Need Some Direction

Not very long after I returned home I started assembling myself and prepared to apply for school, more specifically the Animal Health Tech program at Thompson Rivers University (TRU).

I had thought my school days were done when I completed my Bachelor of Science last spring, but I was convinced otherwise. By whom you ask? Well by Tim of course. It was about a month before my internship was to conclude when I decided to sit down with Tim (the stranding coordinator i.e., my boss) and discuss what was next for me. After working in a wildlife rehab facility for 3 months it was apparent that I ultimately wanted to pursue this as a career. But how? Could I achieve this goal with the skill base I currently had? What would be the next step I’d have to take? Tim thought I could continue on with what I had but, the road would be difficult. I would have no sure shot of getting on board with a rehab facility. It would be slightly easier if I was an AHT, then it would be clear of what clinic experience I posses and the necessary skills to work in animal medicine. A BSc. demonstrates that I’m well versed in all things academic when it comes to science, more specifically animal biology. That’s great for research and publishing papers not something practical like wildlife rehab.

Alright so going back to school huh? Is that really for me? I asked Tim. I struggled with school, not just University. I learn best by doing not by note taking. The classes I aced weren’t until 3rd and 4th year where they mostly based upon field work. Would I struggle with the AHT program too? Not necessarily, Tim advised. The first year of the program can be very classroom oriented but there are opportunities to practice what we write down in class. Second year is much more practical based and is where we cement all of what is learned in the classroom. Tim really thought I had a good shot at getting in and succeeding at the AHT program. It may not seem like it took me much convincing, but a 2 hour conversation later had me in a new direction towards the same goal I’ve had all along... a career working with marine mammals.

The need to blog....

Hi all

Same girl, different blog. I thought I'd leave "The Breaker" for now while it is still on the ASLC website and bring you a more personal account of my life. Topics may jump around (I can get distracted easily) so this won't be all about seals. It'll be about me.



I'm one of those people that has thoughts running a mile a minute as soon as my head hits the pillow at night. I have found that reading distracts me from my thoughts long enough for my body to enter sleep mode and I fall asleep faster. But there are still nights (once in a while) where my brain just won't shut off and tonight is one of those nights. After tossing and turning for an hour next to my boyfriend (who has to get up at 4 am for work) I have the sudden, uncontrollable urge to blog.



So what's life been like for me since I got home from Seward? Didn't take me long to develop a routine. I work at a service job I had before leaving for Alaska for what is slightly above minimum wage. I'm growing tired of it only after three months. I don't even work full time, 4 days a week at the most. I have little patience for customers and the only thing keeping me going is the chance to socialize with co-workers (that I like). I'm back living at home with my mother and sister. At times it is mentally challenging. This may sound mean but if my mother didn't work the hours she did I don't think I'd be able to handle it. That is all I will complain about my home life because I'm living there rent free and I shouldn't be harping about it. Why do I live at home you ask? Well that brings me to what I really came home for...