I have been accepted to the UC Davis school of veterinary medicine. The number two school in the nation has chosen me from 1142 people that applied this year (they totally bought the "Batman" thing). This summit, 12 years in the making, has not even begun to sink in. Part of me feels like it won't for a very long time. Nearly every decision made for the last decade centered on how best to inch myself closer toward reaching this point. The heart-ache of disappointing grades, rejection letters, and watching peers pass me by while I continued to slowly make my way, is now part of a whole set of emotions I can completely let go. I made it, and like everyone else always said it was worth it.
I still don't know how I got here other than to say I wouldn't have been possible without the love and support of all my family and friends. The journey towards one's goal is often most difficult at the point at which you are closest to achieving it. Without Carolyn as my constant cheer-leader providing me with an shakeable foundation of support and love I could not have gone this far. Without all the teachings and values instilled in me by my parents I may not have even had the courage to begin this journey much less make it this far. Dad, all of those cheesy kung-fu movies we watched, believe it or not, gave me the idea that no matter the size of the challenge; no retreat, no surrender. You didn't believe in letting me win in chess or basketball, teaching me to not fear challenge or failure in the face of my best effort. You wouldn't allow me to be satisfied with any form of half-assery,and an indefatigable work ethic followed.
Mom, you were always such a kind ear and someone whom I could always lean on. From you I have gathered the importance in fighting for what you want out of life even if the wind blows against you. Your emotional strength knows no bounds and it was this strength you gave to me that carried me through many difficult times. Somehow you are always able to strike the right tone of encouragement, empathy, and reality.
Without all of the fabulous individuals I have worked with over the years I may have lost my way perhaps forgot why it was I set out on this path. From each of the doctors I have worked with I have learned so much. Watching them work was constant motivation. Thank you for all your support Drs. Thank you all my tech homies that made the journey bearable. I have learned a lot from all of you as well and have been deeply heartened by comments like: "when you become a vet, I will be your tech". For those who still want to become vets, you now know it is possible for you to do it as well.
[I would like to thank the academy....the director,..] If this were an award show I would have played off stage by the orchestra ten minutes ago. The list could go on forever but the point is this: WE did it! Please share in this victory with me as part of your own success. Use this moment to reflect on your own goals and realize, as Paulo Coelho writes: "when someone wants something bad enough and follows their own true personal legend (purpose), the entire universe conspires to assist them".
For now I will enjoy the moment and weigh the decision between UC Davis and the Colorado State vet prep program carefully.I cant believe I have a choice to make. Crazy. (Lets see, agenda for this month: decide between top vet schools in nation, finalize wedding plans with girl of dreams, party butt off remaining days of Santa Barbara residency. Seems like becoming starting point guard for the Kings should be next on this list of incredulous to-do's). Colorado is much cheaper than Davis and offers a masters degree in addition to my DVM. However, I don't get to actually start vet school for another year making it a 5 year program in Colorado. Davis is close to almost all of our family and friends and would graduate me in 4 years. The schools swap spots between #2 and #3 in the nation so education quality and program prestige don't really provide a differentiating factor. As master Yoda would have undoubtedly said in this instance, "Have much to consider we do, hard decision it will be. Visit Colorado we must". And Visit Colorado we shall...
