My Journey - the condensed version

I'm one of those girls that has wanted to be a vet for as along as I can remember. Cliche I know, but 100% true. I had stuffed animals instead of Barbies, and an imaginary dog instead of an imaginary friend (embarrassing). I didn't start doubting my future until I started my undergrad in Biology at the University of Western Ontario. I was the type of student that didn't have to study in high school, so I had zero study skills. My first 2 years at UWO were discouraging to say the least. Since I was spending all of my time trying to bring up my marks, I didn't gain much meaningful vet/animal experience until the end of 2nd year, which also worried me. Thankfully 3rd and 4th year introduced more specific biology classes that I actually enjoyed, and I had more or less figured out how to study for university exams (the secret: live in the library and drink lots of coffee). I had also been lucky enough to find 2 different volunteer positions in vet clinics, one at the humane society, and another at an avian facility on campus, in addition to my paying job at the hospital. I spent the summer after 3rd year writing the dreaded MCAT (never again!) and was happy with my score. I felt confident enough in 4th year to apply to OVC, almost died when I received an interview, and then almost died again when I was rejected. The fact that I had been so close was depressing but also made me realize that I really could do this. I went back for a 5th year at UWO and concentrated on getting the best marks possible. I had already gone through the interview process (OVC does the Multiple Mini Interview) so I was much more prepared the second time around.
Long story short, I'm one of 121 members of the class of 2018, and I still can't believe it! I keep my acceptance letter posted on my whiteboard so that when I'm stressed out, I can remember the excitement of getting in. Orientation starts tomorrow and I can't waiiiiiit to finally be able to walk around the campus that I have had my eye on since elementary school :)

"Dreams don't work unless you do"