Please HELP me to keep from vomiting!!

[rosemma]

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I am feeling the pressure of the vet school countdown. Up until about two weeks ago I have been fine, even excited for vet school. Now, I am nothing but worried. Questions fill my head, I wonder all day, I try to not think about it but deep down, I am just scared s**tless. I always worry about things and then as soon as it starts, I am fine - sporting events, exams, anything.

Mainly I keep worrying...
1. Will my relationship last? I have been dating the same guy for 5 years and things are great and strong and I would hate for any of that to change for the worst. I know it will change, but I want it to last and be able to make time for him and for him to be able to deal with my stress.

2. Will I be stressed out 110% of the time? I know vet school is a lot of work and really stressful. I have managed more than a full load before and I have been stressed before. I can deal with it. But I have always had times for breaks before, a time to allow myself to crash. Will my schedule allow for time to let go for a bit or will I be going ALL the time?

3. I recently got all my loans in order and I always knew how expensive it all was but I guess reality is REALLY hitting me and I am really hoping I can move on and accept the fact I am in debt and will be for MANY years. I was planning on doing a few things with friends this summer - some traveling. But now I feel like even if it only costs 300$ for a week (gas, food, etc) then I should not go and SAVE SAVE SAVE.

4. I am worried about moving away, finding new friends, starting allllllll over again. I am ready to move on, but what if it turns out that I am studying 24/7 and end up with no friends?

Please help calm my fears! And give me ANY advice on how to deal with the upcoming stress. I am turning to you, my SDN vet companions! Thank you in advance!

 

[pressmom]

Mainly I keep worrying...
1. Will my relationship last? I have been dating the same guy for 5 years and things are great and strong and I would hate for any of that to change for the worst. I know it will change, but I want it to last and be able to make time for him and for him to be able to deal with my stress.

As long as you make time for each other and are understanding of each other's changing needs for support, time, etc, then you will probably be fine. 🙂

2. Will I be stressed out 110% of the time? I know vet school is a lot of work and really stressful. I have managed more than a full load before and I have been stressed before. I can deal with it. But I have always had times for breaks before, a time to allow myself to crash. Will my schedule allow for time to let go for a bit or will I be going ALL the time?

You will be able to make time for the things you need to do as long as you plan for it. You'll figure out a schedule that works for you first semester, just be patient with yourself. You will have time for sleep and other activities (family, loved ones, hobbies, etc), just probably not as much as before. I still watch a couple of favorite TV shows, visit friends and family, read books, go out, etc.

3. I recently got all my loans in order and I always knew how expensive it all was but I guess reality is REALLY hitting me and I am really hoping I can move on and accept the fact I am in debt and will be for MANY years. I was planning on doing a few things with friends this summer - some traveling. But now I feel like even if it only costs 300$ for a week (gas, food, etc) then I should not go and SAVE SAVE SAVE.

Enjoy the time while you have it. Keeping healthy and fun relationships with loved ones and friends is SO IMPORTANT and if this will help you relax and maintain relationships, then DO IT.

4. I am worried about moving away, finding new friends, starting allllllll over again. I am ready to move on, but what if it turns out that I am studying 24/7 and end up with no friends?

You will make friends. Chances are you won't love everyone in your class, but you'll find 3-5 people you really get along with and can study with and go out with when you have free time. Personally I found it easier to make friends in vet school than I did out in the "real world," before I came to vet school. You're all thrown in this situation and you learn to swim together. It can build really strong friendships.

 

[twelvetigers]

You'll be fine. Just enjoy your summer and be ready to hit the ground running this fall. 🙂

 

[littlehooves]

you are worrying too much...you've already been accepted- there are alot of us who would do anything to be in your position right now, including me. look at the bigger picture- you've already been accepted...I'd be on cloud 9 if I were you. All the stuff you're worrying about is stuff that'll work itself out...you've overcome the hardest part.It makes me kind of annoyed that you're not stoked about vet school to be honest...and whatever you do...if being a vet is one of your biggest dreams- don't drop it for a boy....

