Back in the game!

 

Welcome Back, Veterinarians-in-Training!

It’s that time again—the start of a new season in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The campus hums with energy, familiar faces, and fresh ones too. For some, it’s a return to a rhythm they know well. For others, it’s the start of a journey they’ve only dreamed of. A season of challenges, victories, late nights, and breakthroughs awaits—ready to test, teach, and transform you.

For the seasoned ones, think of this as a fresh slate—another chance to improve, refine, and build on the foundations you’ve already laid. Each session is an opportunity to push forward, not just academically but personally too.

For the survivors who weathered the tsunami and scaled through to 300 level, you’ve proven resilience. The climb continues. To those moving into 400 level—caught in that in-between space where your mates in other departments are already “finalists”—remember: this path is demanding for a reason, and the rewards are worth every step.

To the fresh clinical students stepping into 500 level, welcome to the heart of the training. Here, theory meets practice, and responsibility grows heavier. This is where you begin to carry lives in your hands, where learning becomes living. You’ll not only learn science, but also the art of care, patience, and dedication.

And to the new finalists at 600 level, congratulations on reaching this milestone. This is the home stretch, the final lap of a marathon that has tested your will and sharpened your mind. The end is near—but so too is the beginning of your career as veterinarians who will make a difference.

Finally, to the newest faces—the fresh 100 level and direct-entry students—welcome to the prestigious College of Veterinary Medicine. You’ve joined a family with a proud tradition, and though the road ahead is long, you are not walking it alone.

Wherever you are on this journey, this new season is more than a calendar change. It’s a renewal of purpose, a reminder of why you began, and an invitation to keep striving for excellence.

Here’s to another session of learning, growth, and resilience. Welcome back, vet students. Let’s make it count.

By: AVMS Editorial Board.