tons of experiences I otherwise wouldn't have had.

Idk, is anyone else going to school a little later than they planned?

Same. I keep feeling like 27 is way too old to start vet school. I graduated back in 2014 and it's taken no less than 4 application cycles to get in. 5 if you count my attempt at early admission. Now that I FINALLY got a seat I feel so excited and ready to start but it's easy for me to keep letting those nagging feelings creep into my head. But I just keep reminding myself that everything happens for a reason, and I needed this time to get the experience and wisdom to be an awesome vet.
I really do believe that. And I believe in everyone here that made it and didn't make it. Whether it's your first-second-seventieth time trying to get into vet school if you have the determination and guts to keep trying you will be a vet, and you will do amazing.
Sorry that got preachy and emotional... [emoji28]

 

[Trilt]

I was a "traditional" 21yo student and most of my friends in vet school were the 27-35 crowd. There are many in every class and everyone integrated great. 🙂 It's natural to feel a bit odd not following the classic route but it all irons out real fast, promise.

 

[Ms Procrastinator]

I've been having weird feelings. All of my undergrad classmates are graduating vet school this month and I'm just starting this August. It makes me feel like I'm behind even though I know I only realized I wanted to do this last year and that in these four years I've been able to have tons of experiences I otherwise wouldn't have had.

Idk, is anyone else going to school a little later than they planned?

Not vet school but I'm probably gonna be 3 years behind by the time I apply.

 

[MSUcvmHOPE]

Honestly I look at my friend's and previous classmate's posts about finishing their DVMs and I just think, there is no way I would feel comfortable being a full on vet right now. Just from the experiences I've gained and the things I've learned and matured from in the last four years, I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else at this point. Starting vet school at 27 sounds late when I say it, but it doesn't feel late. I'm just thrilled and feel ready.

 

[tinynest]

I've been having weird feelings. All of my undergrad classmates are graduating vet school this month and I'm just starting this August. It makes me feel like I'm behind even though I know I only realized I wanted to do this last year and that in these four years I've been able to have tons of experiences I otherwise wouldn't have had.

Idk, is anyone else going to school a little later than they planned?

I know this sounds cheesy, but my friend once said to me, "Their story is not your story." It just stuck with me. Like Lupin, I'll be starting vet school at 30. It's hard not to compare with a lot of my friends who already have PhDs or families or houses, but then I remind myself that my 20s were full of a lot of colorful experiences that I wouldn't have had if I'd chosen a different path.

 

[Dinashadow]

Thanks everyone! It's nice to hear everyones different stories. I'm really happy and grateful for all the experiences I've been able to get between undergrad and now and probably wouldn't have applied if I hadn't had them.

 

[Lupin21]

Thanks everyone! It's nice to hear everyones different stories. I'm really happy and grateful for all the experiences I've been able to get between undergrad and now and probably wouldn't have applied if I hadn't had them.

You'll definitely still have moments of jealousy during the next four years about others being done, but shake it off and find joy in the little things along the way. 🙂

 

[Dinashadow]

You'll definitely still have moments of jealousy during the next four years about others being done, but shake it off and find joy in the little things along the way. 🙂

Thank you! Hopefully I'll be too busy to dwell on it

 

[Lupin21]

Thank you! Hopefully I'll be too busy to dwell on it

Oh, you will be, but it is usually when you are overtired and mentally drained that those darker thoughts can drift in. But, that is also why I love being on SDN. We can commiserate and hopefully get you some needed boost to keep chugging along!

 

[TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo]

Just finished 1st year and have a classmate who is 40. She already has a PhD and research career too. One or two others are also in their 30s. Quite a few in their mid-late 20s. It's definitely a range. 🙂

 

[danseth]

There's a man who is currently a 3rd year at CSU and he looks to be in his 50s or something. Everyone starts somewhere and somehow. Follow your passion at any age, it's worth it if you're happy with your career afterwards.

 

[Cobyology]

One of the vets that I used to work with just started law school this Fall, she's in her 50's.

 

[ajs513]

My uncle went to med school in his late 40’s. My friend’s dad did the same.