 

[nyanko]

Whoa now, I think that's all a little bit harsh to be essentially guilt tripping her because she's nervous. She has every right to worry about these kinds of things going into school - I don't really think that the hardest part is getting in. Vet school is full of sacrifice and hard work and it's okay for her to be nervous. In fact, I'd be a little worried about a person who wasn't a little nervous. But of course, she'll do fine. 🙂

 

[twelvetigers]

None of us can preach if we haven't been in her shoes before! I'm not accepted, and I'd LOVE to be accepted, but I bet that I'll be nervous about all of it too. Especially money, if I were to go OOS. I have a hubby, but I still wouldn't want vet school to take its toll on our relationship. Which it will, in some way. But yeah... she isn't NOT excited about vet school, she's just nervous about the harder things involved. As we all are/will be. 🙂

 

[pika8]

my only advice is to go on a trip with you friends! it will take your mind off of your nervousness. AND, in the future, when you are paying of those loans will you be happier having 300 more dollars or memories about people you love?

 

[lailanni]

you are worrying too much...you've already been accepted- there are alot of us who would do anything to be in your position right now, including me. look at the bigger picture- you've already been accepted...I'd be on cloud 9 if I were you. All the stuff you're worrying about is stuff that'll work itself out...you've overcome the hardest part.It makes me kind of annoyed that you're not stoked about vet school to be honest...and whatever you do...if being a vet is one of your biggest dreams- don't drop it for a boy....

Last year about this time I may have thought something similar. The biggest hurdle was getting into school. After that, everything would be great! Heh..

The could 9 is fantastic as long as it lasts. Then there's the shock at (for many of us) completely starting fresh in a new place, taking out huge loans, and essentially making a major, major life change. The waiting is terrible. The knowing that your life is going to change in just a few months - and all the unknowns that come with it - is also hard to tackle.

I'm sure all co 2012'ers are very excited. I'd be willing to be that many of us are having the same cold feet as well.

 

[Hollycozza]

Just don't take it all too seriously, you will be totally fine 🙂

Its soooooooooo important to have other things in your life than JUST vet school.

 

[sofficat]

First of all..... CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I get so excited for people who are about to start this freakin awesome journey into vet school!!!

Just don't take it all too seriously, you will be totally fine 🙂

Its soooooooooo important to have other things in your life than JUST vet school.

Secondly, I highly agree with Hollycozza. It was hard for me to learn that now I am in vet school, grades aren't that important. Learn the material, esp the impt stuff, and take what grades you get. I got many C's and at first was upset... but I learned my stuff (made stupid exam mistakes) and most importantly... I'm happy with my life! There are many straight A (or close to) students in my class that I would NOT want to be. Too stressed, always freaking out about something, never relaxing or hanging out. I learned that naps are amazing and I made time for them (even during the week!).
The new friends thing is weird, too. You are so used to certain people and quarks that when you are making new friends it's like... whoa... people are wierd. 😉 But you click with your class. Even when you don't like people YOU are the class of 2012 and you are ALL in this together!!
Really, you are going to do fine. The money fear will go away. Make sure your BF knows what you are about to go through and that it will not be easy for your relationship, but that you love him and want this to work. If it supposed to work out then it will.
ok, enough with my longwinded comments (longhanded?)
RELAX!!!!!!! CHILLL!!!! Have fun this summer!!!!! Good luck!!!!

 

[SweeTeaPie]

you are worrying too much...you've already been accepted- there are alot of us who would do anything to be in your position right now, including me. look at the bigger picture- you've already been accepted...I'd be on cloud 9 if I were you. All the stuff you're worrying about is stuff that'll work itself out...you've overcome the hardest part.It makes me kind of annoyed that you're not stoked about vet school to be honest...and whatever you do...if being a vet is one of your biggest dreams- don't drop it for a boy....

Sure, you're on cloud 9 for about a week, then the reality sets in. After I was accepted I was completely elated for a while. But by the second week when people would say "Are you excited?", my reply was, "The excitement has worn off and now I'm just scared". Like someone on here already posted, anyone that doesn't get at least a little scared is someone who hasn't really been thinking the whole scenario through.

