HOW WE HELP by Grace Jones, AU/CVM, Class of 2024


It seems so long ago that I sat in front of a computer screen and asked second and third years questions about their educational experiences.


Holding on to hope for the future and feeling my palms sweat against my business casual attire during orientation week. I recall a student asking how long it took to feel settled into the routine, to feel like you belong. One of the second years laughed and said, I just now feel that way, and it is all about to change. she was halfway, I doubted her an- swer as she appeared so confident and comfortable. I tried to imagine all the things that would take place in two years to mold me into this girl who appeared so professional, settled into life as a veterinary student.


Spring is here and with it comes my halfway. I will now stand in front of the class of 2026 and answer their questions, encourage their excitement, and settle their nerves. All while trying to do the same for myself. Recently, the mask mandate was lifted for the classroom and club labs have taken off again. We are finishing up our last few finals while starting some new classes and we are counting down to May. So, as we reach the end of the semester, I find myself reflecting on all that has happened both in and out of the classroom. I too, have started to feel settled. However, I realize now how different this journey is for every one of my classmates. We spend our breaks differently, work at different clinics, study harder for different classes, we find comfort outside of the classroom in unique ways.


Veterinary education, just like veterinary medicine, takes so many shapes and sizes. I can only hope to en- courage that principle for anyone who may seek advice on how to take challenges on. Tere is no one way method, or simple answer, everyone must remember their reason for being here, find a way to push through and hold on, and stay true to themselves. Within my two years I have completed many of the things I imag- ined and experienced moments I never want to live through again. Both taught me something valuable.


Tis past winter, we all saw the devastation of tornados in our state. Concurrently, we were all there to see the response of communities, the outpouring of love and the heart that makes my Kentucky home so special. As I was driving home after my last final, I received texts and calls from friends and near strangers. Are you okay? Do you need anything? How can I help? Over the next few weeks of watching the news and volunteering when I could, I learned one of the most pivotal lessons for my future as a veterinarian and as an adult.


When someone needs help, they may look at everything around them and be so overwhelmed, they don’t know where to begin. Teir thoughts are scattered, they can’t see clearly, they are thinking of a million dif- ferent things or can’t think at all. You can’t expect a person to know what they need when they are hurting. So, take a step back, find something you can fix, and clean up what you can of the broken pieces. We are taught to ask someone what they need, but sometimes you can start helping before they know. Guide them through their thoughts, offer what you can do for them.


Understanding your own abilities and how to apply them is one of the most valuable attributes a person can have. Applying this in our career is a clear necessity and something we must do every single day. So, here I am approaching halfway, as I begin to settle, everything is about to change. I will answer the incom- ing classes questions to the best of my ability, but I am far from knowing everything I may need to ease their worries. I can only apply the knowledge I have learned, share my unique experiences, and the lessons I learned from them, and make what little difference I can. Tis is what a veterinarian does. Tis is how we help. 


34 KVMA News - Student Letters


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