A piece of what I got to do while in Haiti:
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Haiti Video
A piece of what I got to do while in Haiti:
Friday, September 20, 2013
Sitting in the shade with the pigs
Here is a short story about one of my favorite experiences while in Haiti:
Sitting in the shade with the pigs.
The journey up the mountain was serene: blue sky and green hills. The closer we got to the market the more people walked alongside the dirt road, the more donkeys with overstuffed straw saddle bags, the larger the baskets on the women's head became.
It was already warm and humid and the road was a steady climb. Motorcycles zipped by carrying FOUR people with bags strapped on the front, back and side. Huge trucks carrying large bags of rice were piled even higher with people bringing their items to sell at the market. In the shadow of the mountains, sprawled across the land were at least a thousand tin-roofed lean-tos. They were filled with everything from clothes to electronics to cooking pots and food.
We were there to purchase goats. Sellers would dismount the truck or motorcycle with their chickens, pigs, or goats and walk to the area where those animals were being sold. We had arrived early and only a couple of goats were there. Each goat was inspected by looking at their gums, to ensure a healthy pink color and the sides of their spine felt to see how much fat they had. Acky did the buying while Ben and I sat in the shade holding the ropes. On the other end of these ropes were young, healthy female goats, about 6-8 months old.
We shared the shade with some rather rambunctious pigs; anytime one would get startled it would jump causing a chain reaction. Each pig was also attached to a rope that was tied to a stick pushed deeply into the soft mud. If one pig got out of line a brawl was bound to happen, hopefully not ending in the uprooting of their sticks. Especially since the pigs outweighed me by an easy 200 pounds, I decided to keep my eye on them in case they wrestled in my direction.
We slowly began accumulating goats, 2, then 4, then 6, 7, 8! They were easier to handle if they were tied in the back of the truck. That's when I looked in the field across the road and saw the donkeys, mules, and horses grazing and seeking out the shade. Looking at their tense muscles and heaving ribs, they definitely deserved a break. Even in the serenity of the mountains an unending supply of motorcycles, trucks and tap taps drove by, dropping people off, picking new people up. Those who arrived early and sold their goods then turned around, bought what they needed from the market and headed home. I watched as everyone came and went, struggling with their newly bought squealing pigs. Which were then hog tied and placed in their lap on a motorcycle for the trip home.
When all seventeen sought after goats had been purchased it was our time to descend back down the mountain. These goats had a long journey ahead, not just down the road but to their new owners: the children of Merger.
These goats are generally already bred and pregnant and are then given to a child that is then responsible for their care. The children go to class to learn about types of forage, how to care for the goat, and more importantly how to make money by making sure the goat is healthy. For a lot of these children, the goats and their offspring are their families' main source of income. The better care the goats receive the more kids it can produce, the more money can be made. These goats don't cost that much money, maybe $30-35 US dollars. But what these goats represent is priceless: hope, the chance at a better life, self-respect, and a sense of responsibility are things you can never put a price tag on. The excitement in the air is electrifying, each child runs to their goat, and tightly gripping their rope walks home with their head held high.
And to think this day all started by sitting in the shade with the pigs.
Sitting in the shade with the pigs.
The journey up the mountain was serene: blue sky and green hills. The closer we got to the market the more people walked alongside the dirt road, the more donkeys with overstuffed straw saddle bags, the larger the baskets on the women's head became.
It was already warm and humid and the road was a steady climb. Motorcycles zipped by carrying FOUR people with bags strapped on the front, back and side. Huge trucks carrying large bags of rice were piled even higher with people bringing their items to sell at the market. In the shadow of the mountains, sprawled across the land were at least a thousand tin-roofed lean-tos. They were filled with everything from clothes to electronics to cooking pots and food.
We were there to purchase goats. Sellers would dismount the truck or motorcycle with their chickens, pigs, or goats and walk to the area where those animals were being sold. We had arrived early and only a couple of goats were there. Each goat was inspected by looking at their gums, to ensure a healthy pink color and the sides of their spine felt to see how much fat they had. Acky did the buying while Ben and I sat in the shade holding the ropes. On the other end of these ropes were young, healthy female goats, about 6-8 months old.
We shared the shade with some rather rambunctious pigs; anytime one would get startled it would jump causing a chain reaction. Each pig was also attached to a rope that was tied to a stick pushed deeply into the soft mud. If one pig got out of line a brawl was bound to happen, hopefully not ending in the uprooting of their sticks. Especially since the pigs outweighed me by an easy 200 pounds, I decided to keep my eye on them in case they wrestled in my direction.
We slowly began accumulating goats, 2, then 4, then 6, 7, 8! They were easier to handle if they were tied in the back of the truck. That's when I looked in the field across the road and saw the donkeys, mules, and horses grazing and seeking out the shade. Looking at their tense muscles and heaving ribs, they definitely deserved a break. Even in the serenity of the mountains an unending supply of motorcycles, trucks and tap taps drove by, dropping people off, picking new people up. Those who arrived early and sold their goods then turned around, bought what they needed from the market and headed home. I watched as everyone came and went, struggling with their newly bought squealing pigs. Which were then hog tied and placed in their lap on a motorcycle for the trip home.
When all seventeen sought after goats had been purchased it was our time to descend back down the mountain. These goats had a long journey ahead, not just down the road but to their new owners: the children of Merger.
These goats are generally already bred and pregnant and are then given to a child that is then responsible for their care. The children go to class to learn about types of forage, how to care for the goat, and more importantly how to make money by making sure the goat is healthy. For a lot of these children, the goats and their offspring are their families' main source of income. The better care the goats receive the more kids it can produce, the more money can be made. These goats don't cost that much money, maybe $30-35 US dollars. But what these goats represent is priceless: hope, the chance at a better life, self-respect, and a sense of responsibility are things you can never put a price tag on. The excitement in the air is electrifying, each child runs to their goat, and tightly gripping their rope walks home with their head held high.
And to think this day all started by sitting in the shade with the pigs.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Time flies!!
So 5th Semester down, 6th Semester is up next! Things got crazy last semester and I wasn't able to update.
We took the PAVE (Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence) http://www.aavsb.org/PAVE/- the test that used to be required of foreign graduates, but is no longer. However, for some Federal jobs the exam is required. The school paid for our registration and wanted to see how well we performed on the test (they say it correlates with how well you do on the NAVLE which we DO have to take). It's divided into 5 sections:
Anatomy (22%)
Physiology (23%)
Pharmacology (14%)
Microbiology (20%)
Pathology (21%)
I PASSED!!! I performed above average for all sections, I'm still in shock!
Anesthesia was by far the favorite class for me that semester because of all of the hands on experience we were able to have. We got to anesthetize both a dog and a sheep! Both were HUGE learning experiences. They say you learn from your mistakes and boy is that true! There weren't any major mistakes but we were supervised the entire procedure and that helped to avert disaster. We were divided into groups of 4 and we assigned the tasks amongst the group. We knew our dog and her weight a week before the procedure and performed our initial calculations for drug dosages. The day of we started off by doing a physical exam including weight then calculated the drug dosages and obtained the drugs from the pharmacy. After administering the pre-meds we placed an IV catheter and gave the induction drugs then started the fluids. It sounds simple and it is but there's so much pressure to do everything correctly and you feel like the life of the dog is in your hands. We then intubated and started the inhalant anesthetic and began monitoring the patient. We had many tools to monitor our patient: Pulse oximeter, Oscillometric blood pressure cuff, Doppler monitor, Esophageal Stethoscope, Capnographer, EKG and a temperature probe. Almost everything during the canine anesthesia went according to plan, except our Doppler monitor (which monitors the systolic blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer) didn't want to work, neither did our blood pressure cuff and our monitoring sheet was filled in wrong.
