109 students earn their gray coats this fall
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Media Contact: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu
This past August, Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine made history.
With 109 students, the class of 2027 is the largest the college has ever had.
As the students prepared for their first year of veterinary school, OSU CVM faculty and staff hosted orientation, which is designed to welcome first-year students by building relationships with their classmates and getting to know faculty and staff.
“Orientation excites me more than anything when preparing to welcome a new class not only because I get to meet them, but I also get to watch the students interact with each other,” said Chasity Srader, OSU CVM prospective student coordinator.
For many of the students, being accepted into vet school was the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, and the start of a dream that could finally be put into action.
“I was instantly attracted to becoming a vet student and attending OSU CVM,” said Carly Clark, a first-year student. “The day decisions were sent out about who got in and who didn’t was one of the longest days of my life.”
For Clark, simply seeing the word, “congratulations,” sent a wave of relief after some intense adrenaline.
On the other hand, not all students imagined they would be where they are today.
“I wanted to be an accountant up until I got a job as a veterinary technician assistant in high school,” said Robert Grein, first-year student and class president. “I got a glimpse into the veterinary medicine industry, absolutely loved it, and realized I wanted to be a veterinarian.”
Many first-year students dream of where they see themselves after veterinary school, with high hopes the education they are receiving will lead them to it.
“I was probably just as excited, or more excited, at the idea of becoming an Oklahoma State Cowboy than I was becoming a veterinary student,” said Wyatt Weber, a first-year student. “Now that I am here, I would absolutely love to someday practice solely large animal medicine, focusing on reproductive management and technologies.”
OSU’s welcoming atmosphere can be encouraging to students aiming to pursue education and career-related goals.
“I chose OSU CVM because everyone made me feel so welcomed,” Grein said.
One aspect of student orientation that was intended to help students feel welcome was small group activities.
“We did activities such as: a group juggle, paper towel competition, marshmallow structure, and a large group activity called, ‘telephone charades,’ which was a huge hit,” Srader said.
While entering veterinary school is an exciting time, it can also present many obstacles. Learning how to prioritize school while also making time for personal activities can be very challenging.
“The most difficult part is making sure my health and well-being are taken care of to prevent burnout,” Clark said. “Every veterinary student can tell you about the intense work and sacrifices it takes to succeed in veterinary school, but I am extremely thankful that I have the opportunity to pursue this career.”
Navigating the stress of veterinary school can be very difficult, however, having a support system makes it so much easier. Building relationships with peers and mentors during veterinary school can be a huge asset to not only their personal lives but also their professional lives.
“Things are going to seem stressful and very tough, but give yourself some grace and utilize the people that are there to help,” Srader said.
As faculty and staff welcomed in the largest class of the school’s 75-year history, they remain focused on providing the same quality education the CVM is known for, while continuing to find new, innovative teaching methods to improve students’ experiences.
Photo By: Taylor Bacon and Gensee Photo Systems
Story By: Bailey White | Vet Cetera Magazine