When I was young, I spent a lot of time with my aunt Sandy and she was a very magical person, literally. We would go on walks in the forest looking for different plants, animals bones, and bird feathers. She used to tell me about little fairies and gnomes (at age 4, I pronounced it as "know-me") and the ways of the fauna and the forest. I believe this was where my interest in animals and the earth began.
For as long as I can remember I wanted to become a veterinarian. Everyone who knew me growing up knew that I love animals. I began my undergrad with the intentions of completing the veterinary medicine prerequisites but was re-routed when I discovered forensic anthropology. I shunted my life-long dream and pursued this new field of study without a second thought.
I completed 3 years of study at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and then decided to take a break and work for a year. I was hired at an engineering firm as a project coordinator. The money was excellent but the work was dry and monotonous. My fancy office (that many people work their whole lives to get) felt like a prison - and I had a life sentence.
My life was looking rather dismal so I called my family for help. They offered, with delight, to move me back to the island and encouraged the idea of finishing my undergrad. I packed up my apartment, put everything in storage, and moved home.
My first semester back at university was busy and exhausting but I knew I made the right choice, I was so close to finishing - I would be done in the summer of 2013!
Often I get asked what I intend to do with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Anthropology. And often I don't know what to say. I had this idea of becoming a coroner but the more I researched it, the more dim that future became. I was so close to graduating I decided I would meet with an advisor to discuss where to go after that looming date.
Upon meeting with the advisor, I was presented with a slight kink in my plan. I had overlooked that universities require you to have done at least half of your degree at their institute. I was looking at another year of full-time classes. Slight miscalculation you could say.
The universe whispered, "Remember how badly you wanted to be a veterinarian?"
That's right! I did want to be a vet. What's stopping me now? I have over a year left in my degree and it would be filled with electives anyway. Might as well get back to working on the prerequisites for DVM! Double major! Boo-yah!
So, here I am... At the end of this term I will have completed all the requirements for a major in anthropology. For the remaining time in school I will be working on Biology. Imagine it. In bright neon lights. Caitlin Dawn, the forensic veterinary extraordinaire!?
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