So… where did things start to lead up to this point?
For years, I have been trying to get into veterinary school… and got nothing but rejections from Tufts University, Cornell University, and University of Pennsylvania (just to name a few) year after year. About a year ago, I decided to broaden my horizons and went to an open house for Ross University just to see what this place was all about.
I kept a letter that they had given in the handouts, praising us for even getting that far in the process of choosing a career path. “… I can tell you what I hear over and over each spring on graduation day: ‘Don’t give up your dreams lightly. Being called “doctor” for the first time is worth every bit of sacrifice.’ Pursuing a career in veterinary medicine is a life-altering choice. If you are this far—if you are holding this piece of paper in your hands—it means you have already gone further than most people ever imagine.”
It gave me a sense of renewed hope that I may just have my chance at becoming a veterinarian, despite my less-than-straight-A grades during my undergraduate education. Nevertheless, I re-took a few classes to get better grades and put in my applications with the usual suspects for this year.
After my rejection letters poured in one after another, I decided to give Ross University a try. Within a few weeks, I had an interview booked with Jeannie and I found myself pouring out my dedication to her in less than an hour. Six torturous weeks passed and one evening in early March, I was sitting at my computer with a cup of tea and got a phone call from a number that I didn’t recognize. It was after 8:00, so I figured it had to be something important… and answered the call.
“You better start packing, because you’ll be going to Ross University starting in the May semester.” I was confused… I wasn’t expecting getting called in for an interview, let alone be accepted into school in the first place!
The next few months were a whirlwind of scrambling experiences to get ready to leave—getting my rabies vaccines, obtaining student loans, finding homes for my pets, training a replacement at work, finding housing and a roommate (as the dorms were closed for maintenance issues), booking flights, finding books, etc. But it never fully hit me that I would be in school again until this week.
One week from today, I will be on my way to St. Kitts… I have so much packing to do… but it’s all starting to fall into place.
I’m going to miss everyone up here in Boston, but this is what I want to do with my life—I WILL be a veterinarian in 2013… and I’ll keep you all updated as to my stories through here at least once a week.
