Ok, I can see you figured it out that I was referring to myself. So my cousin, I mean me...(I was ashamed to let you know it was me in case you'd bash me ,but I should be able to take a few bashings at my old age of 19, but 20 on this coming 31 December, can't wait!!)
Here comes the looooog info, run away from this if you get bored.
NYU on scholarship, so no money from my parents. I entered at 16 and finished my B.S. degree in Animal Science a semester ahead, so graduated early. I planned on being a veterinarian. Early acceptance to Cornell which is far from home, to study for my DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). My parents were thrilled to pieces even though they expected this from me. Yes I did want to be a DVM, but my anxiety disorder got in the way. And I NEED my dog with me, but he wouldn't be able to come.
So I decided to to to a vocational college to become a veterinary technician, which is like a nurse in the veterinary world. They're educated people who help heal animals. DVM starting salary is $85,000 a year. Vet Tech starting salary is $41,489 a year.This is what I'll be doing as vet tech:
Vet Techs may be able to practice skills autonomously, including examinations and minor surgery on animals, without the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
Dependant on their scope of practice and training, they may also be called upon to operate diagnostic screening equipment, including electrocardiographic, radiographic and ultrasonographic instruments, including complex machines such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imagers and gamma cameras.
Vet Techs are likely to assist the vet, or perform by themselves on behalf of the vet, medical skills such as observations (e.g. taking and recording pulse, temperature, respiration etc.), wound and trauma management (e.g. cleaning and dressing wounds, applying splints etc.), physical interventions (e.g. catheterizations, ear flushes and venipuncture) and preparing and analysing biological samples (e.g. performing skin scrapings, microbiology, urinalysis, and microscopy).
Vet Techs would commonly assist veterinarians in surgery by providing correct equipment and instruments and by assuring that monitoring and support equipment are in good working condition. They may also maintain treatment records and inventory of all pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies, and help with other administrative tasks within a veterinary practice such as client education.
Yes, I'll be making less money, and even though I do/did want to become a DVM, the Vet Tech 18month-2 year program is more suited to me at this time of my life. I will still be caring for and healing dogs and loving them, but I won't be Dr. Mimsy and my parents told me I'm a waste of a brain.
This has been a debate in my house and thanks God my brothers (and SIL) understand my reasons and are supportive and proud and happy for me. My parents love me but they feel it's a waste of potential, liker a terrible sin. They are ignorant, because they told me I'm going to spend my career picking up dog shit. They are so wrong. Yes, I will gladly pick up dog poop, but there's so much more to it, it's a science to care for an animal's health. I left my Canine Chemistry book on the dining room table and I hope they look through it.
Anyway, my answer to this debate was, at first, that they have the right to criticize me for "not living up to my potential", because it's their job as parents, but after reading these posts, I don't think they shoulod tell me I have a wasted brain. My brain is NOT being wasted. (Is it? Still a bit of uncertainty/insecurity in me.) What I DO know for certain is that I'm going to love what I do in this career. I may not be the top banana, but I'll still be helping those sweet animals.
The funny thing is if my parents knew I posted this here, they'd want to come and debate that they should put me down for my choice because it means they care for me and want me to go right to the top. I'm already a nervous wreck as it is for many years and they're making me worse. But I know they love me.
Thank you for your opinions.