I never really knew what I wanted to study until I started taking care of animals for my friends or volunteering at animal shelters and I realized that animals have always been a passion. However, recently animals have become something I’m more interested in and have become something I could see myself possibly study about one day.

Almost this exact time last year, I had acquired a baby squirrel and it was at most a few days old. Eyes had not yet opened. I stayed up as late as I had to, to make sure he ate. We had a bond and I knew when he grew up I would have to let him go unless he was domesticated. I loved him but he needed to be out in the world. We had him a week then we lost him, but at that time I felt like I had pressed the reset button. I felt better about myself because I gave that small animal a nice life before he passed. It hurt that we lost him of course, but I knew I tried my hardest. 

Whilst I was sick about a month ago, my dog was sick as well. Something was wrong with her stomach and we didn’t have the money to take her to the vet nor the time; so I got some Pedialyte and Pepto Bismol and every few hours I would give her Pepto Bismol and then have her drink some water or Pedialyte. It was difficult taking care of her while I was really sick but making my dog feel better made me feel better because I knew she wasn’t hurting anymore.

These experiences made me start thinking of studying veterinary medicine. Veterinarians make about $94,500 – $104,499 per year. They go to school for approximately seven to nine years: three to five years for undergraduate and four years of veterinary school. 

Veterinarians care for the health of animals and they diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions of pets, livestock, and other animals. Veterinarians typically examine animals to diagnose their health problems, treat wounds, perform surgery on animals, test for and, if needed, vaccinate against diseases. They also operate medical equipment such as x-ray machines and ultrasound machines. Veterinarians advise animal owners about general care, medical conditions, and treatments. Lastly, they prescribe medication and euthanize animals. I know if I have to euthanize an animal it’s going to hurt a little, but I will know I am stopping the animals from hurting. 

I think I would be a good veterinarian because I have lost people and animals in my life so I know how it feels; I would be able to empathize and show compassion.