 |
| Kitts had a hard time during finals |
Well, I have officially passed my 3rd semester of
vet school here at Ross University. I am sure glad 3rd is over with
too since I think it has been the hardest one yet. My grades did not end up too
bad either (though I did have many panic attacks through finals). Got an A in
pharmacology 1, B+ in virology, and B’s in bacteriology and Pathology 1.
Bringing my GPA to a 3.33 average. My
goal is to keep it above a 3.25 so anything extra is icing on the cake.
Upper semesters all
say 2nd semester is the one to watch out for, well, I disagree. I think 3rd semester is extremely
difficult. It is not as much as the
exams are tricky (like Reich) but there is TONS of information to be memorized.
I am AWFUL at memorizing lots of random facts, I would rather be able to figure
out the answer by multi step thinking but this was the case. Pharmacology requires you to memorize tons of
drugs and know WHY you would use them, what species you could use them in, what
receptors they work on, what side effects you might see, if there are any
contraindications, and any special indications.
Virology you learn about 90+ viruses and their etiology agents, host
they affect, how they are spread, if they are zoonotic or reportable, clinical
signs, pre patent periods, how to diagnosis them, if there is a vaccine or not,
do they cause abortion or the professors favorite SMEDI, etc. Bacteriology is very similar to virology as
you memorize tons of gram positive and negative bacteria in addition to some
molds. Pathology REALLY test your
knowledge as you incorporate a lot of previous classes’ information. You learn tons of diseases and how they
present clinically and WHY they present like that (lots of physiology). You need to know your anatomy so you can
understand the radiographs of broken bones in addition to why certain organs
are affected in a disease process.
Advice to all the 3rd semesters is TRY and stay on top of the
work. I know we all say that every
semester but if you let 90+ viruses, 80+ bacteria/25+ molds, 50+ drugs, and
over 2,000 pathology slides finals will be a VERY stressful time. Also do well
on the first set of exams…they will save your grades later. Out Bacteriology, Pathology and pharmacology
first set of exams average were all over 90, second round they were all around
80. The test get A LOT harder over the
semester so do well in the beginning since it will save you later
I have also learned a lot about my studying habits this
semester. I get VERY overwhelmed when
there is a large amount of material to be memorized. I spend more time then I should wondering how
am I EVER going to learn all this than actually studying. I need to work on this. Also for finals I need to REALLY study for my
last final weeks before because by Wednesday afternoon I am beat. Trying to
study for the last one is extremely difficult to find ANY motivation. If I have looked at the material already then
I just need to review it will be a lot more helpful. (Will see if it works)
I also have heard really great things from the physio
students I tutored. I really enjoyed
tutoring this semester so I plan on doing it next. I did bring some of my old notes home this
break so I can try and prepare weekly guides to go over which will save me A
LOT of time so I can study for my own classes.
 |
| Goodbye Dome |
After finals Brittany and I got to move into our new
place. It is AMAZING. There are a few things that need to be worked
out but I love it and Kitts is already enjoying the pool. Took my 7 carloads to
move all my stuff so I am having a SERIOUS sale when I get back on the
island. Have no idea how I accumulated
so much crap.
 |
| New House |
Kitts is at the pet sitter for break. It is not hard to get the dog off the island
and into the United States. They just
need a health certificate but the trouble would be bringing her back. Saint Kitts is a rabies free island so in
order to bring an animal in you must do 2 rabies titers which can run you about
$300 us each after the vet fees, shipping, etc.
I will bring Kitts home when I am finished with school on the island but
until then she gets to be an island dog.
I am really excited to go home and see everyone, hang out
and RELAX, and eat enough junk food/fast food to last me 15 more weeks. Plans thus far are going to Lake Havasu, the
Santa Barbara dog show, hair/nails done, LOTS of dinner/lunch dates,
Disneyland, Knotts berry farm, and who knows what else. All I know is it will be a VERY fun 14
days.
 |
| My Plans This Break :) |
To all my fellow pinks…CONGRATS…WE DID IT…another semester
done with.
