Should I become a Veterinarian?

How can i succeed on my path to become a veterinarian?

• I have always wanted to become a veterinarian. Ever since i was 5(if not younger) i wanted to do something that benefited animals. Of course i didn't know what a veterinarian was, but i wanted to be exactly that, someone to help animals when they cannot help themselves. I have been around animals my whole life and share a deep love for them and nature. Now i am 15. Im in my sophomore year. I want to start college classes next year for UF - the university of Florida, which also offers scholarships for track and field (something i have recently joined and plan on continuing until i finish high-school) which may also help. I didn't do very good my freshman year but im working my butt off this year. I want to join other activities like helping out the humane society but you have to be 18, which is kind of stupid. I have done various things to help myself gain knowledge of animals, like read books about structures of bones and types of dogs and such. I plan on working on smaller pet animals but if i become successful i will continue my work and move up to bigger animals like horses and cows. I would like to have more information about what i need to do to get into UF with ease. I know it will be expensive but im pretty sure that part is covered. I also know its 8-10 years of tedious work. If you have any information that will help me for my future it would be amazing if you shared it. It would also help if you know about programs at school that i can join in order to get ahead for college. As of right now im in Agriscience(which is an extra science credit and helps considerabley.) and then ill be going into veterninary assistance 1 and 2. So by my senior year ill have it finished. (: Thank you for taking the time to read this, i know its alot.

• Answer:

  Well done, you probably have more knowledge and drive then I've ever seen in any fifteen year olds ever. Well I am not an expert or even an intermediate in the whole "veterinarian" field, however my cousin was a vet technician but there is still some difference between the two of course. Anyway, it seems like you are doing everything okay right now, the main thing is when you get into college, it probably would help if you would just focus on maybe majoring and getting your bachelors degree in a science perhaps (agricultural science, animal science, biology, chemistry, ect,.) That way you'll have a little more flexibility with your degree. Really the main thing you should be focused on is of course Vet School, that's where it all kind of boils down to. Figure out where you want to go there, and how much you could possibly afford in that aspect. Right now as you are in high school mainly work on getting involved in outside activities that will let you have hands on animals. Can you volunteer at a zoo possibly? Try animal hospitals some can even offer part time jobs that will allow people your age to help out around the clinic and possibly even get hands on experienece with animals as well as see what life is like in an animal clinic with vets and vet techs.. There is a lot to do, but you just have to be creative and see other opportunities, because of course working with animals could pose as a liability issue with some places. Keep your grades up sky high and work extremely hard, that's also what I would advise you to do. Focus, study, and just make sure you add balance everywhere in your life, so you can stay afloat. Good luck mate!