College of Veterinary Medicine

Significant Others of Kansas State University Veterinary Students

KSU College of Veterinary Medicine Information

VET SCHOOL PREVIEWS ( From the S.O.K.S Perspective)

FRESHMAN YEAR

Amiee Hagedorn - Be open to meeting new people and getting to know what Manhattan, Kansas is all about - especially for people who are NOT from the Midwest. Kansas can be a real shock to the system. Go out of your way to attend the vet school activities and just be involved - whether that means joining the gym or volunteering at a youth group event, etc. Your vet student spouse/significant other will be studying a lot, and you need to let them have that space and not make them feel guilty for doing so. At the same time, maybe you plan dates or special nights out so you still feel included.

Chris Barrett - This is a time of serious adjustment. My fiancé and I moved to Manhattan from California, and I came from being constantly busy as an undergrad, to knowing no one and having no job. It was February and I was still looking for full time work, but I am so thankful for S.O.K.S and the friendship I have developed. It makes the transition so much easier to meet other people in a similar situation. students are also feeling the stresses of the change and it is important to keep your spirits high to help them through the transition. I have been told that the first year is the hardest on the spouse/significant other and the second year is the hardest on the student. I guess I will find out for sure next year!

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Amiee Hagedorn - Your spouse/significant other will be studying 10X MORE than they did their first year! But that's only because they're preparing for what's coming up in the near future; rounds, board exams, etc. Again, don't get discouraged that he/shec is always busy. But also remember that you're important too and you have sacrificed a lot to be here during their schooling. Go to S.O.K.S meetings, go to Kansas City over the weekend while he/she is studying, just don't sit and wait for them to finish studying! Completing a program like the K-State DVM program is such an honor. You will be glad you gave them the space to study.

JUNIOR YEAR

Pam Tuller - I really think that this year has been my favorite. I was told before we moved down here that the Freshman year would be hardest on me, the Sophomore year would be hardest on the student, the Junior year is a breeze, and the student would enjoy the Senior year the most. This has held absolutely true so far. Moving here and adjusting to Eric being gone a lot was really hard (But come to S.O.K.S and we'll try to make it easier on you). I was really comforatble by Eric's Sophomore year, but it was really tough on him (especially the first semester). I am really loving his Junior year. During the second semester he comes home by noon most days and is usually home for supper. The only thing that was/is frustrating about the Junior year is the test schedules of first semester. A lot of the time he would have a test on Friday and again on that next Monday so that weekend was shot (second semester makes up for it). The very best thing is that we can see light at the end of the tunnel.

SENIOR YEAR

Katrina Lee - I would say that like all other semesters it has its ups and downs (but it's mostly up!) Free time varies from rotation to rotation. For example, small animal surgeries and anesthesiology are typically busier since they have multiple clients. There can be some very long days, and then, they have to SOAP 2x/day. Also, some seem to have more ER and ICU duties; but maybe that was just my imagination. Other rotations are not as busy (they're at school from 8-5) and they have less ER or ICU duty. Other students are typically willing to switch ER/ICU days with you if you want to do something, but it can still be difficult to get away from town at times. The students have elective/vacation time which they are allowed to schedule as they want. They only get a few personal days; I think it was 5 this year. I addition, studying for and taking boards can be a stressful experience; as can the whole job search. Overall, I've seen my husband much more this year (but he did almost all of his studying the first 3 years at school.)

Julie Gdanitz - Schedules are very variable. Each rotation has a different schedule, when they have round, et. Also, case load is highly variable, therefore making schedules unpredictable. I think students are allowed 5 personal days their senior year. They get one week of vacation at Christmas time. Either they get the week of Christmas or the week of New Year's. They'll select their rotations during the first semester of their junior year. There are a number of requires rotations, but also some elective rotations.

HAVING A FAMILY

Jamie Kotschwar - To the student: Veterinary school is extremely challenging when you have a family. The most important thing to keep in mind is not to get bogged down with the day-to-day. It is very important to have time for yourself (even if you cannot) and to make time for you and your spouse everyday it will help you get through, even if it is 15 minutes of sitting down and talking about your days. Crossing off days on the calendar doesn't hurt either! Priorities must be set when you are in a situation as we are, and it is very difficult to come from a small class and small college to a very competitive atmosphere and not striveto be in the top of the class.
To the spouse: Be understanding of your student's schedule. It truly is demanding and it is easy to feel neglected. Go to school with them, let them tell you about what they are studying, get involved in their day-to-day.

Nate Kotschwar - My wife, Jamie and I have both been in the positions of student and spouse/significant other of a veterinary student. Jamie graduated in May of '08 and I will graduate in the May of '09. This has been especially challenging for us as we also have a young daughter, Sierra. Sierra was 6 months old when Jamie began her Freshman year, making her 4 1/2 at the time of this writing. We both found ourselves feeling guilty for not spending as much time with Sierra( or each other) as we thought we should be, especially with our work schedule thrown into the mix. We still struggle with that issue, but we have also realized that grades really are not everything. It is all right to sacrifice a little study time to spend time with your family. Alone time is also important from time to time if you plan on maintaning sanity. There is a happy medium and you to find what works for you. Study hard, but realize you have to find the balance. I also feel that it is important to be involved in all that interests you. Joining clubs is a great way to do this. Another word of advice is to try your hardest to get along with your classmates. This will become extremely challenging at times, especially when you are stressed and running on 2 hours of sleep; however, this is a small profession and networking is an important part of being successful. As a final thought, believe me when I say vet school is very challenging and will not be a bed of roses. The stars in your eyes will dim as you fight your way through the curriculum, but there is a method to the madness and a light at the end of the tunnel, so stick with it. You will be fine, REALLY!