The sheep anesthesia on the other hand did not go according to plan. For sheep you have to place a jugular catheter which we got in but became dislodge soon after. After 2 more attempts and the use of the other jugular we finally had a patent vein. We administered the induction agent but he had pretty severe laryngospasms (we just thought we were bad and intubating). Well intubation took too long and while we though the inhalant anesthetic would maintain our patient he was awake enough to chew through the tube to the inflated cuff. We were unable to get another endotracheal tube in before he started regurgitating. We followed procedure and made sure he wasn't in position to aspirate the regurgitated contents and put him in sternal recumbency. The remainder of the procedure was then cancelled. I still wanted to gain the experience of monitoring the sheep under anesthesia so I ended up joining another group a week later. It was a good thing because I learned so much! That sheep bloated during the procedure so I got to help reduce the bloat. Both sheep recovered without any further complications.
Our other major practical exam was the OSCHE which is where we have to demonstrate how to do portions of the physical exam for Canine, Sheep, and Equine. This was a pass/fail grade. You NEVER want to fail! The exam only lasted for 30 minutes, you had 5 minutes to perform 5 tasks. Professors just stand there while you explain and demonstrate the tasks. It wasn't difficult but just that feeling that you forgot to say something in your explanation terrifies you. The stressful part dealt more with a communications module where you simulate a client/doctor interaction. Ugh, such a tough scenario and you are supposed to use the Calgary-Cambridge Model. Again, just the thought that you've forgotten to say something basic that could cause you to fail is overwhelming! Then we had to wait until 5p the next day to find out if we passed. So nerve wracking!!!
Diagnostic Imaging was another one of my favorites. We learned so much about radiographs, Ultrasound, CT, and MRIs. There were even practical portions of the labs where we got to perform ultrasounds and echocardiograms on dogs. Makes ya feel like a REAL doctor!
Toxicology was interesting but it all kind of ran together in my head, it seemed that every animal for every toxin just had convulsions. The really cool thing is that our professor maintains a Toxic Garden on the school's property and we get to see all of the plants. You don't want to touch them because some of them are toxic to humans as well. There's one tree, the Manchaneel tree, that if you walk under it when it's raining it can cause blindness!
Small Animal Medicine was interesting and for the first time we started discussing specific treatments as we discuss the diseases. It was extremely challenging, especially the cardiology section.
CVF kept me busy, we gave talks about Stress and Anxiety throughout the semester as well as a food and clothing donation drive; so as the 7th semester students leave the island, inevitably there are things they can't sell. So I thought it would be great to donate them to people in St Kitts that are in need rather than people throwing it away. I think its safe to say that we have around 5 car loads of clothes, shoes, and housewares. The leadership of CVF spent one whole afternoon just sorting through everything (separating women's from men's, shirts from shorts, etc.). I'm so excited about this adventure because we paired up with the neighboring medical school (UMHS) who will be doing a health fair at the same time! Hopefully plenty of people come out from the community in Middle Island :-)
I took my final exams, sorted through the donations and then it was Saturday and the day to leave for Haiti!!! I was beyond ecstatic but a little anxious too. Especially when LIAT cancelled my flight from St Kitts to St Maarten. Talk about going into a tail spin!!! I called one of my professors to see if they knew of any other way I could get off the island. Lo and behold I got the name and number of a pilot that does charter flights. Divine Intervention!!! I ended up making my flight from St. Maarten to Haiti. Next update I will tell you about my amazing experience while in Haiti :-D
We took the PAVE (Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence) http://www.aavsb.org/PAVE/- the test that used to be required of foreign graduates, but is no longer. However, for some Federal jobs the exam is required. The school paid for our registration and wanted to see how well we performed on the test (they say it correlates with how well you do on the NAVLE which we DO have to take). It's divided into 5 sections:
Anatomy (22%)
Physiology (23%)
Pharmacology (14%)
Microbiology (20%)
Pathology (21%)
I PASSED!!! I performed above average for all sections, I'm still in shock!
Anesthesia was by far the favorite class for me that semester because of all of the hands on experience we were able to have. We got to anesthetize both a dog and a sheep! Both were HUGE learning experiences. They say you learn from your mistakes and boy is that true! There weren't any major mistakes but we were supervised the entire procedure and that helped to avert disaster. We were divided into groups of 4 and we assigned the tasks amongst the group. We knew our dog and her weight a week before the procedure and performed our initial calculations for drug dosages. The day of we started off by doing a physical exam including weight then calculated the drug dosages and obtained the drugs from the pharmacy. After administering the pre-meds we placed an IV catheter and gave the induction drugs then started the fluids. It sounds simple and it is but there's so much pressure to do everything correctly and you feel like the life of the dog is in your hands. We then intubated and started the inhalant anesthetic and began monitoring the patient. We had many tools to monitor our patient: Pulse oximeter, Oscillometric blood pressure cuff, Doppler monitor, Esophageal Stethoscope, Capnographer, EKG and a temperature probe. Almost everything during the canine anesthesia went according to plan, except our Doppler monitor (which monitors the systolic blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer) didn't want to work, neither did our blood pressure cuff and our monitoring sheet was filled in wrong.
The sheep anesthesia on the other hand did not go according to plan. For sheep you have to place a jugular catheter which we got in but became dislodge soon after. After 2 more attempts and the use of the other jugular we finally had a patent vein. We administered the induction agent but he had pretty severe laryngospasms (we just thought we were bad and intubating). Well intubation took too long and while we though the inhalant anesthetic would maintain our patient he was awake enough to chew through the tube to the inflated cuff. We were unable to get another endotracheal tube in before he started regurgitating. We followed procedure and made sure he wasn't in position to aspirate the regurgitated contents and put him in sternal recumbency. The remainder of the procedure was then cancelled. I still wanted to gain the experience of monitoring the sheep under anesthesia so I ended up joining another group a week later. It was a good thing because I learned so much! That sheep bloated during the procedure so I got to help reduce the bloat. Both sheep recovered without any further complications.
Our other major practical exam was the OSCHE which is where we have to demonstrate how to do portions of the physical exam for Canine, Sheep, and Equine. This was a pass/fail grade. You NEVER want to fail! The exam only lasted for 30 minutes, you had 5 minutes to perform 5 tasks. Professors just stand there while you explain and demonstrate the tasks. It wasn't difficult but just that feeling that you forgot to say something in your explanation terrifies you. The stressful part dealt more with a communications module where you simulate a client/doctor interaction. Ugh, such a tough scenario and you are supposed to use the Calgary-Cambridge Model. Again, just the thought that you've forgotten to say something basic that could cause you to fail is overwhelming! Then we had to wait until 5p the next day to find out if we passed. So nerve wracking!!!
Diagnostic Imaging was another one of my favorites. We learned so much about radiographs, Ultrasound, CT, and MRIs. There were even practical portions of the labs where we got to perform ultrasounds and echocardiograms on dogs. Makes ya feel like a REAL doctor!
Toxicology was interesting but it all kind of ran together in my head, it seemed that every animal for every toxin just had convulsions. The really cool thing is that our professor maintains a Toxic Garden on the school's property and we get to see all of the plants. You don't want to touch them because some of them are toxic to humans as well. There's one tree, the Manchaneel tree, that if you walk under it when it's raining it can cause blindness!
