A vet student’s wish list
Dear Santa Paws,
I’ve been a good girl this year. Okay, I’ve mostly been a tired girl, but I’ve also been good. I’ve been eating lots of veggies, calling my parents regularly, and handing in my homework on time (‘minutes to spare’ is still on time). I’ve made an effort to be on my best behaviour, and so this Christmas, I’d like to share with you my special wish list.
It’s probably not the same as most kids’ lists (you’re still a kid in your 20s, right?), but I’d be super grateful to find an item or two from this list under the tree on Dec. 25. And if you and your fairly-compensated elves don’t mind working some magic, I may even throw in a free consult for those reindeer of yours.
1. Travel pillow
We don’t have the time nor funds to actually travel, but we vet students get some of our deepest sleep during classroom hours, and our necks are starting to get sore from the school’s furniture. Anything that can shrink down into a lab coat pocket will do.
2. Customizable green screen
We often spend an entire afternoon in the same seat of the same classroom. The walls of the pathobiology building have lost their magic, and a change of scenery (the Swiss Alps, perhaps?) would be swell.
3. Self-refilling coffee mug
I don’t personally drink the stuff (I fear developing a caffeine dependency), but many of my peers do. Since Christmas is the season of giving, I’m sure they’d all be thankful for the convenience of a constant coffee supply. I know what you’re thinking and don’t worry — we still want the napping pillows.
4. Time in a bottle
I did the math, and I can attend all labs, lectures, club meetings, volunteer sessions, dog walks, and plans with friends — while maintaining my relationships, house, health, GPA, and some level of personal hygiene — with approximately 30 hours a day. I’m not an economics major, but I’m pretty sure that leaves me in a deficit, so if you could bottle up some of the good stuff and tie it in a bow, that’d be great.
5. A home for the holidays for the animals left behind
At no fault of their own, there are millions of animals throughout the world that have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. As a future vet, I’m doing my best to learn the skills required to provide a better life for those unable to speak for themselves, but I know I can’t save them all. This Christmas, I’d be happiest of all if everyone — of every species — received the love they deserve.
Thank you, Santa! And Merry Christmas to all!
Photo edited by Alora Griffiths