What would you sacrifice?

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5th year in the vet school, and here I am thinking to myself, that I'm really exhausted. I don't know what motivates me anymore. The career path isn't as bright as what many of you would think it is, earning big bucks, being 'god' with surgeon hands, being able to deal with a myriad of different species and constantly carrying that big and fat ego around wherever you go. To me, it is none of all I've mentioned, or any of those you would imagined. Of course, all that wouldn't really matter if you're born with a silver spoon.

At the end of the day, we are just a slave in the industry, just like most other trades. (Well unless you do not have to worry about having enough money to pay off debts and support yourself, you can either take it easier, or keep pursuing a higher level of qualification with peanuts funding) We work constantly to keep our clients happy, work so hard trying not to get your name up to the Vet. surgeon's board for a complaint, work hard to keep your boss happy, and work even harder to mark up our own knowledge and continuing education - all for a mediocre salary, comparable to that of the receptionist at the front desk. To be honest, besides having a Dr. in front of your name, and being able to prescribe medications, I don't see what else about the job entails.

Indeed, there is a lot of satisfaction you gain at the end of the day, which is not measurable in dollar terms. True to that. But for a miserable few thousand dollars a month? Let's not even think about spending unnecessary, or online shopping. That amount barely pays off the monthly utilities, expenses and food. That leaves you with little or no savings, right? So what do we do? We work longer hours, take on more shifts, day or overnight - whatever it takes to get that extra income, at the expense of our own mental health. Then one day we realize, what did we fight so hard for?

It's a real pity, we get ourselves so high up there with all that skills and knowledge, only for it to turn slavery to someone else. One slip from your game and you risk losing your license.

So my question is, I have already invested close to 1/3 of a million dollars into this degree, will I give it up for something else that makes me happy and will surely have a higher turnover income? Is money the main issue here? I would say yes. I truly applaud my colleagues for staying in the profession for so long - and of course if you didn't start off with a $300,000 debt, things may have worked in your favour.

A world of prejudice.

The society is overwhelmed with prejudice. I had made myself aware not to judge a person too quick and always see everybody with a fair eye. Deep down inside, everyone have their own story - and before we make our personal judgement on a person's character, why not keep that to yourself first and allow yourself to hear that story. It's rather an uphill challenge to be aware of your own thoughts. I know that, seriously. Because I know what and how we perceive people and life, is often shaped by our past experiences and the immediate environment.

Recently, I've been a victim of prejudice again. I felt both disappointed and sad that because of who I am and my ethnicity, I'm devoid of a chance to learn - at a place where I have every right to be involved and practice and learn. Instead, I've wasted my entire week only to realize my other mate of another ethnicity had a wonderful week having a go at every single learning opportunity to apply the skills. I felt judged, I felt I shouldn't have been treated in that manner, they made me feel I wasn't supposed to be there, and lastly, they made me feel as though I was invisible. I was the elephant in the corner of the room, unnoticed. I wasn't the quiet elephant who didn't make any noise, I spoke up, and I asked purposeful questions. Then I got single-word answers.

I'm furious yet I can't do anything. It's disgusting. eww.

Despite how many may make the world look beautiful, I'll never overlook what's hidden amongst the shadow. Still, everyone deserves to be fairly treated.