Small Animal Medicine was interesting and for the first time we started discussing specific treatments as we discuss the diseases. It was extremely challenging, especially the cardiology section.
CVF kept me busy, we gave talks about Stress and Anxiety throughout the semester as well as a food and clothing donation drive; so as the 7th semester students leave the island, inevitably there are things they can't sell. So I thought it would be great to donate them to people in St Kitts that are in need rather than people throwing it away. I think its safe to say that we have around 5 car loads of clothes, shoes, and housewares. The leadership of CVF spent one whole afternoon just sorting through everything (separating women's from men's, shirts from shorts, etc.). I'm so excited about this adventure because we paired up with the neighboring medical school (UMHS) who will be doing a health fair at the same time! Hopefully plenty of people come out from the community in Middle Island :-)
I took my final exams, sorted through the donations and then it was Saturday and the day to leave for Haiti!!! I was beyond ecstatic but a little anxious too. Especially when LIAT cancelled my flight from St Kitts to St Maarten. Talk about going into a tail spin!!! I called one of my professors to see if they knew of any other way I could get off the island. Lo and behold I got the name and number of a pilot that does charter flights. Divine Intervention!!! I ended up making my flight from St. Maarten to Haiti. Next update I will tell you about my amazing experience while in Haiti :-D
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
5th Semester so far...
Wow, I can't believe we've been in class for 8 weeks. We just had our one day off, our mid-semester break. It was glorious! I got some studying, cleaning, quality time with the rabbits and the ever elusive beach time (which hasn't happened in the middle of a semester since October o_O).
5th Semester classes:
It's not really as bad as it looks. Class 8a-12p then labs in the afternoons. Most weeks I have 2-3 labs but there are a couple of weeks where there are FOUR! These labs are different from in lower semesters, in that you have to prepare the lab completely prior to going. This is when it gets real! It's starting to switch now from attending to labs to learn to attending labs to show what you have learned. Here is what my semester looks like:
This is the semester we receive our "Rossie". It is our spay model made from PVC piping, different layers of cushioning (to reflect the different layers: muscle, subcutaneous, fat and skin) with a fake uterus and uterine horns. We use it to practice our subQ and skin sutures this semester, but next semester in Small Animal Surgery we perform our "Rossie" Surgery (Spay). Everything must be done aseptically and with proper technique. I'll letcha know about it when it happens (hopefully I pass this semester).
So here is a picture of the Rossie - her name is Jezebel (courtesy of my AWANAs kids):
Speaking of AWANAs, this is a kid's program that our pastor Brandon Grayson helped to start here in St Kitts. It's where they get to learn Bible verses and play games while earning "AWANA dollars" that can be spent on prizes every so often. I'm not gonna lie, my kid skills have atrophied! I haven't gotten to be around children on a daily basis in a while, but I've wanted to help for over a year now. It's taking adjusting, both for the kids and for me to reach an understanding; we all continually test our boundaries. I'm always a work in progress (like the song, "He's still workin' on me, to make me what I ought to be..."), my life story :-) I've been volunteering with Brandon and a few other Ross Students at AWANAs on Saturdays from 4p-7p.
We also were able to start a chapter of Christian Veterinary Fellowship (the student version of Christian Veterinary Missions) here on campus. When I have a chance I will write all about it. We've been extremely busy trying to establish a presence on campus and within the community. We've hosted RLRI (see this post about RLRI ), have begun a 3-part series on:
"Feeling Overwhelmed??? Vet School is NOT impossible!!!"
Part 1 - Ways to Overcome Stress
Part 2 - How to Help Others Overcome Stress
Part 3 - Surprise! Stress still exists AFTER Vet School - Reaching the Community
Plus we have a Movie Night/Date Night planned for this semester, a prayer box to put up, and a food/clothing donation drive; so this semester I find it impossible to focus on my studies!
For the first 6 weeks I was also teaching a gymnastics class to the children in the afterschool program at the prep school. This came with its own challenges but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It combines two of my great loves: children and gymnastics! Everyone who came had the opportunity to learn a forward roll, a handstand, and the three basic jumps: tuck, pike and straddle. We also learned how to properly warm up and stretch, then came the favorite: the obstacle course! Each week I tried to mix it up so that they didn't get bored (or maybe I was the one bored ;-) ).
I also am attending a Bible study on Cults and Religions that is on Wednesday nights and is only a 6 week study as well.
Whew! This has been almost as busy as last semester! I made it through my first set of exams relatively unscathed. Overall, I have to say this is probably my favorite semester so far, which is crazy because I loved 3rd semester. I think because we get so much hands on experience with clinically applicable topics, it's exhilarating! I'll write more about the labs another time.
Ok I really do have to go get some studying done!
5th Semester classes:
This is the semester we receive our "Rossie". It is our spay model made from PVC piping, different layers of cushioning (to reflect the different layers: muscle, subcutaneous, fat and skin) with a fake uterus and uterine horns. We use it to practice our subQ and skin sutures this semester, but next semester in Small Animal Surgery we perform our "Rossie" Surgery (Spay). Everything must be done aseptically and with proper technique. I'll letcha know about it when it happens (hopefully I pass this semester).
So here is a picture of the Rossie - her name is Jezebel (courtesy of my AWANAs kids):
Speaking of AWANAs, this is a kid's program that our pastor Brandon Grayson helped to start here in St Kitts. It's where they get to learn Bible verses and play games while earning "AWANA dollars" that can be spent on prizes every so often. I'm not gonna lie, my kid skills have atrophied! I haven't gotten to be around children on a daily basis in a while, but I've wanted to help for over a year now. It's taking adjusting, both for the kids and for me to reach an understanding; we all continually test our boundaries. I'm always a work in progress (like the song, "He's still workin' on me, to make me what I ought to be..."), my life story :-) I've been volunteering with Brandon and a few other Ross Students at AWANAs on Saturdays from 4p-7p.
We also were able to start a chapter of Christian Veterinary Fellowship (the student version of Christian Veterinary Missions) here on campus. When I have a chance I will write all about it. We've been extremely busy trying to establish a presence on campus and within the community. We've hosted RLRI (see this post about RLRI ), have begun a 3-part series on:
"Feeling Overwhelmed??? Vet School is NOT impossible!!!"
Part 1 - Ways to Overcome Stress
Part 2 - How to Help Others Overcome Stress
Part 3 - Surprise! Stress still exists AFTER Vet School - Reaching the Community
Plus we have a Movie Night/Date Night planned for this semester, a prayer box to put up, and a food/clothing donation drive; so this semester I find it impossible to focus on my studies!
For the first 6 weeks I was also teaching a gymnastics class to the children in the afterschool program at the prep school. This came with its own challenges but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It combines two of my great loves: children and gymnastics! Everyone who came had the opportunity to learn a forward roll, a handstand, and the three basic jumps: tuck, pike and straddle. We also learned how to properly warm up and stretch, then came the favorite: the obstacle course! Each week I tried to mix it up so that they didn't get bored (or maybe I was the one bored ;-) ).
I also am attending a Bible study on Cults and Religions that is on Wednesday nights and is only a 6 week study as well.
Whew! This has been almost as busy as last semester! I made it through my first set of exams relatively unscathed. Overall, I have to say this is probably my favorite semester so far, which is crazy because I loved 3rd semester. I think because we get so much hands on experience with clinically applicable topics, it's exhilarating! I'll write more about the labs another time.
Ok I really do have to go get some studying done!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
I'm going to HAITI!!!
