Time Machine

 I guess it's been a rather long time since I've done anything here. You know school is keeping you busy and you're having a good time when you forget that you wrote letters to people. This week I  ended up getting a letter and a text from two different people saying they got my letter and enjoyed reading it. I read them and the first thing that came to mind was I had time to write letters and I actually did and sent them. When did I do that?

Since it has been so long I'll take you in my TARDIS, starting with Thanksgiving break and ending at my last post.

I had a clinical pathology final Monday before break. I did really well too. I have now passed two of my classes this first semester. I have been on Thanksgiving break since I got out of anatomy lab Tuesday afternoon. As I didn't have a car in Columbus, my grandparents came to pick me up. We went out for lunch and then we were on our way two hours northeast where I have spent a relaxing few days. Grandpa gave me quite the tour and overview of my new car while grandma took me for some retail therapy. Thanksgiving we had a lot of family over, which I hadn't seen in some time, and we had a wonderful time. I ended Thanksgiving skyping with my NH family and ended up getting a screenshot of us all.

Yesterday we went and saw Big Hero 6 and then relaxed the rest of the day. Today I watched OSU beat that thing up north (*ichigan) and they WON! I guess I'm becoming a true buckeye.

 Now I just have about three weeks of classes and finals and then I will be in NH for a few weeks.

Two weekends before my clinical pathology final I was able to relax. There were no immediate exams I had to study for. I went on a retreat to Hocking Hills with Christian Veterinary Fellowship. We had an amazing yet cold time and got to know each other well while reflecting on God. Even though it is pretty flat compared to what I am used to hiking it was well worth it and had gorgeous views. We also had an amazing cabin we stayed in for the weekend. I look forward to doing it again next year.

A friend from CVF in front of a frozen waterfall.

Another frozen waterfall. I thought the way the sun was made this an interesting picture.

I also thought these rocks were interesting near the same waterfall.

The roots on this tree along with the stone wall caught my eye.

The sun hit this cliff section and I wanted to capture it.

What happened before Hocking Hills? I had four exams in four weeks. I passed all of them and that us all that matters. That was definitely a tough four weeks though going from studying for one exam to the next. Took a lot out of me. I was definitely glad when the Hocking Hills weekend came! And that brings me back to where I left off last time.

What about more non-academic stuff you say. Well I did end up getting a car and I will be driving it home tomorrow. My grandfather was quite excited to be able to find me a car and one that seems to have been gently used for a 10 year old car. Less than 70,000 miles and the person I bought it from was the first owner.

I will soon be helping out with kids ministries at church. I had an informal interview and was put on the schedule. I start the second Sunday of December. I look forward to it. So far I've found the time I have spent with kids from church to be refreshing after all my vet school stuff.

Clubs are starting to wrap up for the year. CVF had a going away potluck for one of our advisers and we have our last Bible study Monday. I signed up for snacks which means it is time to bring out the Mastin caramel corn as it is that time of the year. Food animal club is having a breakfast cook-off contest on Friday. I don't have any classes that day so I am trying to figure out if it is worth it to wake up early when I don't need to. Monday night the kickboxing group is going out to dinner and we are giving our teacher a Christmas gift. Tuesday I have a class secret Santa party which is also an honor ceremony for our cadaver dogs. Our class presidents organized this event. We will be having a potluck, exchanging gifts, and collecting items to take to a local shelter (which is in honor of our cadaver dogs).

That's about it I'm trying to figure out what I will do in Columbus for two weeks after I get back from NH but before classes begin. I am also trying to figure out what I want my summer to look like. I'm thinking of doing the business minor which is the only program of its kind at any vet school. We'll see where I am led.

Hope your Thanksgiving was filled with friends and family and you plan on having an awesome Christmas remembering the birth of our savior, Christ. 

TTFN

Midterm Survival

I survived! Or I think I survived my midterms. Over the last 2 weeks I had 4 exams. It was nice to get to the end of last week and realize I had a free weekend. No exams this week! We also had a short day Friday so I ended up going out to lunch with a couple classmates. Not much else to say in terms of school.

Food animal club has had wonderful Friday morning breakfasts. Not only that but I was able to do a TB wetlab where I learned about TB testing for cattle and even got to practice giving a TB test. I used a saline solution instead of the normal TB test but it was fun all the same. Surgery club had the introductory labs for first years. I learned how to do one-handed and two-handed hand ties. Then we had an instrument handling lab where I was refreshed on how to hold surgical instruments and how to do sutures. They were a lot of fun.

My big got me involved with the kick boxing group the second years started last year. Within the last couple weeks it became an UKBAF certified group and we can test for belts. What is really neat is the person training us was trained by Eddie Mapula who is a grandmaster.