 

[BravesFan]

I'm 34 and will be 35 by the time I start veterinary school this fall. Do I have regrets for not trying this sooner, for not being focused on this goal in my late teens or early twenties? Sure, I have some. But the life I've lived thus far has led me to where I am today. Who's to say what could have/would have happened to me if I didn't take the route, the scenic route, I have taken to veterinary school? I'm not sure I would have ever arrived at this point without the culmination of all my past experiences. So I have some regrets but they are at the very back of my mind as I focus on what is in front of me, regardless of my "senior" status. 🙂

 

[CoffeeQuestionMark]

My lease is over Aug 8. My roommate will be at a concert the weekend before then (Aug 2-4) and I found out wants to move out the previous weekend. I don't want to pay a week and a half by myself and can move in with my roommate in Pullman at any time, so thinking I should move my stuff mid-July before I go on my Turkey trip. But, would have about a week of commuting to work then without any of my stuff.

 

[Smeece_]

You guys... we start in a month

 

[Moanswoptr]

You guys... we start in a month

Right? I’m literally freaking out now. Haha.

Side note, yesterday at Deluca’s in Lansing, the family sitting next to me was talking to their little girl (who wants to be a vet) about how great of a school MSU CVM is. I seriously had the warm fuzzies inside as I quietly sat next to them eves dropping lol.

 

[mmmdreamerz]

You guys... we start in a month

ready or not...

a hundred people are going to tell you it goes fast and you're gonna blow them off but seriously...it goes fast so hang on tight 🙂

 

[Coopah]

You guys... we start in a month

Good luck guys! I hope it's everything you wish for and none of what you fear it will be! Just know we all go through it and no matter what, you're not stupid and you deserve to be here. You got this far and that should prove all you'll ever need to know about your abilities and dedication. It's ok to be tired, it's ok to hate school, but I hope none of that happens for a while at least. Go Class of 2023!!!

 

[battie]

You guys... we start in a month

My vet school mantra is to find your groove and you do you. No one does vet school the same as someone else. Do what you gotta do and you'll get out the other side as a doctor!

 

[danseth]

It's so bizarre that we are starting school soon! I've been in a bit of a panic trying to figure out how I'm going to afford life because of not really having time for a job with class being 8-4. But I also can't afford to not have a job. My brain is already turning to mush because of this life dilemma.

 

[dogtorschmogtor]

I went from excited to terrified real quick

 

[Vet2022-20224]

My exact feelings this morning!!!

 

[Coopah]

It's so bizarre that we are starting school soon! I've been in a bit of a panic trying to figure out how I'm going to afford life because of not really having time for a job with class being 8-4. But I also can't afford to not have a job. My brain is already turning to mush because of this life dilemma.

Loans, it's better to just not think about it and plan the best you can. Remember you can always take out more so don't stress trying to reduce every single penny and make yourself go insane. It'll be ok

 

[vetmedhead]

Loans, it's better to just not think about it and plan the best you can. Remember you can always take out more so don't stress trying to reduce every single penny and make yourself go insane. It'll be ok

Especially because the transition to vet school is a huge one even if you are an amazing student. I think everybody should adjust to just a semester of being in school before they figure out what they can add on.

 

[danseth]

Loans, it's better to just not think about it and plan the best you can. Remember you can always take out more so don't stress trying to reduce every single penny and make yourself go insane. It'll be ok

Especially because the transition to vet school is a huge one even if you are an amazing student. I think everybody should adjust to just a semester of being in school before they figure out what they can add on.

That was initially my plan but I have a car payment that I'm worried about right now. I'm not sure what the best case scenario is for that. I thought about using my loans to pay off the car and my small amount of credit card debt as well; This idea might be a bad idea in the long run though.

 

[MixedAnimals77]

That was initially my plan but I have a car payment that I'm worried about right now. I'm not sure what the best case scenario is for that. I thought about using my loans to pay off the car and my small amount of credit card debt as well; This idea might be a bad idea in the long run though.