So I had planned for over 2 years (since before I even found out I was accepted to Ross) that while I was in vet school I would go on a short term mission trip. Let me back up and give you some background information on my thought process. It started out as an interest in joining the military because of the tremendous humanitarian missions that they do. I was hesitant because there's never any guarantee that you get to choose where or how long you get to go and it what ways you are able to help. My passion truly lies in being able to use my degree as a veterinarian to help the animals' human :-)
Most students going into vet school think, "I don't want to work with people, that's why I'm going to vet school!" Well, that's kind of backwards because without the owner the animal would probably never make it in to see you and animals can't pay the bills (for those wanting to go into clinical practice). After going through Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology last semester, the topics discussed in the class are definitely the direction that I want to go. My heart hurts for those that cannot provide quality protein sources and clean water. I feel I can have the most impact and hope to help those that want help and allow them to sustain any changes implemented that improve their quality of life through long term missions. I say this with some hesitation because of the connotations and negative experiences that some may have had. Someone once said that "being a Christian missionary is just another form of cultural imperialism". While this may have been their perspective and this person's experience, I pray that this is not how any work I do would be perceived. I don't want to force people to be like me in culture, practice, or even religion - I just want to use my knowledge to work with them to improve their health.
Well this semester has been a roller coaster, I was planning on going to India to work with Christian Veterinary Missions on a rural project of spays/neuters and vaccination/de-worming of cattle. My aunt and uncle were missionaries for 30 years, 12 of which were in the same province I was hoping to go, Tamil Nadu. I signed up for the trip but due to lack of interest, the trip was canceled. I was heartbroken to say the least, as this semester break is likely my last opportunity to get experience outside of school before I start my clinical year in April (hopefully).
I say all of this to share some exciting news, I will be embarking on a short term mission trip to Haiti for this semester break! This trip fits perfectly into what I envisioned and exceeds many of the items I wished for in an experience. I will be joining CVM long-term fieldworker, Dr. Kelly Crowdis who facilitates a sustainability project called "Give a Kid to a Kid". Here is a video that tells more about her program:
This project is used to help the children gain confidence, instill a sense of responsibility, and educate them on how to care for and profit from their livestock. The children are able to provide for their families through the products of the goats. The people of Haiti use the animals as a bank account, so having healthy productive animals ensures they have a better quality of life. The goal of this program is to be sustainable, so the second kid their goat produces goes back to the program and is given to another child.
Here is my video requesting support:
The total cost for the trip is $2000 which includes transportation, lodging, meals, and project expenses. I am hoping to raise the money before August 1st.
You can donate either via:
-Christian Veterinary Missions
https://www.cvmusa.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=3161
(if you would like to claim your donation as a tax deduction)
-Google Drive document
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3Haw4FHdzJEMll3SXpsYWFMQmc/edit?usp=sharing
(to mail a payment to CVM)
-You Caring Donation Site
https://www.youcaring.com/mission-trip-fundraiser/destination-haiti-sustaining-kids-with-kids/64563
(for credit card donations or smaller amounts)
Any contribution, large, small or through prayer is appreciated! If you have any questions, please ask! I may not know the answer but I can ask Dr. Crowdis or my folks at CVM and we'll learn together. I am so excited!!!
Most students going into vet school think, "I don't want to work with people, that's why I'm going to vet school!" Well, that's kind of backwards because without the owner the animal would probably never make it in to see you and animals can't pay the bills (for those wanting to go into clinical practice). After going through Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology last semester, the topics discussed in the class are definitely the direction that I want to go. My heart hurts for those that cannot provide quality protein sources and clean water. I feel I can have the most impact and hope to help those that want help and allow them to sustain any changes implemented that improve their quality of life through long term missions. I say this with some hesitation because of the connotations and negative experiences that some may have had. Someone once said that "being a Christian missionary is just another form of cultural imperialism". While this may have been their perspective and this person's experience, I pray that this is not how any work I do would be perceived. I don't want to force people to be like me in culture, practice, or even religion - I just want to use my knowledge to work with them to improve their health.
Well this semester has been a roller coaster, I was planning on going to India to work with Christian Veterinary Missions on a rural project of spays/neuters and vaccination/de-worming of cattle. My aunt and uncle were missionaries for 30 years, 12 of which were in the same province I was hoping to go, Tamil Nadu. I signed up for the trip but due to lack of interest, the trip was canceled. I was heartbroken to say the least, as this semester break is likely my last opportunity to get experience outside of school before I start my clinical year in April (hopefully).
I say all of this to share some exciting news, I will be embarking on a short term mission trip to Haiti for this semester break! This trip fits perfectly into what I envisioned and exceeds many of the items I wished for in an experience. I will be joining CVM long-term fieldworker, Dr. Kelly Crowdis who facilitates a sustainability project called "Give a Kid to a Kid". Here is a video that tells more about her program:
This project is used to help the children gain confidence, instill a sense of responsibility, and educate them on how to care for and profit from their livestock. The children are able to provide for their families through the products of the goats. The people of Haiti use the animals as a bank account, so having healthy productive animals ensures they have a better quality of life. The goal of this program is to be sustainable, so the second kid their goat produces goes back to the program and is given to another child.
Here is my video requesting support:
The total cost for the trip is $2000 which includes transportation, lodging, meals, and project expenses. I am hoping to raise the money before August 1st.
You can donate either via:
-Christian Veterinary Missions
https://www.cvmusa.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=3161
(if you would like to claim your donation as a tax deduction)
-Google Drive document
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3Haw4FHdzJEMll3SXpsYWFMQmc/edit?usp=sharing
(to mail a payment to CVM)
-You Caring Donation Site
https://www.youcaring.com/mission-trip-fundraiser/destination-haiti-sustaining-kids-with-kids/64563
(for credit card donations or smaller amounts)
Any contribution, large, small or through prayer is appreciated! If you have any questions, please ask! I may not know the answer but I can ask Dr. Crowdis or my folks at CVM and we'll learn together. I am so excited!!!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
4th Semester in a Nutshell
So I finally let loose...4th Semester was the semester I finally got a little (ok A LOT) crazy, joined some clubs and decided to enjoy school and island life. Terrified that I would fail out of vet school, I limited my participation in clubs and other extracurricular activities in semesters 1-3 (translation: I didn't do anything but study for my first year here). I went a little overboard though, this was just a glimpse of what I was able to be a part of last semester:
Pathology Club
ZEW (Zoo, Exotics, and Wildlife) Club
Small Ruminant Club
Research Assistant for “Does pain perception and response to pain relieving drugs differ between horses and donkeys?” research project (25 hours for the semester)
Abbatoir visit with the Public Health Club - so much fun!!! Learning about Meat Inspection
As a part of our semesterly duties we were required to:
Clinical Skills I learned this past semester:
Not only do that leave less time in my schedule to stay caught up in classes, but each exam also comes with a review session that takes at least 30 minutes. These are good because you get to determine where you went wrong with the concepts, just do the math 14 exams, 30 minute exam review = 7 hours of just learning from my mistakes!
For my Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology course I got the first step of my USDA Accreditation (about 10 hours of modules with quizzes).
To top this wonderful and challenging semester off, I was able to visit South Africa for a trip with WildlifeVets to learn about Wildlife Conservation Medicine (see this post: ). Such a great experience I had to make a whole separate post about it!
Such a busy semester, but I wouldn't trade all of the practical experience for better grades. I finally feel like I'm able to connect some concepts with clinical applications and it feels GREAT!