I started looking for a car. According to my mom this won't be my first car because the family car with the one red door was the car I was always driving around back home. But this car will be the first car that I own so I am considering it my first car. I decided to enlist the aid of my grandfather who lives a couple hours away. 2 days after asking for some help he called me up to tell me I own a car. Apparently some friends of his from church were looking to sell a car and next thing you know, my grandfather had bought the car. Now to get the title transferred and buy some car insurance. Then when I come back from their house at Thanksgiving, I will have a car.

If you have any questions or want to know something specific about life in vet school let me know.

Surviving School: the non-class stuff

So after a month I'm still loving it. I managed to pass my first anatomy quiz even though there were only 20 questions but loads of information. This week starts off an exam a week. Cell bio midterm is tomorrow. Then clinical pathology is the following Monday. Then the Monday after that is Anatomy. Enough about school though, I promised to talk about clubs the next time I wrote.

There is a plethora of clubs on campus and each one you have to pay dues to join. The cost varies from free (extremely rare) to $55 or more. So what clubs did I join? I joined the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association which by joining for 4 years gets me into the midwest veterinary conference for free (the cost of which one year is equal to OVMA membership for 4 years). SCAVMA is another one I joined. This is the student chapter of the American veterinary medical association and just about everyone joins to try and be a member in good standing for the perks after graduation.

Surgery club is one that everyone joins because of the way school is set up. During your first two years you have lecture based learning. Your third year you get more of the surgery/hands on learning. Then 4th year is all clinical. From day one you can go into the hospital whenever you want but it is on your own. Surgery club augments your learning and helps you learn the skills you'll start learning 3rd year. You end up getting a jump on things. This week is the start of the required technique labs for surgery club. These are basic hand tying, instrument handling, and suture labs that are the basis for surgery.

VBMA is the veterinary business management association. It provides lunch and dinner lectures (with really good food) that gives you business information. They also have a certificate program that can show an employer you have learned about topics in business. It is not the business minor program. Zoo animal club I joined to be exposed to exotic and wildlife animals.

The last club I joined, which doesn't have dues, is Christian Veterinary Fellowship. They have weekly Bible studies, are planning a retreat to Hocking Hills and are trying to figure out either domestic, international, or both mission trips. I look forward to getting to know this great group of people.

Outside of school I have found a church. It is called Veritas and has two campuses. The one I go to is located in an elementary school. I also joined a community group from that church. I went once and thought I wouldn't be going again because CVF was changing their Bible study time to what I thought was the same time. However, they ended up changing to a different day entirely so I guess I'll be able to keep going.

That's all for now. Better head off to church and then spend the rest of the day studying. TTFN.

Biking Around

I have now finished my second week. We got eased into things in terms of the number of days we went these first two weeks. We started August 27th and went for three days. Then we had a long weekend which made this week only four days. We have not been eased into our classes that much though. From day one we jumped right in and have a massive amount of information thrown at us. As one professor put it we are in a language immersion course. It is definitely true because there is a lot of new terminology that we have to figure out. It is used repetitively though so after a bit we get used to it.

Wednesday we have our first anatomy quiz which is on the muscles and bones of the thoracic limb. That is a lot of material and it will give us an idea of just how massive our future exams will be. Overall I am enjoying classes. Some of them are review. Others are slowly teaching us how to read CBCs. That class is much better after the initial shock of the amount of material and getting used to the terminology. Right now it is turning into one of the classes I enjoy the most.

Not only are we having information thrown at us in classes but in clubs as well. Clubs at the vet school are in recruitment mode right now. What this means is about everyday during lunch you get free food (if you RSVP). It also means that you are writing checks because in order to join clubs you have to pay dues. So far I have found a few that I am looking forward to joining. I'll write more on clubs later.

You might be asking yourself - does she have any free time? The answer is not really. If you want to have free time when you don't study or do anything school related you have to make time. So far I have made time to join a group of 2nd year girls who started a kickboxing group their 1st year. My big sib is part of it so I thought I'd try it out. I also make time to bike around the city.

This may not be the best of bikes but so far it has gotten me around pretty well. Near the veterinary campus, close to the towers and the football stadium there is a trail called the Olentangy River Trail. It can be crowded but it is very nice.

This is the river that runs along the trail. At various points on the trail there are bridges that cross it. As you go across you can see many geese. Today I even saw a man fly fishing.

At points along the trail there are sections that merge. This is one such section. In the background on the left is Schottenstein Center where a few weeks ago I went and picked up my football tickets.

