My decision to go back to school...

 Hello everyone!

Life has been crazy busy for me so I apologize for such a long break between posts, although I doubt there is really anyone who cares about these posts lol.

I have a big life update to share: I decided to go to college!

It was something I had been thinking about for a long time now, and I finally got the courage to go through with it. I am equally terrified and excited! It is an online Veterinary Technician program through Penn Foster, where I will earn my Associate of Science degree. It is a 4 semester program with 2 externships, and it is all self-paced. 

I feel very proud of myself for taking this step to advance in my career, but I am worried about burning myself out, as I already work full time as a veterinary technician. I know this is going to be a hard period in my life, but also will be so rewarding. I can't wait for the day that I can call myself a CVT!

I had to factor in a lot of different things when making this decision. I had to log all of my monthly expenses and figure out where I can cut costs, as well as determine my leftover savings for every month. I also needed to determine if I was in the correct mental state to start, as I knew this was going to take a lot of discipline and self-motivation. I also considered my relationship, but I didn't have to factor that too much into my decision, as my long-distance boyfriend is extremely understanding and supportive of my decision. He is always my biggest supporter. 

I finally decided to take the leap a week ago, and have already finished my first course. So far, it's just been more of an introductory kind of thing, so everything I already know. It's nice to have an easy start where I don't feel overwhelmed right at the beginning. But I do know it is going to get harder and I am prepared for that. I know that as long as I keep my mindset right, I will be successful. I just need to think of the long-term goals that I have in mind. I can't wait for the opportunities I will have once I am certified. 

Veterinary medicine is a huge passion of mine. From a young age, I always felt a strong connection towards animals and always knew I wanted to help care for them. As I got older, I ended up straying from the idea of vet med, because I was too scared to go to school, as I had a lot of other things on my plate, and I stuck to what felt safe and secure. In 2023, I was finally presented with an opportunity to work in vet med at my dream place to work. Ever since I started working there, each day has proven to me that this is my calling and something that God has put onto my heart to pursue. So I finally got the courage to pursue my license. 

This is a very hard field with many challenges to face each day, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Watching animals that you helped treat and take care of getting better is the most amazing thing. Guiding owners through tough situations and being able to provide them some relief is also a really good feeling. Being a voice for the voiceless is something so special. It is definitely not for everyone, and it does have its drawbacks. But for me, I just know that this is my purpose. 

I truly thank God every day for the opportunities I have been given and I thank Him for guiding me down this path. I struggled for so long trying to find my sense of purpose, and now, I feel as though I am right where I belong. 

                                                

                                                                - Ashley <3