The vast majority of people go to high school until they are 17 or 18 years old, graduate with a plan in mind to go to a college (even if that plan is to figure out what to do once you get to school), and then they set to work making everything come together. Some people transfer after a year because they decide their initial choice is not what they want, some stick with the full four years at one place, others drop college all together. Most often people at least stick out 4 or so years to get their degree. I have never followed the traditional education mold- at least not for a long time. In high school math wasn't my strong subject so I took a different path in learning math that my high school offered compared with the standard algebra, geometry, pre-calc, calc. coursework many of my friends took. When I graduated high school I thought I wanted to be a marine biologist-- I didn't so I transferred to VTC to pursue a two year associates degree. Then I entered the work force- and decided I wanted to go full time to pursue my passion for veterinary medicine... back to school I went (already a non-traditional student)... transferred from Maine mid-year to UVM... (two odd changes) and then decided to apply to Vet School. So, this twisted, convoluted route led me to where I am today. I don't consider any of the odd twists and turns I took mistakes, I consider them learning experiences. Other people or colleges may consider it indecisive, bizarre, even detrimental. It's too bad they view it that way, because it doesn't fit how I feel. Regardless, I spent last fall applying for vet school to a number of places, and through interviews, applications, and sweat/tears I was wait-listed to many (due I'm sure to my odd coursework and steps that it took to get to where I am) and I was declined to a few... and flat out accepted to Ross.
Ross as I've said time and again is a good school, they strive to see whats outside the normal box and they view non-traditional not as a detriment but as diversity... and they celebrate it! It was not my top choice school, for one it is a heck of a long way from home, it has its own downfalls (hello BUGS :(, petty crimes, import taxes, fees etc.) but I was happy to be one step more into my career path as a vet. I have been working to secure things as best as possible, but I am also a procrastinator and actually have not done a few important things yet for that reason alone. I had pretty much given up all the other wait-list schools I hadn't heard from (it is after all August 1st tomorrow.) Then something happened I wasn't prepared for. Yesterday AM while I was working my phone rang and I found a message at lunch time: This is Sharon from University of Prince Edward Island- Atlantic Veterinary College, we are pleased to offer you a seat for admission from your place on the wait list. I think my jaw hit the floor- this was my top choice vet school!
So, I have been facing a big dilemma for the past 24 hours- do I give up Ross (where I have put down a non-refundable deposit, and bought plane tickets), or do I stick with it because time frames are so tight? When I called PEI back to ask what my timeline for accepting their offer was, I was told I had to let them know absolutely by Thursday AM. That gave me 48 hours... 48 HOURS?! I don't even decide on shoes to buy in that time frame! Now I have to make a giant life changing decision? I asked my father, I asked my mother, I asked my hair dresser... I brought it up at work... I felt I couldn't just change my mind without input from friends and others. Ultimately the decision was mine, but I am a typical Libra- I balance everything out and it confuses the issue. So, I decided to sleep on it. I called Ross to see if I would be a financial penalty to opt out. There isn't. I called the book store to see if I could cancel/refund my order... I could. It seemed I had little holding me back in that way except for I sold my vehicle, and I had NO housing lined up in Canada-- how quickly could I line that up?? I was so confused I didn't know what to do.
When I woke up this morning I decided I was done. I called PEI at lunch today and accepted their offer. This is the quickest I have ever made a life changing decision. I have NO idea if it will all pan out. I could wind up regretting all of this work. I now have MOUNDS of paperwork for both schools to finish. Somehow I have to figure out how to go see apartments. I am overwhelmed, emotional and excited. I am hoping I didn't make a mistake-- but like all my other non-traditional moves I have at the very least learned something-- and they got me where I am now :)
------addendum--> gonna need a new blog title!!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
What exactly do I have to do??
Sooooo many people assume that once you get into vet school, the battle is done and all you have to do is show your face on the orientation days. Not true- at least not for Ross. There has been so much to try and accomplish I figured I'd make a list so you all knew exactly what was required for making it off the plane and onto the island!
Step 1: Documents, Documents Documents! You have to make sure that you have all the assigned documents in hand before you can even begin your checklist of things to do. These include your health certificate, your financial aid information documents, your requirement checklist, etc.
Step 2: Begin work on getting your Visa: This should be simple, right? Well, in theory it is all straightforward requirements... but the difficulty is getting all the documentation in order for it! You must present: A valid passport from the US (kind of a duh, how else are you going to make it out of the country); A valid certified birth certificate (ok, so finding that isn't too hard, and if you can't find it getting a copy is pretty simple); A passport photo (yes, a different photo from your passport if you got your passport a long time ago); Health Certificate (I'll say more about this peachy document shortly); and of course your Good Citizens Report (aka the background check from the state, county or town you live in.)