Pathology Club
- Weekly club meetings
- 2 necropsies
- Cake off
 | ||
| Rabbit Pathology - Uterine Adenocarcinoma | - 1st Place!!! |
- Zoo Clean up (Fecal/Mite sample collection)
- Fecal Exam Reading (from samples collected) - My Valentine's present to myself :-)
- Dirt Cup Fundraiser Sale (vanilla/chocolate pudding with oreos and whipped cream with gummy worms on top, ohhhhh yeah!!!)
Small Ruminant Club
- Sheep Processing
- Administering Coccidiostats
- De-worming
- BCS Scoring
- FAMACHA Scoring
- Hoof Trimming
- Horn Trimming
 | |||
| We can't take pictures on campus, but these are the sheep |
- Women's Bible Study (weekly on Sunday nights)
- Discipleship (Theology/Apologetics) Bible Study (weekly on Thursday nights)
- Short term Mission Trip preparedness meetings (with a group that was preparing for their April trip to Nicaragua) and to prepare for my trip in August :-D (weekly on Monday nights)
- Good Friday Beach Church Service
- Children's Church Teacher (just for one Sunday)
- Planning for Real Life Real Impact (see this post: http://justanotherrossvetschoolstudentblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/its-been-while.html )
- SCAVMA Meeting to get approval for Christian Veterinary Fellowship (see this post: )
Research Assistant for “Does pain perception and response to pain relieving drugs differ between horses and donkeys?” research project (25 hours for the semester)
- administered dosages of phenylbutazone/placebo (molasses)
- tested their nociceptive responses
 |
| Donkeys!!! (I wish I could take a picture of the actual donkeys, they were so adorable! |
Abbatoir visit with the Public Health Club - so much fun!!! Learning about Meat Inspection
As a part of our semesterly duties we were required to:
- bathe 2 of the kennel dogs (one Saturday morning of the semester)
- clean the aviary (one day of the semester)
Clinical Skills I learned this past semester:
- Square knots (hand ties and with instruments)
- Surgeon's knots (hand ties and with instruments)
- Miller's knots (hand ties and with instruments)
- Ligatures of large and small vessels/structures
- Simple Interrupted Suture Patterns
Not only do that leave less time in my schedule to stay caught up in classes, but each exam also comes with a review session that takes at least 30 minutes. These are good because you get to determine where you went wrong with the concepts, just do the math 14 exams, 30 minute exam review = 7 hours of just learning from my mistakes!
For my Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology course I got the first step of my USDA Accreditation (about 10 hours of modules with quizzes).
To top this wonderful and challenging semester off, I was able to visit South Africa for a trip with WildlifeVets to learn about Wildlife Conservation Medicine (see this post: ). Such a great experience I had to make a whole separate post about it!
Such a busy semester, but I wouldn't trade all of the practical experience for better grades. I finally feel like I'm able to connect some concepts with clinical applications and it feels GREAT!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
It's been a while...
So for various reasons I have not been able to update my blog, and I apologize. A huge pet peeve of mine is people that don't follow through with a commitment. So I will try to do better...
In light of this new commitment I have a whole new post, so here goes:
If you would have told me a year ago that I would spend an entire weekend at an event, without an ounce of studying I would have laughed. For my whole first year here at Ross University I did nothing but study, rarely went to any social events and only saw the beach from campus or my apartment window. I would have had an anxiety attack at the thought of spending an ENTIRE day not doing school work. However, this weekend was a life changing experience. But let's backup for a second.
Throughout my time here at Ross I have become increasingly involved with "extracurricular activities". For my second and third semesters I was a part of the Women's Bible Study and last semester I finally joined some of the clubs, did 2 Bible Studies, and worked as a research assistant with the on campus donkeys. The clubs here are so active with events going on every week; students are so involved! I have definitely become one of those types of students. Thankfully, I (at least at this moment in time) have somewhat gotten over my fear of failure and started to enjoy island life, being a student again, and investing in relationships.
This weekend's event was called Real Life Real Impact, sponsored by Christian Veterinary Missions and Nutramax, and brought by Christian Veterinary Fellowship. This weekend seminar is a spiritual retreat geared toward veterinary students. During these weekends, students have an opportunity to meet other Christian veterinarians in private practice, talk with some of CVM's long-term missionaries and find out about short-term mission trips. I got the pleasure of helping to plan this event and have been working hard along with a faculty advisor to plan It has been such a great learning experience; working through frustrations and changes of plans is NOT my forte, so learning to "let it go" was a skill to be honed.
Here was the brochure that
my marketing team made:
This was the schedule of events for the weekend:
It was a great weekend for me to learn about the Short-term mission trip that I have planned for August (more on this later) and also a great opportunity to hear about Long-term missions (stay tuned for more on this). It was amazing to hear that close to 4,000 veterinarians from the US are a part of Christian Veterinary Missions in some capacity. This is truly where I feel my passion lies; how or if it works out the way I want is yet to be determined. But just as Kathy Shoenborn mentioned in her talk, God shows us one step at a time where our life is leading. If we could see the end result - the result 20 steps down the road - we would not learn nearly as much; learning about ourselves and, more importantly, about our relationship with God is what this journey is all about!
Since I have done such a horrible job of keeping this updated, I would like to retroactively update so everyone can fill in the time gap. It will be a process, but I am committed! Hopefully I'll have another update before the end of the week.
In light of this new commitment I have a whole new post, so here goes:
If you would have told me a year ago that I would spend an entire weekend at an event, without an ounce of studying I would have laughed. For my whole first year here at Ross University I did nothing but study, rarely went to any social events and only saw the beach from campus or my apartment window. I would have had an anxiety attack at the thought of spending an ENTIRE day not doing school work. However, this weekend was a life changing experience. But let's backup for a second.
Throughout my time here at Ross I have become increasingly involved with "extracurricular activities". For my second and third semesters I was a part of the Women's Bible Study and last semester I finally joined some of the clubs, did 2 Bible Studies, and worked as a research assistant with the on campus donkeys. The clubs here are so active with events going on every week; students are so involved! I have definitely become one of those types of students. Thankfully, I (at least at this moment in time) have somewhat gotten over my fear of failure and started to enjoy island life, being a student again, and investing in relationships.
This weekend's event was called Real Life Real Impact, sponsored by Christian Veterinary Missions and Nutramax, and brought by Christian Veterinary Fellowship. This weekend seminar is a spiritual retreat geared toward veterinary students. During these weekends, students have an opportunity to meet other Christian veterinarians in private practice, talk with some of CVM's long-term missionaries and find out about short-term mission trips. I got the pleasure of helping to plan this event and have been working hard along with a faculty advisor to plan It has been such a great learning experience; working through frustrations and changes of plans is NOT my forte, so learning to "let it go" was a skill to be honed.
Here was the brochure that
my marketing team made:
 |
| The flier to post on campus*** (more on this a little later): |
This was the schedule of events for the weekend:
It was a great weekend for me to learn about the Short-term mission trip that I have planned for August (more on this later) and also a great opportunity to hear about Long-term missions (stay tuned for more on this). It was amazing to hear that close to 4,000 veterinarians from the US are a part of Christian Veterinary Missions in some capacity. This is truly where I feel my passion lies; how or if it works out the way I want is yet to be determined. But just as Kathy Shoenborn mentioned in her talk, God shows us one step at a time where our life is leading. If we could see the end result - the result 20 steps down the road - we would not learn nearly as much; learning about ourselves and, more importantly, about our relationship with God is what this journey is all about!