Clint Summers - I was very worried that I wouldn't be able to spend the time I previously had with my wife when we found out she has been accepted into the Veterinary program at K-State. Needless to say, with three children, we soon realized that time management was going to be priority number one. With a little extra effort, work, and understanding by both of us we have been able to spend time with each other and our children. I believe we owe a lot of that success to SOKS for adding some balance to our crazy schedules. For us it has been fun to meet other couples at the various SOKS events, some of which also have children. We're all in the same boat and can relate to each one another, plus there's always good food and a babysitter. So, it's kinda like a date!!

Amy Brooksby - My husband will be second year and I'm a stay-at-home mom. We have a 17th month daughter and our second child is due in 6 months, in December (the last of dinals!) Our families are primarily in California and Utah, so it's been a big change coming out of Kansas. Though vet school is very demanding, we've have been thankful to live in a community where there are a lot of other young families going to school. For me, it's been gelpful to get to know other moms with young kids. I would encourage new coming freshmen to get involved in the community and you church (if you have one)...and SOKS, of course. Doing so has helped me feel moe at home in Manhattan. Making an effort to get to knwo others helps me avoid feeling alone even when Richard is not around. Being busy and having friends helps me feel happier and when I'm happy I can be more supportive of my husband and his busy schedule.

MAILBOXES
First year mail boxes are located on the third floor of Trotter Hall.
Second year mail boxes are located on the second floor of Trotter Hall.
Third year mail boxes are located on the first floor of Trotter Hall.
Fourth year mail boxes are located on the first floor of Mosier Hall.
(Student mail should be sent care of: Dean’s Office, 101 Trotter Hall.)

VETERINARY LIBRARY
785-532-6006; http://www.vet.ksu.edu/handbook/library/
Monday-Wednesday 7:45am-10:00pm; Thursday 7:45am-11:00pm; Friday 7:45am-6:00pm;
Saturday 11:00am-3:00pm; Sunday 1:00pm-10:00pm; Hours vary on Game Days and Holidays
This is a popular place for Vet Students to study individually or in group study rooms. The library also has cozy recliner chairs and timers for the times you need a nap. Many resources are available for students to check out, such as a digital camera, laptop, projector, binoculars, GPS unit, videos, etc. (There is a Late fee.) The library has a computer resource room and also houses the ITC Center.

COUNSELING
Mac Hafen, LCMFT, Ph.D.; Therapist/Instructor
112 Trotter Hall; 785-532-4448 (Office number); 785-5324850 (Fax); mhafen@vet.ksu.edu
Counseling is available to vet students to help with the everyday stresses of school, relationships, family, etc. This service is complimentary and confidential. Spouses/Significant Others can also make use of in this service.

WEATHER CLOSINGS
KSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine will close for inclement weather at the direction of the University President. For weather closings check out our TV & Radio listings, when K-State closes they will post it on their website http://www.k-state.edu . The campus rarely closes due to weather so don’t get your hopes up every time it snows.

CAT TOWN
Cat Town U.S.A. provides a special opportunity for the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine family to come together prior to most home football games. We hope you will join us for food and drink provided by our sponsors. Friendship and good times will prevail at our tailgate parties as we prepare to help cheer on our Wildcats to another winning season!

Please join us two hours prior to each of the designated home football games. The College of Veterinary Medicine tent will be located in Cat Town between Frank Myers Field (baseball diamonds) and Bramlage
Coliseum. Look for the giant, inflatable football helmet!

For designated Cat Town Games check: http://www.vet.ksu.edu/depts/alumni/cattown.htm

KVESS BOOKSTORE
2615-B Anderson Avenue; 785-537-9295; kvess71@msn.com
Located behind and underneath Papa John’s Pizza
Tuesday and Wednesday 5:30pm-7:30pm; Saturday 12:00pm-2:00pm
Kansas Veterinary Educational Supply Service, or KVESS, is a student-owned and operated bookstore. KVESS is run by several students from each class at the veterinary school. It was created in the 1970’s by students who were sick of paying too much for their books. KVESS is a non-profit organization and all proceeds made from the sale of textbooks and all other items go directly back to the students every semester. KVESS has decreased the mark-up on textbooks significantly compared to that of the other bookstores in town.

PARKING SERVICES

www.k-state.edu/parking or 785-532-7275; M-F 7:30am-5:00pm
Visitor permits are $4 a day and are valid for a single visit. Freshmem will need a parking pass starting the week fo orientation. Permits may be obtained from the Information Booth (M-F 7:30am - 4:30pm) loacted south of the Union or from Parking Services, 108 Edwards Hall, located across from the Vet Medicine Facilities and are available 24/7 at the KSU Police Disptach Office, also in Edwards Hall. The Parking lot behind the Vet School requires an O permit.