Today on my way past I biked close to the football stadium (the horseshoe or shoe for short). Come  tomorrow the area will be packed for the 1st home game of the season.

I will eventually sit in this stadium but it won't be until later in the season. Yesterday I got a little taste as I watched the marching band practice their routine for tomorrows game. They are really something to watch in person and will be amazing to see in the stadium with all the fans. I should probably go study. Until next time, TTFN!

Buckeye Land

It's crazy to think that in a matter of days I will be starting classes at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine! I spent my two weeks off spending time with a bunch of people I won't see for some time and in general getting spoiled. I started my 3D tree challenge quilt but didn't quite finish it. It's almost there though. Just some finishing details that I should be able to finish in my time off before classes start.

Just need to outline part of the tree and add a backing maybe even a border.

Last Friday, mom and I went and picked up the rental minivan. I then spent the day packing up everything I was planning on taking to Ohio and putting it into the minivan. As I won't have a car (at least the first year) and I live pretty close to campus, that included putting my bicycle in the van.

This was a picture of the packing process part way though and you can see the wheel. Once I was done packing though, unless you look closely, I don't think you can see the wheel.

My aunt was very impressed with how I packed and told me I would be in charge if she ever moved. Last Saturday we spent 14 hours driving to Canal Fulton, OH. I drove the whole way partly because I goofed and didn't check the passenger seat when I started packing (there wasn't much leg room for me) and partly because I knew mom doesn't really like to drive. We drove the final 2 hours Sunday and started moving me in. 

I live with a 3rd year and two 4th year veterinary students. I've met two of them and they are awesome and super helpful. As you probably notice from the picture of the van I didn't bring a mattress. One of my housemates sold me a custom built loft bed frame but I had to find a mattress. I ended up sleeping the first night on the floor but made getting a mattress a priority the next day.

Mom stayed through Wednesday helping me unpack and get the things I needed for my room like a desk, bookshelves, and various other items. She also came with me to get my Ohio license. She then flew back the same day orientation started. The OSU CVM has a big sib program where you are paired up with a second year (big sib) who is there to help you though the year. My big sib is awesome and has really taken me under her wing. She met me at the big recreation and physical activity center (RPAC) and showed my around. Not only that but she has made sure if I hang out at parties I have a way home as I have no car.

I didn't realize there would be as many vet students living in houses by me but once I started meeting my classmates and upperclassmen, I found quite a few that live near me. Friday was our convocation ceremony where we were officially welcomed to the vet school, signed the veterinarian's oath, and spoke the oath. Then we got to see all the clubs at the big merchandise sale as well as get our baby pictures taken. The baby pictures will be in our baby book and is how the professors get to know our faces.

Throughout this week I have been asked 'Are you excited?', 'How was it?', 'Are you having a good time?' and while I am excited I don't think I am as excited as I would have been. Let me explain that. I am ready for school to start and have been excited/ready since I was accepted in December, I was excited to move, and I was excited for orientation. I'm someone that doesn't really show it much though. I also have been finding there might be a reason for not being extremely excited.

I got thinking last night that it's been about 6 and a half months since my dad died. I think that has something to do with my excitement level. It's not that I'm sad but I am missing him and wishing he could have been here to see me on campus as a first year student. I think this is something I might deal with every time a major event comes up in my life. I'm sure over time I won't think about it nearly as much but right now it is somewhat fresher. The convocation ceremony had many families there. For me, having my mom help me move in and dragging her around campus to run errands was my family convocation time. But, I didn't get to do any of that with my dad. I think if he were physically here, it doesn't even have to be in Ohio, and not with God I would have been even more excited. Don't get me wrong, I am excited it just felt incomplete. While I am sure I won't get used to it, it will not be so immediate in the future and I might start to feel like things are complete.

Now, I just have time to relax before classes start on Wednesday. I am looking forward to all I will be learning as well as what God has in store. I'm starting to think it might have something to do with thriving. Pastor Mike played Thrive by Casting Crowns at the end of each service I made before I left. Also at convocation they talked about not just surviving but thriving. Definitely check out the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ71RWJhS_M 

Until then TTFN

To Be Loved

I have been blessed with so many amazing people that I see everyday. Yesterday was my last day working my job at Hannaford. That gives me two weeks before I move to get everything in order. The week leading up to my last day I heard from so many people how much I will be missed and how even though they weren't working that day they would come in. Half way through my day the store manager called a huddle on the front end. It was the largest huddle I have ever seen in that store. He explained that normally they don't have huddles for people moving on as it happens frequently but this was a special case. I was headed right where I wanted to be and that was special. He then let everyone know that they were able to have the jean dress down day because I had used all my front end 'dress down coupons' to purchase the dress down day. After the huddle I had so many hugs, hand shakes, good lucks, and congratulations. I had a card from the store and a card from a coworker. Near the end of my shift one of my coworkers who hadn't worked that day came in and asked how it felt to have only 20 minutes left. She then stayed and chatted while counting down the time for me. Going to punch out I was stopped by numerous people wanting hugs and wishing me well. In the end it took me 10 minutes after punching out to leave the store. Over the next two weeks I look forward to hanging with some of the amazing people in my life. I hope I can inspire the next group of people I meet in the same way I have the people I have spent the past year and a half if not longer. I also hope I can show God's love to them as well.