Since I have done such a horrible job of keeping this updated, I would like to retroactively update so everyone can fill in the time gap. It will be a process, but I am committed! Hopefully I'll have another update before the end of the week.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Class, Study, Eat, Study, Sleep...wash, rinse, repeat
Well, it has been my biggest fear, that I would not be able to update my blog, and it came true. I’ll have to back fill as I have time...So I can’t remember everything in detail but not too many “interesting” things have really happened. I go to class, study, eat, study, go to sleep, wash, rinse, repeat. So far I haven’t even been able to sneak a workout in. Just finished my first round of exams and have grades for the first 2. I’m pleased with how I have done so far but there is always room for improvement. Over the last 16 days we have had 4 exams, Microanatomy first, then Physiology, Gross Anatomy, and Nutrition today. So I have been studying like mad to make sure I do well. Everything is interesting and applicable so its relatively easy to do the assignments but as I was forewarned there is just so much material being thrown at you all at once. I love it though! I have wanted to be a student again for so long and I am trying to soak up every minute of it.
Highlight of last week: I found the path to the beach from campus!!! It goes on a steep decline through the woods (which remind me of the woods at home) and there’s even a swing hanging from one of the trees. It opens up to a gorgeous view of the Caribbean Sea and a rocky beach. After closer inspection we found some cute little crabs that hang out on the rocks and there are some beautiful shells. This will definitely be added to one of my study spots!
Another highlight of last week was that I finally broke down and bought a kindle fire. My big sister gave me a huge collection of ebooks and it is helpful to use during prosections (although I have to try to keep it as clean as possible). So I have a new toy and I love it!
I had my first experience with the infamous St Kitts centipede this evening. As I was taking a nap I felt a pinch on my pinky toe. Immediately I knew it couldn’t be the rabbits, so that meant the lil bugar snuck into my bed. I jumped out of my bed (because these guys also can sting and are venemous) rounded up the rabbits, put on a pair of shoes, grabbed my can of BOP and slowly took off the covers. I went for it, I unloaded the can of BOP as he literally jumped off the bed I continued spraying...I couldn’t let him get away. It was either him or me and I was holding the can of BOP (highly potent pesticide/insecticide). Next I had to call all of my neighbors to come for the viewing of the body...too much fun for one sleepy student! Good night!
Highlight of last week: I found the path to the beach from campus!!! It goes on a steep decline through the woods (which remind me of the woods at home) and there’s even a swing hanging from one of the trees. It opens up to a gorgeous view of the Caribbean Sea and a rocky beach. After closer inspection we found some cute little crabs that hang out on the rocks and there are some beautiful shells. This will definitely be added to one of my study spots!
Another highlight of last week was that I finally broke down and bought a kindle fire. My big sister gave me a huge collection of ebooks and it is helpful to use during prosections (although I have to try to keep it as clean as possible). So I have a new toy and I love it!
I had my first experience with the infamous St Kitts centipede this evening. As I was taking a nap I felt a pinch on my pinky toe. Immediately I knew it couldn’t be the rabbits, so that meant the lil bugar snuck into my bed. I jumped out of my bed (because these guys also can sting and are venemous) rounded up the rabbits, put on a pair of shoes, grabbed my can of BOP and slowly took off the covers. I went for it, I unloaded the can of BOP as he literally jumped off the bed I continued spraying...I couldn’t let him get away. It was either him or me and I was holding the can of BOP (highly potent pesticide/insecticide). Next I had to call all of my neighbors to come for the viewing of the body...too much fun for one sleepy student! Good night!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Study study study
Studying for my first vet school exam...self explanatory. I will update everyone with the happenings of the last 4 weeks as soon as I finish this first exam...promise :-)
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Packing!!! Ahhhhhh!!!
I just want to transplant everything from here to there, can I just do that??? I love packing and moving, but this trip I can’t take everything, so the hardest part for me is figuring out what to bring, what is the most cost effective, what will be good comfort items, what will I need the most, and what will fit. I spent a good 4 hours packing my bags rearranging and trying to fit in some last minute snacks :-) The remainder of my Christmas Eve was spent putting up [even more] Christmas lights on the house and climbing up a 15’ ladder to decorate our outside Christmas Tree. Then we fixed dinner and opened our traditional one gift for Christmas Eve. Now I must go to sleep so Santa brings me lots of packable items! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Gratuitous pictures of my Caribbean Christmas Bunnies...
Fred tryin to look gangster in his Santa hat...
Betcha didn't know there were two bunnies present at the birth of Jesus...
(or that baby Jesus can be depicted by a cabbage patch doll :-) )
Gratuitous pictures of my Caribbean Christmas Bunnies...
Fred tryin to look gangster in his Santa hat...
Betcha didn't know there were two bunnies present at the birth of Jesus...
(or that baby Jesus can be depicted by a cabbage patch doll :-) )
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
I hate goodbyes
Moving day...well, I got moved out of my apartment in Rocky Mount, thanks to my sister and the three lil ones. Wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. The worst part was having to say goodbye :’-( The mere thought of not being able to see those 3 cute little faces whenever I want to is hard to deal with. Living 1.5 miles away from family has been what has kept me sane through the last 3 years. I will miss my sister and her family tremendously...my heart is breaking...
Monday, December 19, 2011
Gettin down to the nitty gritty
Welp, its gettin real real...only one more night of work after tonight then off to the mountains I go. This weekend was kinda crazy, I worked friday night until 2am the drove through the night to SC for Christmas with my family. Arrived in SC around 7a then unloaded and got a 2 hour nap. Then the festivities began including lunch opening presents, a hike through the woods and lots of quality time :-)
Got the USDA endorsement on the health certificates for the rabbits today, cheaper than expected, so I got them a 10 bag of food. Did some packing up and undecorating for Christmas :-( But the Christmas tree is still up! Tomorrow’s the day to see how much of this stuff will fit in my car, hopefully all of it will but the truth will be revealed tomorrow.
Got the USDA endorsement on the health certificates for the rabbits today, cheaper than expected, so I got them a 10 bag of food. Did some packing up and undecorating for Christmas :-( But the Christmas tree is still up! Tomorrow’s the day to see how much of this stuff will fit in my car, hopefully all of it will but the truth will be revealed tomorrow.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Why do I keep waking up on the floor???
It’s winding down...I’m sleeping on an air mattress after taking my bed to a new home (along with one of my tvs). The apartment is slowing emptying, and the rabbits are getting more and more concerned. They nervously chewed on the air mattress causing a gushing leak, therefore I woke up on the floor. Exhausted and only thinking about sleep I pumped the air mattress up more only to wake up on the floor 2 hours later. Oh well, it forced me to get up and start packing again. Only 8 more nights of work and 19 days left in the States. My to do list is dwindling (ever so slightly). I still have some Christmas Shopping to do along with packing up the apartment and fitting everything into my car :-/
Oh yeah, I got my stethoscope!!!
Thank you Riverside Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Cameron for your generous donation (helping me pay for my stethoscope). I will have and use it continually remembering those who have helped me along the way!!!
Oh yeah, I got my stethoscope!!!
Thank you Riverside Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Cameron for your generous donation (helping me pay for my stethoscope). I will have and use it continually remembering those who have helped me along the way!!!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Did I mention I love Christmas???
