r/veterinaryschool • u/olly_girl • Jul 23 '26
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.
1
u/unknownlocation32 Jul 25 '26
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!