Wanting to be a vet

OK, while some people have decided to go home for the summer, I've decided to stay at Centre and learn some more SCHTUFF (word per Dr. Fieberg.) I've been fortunate enough to take on some summer research as well as a job with the vet clinic that I've spoken of before. In order to get a feel for my summer, you need to see my schedule. So that's what I'll do, a day in the life of Chase Warner— Summer 2007.

6:30 a.m. Wake up, shower, lament waking up, dress myself.

7:00 a.m. Clock in at the vet clinic and GET TO WORK! Usually this implies giving meds to the animals, assisting with surgeries, cleaning kennels, etc.

9:30 a.m. Leave the clinic and report to Young Hall...research with Bozo, Bully, and Gotti. We are using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and are doing behavioral studies on pupfish.

12:00 p.m. Sleep, eat, or watch TV. Sometimes all three...but rarely. The life of a summer student is awesome, but trying.

1:30 p.m. Go back to work. I shouldn't call it work because I REALLY am having a great time. I've never felt so capable and resourceful as I have doing research with the Bartons (both Centre professors.)

4:00 p.m. Go back to the vet clinic. Now the duties include more meds, feedings, vaccines, etc. I love this clinic and the people here. They are PHENOMENAL!

6:00 p.m. Go back to Centre.

And that's the end of the schedule. Now that leaves me around 6 hours for pure, unscheduled fun.   However, it's at this point where I'm worn out and my ability to remain awake starts to wane. I do, however, muster up enough energy to throw the frisbee or play catch with friends. That provides ample social interaction that does not include fish or other animals.

Summer at Centre is wonderful. Like I mentioned before, I've been hired as a temporary veterinary technician at Heartland Veterinary Hospital for the summer. I've learned so much already and actually have been called in to help with emergency cases. Wanting to be a vet makes this experience truly valuable!

Research is equally amazing. I can feel myself becoming more and more excited about my research and about the work that I'm doing. I have a research partner, Riya, and we are working with Dr. Mike Barton and Dr. Christine Barton. We have nicknames. I'm Cyp. Riya is Gotti. Let's see if you all can peg who is Bully and Bozo.

It's been real everyone. Thanks for letting me share my experience with you all!

Time to go back to work!