Why don’t cats go grey when they ‘re old? Why doesn’t blood in bats run to their heads when they hang upside down? These are some of the perplexing questions of science that baffled my adolescent mind. From a young age my caring nature combined with a curiosity to question why lead me to thrive in the world of science. As I gain life experience and knowledge my fascination into the sheer complexity and diversity between body systems, the development of pathologies and the importance of science and technology in our understanding became increasingly apparent. It became clear that a career in veterinary medicine offered me the opportunity to channel my enthusiasm to learn and the ability to apply my knowledge in situations, could benefit animals. I feel that learning practically in a variety of establishments including veterinary practices, a falconry centre and equine rehabilitation centre in South Africa have perfectly complemented my previous degree choice of BSc Animal Science. Working in different environments has provided me with a valuable perspective of the different aspects involved within the profession and forced me to appreciate the emotional and physical stresses vets are faced with daily.
For over two years I voluntarily worked in an established veterinary practice in the Cotswolds. Observing the consultations of daily practice highlighted that a vet deals with more than ailments and cures; a personal dimension of empathy and compassion is foundation to good medical practice.
Volunteering at the Cotswold Wildlife Park allowed me to broaden my experience by working with a wide variety of animals through a range of tasks from basic husbandry and food preparation to assisting in the care of animals in quarantine. Through speaking to a range of people on a daily basis, the general public to senior staff members has enabled me to develop confidence and communication skills.
I have been fortunate enough to experience, how animal care varies throughout the world. For four weeks I worked with a wildlife vet along with spending a great deal of time at an equine rehabilitation sanctuary in South Africa. The opportunity fed my desire to learn and highlighted the importance of patience and personal sacrifice in the care of wild and mistreated animals where respect understandably takes time to establish. Travelling allowed me to develop independence and responsibility. It has also enabled me to appreciate the effect of economic climate on the state of healthcare and witness the impact of globalisation on wildlife habitats. It has opened my eyes to the bigger picture and taught me to expand my horizons beyond the UK.
My love of science and aspiration for a career in veterinary medicine is reflected in my previous degree choice which I have tailored to my personal strengths and interests through careful module selection such as: physiology, immunology and animal ethics. My dissertation project was inspired by my interest in dairy herds and the acknowledgement of the fundamental importance of fertility and underlying influencing factors in profitable milk production in order to improve the current agricultural situation in the UK.
Besides studying I enjoy pastimes of singing, dance and drama these allow me to embrace new cultures by understanding and developing myself as a person. From experience I have learnt vets require good levels of fitness , physically and mentally, I feel that staying active is an important requirement. Participating in a number of sporting activities such as swimming, university horse riding and polo clubs helps me to manage stress, boost my confidence and improve my teamwork proficiency through competing both individually and as a team.
I believe that my experiences have given me an appreciation into the daily demands of a veterinary lifestyle, it is not merely a title so many covet; the determination, endurance and challenging decision making skills required illustrate to me what a career in veterinary medicine truly entails. I relish the opportunity to commence my career as a vet and I now feel ready to apply my life experiences to enriching the variety of challenges that a career in veterinary science will undoubtedly present.