To the OP, don't fret, I think most of us go through a freak out period. Mine is starting to wear off as I get housing and finances squared away and the shock of $53K a year is starting to wear off too as I make budgeting plans. You should porbably go on your trip. Yeah, you want to save as much as you can, definately, but in the grand scheme of things, is $300 really going to break you now? Probably not when you're talking about $200K in debt later on down the road. Just make sure every dollar counts on your trip and enjoy yourself. And remember how in high school they tried to scare you to death about college? I'm sure when you got there it wasn't quite as horrid as everyone made it seem... Just put your nose to the grindstone like you've done before and I'm sure you'll come out ok... At least that's what I'm hoping!

 

[StealthDog]

you've overcome the hardest part.

"The hardest part about vet school is getting in" made it onto our list of the biggest lies that people tell you about vet school. 😉

To the OP: Being nervous is totally normal! This is a big change in your life. To respond to your concerns...

1) Everyone's relationships fare differently when school starts. The first year was hardest for my fiance and I, but now we are doing better than ever! There's no way to know until you get there. I think Pressmom's advice was spot on.

2) You will only be as stressed out as you let yourself be. I have classmates who are definitely stressed 110% of the time, and others who never seem to let anything worry them. Stay aware of what makes you stressed and what helps relieve your stress, and be willing to sacrifice grades for sanity sometimes.

3) Yeah, the loans can get overwhelming fast. I'd personally take the time you have now to enjoy with your friends, because it will be a while before you'll get that again. Time is invaluable.

4) You will make friends! Vet school has a way of turning you in war buddies of sorts, after surviving a few brutal exams together. You'll find your place and some study partners, and you can't help but always have something in common to talk about with your classmates.

Good luck! You'll do great!

 

[rosemma]

Thank you all SOOO much!! I am feeling much better; it was just one of those weak moments where I started worrying.

Littlehooves - I wasn't trying to come across as unexcited, unappreciative, or even remotely thinking I might give up all of this that I have worked so hard for just "for a boy." Even if he is my best friend, my family (not literally, haha), and my main support system. He wants this just as much as I do. He even started saving money for my tuition as a graduation present! Talk about a keeper! (He is a financial planner; I lucked out). I am sure if I didn't get in I would probably have the same resentful feelings you do because before I got in I would have given ANYTHING to get in.

I am NOT questioning whether or not I WANT to do this still. I am questioning whether or not I will make it through alive. The cloud 9 feelings have worn off and now the reality is setting in and I just have momentary freakouts.

So, to all of you who replied, thanks for the vote of confidence!! I do feel a little better. I know I am not going to get straight A's and I can live with that. I just didn't want it to be like "hey if you don't studying everyday until midnight then you won't even pass." I guess I will think positively, do my best, and enjoy the experience because it only lasts 4 years.

 

[Kat0303]

you are worrying too much...you've already been accepted- there are alot of us who would do anything to be in your position right now, including me. look at the bigger picture- you've already been accepted...I'd be on cloud 9 if I were you. All the stuff you're worrying about is stuff that'll work itself out...you've overcome the hardest part.It makes me kind of annoyed that you're not stoked about vet school to be honest...and whatever you do...if being a vet is one of your biggest dreams- don't drop it for a boy....

🙄 What a silly thing to say

There is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with being nervous. I am starting at UTK in the fall, and I am very nervous too! Excited, definitely..but nervous about everything, definitely. So, to the OP, we all are feeling this way. But, like the veterans have mentioned, there are others that have done this before us, and they are still alive and well.

 

[Catnapper]

I guess it's puke-fest time, no matter what end of the hurdle-jumping spectrum you're on. I myself am in a horrible slump, just when I can't afford to be! Simply opening an application site makes me want to either cry or lose my lunch. When I was a first-time applicant, there was that naive hope, but once you've been rejected, the doom-n-gloom realization sets in: you may be here (in my case, a mindless, manufacturing drone) forever...or at least a REALLY long time. I can't imagine how the 3+ timers get back on that horse (chances are, I'll find out)! I'm in awe of you peeps!

