An Interview with VetPrac IM3 Prize Winner Marjorie Ting
Qualifications: BVSc (Sydney)
Position: I am still job hunting but very excited to join a friendly and supportive team where I can begin my veterinary career!
What does winning the VetPrac IM3 Prize mean to you?
Winning the VetPrac IM3 Prize means a lot to me since continuing education is really important to veterinarians and it will give me the opportunity to practice hands on skills such as abdominal ultrasound, practical ophthalmology. I am thankful that I have secured this opportunity to attend a VetPrac workshop next year thanks to VetPrac’s generous award and continuing support for 1st year new graduates.
Tell us about your experiences during your placements
I was born in Darwin but was raised largely in Singapore; I have undertaken many weeks of placements in rural practices in NSW and SA and have also discovered that I am attracted to the lifestyle and practice in rural country communities! I enjoyed building rapport with the families and love listening to their stories and especially find joy and meaning to the work that I do when even something small that I have done makes a big difference. It has been a tough gig but it’s all worth it in the end!
What challenges do you anticipate as a new graduate and how do you hope to manage them?
I think coming straight out of university, vet students are crammed full of the latest knowledge and techniques and are excited to work cases up and do various procedures and diagnostic tests. However, I imagine it will be difficult and humbling to discuss topics like finances and euthanasia. I have done a bit of volunteer work with various non-profit organisations and these experiences have enabled me to learn key skills such as patience, perseverance and the challenges of providing optimum animal care while working within financial constraints.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy outdoor activities and all that nature has to offer. I am writing this as I’m on my graduation trip with my friends whom I met in vet school/college and formed a life long friendship with! We have been exploring the gardens, lakes, cafes and museums the last couple of days in Victoria and will be heading for the great ocean road next week!
Do you have an exam tips you could share with vet students?
For everyone who is unfamiliar with the giant jacaranda tree in the beautiful Sydney University quadrangle, university legend says if you haven’t started studying when the first flower appears you are doomed to fail your final exams. So start early!
How do you cope with stress?
Vet school can be really tough managing everyone’s expectations of you and also your own expectations for yourself. I have found keeping a great group of peers/friends helpful as we’re all going through the same experiences and we help each other cross the line. I think it is important not to be too harsh and underestimate yourself and my friends help me remember that when I get lost in the whirlwind of emotions that is final year vet school.