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The past year has
been a whirlwind of
new experiences and
challenges that have
pushed me to develop
efficient time
management skills
and a more clinical
way of thinking. Out
with the books and
memorization—in with
the problem lists,
medications dosages,
and surgeries. I am
energized by the
change of routine
and the hands-on
(and hands-in)
approach to
learning. Whenever
possible, I embrace
opportunities to
hone my skills by
signing up for
elective rotations
involving cattle and
horses as well as
dogs and cats in
order to make myself
more prepared for
the cases presented
to a rural vet.
During my spring
semester, I learned
a plethora of large
animal procedures
such as equine
castrations,
lameness exams, and
cattle caesarian
sections and
dehornings. My
classes were a nice
mix of large and
small animal
information. I am in
my happy place! I
love learning, but
this year is where I
feel like I belong.
I enjoy the variety
that comes with
livestock as well as
companion animals,
and I learn best
when I am working
with my hands—and
that is what this
year is all about.
In addition, I
continued to focus
on personal and
professional growth.
I completed a
mentorship with an
equine surgeon in
July 2013, an
internship with a
rural mixed animal
practice in June
2014 and an
externship with the
Kansas Humane
Society in July
2014. I was also
recently accepted
into the Phi Zeta
Sigma Chapter, Honor
Society of
Veterinary Medicine.
With the NAVLE
(North American
Veterinary Licensing
Exam) in my
not-so-distant
future, my career
choice after
graduation is
vividly clear. My
passion and purpose
is to establish and
sustain a successful
rural mixed-animal
practice, delivering
quality veterinary
products and
services.
Thank you again for
the continued
support as I
continue on my vet
school journey! The
greatest tasks in
life are always more
achievable with the
help of others—and
your generosity is a
great help to me as
I work to achieve my
lifelong dream of
becoming a DVM and
improving the lives
of animals and their
caretakers.
Nicole
Smith
Kansas State
University
College of
Veterinary Medicine
Class of 2016 |
