As someone majoring in communication studies, you would likely assume that I have dreams of working in public relations, journalism or media. But you would probably be surprised if I told you that I actually have plans to go to veterinary school. You might ask, “What is a future vet doing in the Mel?” That is a valid question and one that I happen to be asked a lot.
Although I do have a communications major, I am also minoring in chemistry and science. This means that I get the opportunity to be in classes that use both sides of my brain. On Thursdays, I can be found recrystallizing aspirin in my Organic Chemistry Lab, and on Wednesdays, I am in my Public Relations Workshop, writing fantastic articles for the MEL. I find that studying such a variety of topics is enjoyable for me and keeps me from experiencing too much burnout.
I chose to major in communications because I knew that it would teach me life skills that would benefit me not only as a veterinarian but also as a human.
My science classes are not the only ones preparing me for my future career, though. I chose to major in communications because I knew that it would teach me life skills that would benefit me not only as a veterinarian but also as a human. The communications department at Northwestern is full of professors who truly want to see you succeed and do a wonderful job of teaching their students how to understand the way people interact and also how to improve. This is a valuable lesson to learn for any career, but I am looking forward to applying these principles as a veterinarian.
Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely difficulties to majoring in something not directly related to my future career path. I have to take more classes than the average pre-vet student, and it requires a substantial amount of work! Fortunately, it will be beneficial for my veterinary school application. Vet school in the U.S. is highly competitive and showing that I have multiple interests and abilities will help me to stand out.
Overall, I love being a pre-vet communication studies major. Getting to work with such great professors and students while taking a variety of classes has been a wonderful experience that I believe is preparing me for success. And who knows, maybe my unique choice of major will help me become the next Dr. Dolittle.
