| The ocean fog off the northern coast always seems to meander through the streets a little longer each day. The brightness of day never fails to creep through my window, set eyelids aflame, and awaken a drowsy heart to a new day of enlightenment.
Two weeks. Fourteen days. Three hundred-thirty six hours. I won't count minutes because each one has been filled with savory words, reviewed concepts, bonding moments, and hands-on experiences. What I expected from veterinary school, the people, the curriculum, the student life, and international transitioning lessons have all provided moments of surprise, confusion, frustration, elation, and anxiety. It seems so easy to compartmentalise each feeling that courses through my mind and body, yet at the end of the day, the reflection is merely a reminder of a life-long dream becoming a reality for one, right now. Sometimes, I feel like I am coasting through life. Not becoming too emotionally invested in one thing, situation, or person, in recognition that I need all the energy I can muster to take on the challenge of veterinary school. Yet one thing I can NOT forget (and one which readers will likely need to remind me of) is that this veterinary schooling isn't just an educational experience. It's not just learning and reciting material. It's not just making friends with people that will be colleagues and peers later on. It's not just getting settled in a routine until things are comfortable.
It's a life. And a life needs balance and challenge, variety and consistency.
I feel enriched each time this idea crosses my head. As the university formal academic year beginning approaches, I'm reminded of the possibility by my friends, of things I want to learn outside of veterinary school, of experiences I wish to have. I want to learn the bagpipes. I want to play football. I want to go climbing, biking, swimming, and ride Exmoor ponies along the coast. And I am reminded that the only one that can turn the wants into realities is me.
I have a job prospect that will keep me out during the "party hour" times on Friday's and Saturday's, a perfect part time job for an international keen on observation and public service. I've got an interview to be a door steward (aka Bouncer) with a security agency that also does work with formal venues like at the Opera and National Gallery. What can be more rewarding that watching the doors as Sir Sean Connery gives his speech at a Gallery celebration? Or wandering around the streets of Edinburgh at 5am when the shift is down on a Saturday morning? Definitely something outside the norm of daily classes and afternoon practical experiences.
My roommate (Jackie) and I found a flat on the south end of time about 25 minutes away from Summerhall, where we go for lectures. I'm quite excited, for not only will this be my first experience away from University accommodations, but the landlords are diligent people, very keen on making sure everything is in working order. The flat comes furnished and is up on the top floor. It overlooks one of the quite neighbourhoods in the shadow of Arthur's Peak, as well as on of the city cemeteries. It's close enough to shopping centers and convenience stores for, well, convenience, yet far enough away from the city commotion. I just need to find a third person for the flat.
And as of right now, those are the pondering and mental meanderings of this budding veterinary student. The year is young and experiences so new, yet I have a feeling this will be one amazing adventure.
Cheers,
Laura |