Two Christmas Parties and lots of fun!!! So time is winding down here in the US and I have so much stuff to do. I received my luggage tags from Ross yesterday, yayyyyy!!! I got my tracking number for my barrels today, my immigration letter came in the mail today (although I had received it by email on Thursday). Got my battery back up (UPS) from Dell (a solid 13.1 # to fit in my carry on :-/ ) My check has cleared for my Guide to the Dissection of the Dog book (bought from a current student). Monday is my appointment with Dr. Leonatti to get the rabbits’ physical exams and bloodwork drawn and get the ball rolling on all of their paperwork. They keep talking about all of the money we will need once we arrive on the island and its really disconcerting...enough for 10 meals during the week, then some information states to have 2 months worth of money for expenses (food, rent, etc.). Ahhhhh!!! I hope I have enough money?!?!?!? I forgot to mention that I got a “big sister” on the island, a first semester to help guide me along. I received a call from my financial aid advisor which freaked me out at first but when I called her back it was just to inform me that everything was set to go, just awaiting my refund disbursement in January. I put my car up for sale on craigslist. I am awaiting my stethoscope just ordered by Riverside Vet, so excited I can’t wait til it gets here. I also just ordered my magic jack... Found out that a friend will let me borrow their truck (Thanks Doug and Robin!!!) to take my bed to Norma in Wilmington (for safe keeping for the next 28 months) which relieves alot of stress in looking for a rental car and the financial burden. Had my last Sunday in Rocky Mount, went to Englewood for my last Sunday morning service :-( Then out to lunch with the Daytons’ and Williams’. I have my apartment walk through on Wednesday and need to clean up... Busy busy...
Monday, November 28, 2011
Adventures in Shipping...
11/28/2011
Shipping barrels is definitely an adventure...I had heard tale of people shipping barrels for as cheap as $130, although when I received a quote it was for more than double that at $270. So I found another company that quoted me $170 over the phone. So I decided two barrels are better than one :-) I drove to the address provided but it was an apartment so I thought, "surely I have the wrong place..." Nope, so then I met the guy and his wife (?) whom I followed to a storage unit. Here was where the guy proceeded to print out my invoice on his laptop and portable printer while loading my barrels into the storage unit. I thought about backing out, but figured, I'm already here, what the heck?
Saying goodbye to my barrels...
So many other things have happened, and I haven’t had the time to really sit down and document it. I received my grade for Biochemistry and submitted my request for my transcript (as a part of my last requirements for vet school). I received my orientation schedule, exam schedule, final exam schedules. I shipped my barrels (that's right, count ‘em, one...two...) I was trying to hold out a resist the temptation to ship anything. But one whole barrel included the rabbit cage, rabbit food, rabbit hay, and rabbit litter. And that probably still won’t be enough to make it through the first semester. But oh well...the other barrel included mostly bedding, clothes, toiletries, and shoes. I attempted to take pictures of the contents so that I could remember and document in case something ended up missing. I got some pictures but definitely not everything...
I am now 8 days away from giving my two week notice to work...kinda scary. Oh yeah, I got a carrier for the rabbits from Dr. Stewart, who so graciously allowed me to borrow it long term. I am now 1 week away from taking the bunnies into their expensive appointment (drawing blood, physical exams, health certificates, etc. The bill should be quite hefty. I also got one of my textbooks. I was a little concerned about it since it was only available through one vendor it seemed a little shady to me. Turns out its printed in Raleigh and written by an NC State vet school professor. I should get my “Studying without Stress, Mastering the Medical Sciences” book tomorrow. I wanted it before Thanksgiving but it went to the USPS, go figure. Anyway, I have commenced decorating my apartment for Christmas :-) and watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music and the like. My...head...is...still...swirling. What else has gone on in the past 3 weeks? I have bought a dissection kit, coveralls, and Miller’s Guide from current students so I’ll just be taking the Smallwood one in my luggage. I still need to buy my MagicJack and Battery backup. Lots of studying still to be done but I feel like i can get a sufficient amount done in the next 33 days. Oh yeah, I have to arrange moving my bed from Rocky Mount to its new home with Norma in Wilmington, who is kindly keeping it for me for the next 28 months. It’s looking like enterprise is the best option so far...Had to arrange to be paid out for my vacation early to be able to pay for all of the upcoming expenses in a timely manner. Items still a little confused about: USDA Health Certificate (both the process and the cost :-/) posting my car for sale on Craigslist (resistant but hopeful) Still need time to create all of the Christmas presents for everybody and to get lots of studying and leisure reading in.
Can I take them with me???
Shipping barrels is definitely an adventure...I had heard tale of people shipping barrels for as cheap as $130, although when I received a quote it was for more than double that at $270. So I found another company that quoted me $170 over the phone. So I decided two barrels are better than one :-) I drove to the address provided but it was an apartment so I thought, "surely I have the wrong place..." Nope, so then I met the guy and his wife (?) whom I followed to a storage unit. Here was where the guy proceeded to print out my invoice on his laptop and portable printer while loading my barrels into the storage unit. I thought about backing out, but figured, I'm already here, what the heck?
Saying goodbye to my barrels...
So many other things have happened, and I haven’t had the time to really sit down and document it. I received my grade for Biochemistry and submitted my request for my transcript (as a part of my last requirements for vet school). I received my orientation schedule, exam schedule, final exam schedules. I shipped my barrels (that's right, count ‘em, one...two...) I was trying to hold out a resist the temptation to ship anything. But one whole barrel included the rabbit cage, rabbit food, rabbit hay, and rabbit litter. And that probably still won’t be enough to make it through the first semester. But oh well...the other barrel included mostly bedding, clothes, toiletries, and shoes. I attempted to take pictures of the contents so that I could remember and document in case something ended up missing. I got some pictures but definitely not everything...
I am now 8 days away from giving my two week notice to work...kinda scary. Oh yeah, I got a carrier for the rabbits from Dr. Stewart, who so graciously allowed me to borrow it long term. I am now 1 week away from taking the bunnies into their expensive appointment (drawing blood, physical exams, health certificates, etc. The bill should be quite hefty. I also got one of my textbooks. I was a little concerned about it since it was only available through one vendor it seemed a little shady to me. Turns out its printed in Raleigh and written by an NC State vet school professor. I should get my “Studying without Stress, Mastering the Medical Sciences” book tomorrow. I wanted it before Thanksgiving but it went to the USPS, go figure. Anyway, I have commenced decorating my apartment for Christmas :-) and watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music and the like. My...head...is...still...swirling. What else has gone on in the past 3 weeks? I have bought a dissection kit, coveralls, and Miller’s Guide from current students so I’ll just be taking the Smallwood one in my luggage. I still need to buy my MagicJack and Battery backup. Lots of studying still to be done but I feel like i can get a sufficient amount done in the next 33 days. Oh yeah, I have to arrange moving my bed from Rocky Mount to its new home with Norma in Wilmington, who is kindly keeping it for me for the next 28 months. It’s looking like enterprise is the best option so far...Had to arrange to be paid out for my vacation early to be able to pay for all of the upcoming expenses in a timely manner. Items still a little confused about: USDA Health Certificate (both the process and the cost :-/) posting my car for sale on Craigslist (resistant but hopeful) Still need time to create all of the Christmas presents for everybody and to get lots of studying and leisure reading in.
Can I take them with me???
Monday, November 14, 2011
Class Registration
So course registration began a week ago. Everything is becoming a little more real now. I am still very impatient and can't wait to start!!! I will be taking 21 credits, 5 classes. They include, Microanatomy, Gross Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition, and Intro to Vet Med. Here is what my weekly schedule will look like:
So between TA sessions and classes there won't be very much "free time". I anticipate a LOT of studying. Countdown is 47 days left in the US!!! The clock is a tickin' :-)
So between TA sessions and classes there won't be very much "free time". I anticipate a LOT of studying. Countdown is 47 days left in the US!!! The clock is a tickin' :-)
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Money, moolah, cash, greenbacks, benjamins...