 

[LucyLoo]

Oh man! Don't ruin it for me Catnapper...I'm enjoying my naive hope right now😛

 

[VetMed555]

We are in a very different place: BEFORE the acceptance, it seems like you would give ANYTHING to be accepted. You think that this would make your entire world different and make you happy.
However, now that we've been accepted, it's a very scary feeling of leaving everything you know and starting over. Most of us are not 18 and moving from their parents house. Most of us have established residencies, friends, jobs, SOs. Yes, it's a very happy time, but it is EXTREMELY challenging and chaotic as well. I definitely feel overwhelmed with everything: loans, buying the right books/supplies, leaving my friends and my husband, having enought time to take care of my dogs, having enough time to sleep, making friends.
I'm a very calm person (normally) and it takes a while to stress me out, but this definitely does.

 

[Catnapper]

Oh man! Don't ruin it for me Catnapper...I'm enjoying my naive hope right now😛

Enjoy it while it lasts, LucyLoo! 😉 That hope goes a long way when it comes to plowing through the piles of application BS. But seriously, you may be one of the lucky ones who gets in on the first try--it does happen (hence that not unreasonable sliver of hope). --Just not to returning old farts like me😛. ...🙁!

 

[Hollycozza]

First of all..... CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I get so excited for people who are about to start this freakin awesome journey into vet school!!!



Secondly, I highly agree with Hollycozza. It was hard for me to learn that now I am in vet school, grades aren't that important. Learn the material, esp the impt stuff, and take what grades you get. I got many C's and at first was upset... but I learned my stuff (made stupid exam mistakes) and most importantly... I'm happy with my life! There are many straight A (or close to) students in my class that I would NOT want to be. Too stressed, always freaking out about something, never relaxing or hanging out.

Sooooooooo true- the people at the top of my class are generally soooo neurotic and stressed all the time! Much better to be average with a smile on my face, I figure 🙂 (Not that I make any claims that I COULD do really well anyway, there are some absolutely incredible brains in vet school, v hard to compete!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

 

[NoleDevil]

I have to laugh because I feel like a lot of us pre-vets are some of the biggest worry worts around! (I can definitely be included in this category!)

I feel like I have the same concerns that you do, rosemma: 1) making my relationship last, 2) moving to a town where I don't know anyone, and 3) having to pay mucho amounts of $$ b/c I'm OOS.

1) As you might know, I'm in a LDR with my bf, so I'm really scared as to what the next 4 years will entail! It will definitely be a true test for our relationship. He's especially bummed out because I was set to move to Boston for a year, but then I got in off the wait-list and all of that changed. I was excited for Boston, too, but we both decided we need to finish up our education before we can be completely dedicated to each other, so going to Iowa made the most sense. (Sorry if any of this sounds like a broken record from other threads!) All I have to say is thank god for cellphones, skype, and school breaks! 🙂

2) Born and raised in Florida, I'm really nervous to move to one of the coldest parts of the country! (Basically I need a jacket around 70 degrees) I've never lived up north and won't know a soul up there, but you know what? All my life I had it pretty easy - after grade school, I knew many people going to the same high school and the same situation happened with undergrad. I think a completely new climate, town, and new people will be a very difficult challenge, but one that will be very beneficial and help me grow.

3) So, apparently I was under the wrong impression that it was easy to gain IS tuition at Iowa during my interview. I read through a whole slew of guidelines on their webpage that blatantly states otherwise! It's freaking me, my parents, and my bf out a lot... but, I guess you just have to look at it as another obstacle to overcome. My dad went to medical school and didn't pay off his loans until I was in middle school! My family isn't rich by any means, but we have a comfy life. I think you just need to save and invest your $$ as wisely as you can. Even if I took another year off to obtain MA residency and attempt to get into Tufts, the tuition difference for an IS student at Tufts isn't that big of a difference for an OOS student at Iowa (roughly $27K vs $34K, respectively). As much as I'd love to be close to my bf, it's a big risk I'm not willing to take, especially since I have the opportunity to go vet school now.