Depends on interest rate. I would venture to say paying off your credit card debt with school loans is best because c.c. interest is super high. I'm not sure you could take out enough loans to live reasonably in ft Collins and pay off your car on top of that. I'd also look at your interest rates as I'd venture to say you car loan probably has less interest on it so itd be better to just keep making the monthly payment than to pay it off with money that is at higher interest rate. You should be able to do all your living expenses plus car payment.

 

[danseth]

Depends on interest rate. I would venture to say paying off your credit card debt with school loans is best because c.c. interest is super high. I'm not sure you could take out enough loans to live reasonably in ft Collins and pay off your car on top of that. I'd also look at your interest rates as I'd venture to say you car loan probably has less interest on it so itd be better to just keep making the monthly payment than to pay it off with money that is at higher interest rate. You should be able to do all your living expenses plus car payment.

I have been considering those options. My dad cosigned on the car with me so, thankfully, that interest rate is like 4.65% APR or something. My CC is more in the 21% range for whatever reason (I have great credit so it's beyond me why my variable rate is at the high end all the time). Going forward, I might just pay off the cc and try to keep up with the monthly car payment.

I know I want to focus on school as much as I can, I'm just slightly panicked about the job thing. I spent all of undergrad working 12-15 hours per week each semester so it's weird having to focus on not working.

 

[MixedAnimals77]

I have been considering those options. My dad cosigned on the car with me so, thankfully, that interest rate is like 4.65% APR or something. My CC is more in the 21% range for whatever reason (I have great credit so it's beyond me why my variable rate is at the high end all the time). Going forward, I might just pay off the cc and try to keep up with the monthly car payment.

I know I want to focus on school as much as I can, I'm just slightly panicked about the job thing. I spent all of undergrad working 12-15 hours per week each semester so it's weird having to focus on not working.

Credit card interest dont care what your credit score is. Seriously don't worry about working your first semester. Work on adjusting first. I went from a fulltime job to 0. I didnt realize how much I'd miss working-but really take the time to adjust. Day 1 is like wtf even just happened. A feeling similar to I'm already 40 chapters behind and theres only been 4 hours of class. Even when you get a job you'll pry work less than you did in undergrad. If CSU keeps the same first set of exams schedule take the time for school you'll need it. If you feel like you're doing solid then pick up a job mid semester but take the first exam block at least.

Edit: I would say dont stress about it because seriously dont but I also know how it is [emoji4]

 

[danseth]

Credit card interest dont care what your credit score is. Seriously don't worry about working your first semester. Work on adjusting first. I went from a fulltime job to 0. I didnt realize how much I'd miss working-but really take the time to adjust. Day 1 is like wtf even just happened. A feeling similar to I'm already 40 chapters behind and theres only been 4 hours of class. Even when you get a job you'll pry work less than you did in undergrad. If CSU keeps the same first set of exams schedule take the time for school you'll need it. If you feel like you're doing solid then pick up a job mid semester but take the first exam block at least.

Edit: I would say dont stress about it because seriously dont but I also know how it is [emoji4]

I definitely agree that taking the adjustment period is necessary. 🙂 Thanks for the little bit of calm haha. I think I just need to be in the moment and figure out what's going on with school for sure. Not having everything planned stresses me out a lot (I guess that's the downside to my strengths finder strengths being futuristic and deliberative), I can't predict the unpredictable because I really don't know how the classes will go. We do have this community of support here so that's really helpful 🙂

 

[vetmedhead]

@danseth after you start the school will also periodically email you about jobs that are aimed at veterinary students specifically. These ones are very flexible for scheduling and often have good pay, so something else to consider as an advantage of waiting until after you've been in school a while to hunt for jobs

 

[OVC2023]

I live in canada but this raises the question...why is US tuition so much more expensive when it doesn't need to be? (or maybe there is a reason why and someone could tell me?) My tuition is 10k CAD per year and it blows my mind when I see in state US tuition. Does the Canadian government subsidize?

 

[TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo]

I live in canada but this raises the question...why is US tuition so much more expensive when it doesn't need to be? (or maybe there is a reason why and someone could tell me?) My tuition is 10k CAD per year and it blows my mind when I see in state US tuition. Does the Canadian government subsidize?