10/20/2011
Financial Aid Award is in!!! Not the full amount, but close, so I’ll take it :-) That’s a relief as well, no co-signer needed and approved for almost the full amount...Signed my MPN last night (although I think I need to sign one more for each type)...$57,000 that’s alot of money :-/ oh well, thats the cost of the education so I’ll just hafta deal. I came to terms with it way back in March that if this is what I wanted to do, I had to go all out. Still a little nervous about paying for all of the stuff I need before I leave. Mailed my deposit for the apartment yesterday in $1350.00 worth of $50 traveler’s cheques...that was alot of signatures! Got the money order for my background check and mailed that as well. Also got my postage paid envelope to send my final exam in to UC Berkeley. So, now back to the holding pattern.
Still waiting to hear about:
-Shipping
-Books
-Labs that test the bunnies bloodwork for myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease -registration for classes
-luggage tags
-wireless router/modem
-Dr.’s appointments (x2)
-3rd Rabies Shot on Friday (another $250.00 to part with)
Still need to buy:
-Rabbit Carrier
-Rabbit Pen
-Food
-Hay
-Litter
-UPS
-Magic Jack
-Books
Misc:
-Livescribe Pen
-Livescribe Notebooks
-Study without Stress book
-umbrella
-water filter
-cold medicines
-bug spray
-lunch box
-calendars
-magic bullet
-digital watch
-bath mats
-neoprene cover for mac
-nitrile gloves
10/22/2011
Just dropped below 60 days left in Rocky Mount!!! Ahhhh this is ceeerrrrraaazzzyyyy :-) but in such a good way. I still can’t believe that my life is going to change so drastically in less than 70 days. I know that i am going to be so stressed out but that’s the life I want. I’m going to be a student again :-) I got to go to the State Fair with my family today, so much fun! Here are some pics to prove it:
Financial Aid Award is in!!! Not the full amount, but close, so I’ll take it :-) That’s a relief as well, no co-signer needed and approved for almost the full amount...Signed my MPN last night (although I think I need to sign one more for each type)...$57,000 that’s alot of money :-/ oh well, thats the cost of the education so I’ll just hafta deal. I came to terms with it way back in March that if this is what I wanted to do, I had to go all out. Still a little nervous about paying for all of the stuff I need before I leave. Mailed my deposit for the apartment yesterday in $1350.00 worth of $50 traveler’s cheques...that was alot of signatures! Got the money order for my background check and mailed that as well. Also got my postage paid envelope to send my final exam in to UC Berkeley. So, now back to the holding pattern.
Still waiting to hear about:
-Shipping
-Books
-Labs that test the bunnies bloodwork for myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease -registration for classes
-luggage tags
-wireless router/modem
-Dr.’s appointments (x2)
-3rd Rabies Shot on Friday (another $250.00 to part with)
Still need to buy:
-Rabbit Carrier
-Rabbit Pen
-Food
-Hay
-Litter
-UPS
-Magic Jack
-Books
Misc:
-Livescribe Pen
-Livescribe Notebooks
-Study without Stress book
-umbrella
-water filter
-cold medicines
-bug spray
-lunch box
-calendars
-magic bullet
-digital watch
-bath mats
-neoprene cover for mac
-nitrile gloves
10/22/2011
Just dropped below 60 days left in Rocky Mount!!! Ahhhh this is ceeerrrrraaazzzyyyy :-) but in such a good way. I still can’t believe that my life is going to change so drastically in less than 70 days. I know that i am going to be so stressed out but that’s the life I want. I’m going to be a student again :-) I got to go to the State Fair with my family today, so much fun! Here are some pics to prove it:
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Emotional Roller Coaster
10/13/2011
Well at least is some good news to report, I got approved for my Graduate PLUS loan, no cosigner needed!!!! Yayyy! This is great news, I had forgotten about needing “pre-approval” for this loan then looked up how to do it. Apparently it was alot easier than I anticipated. I went to studentloans.gov logged in and clicked on request PLUS Loan. I filled out my address and information and within 10 seconds it said I was approved. Such a blessing!!! Now I’m still waiting on:
Dr. Leonatti - rabbit health certificates/USDA/bloodwork costs and location
Ross U Off Campus Housing - housing, did I get that apartment?
Ross U New Student Coordinator - rabbit food/hay/greens/litter
I wouldn’t mind knowing more details about shipping, one girl said it only cost her $130 to ship her stuff, that sounds good to me, even though I would have to get the barrel to Miami and pay a broker it could still be less stressful than trying to take it all on the plane. Simply because I will not have a ton of money to buy stuff once I get there and will need alot of the stuff I may otherwise have to leave at home (like my pull up bar :) ). We’ll hafta see. Biochem exam got delayed...AGAIN...so now she’s supposed to email me when it arrives on site so I can schedule it. Gives me more time to study but I’m ready to be done with it at this point. I want to be able to start studying for my classes for vet school, reading my last of leisure books (for the next 3.5 years), including one about study skills, which I think should come in quite handy.
10/14/2011
Such a RELIEF!!! Man, so now I have my apartment solidified. I’ll be spending much more than i intended ($742 as opposed to $600-$700) just for rent plus utilities and internet. But its in the location I wanted! So yayyyyyy me! Still trying to figure out shipping, but it looks somewhat good. I got a plastic barrel from work and had maintenance cut the lid off, so hopefully I can ship my stuff in there if the price is right. I’m just so relieved to have a place to live. If need be, I could hitch a ride to get groceries, school is the most important!!! Pictures of the new place:
Well at least is some good news to report, I got approved for my Graduate PLUS loan, no cosigner needed!!!! Yayyy! This is great news, I had forgotten about needing “pre-approval” for this loan then looked up how to do it. Apparently it was alot easier than I anticipated. I went to studentloans.gov logged in and clicked on request PLUS Loan. I filled out my address and information and within 10 seconds it said I was approved. Such a blessing!!! Now I’m still waiting on:
Dr. Leonatti - rabbit health certificates/USDA/bloodwork costs and location
Ross U Off Campus Housing - housing, did I get that apartment?
Ross U New Student Coordinator - rabbit food/hay/greens/litter
I wouldn’t mind knowing more details about shipping, one girl said it only cost her $130 to ship her stuff, that sounds good to me, even though I would have to get the barrel to Miami and pay a broker it could still be less stressful than trying to take it all on the plane. Simply because I will not have a ton of money to buy stuff once I get there and will need alot of the stuff I may otherwise have to leave at home (like my pull up bar :) ). We’ll hafta see. Biochem exam got delayed...AGAIN...so now she’s supposed to email me when it arrives on site so I can schedule it. Gives me more time to study but I’m ready to be done with it at this point. I want to be able to start studying for my classes for vet school, reading my last of leisure books (for the next 3.5 years), including one about study skills, which I think should come in quite handy.
10/14/2011
Such a RELIEF!!! Man, so now I have my apartment solidified. I’ll be spending much more than i intended ($742 as opposed to $600-$700) just for rent plus utilities and internet. But its in the location I wanted! So yayyyyyy me! Still trying to figure out shipping, but it looks somewhat good. I got a plastic barrel from work and had maintenance cut the lid off, so hopefully I can ship my stuff in there if the price is right. I’m just so relieved to have a place to live. If need be, I could hitch a ride to get groceries, school is the most important!!! Pictures of the new place:
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