Oh, one last thing: take your vacation! 😎 I just shelled out a buttload of $$ to go to Italy with my bf, but it was so worth it. I had the opportunity and who knows if I'd ever be able to go again! I got a reduced rate on accommodations and my parents helped me out a bit, but I still payed for the bulk of it. In the grand scheme of things, the $300 you spend on one trip before vet school isn't going to dent your finances!

Take a deep breath, relax, and good luck this fall!

 

[aggiedonk]

Rosemma,

Thanks for posting this thread! I am SO much experiencing the same nervousness! When people ask me about vet school and all I can muster to say is "I'm kinda scared" and they look at me like I'm crazy because I worked so hard to get in and it makes me feel like I'm ungrateful or maybe I don't know what I'm doing....But that's not it. We definitely aren't ungrateful or any of that. The people that "know", (people who have been there) tell me that worrying during this waiting period is perfectly normal. I'm like you...I worry that my life will be instantly miserable - staying up all night everynight just to stay afloat (I really like/need sleep), no time for my husband or my animals, what changes will happen because of all this? will we be broke all the time? OMG I quit my job...etc. etc. All this even though I have wanted to get here for a VERY long time.

I think we'll be OK. There's alot of good advice from everyone here and I definitely think you should take that vacation! My husband and I definitely will as soon as we can find a good farm sitter ( easier said than done) and we are strapped for cash too, but I think it's really important to relax and have a great time right now. Besides even if there are some really difficult and trying times ahead they will be temporary and the outcome will be worth it.

Good luck to you!

Oh, and it sounds like you have a great guy!
My husband is my support system, too. I'd probably have hid under the couch by now if it weren't for him.

 

[Electrophile]

Totally normal! But just think about it this way...when you are in middle school moving on to high school, you think "Will I fit in? Will I be accepted? Will I find a boyfriend/girlfriend? Will I do well enough in classes to get into a good college eventually?" Same thing when you go from high school to college. "Will I do okay in my classes, even though some are really big? How hard is college really? Will I meet a good group of friends? Will I get along with my roomate?" You know what, if you've made it this far, chances are you did okay, even if there were some bumps in the road!!!

I think the first semester was the hardest for me. I was pretty self conscious of the fact that I had a masters degree and that people would think I was a know it all (even though my grades were pretty mediocre!!). I felt like everything out of my mouth was "when I was in grad school..." (which was hard cause I was there 3 years and it was a big part of my life). Plus I couldn't eat lunch at school every day until December because I had a puppy who had to be taken out every day at noon, so I missed out on some socializing. But it worked out okay. Quite a few other folks were really uptight (or sometimes just downright obnoxious) first semester that are a lot more laid back by now. 👍

I think you have to be, or otherwise you may end up as one of those who have to drop out to take a year off or drop out completely because it's just too much. Just keep stuff in perspective and know when to ask for help if you're struggling in your academic or personal life. It's just a little over 3.5 years. Keep in mind "this too shall pass" and you'll be fine.

 

[frozen_canadian]

Attending veterinary school has been the best decision I have ever made. Before starting, I had all the same worries. I was nervous, unsure about my career choice, concerned about debt etc etc. However, having completed 3 years I can say that for me personally, it is the best thing I could have done. I have learned soo much about myself and what is important. I now know how to let go of things that don't matter. I've made some awesome friends and had many many unique experiences. I was talking to a buddy the other day and said that if I were to die tomorrow I would not regret my decision. Vet school is hard work and takes a lot out of you. But you will graduate knowing yourself so much better, gain confidence along the way and hopefully have made many many lifelong friendships! I guess my only piece of advice is to go with the flow - worry about what you can change and forget about the rest. It makes life so much easier! 😉

 

[BlazeoGlory]

I am also a bit nervous to get started in August but moreso excited for that aspect! My concern is more for after graduation....will I get burned out and get sick all the time from doing so? Will I get fired from jobs from a potentially compromised immune system? (I am really neurotic, I know, always thinking worst case!) I was just thinking of that because none of the vets I ever worked with ever seemed to even come down with a cold!

