Page 6 of Between Us

But Iwantthis job. It sounds like an amazing learning experience. Amada Beach Animal Clinic is a small hospital but it’s highly respected, working with many of the facilities, zoos and sanctuaries in the area. Plus, it’d be nice to get out of my apartment for more than just the gym and when classes start next week.

“Call us first thing tomorrow to tell us how it goes?” Her voice is hopeful, as if I’d deny her such simple motherly pleasure.

“Will do. My first class is at eight a.m. tomorrow, though, so it will befirstthing.”

“Doesn’t matter what time—we wanna hear all about it.”

I smile as I start to stand and promise, again, to call. We say our goodbyes before I go to take a shower, collecting my thoughts and practicing the interview questions I read online again.

But as I’m walking to my car, I notice the dark clouds rolling in from the west. My lips tug up, feeling a little more confident than I was a few seconds ago.

Maybe most people would consider storms a bad omen, but not me. I’ve always found comfort in the chaos of thunderstorms, especially loving the refreshing feeling that lingers in its wake.

To me, this feels like the universe is giving me a pat on the back as I put my car in gear and pull out of the parking lot.

Fightingtheurgetobounce my leg, I run my hands down my thighs.Again.

Thankfully, I’m pretty sure Dr. Miller can’t see the fidgeting from his side of the desk. Or he’s choosing to ignore it. Which is good, considering it probably isn’t the best nervous habit for someone who wants to perform surgery as a career.

The interview seems to be going well but the more he talks, the more I want this job.

He’s willing to work with my school schedule, since he’s planning to hire more than one person for the position. On top of that, even though he’s not a teaching facility, he’s willing to mentor me during the time I’m working here, and he works closely with the Aurora Hills Animal Hospital—one of the most respected teaching facilities in California.

One of the veterinary surgeons who works with Dr. Miller specializes in exotic animals. partners with the San Diego Zoo, as well as the big cat and exotic animal sanctuary nearby. Not to mention another doctor who specializes in equine health, or the number of aquatic animals the facility comes into contact with.

I’m still figuring out what my path in this career will be, but there’s something aboutthisplace that feels promising. Like it has the potential to make whatever that decision is a reality.

“I can’t promise anything,” Dr. Miller starts, breaking the short silence, “since I have a few other interviews to go through, but this feels like it could be a great match. I only have a couple more questions, and I apologize in advance if they’re too personal.”

My eyebrows crease but I shrug lightly. “Go ahead and ask, sir.”

He tilts his head back and forth, seeming to think over his words. “How would you describe your relationship with your mental health?”

Some of the new tension starts to dissolve as I piece together where this is going. “I’ve been lucky to never go through ahardtime in that way. But that doesn’t mean I underestimate how important it is.”

He offers me a small smile, seeming to accept my answer but is unsure. “I assume by this point, you’ve heard your instructors talk about it a time or two. So, I won’t nag you, but I do like to get an idea of where someone’s headspace is, especially when they’re taking on a job in this field, while still going to school.”

As a vet student, I’ve learned about the mental health statistics in almost every course I’ve ever taken.

Initially, when I was just eighteen years old and taking my first introduction into animal sciences course, I figured it would be similar to what I’ve seen my parents go through in their careers as nurses. It’s a high stress job that often breeds compassion fatigue and burnout.

And that’s true about being in the veterinary field as well. But according to the studies, all of that mixed with consistently having to perform euthanasia and the different types of expectations on veterinarians from the clients, results in one of the highest rates of suicide for a profession.

Working in the field before you’ve even gotten your license can cause burnout early on, even though it’s great on a resume and offers hands-on experience.

“I understand. It’s a huge reason why I’m thankful you’re offering me three shifts a week, if I do get the job,” I add with a wry smile. “But I hear you and your concerns, and regardless of if I get the job, I know it’s time to start thinking about that aspect of the career.”

That seems to appease him more. He nods and adds, “With this not being a teaching hospital, there are some limitations in what I can offer. However, for someone at your level and applying for a veterinary assistant position, there shouldn’t be any hindrances. Aurora Hill’s facility is fantastic, but it’s much bigger. Eventually, that’s what you’ll need—obviously I couldn’t offer you a residency if I wanted to—but right now, I think there’s a lot more hands-on training, as well as one-on-one mentorship opportunities, than what you’ll find anywhere else.”

It sounds like he’s trying to sellmeon the job, rather than the other way around.

“I’m not necessarilylookingfor jobs, sir. I happened to come across your posting and it sounded like a dream come true. Any extra experience and knowledge I can gain, I’ll happily take.”

He gives me an assessing look. It reminds me of the way my dad looks at me when we’re talking about the big decisions in life. Like he sees something that I haven’t quite figured out just yet.

“You’rechoosingto work while you go to school? May I ask, why?” His tone is neutral but there’s still that weirdly paternal expression on his face.

That’s the first question I feel slightly unprepared for. Not even my parents asked me that. Maybe they didn’t have to, they just knew.

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