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| Heart of the Matter |
November. The 5th of November. Veterans Day. My
birthday. Thanksgiving! What a great month. It also reminds me that school has
been rolling for… approximately 3 months, and I’ve yet to write, anything. So I
figured, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would begin by delving into the things
I am truly thankful for. I do find it somewhat unfortunate that so many times,
we only remember these things due to the looming holiday of Thanksgiving. Let’s
all try to be thankful on a more regular basis!
1.
Second
chances: As some of you know, and most of you don’t, I am currently
in my ‘second’ first year of veterinary school. I’ve come to grips with the
fact that not EVERYTHING goes according to plan. More like, been forced to come
to grips. BUT let’s not dwell… I’ve picked myself up, refocused on my ultimate
goal/dream and realized that there ARE such things as second chances.
Veterinary medicine has been my dream since I was a weeee six year-old. Nothing
has stopped me from coming this far, and nothing will stop me in the future. This
kid is not going down without a fight!!!! I am forever grateful to my support team
at Michigan State's CVM: Dr. Patricia Lowrie,
Dr. Coretta Patterson, Joy Hannibal and Sarah Davis as well as those at Purdue CVM for believing in me and
keeping my head in the game.
2.
My
unwaveringly supportive parents: When I have two people such as these, that love me so much, and have my back at
every twist & turn in life, there is no way I can completely fail. I have
said this before, and I will continue to say that I would not be where I am or who I am
without my parents. They have molded me into someone who fights for what I want and
to earn what I deserve, yet remain humble and compassionate to those around me.
Through this past year, I could not have managed without them. Thank you and I love
you!
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| My Parents: Randy & Deb |
3.
Friends
near and far: What would I do without my friends? Maybe due
to the impending anniversary of my appearance into the world that I feel like
this but we’re all getting older, reaching our goals and moving further apart. However,
in our busy schedules, we all find time to stay in touch and keep each other
motivated.
a.
Shout out to my fellow Spartans! Julie and
Melissa – my former roommates & the wonderful vet techs, graduated and pursuing their careers. Krissy
– soon to graduate then pursue her goal in the culinary arts. Nadia, Chrissy
& Jenn, just to name a few – working hard at MSU’s CVM. DeShawn – DePaul University
in Chicago, reaching for political status. Michael – internship at Pepperidge
Farms and graduating in the spring.
b.
My Purdue Vet School Crew. These roads are
rough, and we are keeping each other in line, and somewhat sane. YAY! Big
thanks to my immediate ‘family’ Edith (my stellar roommate), Liz, Chico &
Kyle. There are many more of you so don’t feel left out!
c.
All the others out there, doing your thing, but
taking time to stay in touch!
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| Edith & Walle, my Roommates |
4.
Veterinary
medicine: What a wonderful career to be involved with. So much around
you has probably been influenced somewhat by a veterinarian. Whether it’s the
leather shoes on your feet, the steak on your plate, the lab-animal tested
lotion you smear on your face or the feather pillow you slumber on at night. Veterinary
medicine also has a special angle in helping both animal and human. These days,
household pets are given family/human status. When a four-legged ‘child’
becomes ill, the emotional toll on the owner may be analogous to the worry seen in
a parent when a human child is sick. As a veterinarian, not only does one have
the chance to heal the bone-chewing family member, there is the added
opportunity of bringing ease to a fellow human. I cannot wait to become a part
of this influential, small knit occupation.
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| Christy |
5.
Faith: It is
easy to lose focus in such a busy world, and forget who I’m ultimately trying
to please. I can contribute much of my motivation solely to the fact that I believe
faith is having confidence that GOD is who He says He is, and does everything
He promised to do. He knows the plans for me, and I will keep on relying on Him.
6.
Technology: I have
recently ventured into the world of the iPhone and all its glory. There are
apps that will do everything for you. I am a big fan of the simple life, but it
is nice to have my e-mail, my text messages, a camera, an alarm clock, a
calculator, the Internet and apps that organize parasites for studying in a 3”
x 5” hunk of aluminum.
7.
Ability
to cook: I like to think I’m a foodie. My favorite part of cooking is
combining things together that I think will taste good, and having them
actually taste good. It is also wonderful to recreate a dish that reminds me of
eating at home with my family. Like meat loaf, or spaghetti pie! Of course, I can
never top my father on the grill. A) I do not have a grill and B) I am not my
father. I think I also relish in the comments of my ‘family’ (Edith, Chico,
Liz, Kyle…etc) when they try something I have concocted. Too often, I’m over
critical of the food that they are scarfing down, so it is nice to have them
validate my cooking skills.
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| Tuna Fish Sliders. A Favorite at Apt 5. |
8.
My
health: I’m alive and kicking! It’s true, and I constantly assure
my parents that this is all that matters. Sure, every so often Mr. Sniffles
stops by, but this is nothing an overdose of orange juice, Vitamin C, and the
occasional night of Vicks Vapor rub can’t solve. For the most part, I can run,
scream, sing, write, breath, and other fun crazy things a human can do.
9.
Daylight
Savings Time: Ahhh. For a short time, it will be light out
when I arise and walk to class. As we slowly approach the darkest day of the year
(and CHRISTMAS!!) that will change. However, while I’ve got the chance, it is
nice to see the sun peeking out from behind the horizon… Who am I kidding? I cannot
see the horizon; the buildings of the city are blocking my view. On the other hand, it is lighter than at
dinner time. Pitch black, making me feel like it’s already time to crawl into
bed.
10. Books: Computers are great,
and mobile, and everything is wrapped up in one. I just can’t dismiss the great
feeling of curling up in a pile of blankets and pillows with a book. There is
no worrying about low-power or the whir of the computer over heating as I burrow
deep into my makeshift cave. Of course the window is cracked, so I’m just cold enough
to surround myself with 8 pillows, several blankets and my stuffed animals. Of course,
not all books are fun, especially when there are minimal pictures, and
monotonous words like reticular, mesenchyme or G-proteins…
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| Miss Kitty |
11.
The small
things: Staying happy in such an intense educational program is important.
So I am extremely thankful for the small things in life that keep a grin on my
face. These would be the following things: water, carrots, cheese, Dill &
Pickle & Miss Kitty (my stuffed animals), Christmas lights & music,
tea, apples, crunchy leaves, dog beds & pillows, knit sweaters, ramen
noodles, horse breathe, muddy canine paws and so many more.
Enjoy the little
things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things
~Robert Bault.
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| Christmas Lights at Apt 5 |