Step 3: Realize that the health certificate is HUGELY daunting: This you figure out once you start reading all your vaccine requirements, test results that are needed, and doctors appointments to get this all straightened out.
Step 4: Begin Health Certificate: You must receive your Rabies vaccine (which I have already-- lucky for me-- except my titer is low, FAIL :() , a TB test (simple, most people have had one... but the government wants your result measured in mm diameter... this will confuse the doctors office badly as it is usually a yes or no test.), your Hepatitis A and B series (or a titer showing you are protected), A general physical exam, AND don't forget to discuss things like potential for Giardia and treatment options. In short this document will be the bane of your existance and your Doctors won't be thrilled having to fill it out, plus get you lab results that they normally wouldn't need to (and don't forget they HAVE to sign them :(!!
Step 5: Banking documentation- Yes, you have to decide before you go which bank you want to use, and fill out their whole application-- which is not the easiest form I have ever filled out!
Step 6: FINANCIAL AID. Enough said really, because who doesn't already know what a headache that stuff is!
Step 7: Figure out how to pack all your crap into 2 (count them 2!) 50 lb checked bags: This is due to an embargo put out by all major airlines serving the St. Kitt's area during that time period-- some say this is due to the increased student travel, others say its due to rising fuel costs and still more say its simply because during hurricane season they want less weight on the planes. Who knows.. the bottom line is that's a lot of crap to fit into 2 bag!!
So... you see how much work goes into moving to the Island? I am sure it will all be worth it, but I am exhausted from trying to figure it all out!! And in reality there are tons of other less important details I have forgotten to include... like figure out how the heck to budget and still pay all your bills! It's fun-- you all should try it!
On a lighter, happier note I got my campus living assignment today... I will be living in Woods Hall... and with an ocean view room... sheesh, it's going to be tough getting up every day :)
(The new digs come August... Woods Hall!)
Step 1: Documents, Documents Documents! You have to make sure that you have all the assigned documents in hand before you can even begin your checklist of things to do. These include your health certificate, your financial aid information documents, your requirement checklist, etc.
Step 2: Begin work on getting your Visa: This should be simple, right? Well, in theory it is all straightforward requirements... but the difficulty is getting all the documentation in order for it! You must present: A valid passport from the US (kind of a duh, how else are you going to make it out of the country); A valid certified birth certificate (ok, so finding that isn't too hard, and if you can't find it getting a copy is pretty simple); A passport photo (yes, a different photo from your passport if you got your passport a long time ago); Health Certificate (I'll say more about this peachy document shortly); and of course your Good Citizens Report (aka the background check from the state, county or town you live in.)
Step 3: Realize that the health certificate is HUGELY daunting: This you figure out once you start reading all your vaccine requirements, test results that are needed, and doctors appointments to get this all straightened out.
Step 4: Begin Health Certificate: You must receive your Rabies vaccine (which I have already-- lucky for me-- except my titer is low, FAIL :() , a TB test (simple, most people have had one... but the government wants your result measured in mm diameter... this will confuse the doctors office badly as it is usually a yes or no test.), your Hepatitis A and B series (or a titer showing you are protected), A general physical exam, AND don't forget to discuss things like potential for Giardia and treatment options. In short this document will be the bane of your existance and your Doctors won't be thrilled having to fill it out, plus get you lab results that they normally wouldn't need to (and don't forget they HAVE to sign them :(!!
Step 5: Banking documentation- Yes, you have to decide before you go which bank you want to use, and fill out their whole application-- which is not the easiest form I have ever filled out!
Step 6: FINANCIAL AID. Enough said really, because who doesn't already know what a headache that stuff is!
Step 7: Figure out how to pack all your crap into 2 (count them 2!) 50 lb checked bags: This is due to an embargo put out by all major airlines serving the St. Kitt's area during that time period-- some say this is due to the increased student travel, others say its due to rising fuel costs and still more say its simply because during hurricane season they want less weight on the planes. Who knows.. the bottom line is that's a lot of crap to fit into 2 bag!!
So... you see how much work goes into moving to the Island? I am sure it will all be worth it, but I am exhausted from trying to figure it all out!! And in reality there are tons of other less important details I have forgotten to include... like figure out how the heck to budget and still pay all your bills! It's fun-- you all should try it!
On a lighter, happier note I got my campus living assignment today... I will be living in Woods Hall... and with an ocean view room... sheesh, it's going to be tough getting up every day :)
(The new digs come August... Woods Hall!)
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