Then after losing my job I would have to beg for money in a van down by the river eating ramen noodles BID. 😛

 

[sheep girl]

I get physically ill everytime I relize that I amout to move (yet, again) and startschool. I am excited, yet nervous. The closer it gets to August, the more vet school looks like a huge mountain and I am out of shape climber.

 

[InfiniVet]

You're so screwed.


Oh I'm just kiddin 😛
I think anyone who doesn't freak out is unprepared, seriously. I mean, on all counts you are exactly correct to consider these things...I'd call you an idiot if you DIDN'T think about these things. And yet? You will be totally fine. You will. Remember how they tried to scare you about high school and college? Its the same thing, with legit concerns that accompany both transitions. And yet you will come out on top because you can and you will handle it. That's exactly why you got accepted.
Trust me, by late July I was seriously thinking about calling up the vet school and telling them what a huge mistake they had done by accepting me, that by accepting me they OBVIOUSLY didn't know me, and I needed to tell them what a huge screw up I am. Which of course is ludicrous, but it seems so real when you're going through it. =)
Freaking out is part of the process of truly preparing yourself for vet school and I applaud it 100%. It will be just another step in your transition. Just wait til the 1st exams roll around, that'll put this freak out to shame
And then when you get your exam results back, and they are way lower than you expected (and certainly worked for), you'll have an even bigger freak out, and write a 3 page letter to mom and dad at 3am Friday night crying your eyes out telling them youre sorry for everything. Then you'll have forgotten all about it by Monday because there's more pressing concerns in your life than your own misery (i.e. the homework thats due Tuesday morning), and from then on you will literally be too busy to freak out, and thats a good thing. It keeps you from sabotaging yourself with doubt and fear. Then by the 3rd set of exams you will call up your boyfriend as soon as you got your anatomy exam grade back: "HELLZ YES! I GOT A 71!!! I ROCK!!!" and go out for margaritas with your newly acquired vet school friends.

=D

 

[rosemma]

InfiniVet... thank you. That's made me feel the best yet and I am glad it's so honest. So when this all DOES happen (I know it will), I can remember this post and just look forward to the 71 and margaritas!

Thank you everyone! I am glad I'm not alone!

 

[twelvetigers]

Or, if it's a 43, you can look forward to the 71 margaritas. Wooo...

Edit: Drinking is bad... mmkay?

 

[InfiniVet]

Or, if it's a 43, you can look forward to the 71 margaritas.

LOL! How did I miss that from last time? You're funny 🙂

 

[twelvetigers]

See, my jokes from nearly a year ago are still funny. I'm awesome.

🙄

 

[Doggone DVM]

Here's to hard-earned low C's and being happy with them! Cheers, and I will think of this post when I get my first tests back! Thanks everyone- this kinda calmed my nerves as well!

 

[LVT2DVM]

See, my jokes from nearly a year ago are still funny. I'm awesome.

🙄

Twelvetigers you ARE awesome and hysterically funny.

You're so screwed. =D

Yep! Kinda figured that.

After 7 years I am so estatically happy to be going to vetschool. But honestly, I havent been able to sleep for the last 2 weeks trying to figure out how Im going to get all my ducks in a row. Selling a house, finding a new house, moving, registering kids for school (which starts before VS) without knowing even which school district were going to be in, figuring out how to de-stress my 12yo cat with cardiomyopathy for the 8 hour drive to GA and so on and so forth. I figure if I make it to orientation on time and dressed, I will be golden. Bring on the 71 marjaritas! (or in my case shots of tequila)

 

[Truth74]

I'm freaking out, but quietly by myself. I've lived in town for more than half of my life, so as I go past the college on my way to work, I think about going there and what is expected out of me. Heck, I'm working through schedules in my head already. The kids are going to be getting way more responsibility that they should have had. The babies are going to ride the bus both ways. No more "Mom, I missed the bus."

The new curriculum is making me excited, and I hope to order lots of extra blue coats so that no one expects brilliance out of me while we're in clinics the first weeks of school.