Getting personal with DVM Gunner...

Back in my teenage years, I knew I was going to do something science-related when I grew up. I always wanted to be a veterinarian, so obviously college was the next step for me. When I was in college, I was fresh out of high school and away from home, as most of you were as well. If you're anything like me, you were just happy to be out of the house away from home and especially away from all the "high school drama." Well, you also probably know that "freedom" leads to temptations. All kinds of temptations; parties, alcohol, drugs, sex, skipping class, and even working. It is up to you whether or not you let these temptations control your life. Basically it's your life and it's your choice kind of thing. So even though you will definitely be presented with each and every one of these temptations by peer pressure (this is guaranteed!!), you don't have to give into them.

... But I did, for some of them. My first semester at school made me realize that you don't have to go to class to get an A... awesome! So now I can just skip class! And while I'm at it, I'll go ahead and get a job since I have all this extra time and no money. There's a party tonight? On a Monday?? I'm in!

Bad idea. Grades are reflected with every choice you make. Working 30+ hours a week resulted in a C in Calculus. That party I went to on Monday and Tuesday... and the previous weekend got me an unsatisfactory grade in Sociology. Skipping American Literature because I couldn't find a parking spot -- professor requested meetings with me to see why I was doing so poorly in his class.

I decided to transfer to a school closer to home. If I can avoid these temptations, I can get back on track and graduate. But what happens when I graduate? I mean I love animals, but realistically can I REALLY get into vet school? I'm definitely not smart enough, just go look at my grades!

This is probably the point where most students either drop out of school or just barely get by. Only a few will turn their lives around and actually follow their dreams. You have to have that drive. Everyone has potential, but only a selective few realize that they have it. If you want something bad enough, seriously go for it!

This is the point where I DID transfer. I lived with my parents now so I didn't have to work as much. I started studying, which basically consisted of making flashcards, reading textbooks and outlines, and reviewing notes with my best friend who happened to be a Biology major also!

So even though I was ashamed of my grades at my first college, I was able to turn everything around. I met people that motivated me to get good grades. Classes were smaller and I became close to professors who gave me excellent advice and even recommendations. One of the most inspirational people I've ever met was a biology professor who actually recommended me to become a tutor. I continued working as a tutor even after I graduated (and I'm still employed there... 3 years later!!).

Now I could have chosen a completely different path. I could have continued working and partying and just forgot about school. Sometimes school isn't for EVERYONE. I actually know quite a few people close to me that didn't go to college or dropped out early and they are very successful. You just have to enjoy what you do. For me, I thought working in retail and bars and partying was getting boring. It's only a matter of time before I do something stupid while partying or end up with cirrhosis from constant drinking.

The biggest piece of advice I can give to college kids is to never lose sight of what you want. If you have always wanted to do something, make it happen. Now I realize that the majority of folks out there who lost grasp of their dreams have had their share of unavoidable obstacles. Marriage, family, kids, death, health problems, money situations, 1 or most of those things have gotten in your way. Like I said before, there are a bunch of unavoidable obstacles in life. Work around your obstacles... don't let them stop you from getting to your ultimate destination. If where you want to go is unachievable, then compromise. But just remember what you are capable of. That success isn't a standard for how far you have come in life, but about recognizing how your own personal approach and attitude towards growth in life and work have made you successful.

Life is short. Make sure you're making the most of it. If you don't like where you are at in life, change something. There's a billion different paths you can take in life. If you make a wrong turn, there's probably a road up ahead that leads somewhere new. It might not be as convenient as you were hoping, but in the end it will be worth it, maybe sooner than you think.

White coat ceremony

So we had our big white coat ceremony tonight! A little bit if a hectic night though. We literally had class nonstop from 10:30am to 5:30pm with a short lunch break. As soon as we left at 5:30 we had to rush to get ready for white coat and be there by 5:45. I don't think I've ever run so fast in heels before in my life. The only thing that would have made my night better was if my family could be here to watch me. Thankfully our school had a live podcast so everyone could watch it online from home!

Anyway I kind of got a little emotional at the ceremony. I know it's not graduation or anything. But for me it was more like "wow, I'm actually doing something I've always dreamed of doing. And I couldn't be in a better place in my life. This is totally where I belong and I'm perfectly fine with that." It took a long time, but reality finally set in today. 

Could not be any happier! Now, time to get back to studying!!