So another semester down, and suprisingly survived! Marks from my exams are in and I have passed with decent marks. It is tough to feel proud of yourself when you get an 80 on a test and it is still below the class average. In vet school you need to readjust how you think about your marks. In undergrad, I was really dissappointed if I was below the average. I liked to at least keep up, if not, then be in the top half. Now, I am in a room full of A-type over achievers with amazing study skills and motivation. That is why we are here after all! So I had to sit myself down and accept that I did well on all my exams (especially my 100% in respiratory histology!!! :D) and even though I am in the bottom half of my class, I am working hard and getting the marks I deserve. I am, after all, also having a fantastic time being involved in social and class events! Can't win them all. Ha!
So the Anatomy bell ringer was a doozy. 60 stations (plus 5 rest stations with candy!) and a minute at each station. The questions were not simple structure questions (Ex. Name the nerve with the pin in it.) But function and indirect structure (ex. What nerve innervates the muscle with the pin in it. And Ex. That does this structure secrete?) So I got frazzled by a couple but they did not build off of each other so if you screwed up one question, you got to ignore it and move to the next one.
We also had our first, not-for-marks, client simulated interview. Simple 15 min with Pause, Rewind, and feedback at the end. I am not nervous about these interviews. I value my ability to talk easily with people and I find it easy to build up relationships and listen to their concerns. I did however, talk to much at the poor actress that I had. She was pretending to be a 'slow', underpriveledged woman who just moved out of her parents house and bought a puppy. My mile a minute questions and over-enthusiastic responses were not taken well. I definately pick up on that in the interview and tried to speak softer and slower and not laugh and smile too much, but by that point I was almost done the interview... So for next time, I should really start slower and work up if I get an enthusiastic response... not the other way around. I am very grateful that we got a chance to practice because our taped interview, in front of our peers and professor, and for marks, is later in January. It was nice to get a chance to practice.
Holidays are being spent working at the Large Animal reception desk part time, getting my mandatory Primary Health Care center volunteer shifts done, and volunteering with the birds of prey (there is a lot of work to do because everyone is home for the holidays!). As well as working on some class assignments, cleaning my room and the house, and dog sitting for my room mate. Only two weeks off, and it is flying by. But I got some great presents and got to spend quality time with the family so I am happy!
Happy holidays everyone! Oh yah, and I am now 1/8th of a vet! :)