For WCVM the provincial governments give 100,000 per student per year to the school (So provinces with 20 seats give 8 million per year). I don't know how much money OVC and AVC are given, but I'm sure they are heavily subsidized as well.

 

[MixedAnimals77]

I live in canada but this raises the question...why is US tuition so much more expensive when it doesn't need to be? (or maybe there is a reason why and someone could tell me?) My tuition is 10k CAD per year and it blows my mind when I see in state US tuition. Does the Canadian government subsidize?

Subsidazation by the federal and state governments. Not sure how much minimum wages factor into that as well to vary state by state. Ex about 8 years ago WI was the cheapest out of state vet school. The state government cut funding. Tuition for out of staters rose like $45k over the next like 3 years that's how much the government was funding the school. Dont quote exact numbers but something outrageous like that.

 

[OVC2023]

For WCVM the provincial governments give 100,000 per student per year to the school (So provinces with 20 seats give 8 million per year). I don't know how much money OVC and AVC are given, but I'm sure they are heavily subsidized as well.

Holy! That makes a lot more sense, thanks for sharing. It's something I've always wondered. I read online that the federal government also funds the schools along with the provincial governments (probably in the way you mentioned).

 

[danseth]

There's also a lot of weird things happening in each school. It isn't just veterinary school tuition that is out of hand in the US--All post secondary education is out of hand because college keep raising tuition rates.

Many students are so willing to take out loans to achieve their goals (I am an example), that the schools keep raising the rates because they assume they can get the money from the government as well. Same thing goes for health insurance and healthcare costs. It's becoming an arms race that most negatively affects the consumer (students) while benefiting both the schools (increased money in their pockets) and the government (interest rates that are waaaaaay too high).

 

[WildZoo]

Subsidazation by the federal and state governments. Not sure how much minimum wages factor into that as well to vary state by state. Ex about 8 years ago WI was the cheapest out of state vet school. The state government cut funding. Tuition for out of staters rose like $45k over the next like 3 years that's how much the government was funding the school. Dont quote exact numbers but something outrageous like that.

Yup yup. And similar things happened in the mid 2000s at many of the state-funded schools all across the country. States cut funding so schools had to raise tuition.

And then you have things like here where main campus gets most of the out of state fees and very little of that makes its way back to the vet school, which is very very annoying.

 

[battie]

I live in canada but this raises the question...why is US tuition so much more expensive when it doesn't need to be? (or maybe there is a reason why and someone could tell me?) My tuition is 10k CAD per year and it blows my mind when I see in state US tuition. Does the Canadian government subsidize?

Interesting video that one of my fave youtube channels made on this discussion that a lot of people don't seem to consider as well. I went to an undergrad with 2,000 students in BFE US. The students that came from larger/wealthier states were amazed at how "simple" our dorms were. Well, a school of 2k students can't necessarily afford a ton of fancy stuff unless you hike up tuition. My school was pretty cheap (<10k per year without scholarships) because of prioritizing spending to a certain extent.

 

[mtlvet2024]

Hi! I am technically class of 2024 because my vet program is 5 years, but I'm excited that there is a thread for incoming first years. I can't believe how close we are! Have you all gotten your schedules yet? Mine just came out today.

 

[ajs513]

Hi! I am technically class of 2024 because my vet program is 5 years, but I'm excited that there is a thread for incoming first years. I can't believe how close we are! Have you all gotten your schedules yet? Mine just came out today.

Yea, our schedules were published, I looked at it, and couldn’t breathe for a few minutes.

 

[Dinashadow]

No schedules here yet, but we did get some anatomy homework. We also don't start until August 26th. When does everyone else start?

 

[Cobyology]

No schedules here yet, but we did get some anatomy homework. We also don't start until August 26th. When does everyone else start?

We start August 28th, with a mandatory 3 day orientation the week before. Heard from a previous student that they provide free beer and you just drink on the front lawn for part of the orientation.

 

[Vet2022-20224]

We start the 19th with a mandatory 4 day orientation the week before