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!)