I've really been enjoying my lectures and I feel like I am already learning a lot. I can only imagine how the next couple of months will go. There are a few things here, in terms of academics, that are a little different from my experience in the states. Mainly, classes are listed as three different types: lectures, tutorials, and practicals. Lectures, as you may imagine, are the same everywhere. The professor, or lecturer, stands at the front of the room and talks. Tutorials are a little different. The lecturer may start of with a small discussion then we move into group work, or group discussions. This is great because the lecturer doesn't give away any answers. They steer you in towards answering the questions for yourself which makes the learning process much more personal. Finally, practicals are the american equivalent of a lab class; microscopes, dissections, all that jazz. Once again, professors are only there to steer you towards answering the question yourself.
The real challenge of going to vet school in Ireland is figuring out how to balance social life with academia. So far I think I am doing ok. UCD has tons of clubs and sports for students to join. The first club, hopefully not the only one I have gotten involved with is Vetsoc. Vetsoc is a big deal to us veterinarian students. It seems as if most of the events hosted by vetsoc end up with drinking, an extremely socially acceptable event in Ireland. =P
Along with the fun stuff, Vetsoc also invites many scholars and important people to UCD to talk about different areas of veterinary medicine. Then, afterwards they feed us pizza... anyone who knows me knows I never pass up free food. Vetsoc participates in an AVS, the association of veterinary students, event (held in Liverpool this year!!! yeayea, can't wait) that brings together students from veterinary schools from UK and Ireland. The best part is we get to dress up in costume, aka fancy dress. Finally, in regards to the club, there was some talk of a surfing trip, which I am also totally down for.
I have felt very welcome in Ireland from day one. The second year grad entry students are amazing and really want to make sure we feel comfortable. We have each been assigned a big sibling. My big siblings name is Caitlin and she is excellent. Last week we did yoga together at Yoga Dublin!! I was so excited to find someone else who loves yoga even if the yoga class was lacking intensity for our liking. There are a couple other classes at the studio I am still going to try. Last week, our Big Siblings also hosted a first year initiation party. It was so much fun, the best part was impersonating famous people and animals. As seen below... we have a lot of original moo'ers in the group, including myself. I guess we're not good with on the spot animal noises. I am very impressed with Katie's rooster crow though. =)
After hanging out at the house and acting silly (making animal noises, impersonating famous people, dancing to weird music, etc.) we went out to a club called Dicey's which I really enjoyed. It was nice going out with all of my friends and not having to worry about school work.
This is a picture from Dicey's with two of the most awesome ladiesss. From left to right: Gabby (birthday buddy), Kieran, and me. I have been hanging out with these two the most, probably because they're from NY and NJ, respectively, and we get each other's sarcasm and sense of humor. I wish I had a picture with more people in it to show everyone because there are bunches of other great people in the program that I have become friends with. But, I am happy I have this one at very least.
Overall the balance between school work and fun will always be tricky but manageable. I'm very satisfied with how the first week of school played out even if I did start the week off very stressed. I look forward to the rest of the semester and spending more time with all of the new people I have met. Today's goal is to go to GNIB and hopefully get granted my permission to stay in Ireland for the year.
Now I'm off to study.
OOhhhh Also... Just when I thought I was done doing silly things, I turned too early for my bathroom in my room and hit the wall. In my defense the room was pitch black. Spazforlife.
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