The following verse I feel sums up my time in New Hampshire and is something I want to live out in Ohio.
"Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!"
Romans 12:15-16 NLT

Until Ohio! TTFN!

It was the worst of times, it was the best of times

It's been far too long and so much has happened (some bad, some good, and some amazing). I guess I'll start from where the last post left off and do it in sections.

The Bad: My Dad

A lot of people will know what this update is about. It's not one people like to hear either. On February 5, 2014, after a lengthy battle with cancer, my dad is at peace and is with God. Before he went he knew I had been accepted to vet school and that I would be going to The OSU CVM. Our family has been asked a lot how we are doing. Although we explain we are fine they don't get it. We knew it was coming. The chemo was only an effort to extend his quality of life and not a cure. As such we came to terms with him being gone before he died. We also have hope because we will see him again when it is our turn to be called to go home to God. I think the people constantly asking us how we are doing don't understand that hope. Yes, while it is tough without him we can still be happy. I miss him everyday (some more than others) and wish he could still be here but am glad that I was able to have him around for the 17 extra years he was given.

The Good: Quilting
After going back to Houghton, NY for a friend's wedding I finally came up with some sketches for a quilt challenge I was given. A friend I met at youth group over this past year challenged me to create a 3D tree quilt. I took that and decided to do a hybrid 2D/3D quilt with the tree being mostly 3D. Here are the sketches:

The tree-like blob in the middle of this one is where the tree will go. The tree will be on a hill in front of a lake. The lake will be surrounded by mountains and there will be a sunrise. The background will be flat compared to the tree.

This tree is a sketch of what the previous blob will be. It is really hard to draw a 3D tree so this 2D tree currently represents it. It is based off of the Tree of Life in the Field of Dreams in Houghton, NY. That tree is a bur oak. I still haven't decided what season I am going to have the scene be in. To simplify things I may have it in winter or in fall but with all the leaves already off. It is my hope that during my vacation weeks before I move in mid-August, that I will be able to create and finish this quilt so that I can have a new quilt in my new room.

The Amazing: Veterinary School

I GOT IN!!!!!!!! I was invited to interview at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in November. I chose December 18 as my interview date. I flew out the day before. I was supposed to get into Akron, OH around dinner time and then I would have dinner with my grandparents. Due to weather issues my connecting flight in Philadelphia didn't make it to the airport. I had rushed off my flight from Manchester because we left late and had gotten in just in time for boarding to start on my connecting flight. I got to the gate to find we had no plane and it was up to us to find a new flight. I called the number I was given only to find out I had been rescheduled on the later flight into Akron. God was looking out for me!

The next day Grandpa and I drove 2 hours to Columbus for my interview. I made sure to review my applications and everything I knew about the field of vet med. I prayed before my interview. Normally during an interview I an fidgety and nervous. Not this time. God settled my nerves and I was able to keep eye contact and have a conversation with my two interviewers which was a completely different experience from my last interview there. The flight home the next day I had no problems and even got in early.

I didn't expect to hear back until February but I was in for a surprise. On December 23rd, I had a message on my phone from Dr. Lord wanting me to call back. Unfortunately I couldn't call back that day and she wasn't going to be back in the office until after Christmas. I looked online the next day to see what my application status was only to find I WAS IN! Then in February I got an email saying I was going to receive a $10,000 scholarship for my first year for being an outstanding applicant!

Since then I have found a place to live with three current vet students only 10 minute walk from campus. I have met some classmates on facebook, bought OSU football tickets, got a book and supply list, and had a pre-orientation course. Recently the schedule for the year has come out. Things are picking up and I am looking forward to moving to Columbus in mid-August. God is so good!!! He knew I was needed at home this past year but that I am meant to be a veterinarian.

Future

I will try to keep posting on life as it happens. From rabbits, cows, dogs, etc to exploring Columbus, meeting new friends, and hopefully still quilting. Until then take life as it comes knowing each day can be a wonderful day no matter what happens and that God is there with you walking by your side and crying when bad things happen to good people. Until then
TTFN