On the road to vet school

My path to veterinary medicine has not been as straight as an arrow. Far from it. It is common to hear those interested in this profession begin planning their careers as children. I had no interest in the field until I was 30 years old -- after which it still took me a few years to seriously prepare and start taking the required prerequisites to even qualify for acceptance. And now, three years after that still and having been accepted into vet school - not only accepted, but two days away from orientation - I find myself anxious.

And why not? Humans and animals often are during major life transitions. Actually, my pets are taking it better than me. After all, they follow my lead, and despite a cross country flight on a plane and a brief sojourn in a strange (albeit comfortable) home, they seem to have adapted to their new life well. We aren't settled yet though, tomorrow we drive four hours to our final destination where we will be living for the next four years. I must be exhibiting enough confidence that they don't worry...in fact, they seem fine. But I am worried. After all, I am not a naive bright-eyed 22 year old like many of my classmates will be. I know that there is a possibility of this road being not only rocky but completely unpaved. I have had my share of career ups and downs and know, firsthand, that a graduate degree isn't the answer to life's problems, that bright starts can end with disappointments, and that failure is always a possibility.

So, after all that work to get to this point, from leaving my home and family, packing up and moving to the country, and taking on a huge debt, maybe I will realize that this was not the path for me, and that veterinary school should indeed be left to those animal loving children who always knew they wanted to grow up and save the Labradors, golden retrievers and pugs of the world ( I realize some also want to work with cows, and horses and sheep- from 4H club and all that).

Like I said, I am not a bright eyed naive 22 year old, or even 26 year old, or 30 year old. But maybe - just maybe- that's a good thing. Let's call it healthy pessimism. Because then I will be able to take the low points in stride, and know to appreciate the victories.  But honestly, I am not as mature or learned as I like to appear.  In fact, I am probably about six years behind in maturity - definitely somewhat of an optimist and I do tend to look over the precipice and still jump (but only if there is something really pretty at the bottom!). The world is a crazy place, and most things that are worth doing, take courage, bravado, curiosity and a momentary lapse in character (oh yeah, and money).  I will let you know how it goes.