Why I Want To Become A Veterinarian

It is difficult to imagine myself in a career that does not involve animals. The veterinary field in particular is a vast topic that could be discussed for hours on end. I find it interesting to learn and understand how veterinarians manage to help pets and even save their lives. I have been seeking out professionals in the field to acquire an understanding of what that career entails. I scheduled a meeting with a family friend who is currently in veterinary school so I could discuss the education involved in becoming a veterinarian. He gave me wonderful advice that I have taken into consideration and applied in my rigorous college search.
One of the most informative ways for me to develop a feel for working with animals is by shadowing at the veterinary hospital near my house. It allows me to engage with working veterinarians, pet owners, and their pets. I am able to observe the doctors doing their jobs and helping animals live more happily and healthily. I find it all absolutely fascinating. Shadowing has definitely helped me to envision myself as a veterinarian.
I also enjoy taking classes on how to raise and care for animals.
One such course I have taken recently was a Vets-in-Training program at a local animal hospital. The main project in this program was hatching and raising chickens, and observing them through every stage in their lives. It was amazing to watch an embryo grow into an egg, and watch the fuzzy little chicks run around in their cage after they hatched. We were able to learn how to care for the chickens as they went through various stages in their lives. Furthermore, when we were not busy with the chickens, we would learn and practice caring for other animals, such as goats, sheep, frogs, and even horses. One of the most fascinating exercises we performed in this program was drawing blood from a makeshift animal leg made of newspaper, gauze, and
tubing.
Any time I find an opportunity to get closer to animals, I try to take it. I enjoy doing behind the scenes tours in places that house animals, such as the amusement Busch Gardens, which offered a tour of their programs for Clydesdales, collies and wolves. Our group was given a tour of the facilities, and we were introduced to some of the animals. For example, we met Dakota, a handsome Clydesdale that performed some basic tricks for us. We observed how his trainer interacted with him, and we learned several interesting facts about his specific breed. We also met Molly, an adorable collie who also performed some tricks. She also showed us how she interacted with her trainer. Finally, we made our way over to the wolf exhibit, where we met an amazing pack of wolves. We then had the privilege of going up and asking one of the wolves to do a trick. It was amazing that these beautiful animals were so willing to listen to complete strangers just because they knew that they would receive a reward.
This summer I had the chance to learn about some of the many fascinating inhabitants of the Hudson Estuary during a pre-college program at Marist College. We studied how different species interact in their given environment. Together with some of the most amazing people I have ever met, we witnessed firsthand the different evolutionary traits aquatic species use to survive. This opportunity gave me a chance to observe numerous research projects around the Hudson River and approach wildlife from a different perspective. I look forward to continue meeting new people and learning about their experiences with animals. Finding new ways to learn about animals is a passion that I will always continue to pursue.