Veterinary Science Personal Statement
Millions of cells, billions of molecules, one animal precious as a family pet, vital to a farmer or the police force, makes the prospect of helping animals, and possibly humans at the same time, (for example, treating or preventing bird flu may save many lives) very appealing to me. I particularly enjoy reading about diseases, with BSE (and its links to other Prion diseases) and Sweet Itch being especially interesting.
Surgery is a major part of the Veterinary course, and I have been fortunate enough to observe surgical procedures on both large and small animals. During my two weeks at the ******* Practice and a week at the ******** Practice, I found the consultations and intricate procedures absorbing, with the most memorable being the operation to stop a dog’s patella luxating. I have already arranged another week at the ******** practice for early next year. My four days at the Liverpool University Leahurst site allowed me the opportunity to observe the post mortems of a cow and goat, which were really fascinating. I was intrigued by the methods involved in the search for a cause of death.
It was important for me to gain hands-on experience, as vets must be confident when handling a wide range of animals. Spending a week at ****** Boarding kennels was hard, physical work, looking after a large number of animals, but thoroughly enjoyable. Working for roughly three weeks on two dairy farms was also very helpful, as I watched calving, slaughtering and the effects of the foot and mouth disease outbreak. In addition, I learnt about many routine health problems, like dermatitis and mastitis. In the lambing season, I took the opportunity to spend half a day at a sheep farm, in which I saw several births and aided in the birth of one lamb, which was an amazing experience. I was also given the task of putting iodine on the lamb’s navels to reduce the risk of infection. Most Saturdays since late May, I have been working at ********** Farm (Equine); dealing with bandaging, wounds, worming and poisonous plants (e.g. ragwort and bracken). During a three day ‘Vetsim’ course, I enjoyed handling more unusual animals, e.g. llamas and snakes, and found the structure of a hoof and information on heart sounds fascinating. These experiences have enabled me to handle farm, equine and small animals with much confidence. My work experience has given me an overview of several aspects of the Veterinary field and only confirmed my desire to follow this career path through lifelong learning.
Throughout school I have taken part, and been successful, in many extra-curricular activities. Problem solving is an important skill required to study Veterinary Science and I have demonstrated this by winning gold in UKMT challenges in 2003, 2005 and 2006, gaining a distinction in the World Class Maths test in 2004, coming joint first in my age group in the region MEM challenge 2003, and received a commendation in the British Physics challenge 2006. This past year I have mentored year 7 pupils in maths, which has helped me to communicate my ideas to others. I enjoy playing the clarinet and trumpet, and have been committed to playing in the school concert band and brass group for several years. For the past six years, I have been attending Aaisatsu karate club and taken part in many competitions, which is physically demanding and requires commitment to train three times a week. I have entered in both team and individual events, including the North Wales Kyu Grades Competition which I won in 2005. Also, I am proud to say that I achieved the grade of 1st Dan black belt two and a half years ago. I feel I have a great deal to offer the university I attend and look forward to playing an active role, whilst further developing my skills in karate and music.
One famous vet said “If you decide to become a veterinary surgeon you will never grow rich, but you will have a life of endless interest and variety.” This summarizes the appeal of Veterinary Medicine for me.
Universities Applied to:
- Liverpool - Interview - Rejected
- Bristol - Offer
- Edinburgh - Rejected
- Cambridge - Interview - Rejected
