The In-Between: Life After College and the Road to Vet School

Life after graduation is often imagined as a clear next step—secure the job, begin the career, and move confidently forward. In reality, many of us find ourselves in what I like to call the " in-between": a period filled with growth, uncertainty, opportunity, and steady preparation for the future we are working toward. After graduating from Pennsylvania Western University, I entered this stage with mixed emotions and some hesitation, yet with a clear long-term goal of attending veterinary school and building a career in veterinary medicine. Since then, I have focused on following that goal by continuing to learn, gain experience, and prepare for the veterinary school application process. This blog begins as a reflection on that in-between period and the lessons it continues to teach me.

Today, I work in the Pittsburgh area at a privately owned veterinary hospital, continuing my transition from student life into the professional world. As a veterinary technician, I run appointments by collecting patient histories, assisting with wellness exams, and helping perform diagnostic tests and treatments. I have also stepped into the role of surgery technician, where I help prepare patients for procedures, monitor anesthesia, and assist in recovery. Each day presents something different, and that unpredictability has challenged me in ways that have strengthened both my clinical skills and my confidence.

The shift from structured semesters and academic deadlines to full-time professional life has required a new level of organization, discipline, and long-term planning. College often provides a clear roadmap—complete the courses, graduate, and move forward. After graduation, however, the responsibility for building routines, managing priorities, and continuing professional growth rests entirely on you. Working in veterinary medicine especially reinforces this lesson, as every case comes with its own challenges, solutions, and sometimes more questions than answers. While that adjustment has not always been easy, it has become one of the most meaningful learning experiences of my journey so far.

Immediately after earning my Bachelor of Science degree, I found myself questioning what my next step should be. After five years deeply involved in undergraduate life—participating in 16 different organizations and serving in leadership roles for many of them—I developed a strong appreciation for higher education and began to wonder whether veterinary school was still the right path for me. Although my passion for animals had never changed, I wanted to be certain that the direction I had planned for so long was truly where I wanted to go.

Following graduation, I accepted a position at the University of Pittsburgh, hoping it would allow me to stay connected to higher education while continuing to work with animals in a laboratory setting. The experience helped me grow professionally and introduced me to a different side of animal-related work. Still, after several months, I realized something was missing. I missed the clinical veterinary environment—the teamwork within hospitals, the direct interaction with patients, and the meaningful connections formed with both animals and their owners.

That realization brought clarity. I returned to the veterinary field, recommitting myself to the long-term goal that has guided much of my academic and professional journey: pursuing veterinary school and building a lifelong career in veterinary medicine. Each experience I gain now—strengthening clinical skills, expanding knowledge, and preparing for the veterinary school application process—represents another step forward.

The in-between stage is not always easy. Balancing full-time work while preparing for professional school requires patience, consistency, and motivation, especially when the goals you are working toward may take years to fully reach. But this period has taught me that meaningful achievements are built through daily habits, incremental progress, and the decision to keep moving forward even when the finish line feels far away. In many ways, this period is not simply a transition—it is the foundation for everything that comes next.

As I continue navigating this journey, I invite you to follow along. I will be sharing stories from my academic experiences, professional life, and the lessons I continue to learn along the way. I also welcome conversation—feel free to reach out, share your experiences, ask questions, or offer advice. No matter what path you are pursuing, journeys are often made stronger by the people who walk alongside us, and I look forward to growing and learning together.