In this video I’m giving you guys an honest update on why I’ve been so MIA on YouTube, and what fourth year of vet school has actually been like for me. Fourth year has hands down been the best year in terms of being the most applicable and the most hands-on—finally getting to use the skills we’ve been learning in the classroom in real clinical settings. But I’m not going to lie… mentally, it’s also been the most challenging and exhausting year. A huge part of that is the lack of routine. I’m someone who thrives on consistency, and fourth year is basically the opposite: new rotations, new places, new people, new expectations—sometimes every single week. External rotations were especially tough because a lot of the time I was the only vet student there, and it can feel pretty isolating. On the OVC rotations, imposter syndrome has been hitting hard, especially when I’m surrounded by classmates who are absolutely brilliant and it’s hard not to compare myself. I also talk about NAVLE stress (a level of stress I honestly hadn’t experienced before), and the weird, heavy feeling of realizing I’m about to stop being a student and become an actual doctor. I’m so grateful for you guys sticking around, and I’d genuinely love your input on what you want to see from me as I move into new grad life.