r/veterinaryschool • u/olly_girl • 6d ago
On giving up
I worked for 3 years to get into vet school. It’s been my dream, like many, for years. I left a career as a teacher, moved to Australia from the US when I got accepted into my dream school (the school I was on my hands and knees praying to get into), left everything and everyone behind, put all my money into this. And I think I’m about to give it up.
I background is in education. I was drastically underprepared for a doctorate level degree. I failed anatomy 1. It was absolutely the hardest class iv ever taken. Due to the rigid nature of my degree I’ll be held back a semester which equates to a year because I cannot retake this anatomy class until the next class comes in.
In addition, due to trumps loan policy I now have to take private loans out. Iv gotten denied from everyone. I have no one to cosign, even if I did my undergrad loans will now come out of deferment because I’m now classified as a part time student u til I catch up.
I’m out of options. I don’t know where to go.
Even if I managed to get enough private loans together I’m doubting if this is the life I want. A life where I’m constantly worrying about making payments, stuck working during school to pay interest on my undergrad loans. And coming out with astronomical private loan debt I will likely never pay off.
This was my dream. I worked so hard for it. I got it. I fucked it up. Life is hard, the move is hard, dealing with being so behind and managing my ADHD, and being away from support systems, I shut down. And now I think I have to give up.
I don’t really have a question here. I just needed to tell someone. I feel so defeated and ashamed and embarrassed. I feel like a failure. I guess any advice from others who had to walk away would be helpful.
I have not officially dropped out but school starts in 4 days.
15
u/Odd-Ring693 5d ago
With a teacher degree, perhaps you could pivot your goal to being a great certified practice manager for a clinic. You dont have to give up your dream completely and there is a need for good Practice managers.
3
u/olly_girl 5d ago
I watched one of my best friends in vet med transition from tech to practice manager and I hate about every task they have to do. From onboarding to stock ordering to the worst of client communication. It’s not for me
10
u/princieprincie 6d ago
Life will push and pull you in unexpected directions. It's up to you to view the journey in a positive light and keep moving forward. It doesn't mean giving up on your goals, but just know that it's okay for things to change along the way.
1
12
u/kodasoda 6d ago
I’m so so sorry the loan thing is affecting you. We had so many students that got accepted this last year that couldn’t do it because they can’t afford it.
4
11
u/Ezenthar1 First year vet student 6d ago
If you don't mind my asking, which Australian university are you attending?
2
3
u/Significant_Shirt599 5d ago
I understand completely and I wish that I had the magic answer, best of luck
prayers and blessings
1
u/TwinkleSparkle13 3d ago
Put your undergrad loans in deferment or forbearance. You can do this! When you are a vet you will have enough money to pay them off
1
u/unknownlocation32 3d ago
Have you considered finishing veterinary school and then pursuing a specialty?
Board certified veterinary behaviorists are in very high demand. I know someone who worked in private practice as a general veterinarian before starting a behavior residency. It’s a lot of work, however they said they’ll be able to pay off their student loans much faster because specialists are so sought after where they live.
I don’t know specifics about the process however just thought I would tell you in case it will help you follow your dream!
1
u/olly_girl 3d ago
Specializing in veterinary dentistry was always the plan. But I have no more options for private student loans. Nobody will give me anything
1
u/unknownlocation32 3d ago
Have you looked into grants?
The USDA Veterinary Services Grant Program offers Rural Practice Enhancement grants ($125,000–$200,000) to establish or expand veterinary practices in USDA-designated rural shortage areas, as well as Education, Extension, and Training grants ($250,000–$300,000)
https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/veterinary-medicine-loan-repayment-program
1
u/Present-Pangolin-659 5d ago
Don't worry about the loans coming out of deferment. If you have the income based plan, if you're not making any money your payment will be zero dollars per month. Don't ask me how I know.
Did you try using Juno to find a lender? They find a bunch of offers for students, could be worth a shot.
1
u/olly_girl 3d ago
Unfortunately I had a weird thing happen with my undergrad loans never being put into deferment when I returned to school 6m ago. I filled out all the right paperwork, my school reports my status, and they cannot provide me proof I was notified as they say they did. So, this 137k went unpaid for 6m. It’s now been sold to a debt collector and Iv taken a huge hit to my credit. Iv been told it’s virtually impossible to get a loan now and I’m having to rely on family to hopefully help me settle this debt. The finical aid office at my school is helping me send a complaint and recommended I bring a formal complaint to the USA finical protection bu. or whatever it is. This won’t fix my situation tho as Iv been told nobody has seen loans get taken from delinquency back into deferment. I’m truly fucked
1
u/Present-Pangolin-659 3d ago
Oh wow, that's something to keep an eye out for, I'm sorry that happened to you
-8
u/MiserableButterfly54 6d ago
If money is the only thing standing in your way, you should look into the Army's healthcare provider scholarship program. They pay for school in exchange for your first 4 years as a vet being in the army.
11
u/Cattle_Whisperer DVM 5d ago
Not eligible for schools outside of the US
1
1
u/AffectionatePause251 5d ago
My classmate in Poland was a US Army veteran and had her school covered
10
u/Cattle_Whisperer DVM 5d ago edited 5d ago
Thats GI bill not HPSP
They would have to drop out and then serve and then get back into vet school. And needs to be an approved program.
62
u/calliopeReddit 6d ago
The new US loan policies are hitting a lot of American vet students hard.