New to the field.

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Yes, negativity is a part of life, but again, this kid is a KID. They will learn as they grow up (hopefully), and if not, so be it. Trying to tell someone that the field "might not be right for them" isn't a forum poster's job. Let them figure it out for themselves after helping them find the right tools needed to make that decision. If someone is worn out from "helping" people, then they should stop before they don't realize they are being cynical (which is why they offer and some require communications classes in college). I have the same thoughts on working as a vet... (stop before you get worn out and hateful towards your clients or patients without realizing it). What is this forum good for if people feel uncomfortable asking questions? If its a social thing, they should open up a Facebook account.

This is the only part that really bothers me. In many countries, 18 is old enough to gain admission to veterinary school. I don't think MaorBern should be handled delicately because of his or her age-- that's insulting.

The questions asked were reasonable, but they were also easily answerable with a little bit of effort on the OP's part. I'm not advocating jumping all over the OP's business, but I do not believe they deserve any sort of special treatment for being 17, and I do not believe they received any especially harsh treatment either.

I can't speak for the rest of the forum, but I am sorry you feel so strongly that someone was victimized here.
 
I was completely naive about veterinary medicine until I hit grade 12. I took a test that told me what careers I was suited for. Vet was #5. I didn't want to be a vet because I didn't think I could handle doing surgery on animals. I liked the idea of vet tech though. I did some research on the field and started volunteering once a week in a clinic. I saw what vets did compared to what techs did and what a typical day in the clinic was like. I started doing some job-shadowing and surgery observation. I talked to both the techs and vets about their jobs. Finally, I came to the conclusion that vet med was the right path for me. Three weeks ago, I had next zero hands-on experience in the clinic. Then I went to Central America where I gave did full body exams, gave injections, and participated in surgery. Before the trip, I was having some doubts about whether I could handle the tasks of being a vet. Now I'm 110% sure.

I'm a vegetarian. I help strays and volunteer at shelters. I have a list of reasons why I would prefer being a vet over a MD.
 
Why is it difficult to give advice without the ridicule? If someone has something productive for the poster to learn from, great, if not, why post anything at all?

First, please quote the ridicule you are referring to. Maybe I need a lesson in what qualifies as ridicule. Second, one of the issues with using a forum to ask quesitons is that a poster may receive some commentary on thier post, or the post may drift off topic. If the OP brings another issue up (such as stating the forum is a joke), then drifting is encouraged by the OP, as well.

I have seen some really harsh posts on this forum at times including things like 'you should never have been born' and 'parasite on society.' I have also watched some members who came on clueless, got much the same response of this OP, dealt with it, did some research, and are still members of the forum a year later and some were admitted to the class of 2014. I have also seen some 'rah rah, we are vets' posts that were just as inappropriate as being called a parasite. Both systems do a disservice, in my opinion, this was very middle of the road; some positive comments, some negative, a decent amount of advice.
 
Me and Caninerepro, in some order... :meanie:

lol. I didn't name names....but actually, the 'parasite on society' wasn't a series of messages I was involved in & I don't remember who said it. Though it had to do with someone whining about how unfair life was and how unfair that their grades would keep them out of vet school.

Haven't seen Caninepro of late, wonder why?
 
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