Monday, December 31, 2012

2012 in Review

Well, it's the last day of 2012.  It's kind of hard to believe the year has flown by so fast, and on the other hand, hard to believe that it's gone by so slowly.  2012 saw the end of my junior year/first year in the vet. tech program, to starting senior year and clinical rotations, having my first ever 4.0 semester (yay!), my niece's first birthday, joining First Baptist under their watchcare program, transitioning to a new Sunday school class, my discovery of The Hunger Games, The Hobbit finally coming to life, my 21st birthday, job opportunities not working out, leaving an online Narnia forum that I was a part of for nearly 8 years, my hometown football team nearly going to state championships for the first time in over 40  years...what am I missing?  Oh yeah, my parents celebrating their 30th anniversary, AND having all of my immediate family together for Christmas.  Did I mention we also had a white Christmas?

2012 has been a year of ups and downs, which is no different than 2011 or any other year.  We lost lots of people to violence (which no laws will curb) and saw a hurricane hit the east coast.  At the moment, I'm busy studying for probably the biggest exam in my life next to the SAT/ACT/THEA: the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination) in March/April.  This test is a comprehensive exam of everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) I've learned over the last year and a half, all compiled into an exam consisting of 200 multiple choice questions to take in a period of 4 hours.  To say the least, this test has me extremely nervous and anxious.  I keep asking myself, "Am I studying enough?  Am I studying the right things?  Am I focusing on the wrong subjects? Am I overstudying?" and then all that ends with, "I feel so overwhelmed!".  I came up with a study plan, but have had a very difficult time sticking to it.  I've been wondering if I even have the right studying tactics, memorizing quizzes and questions instead of learning the material.  How much can I retain before March?  My problem has always been that if it's just on paper and not practical, I very rarely ever remember it.  There are some things in the review book that I recognize as learned.  I've done it, I know it, I'm not going to study it (restraint was one of those chapters I never bothered to read because it's the one chapter I feel like I know!).  I'll also have to start studying for my surgery and anesthesia rotation that begins in late February/early March.  It's known to be the hardest rotation in terms of work and expectations.  I have a packet about 2 inches thick to study before the rotation starts.  I haven't hardly even looked at it yet, but I have promised myself I would study it long and hard as I go through my first 6 week rotation in small animal.  The only thing I can do in regards to studying is a) do what I can and try to take small bites, b) be persistent and try to be consistent, c) do my best and try to be as fully prepared for the test as possible, and d) leave the rest up to God.

2013 will be a busy time for me and the rest of my family.  Not only will I finish up my college career in May, I will also hopefully find a job that I love over the summer and fall.  2013 will also mean [most likely] moving back to Texas, leaving the temporary home I've made in Mississippi.  I can't say I'll be sad to leave, but it will be harder leaving First Baptist since I've finally gotten settled there.  And, there are things about the town that I like!  I mean, it was pretty nice living just a few blocks away from the movie theater, Wal-Mart, and Kroger.

So what else will 2013 hold?  I guess we'll just have to live the year and find out. :)

No comments:

Post a Comment