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Post-Trip Reflection

I have learned that I love talking about my experience abroad, but it is hard to explain all of the amazing things I have done and learned in only a simple conversation. Some of the things I have learned include: to get out of my comfort zone to take advantage of all opportunities, like when I missed the emergency at the clinic because I was not ready for it; to be responsible when given freedom, like how I had to complete my work in my free time and was aware of my surroundings when I went into town with my friends; to be open to new people and ideas, which is how I gained new friends and was enlightened to different ways of working with animals; to budget means to plan and balance spending instead of just being cheap, which was how I could enjoy the excursions in Belize without worrying too much about my finances; and that it is very important to ask questions, otherwise I would not have been able to learn as much as I did from the instructors of the course! The biggest lesson I think I can take away from this experience is that talking about something and experiencing it in person are two really different things. Of course, I knew this concept already, but actually living it has made it more real for me. The main moment that I lived this was when performing the cow palpation after learning about it in the classroom, however, it is also true for all of the advice I was given prior to my tip. I learned that I can give people advice based on my experience, but it will not mean nearly as much to them unless they experience it for themselves. Since I have returned from my trip, I have been noticing differences here that I never took into account before, such as how there is very little wild nature where I live compared to in Belize, and how people treat their animals differently here. I have also become more focused on what I can do next to continue growing in my education and life experiences. All in all, this was possibly the most rewarding trip I have ever been on, and I encourage everyone to travel and to learn as much as you can about the world because it will only help you gain a greater perspective on life. Thank you for following my blog! I wish you all the very best!

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Day 14: Last Day!

I cannot believe that this is my last day in Belize! I was a little worried about the exam and the presentation, however it went pretty well and I can honestly say that I learned from them. For example, now I know all about Ehrlichiosis, or tick fever in dogs! The rest of the day will be used to absorb as much of Belize as I can before I return home to the fast-paced rush of the suburbs/city. We might even see a horse castration and I am really excited for it! I am definitely going to miss a lot of things about Belize (heats, plant life, friendly locals, veterinary experience, etc.), but most of all I will miss the people that I have met here. I have been able to learn so much from my friends and they have inspired me to pursue veterinary medicine, despite any debt and roadblocks I might face, because it really is a rewarding career! I hope to stay in contact with them after I return home because I know that they are all going to be successful wherever they end up. I wish every college course could be as exciting as this one was, but I suppose that’s what made this one so special! It still feels unbelievable to be here, and I need time to fully process all of the amazing things I have done. The next time I post, I will be back at home, reflecting on my experience. Until then, I will be making the most out of my time here as it quickly escapes me!  

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Day 13: Donkeys and Iguanas

Today, we went to a beautiful plantation to give vaccines and vitamins to the donkeys there. Every time I walked up to the donkey it would walk away from me, even if I tried to offer it food. I suppose I do not have an affinity for these animals, but it is okay because I still think they are beautiful. Giving them IM injections was pretty simple since we used a method extremely similar to injecting horses, which I have already practiced a few times. There was a baby donkey that did not need to be restrained since it never wondered too far away from its mother. We all took a turn holding it because it was too cute. At one point, some of the girls were able to play on a tire swing, however, I chose to follow the other students who went with the Doctor and the TA to another area instead. There was a donkey that was separated from all of the others since he was the only male in the group. They let me give him one of the injections and I was really happy that I made the choice to see what else I could learn instead of playing on the swing. Later in the day, a group of us decided to go to the Green Iguana Conservation Project Tour here in San Ignacio. Green iguanas are completely herbivorous and they are being killed because some people believe eating certain green iguanas will grant them fertility. The purchase of the tour ticket helped to support this nonprofit project in protecting and rehabilitating green iguanas in Belize. We were led into a facility that housed about 40 iguanas and not only were we able to touch them, but we were also able to hold them and feed them. Feeding them was really entertaining because all of the iguanas came up and munched on the leaves. I was glad not only to have this fun experience, but also to be able to take part in such a good cause. The rest of the evening was dedicated to completing a presentation and studying for my exam the next day. At the exam review, our TA Lorena gave us great advice. She told us that we really have to ask more questions and take advantage of the people around us because asking questions is the best way to learn. She said that every time something is explained to us, we should be asking, “how, why, what,” and so on because that will give us the chance to go deeper than just the surface level on any topic. I struggle with coming up with good questions and am always hesitant to put myself out there. I am now inspired to practice asking questions as much as possible, especially when I return home from my trip, so that I can learn things deeper than just at the surface level!

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Day 12: Pigs

I was so excited to work with the pigs today, they are so cute and really unique compared to the cows and horses! When we arrived on the farm, and our instructor told us we were each doing a pig castrations, I started to get nervous. I was not mentally prepared to castrate a squealing, squirming pig which was given no anesthesia. When it was my turn, the doctor had to help me make the cut because I was trembling so much. It is going to take me a long time to even begin to get used to a procedure like this, but it was a good introduction for me. We also gave a group of other pigs vitamin and antibiotic injections and that was a little easier for me since I've already practiced injections on a lot of other animals. This was definitely a good learning experience for me because now I somewhat know what to expect next time I work with pigs. Later in the afternoon, I decided to volunteer at the clinic instead of resting, just in case an interesting case walked in. I'm trying to get as much experience as I can while I am able to, especially since my trip is almost over. Unfortunately, nothing too intense walked in so we ended the day early. I am not complaining because this trip has already been so much more than I had ever expected, and it is not over yet!!

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Day 11: Dairy Cows

We had to wake up and be out of the door by 5:30 this morning in order to milk the cows. Although it was really early, and I was almost asleep, I feel that this was a great experience! We attached the milking machine to the cows’ utter after cleaning it, and watched the milk flow out. We were also given a chance to milk a cow by hand! Not many people can say that they have done the same. We finished all of this up before 8 o’clock this morning. After breakfast, we headed back to the same farm to conduct cervical palpations on the cows to see if they were pregnant or not. This means that I had to place half of my arm into the cow’s butt and feel around until I could find the cervix and then determine whether the cow was pregnant from the cervix’s location. It sounds gross, but that is why we were given shoulder length gloves, plus it was really interesting! I struggled in finding the cervix, but was reassured that it may take a lot of time and practice before I am able to do it well. I am really grateful for this experience because it taught me what I need to work on when I perform a palpation again. Later in the day, I went into town with my friend Stella and we discovered a great bubble tea shop just by walking past it. It is fun to find new places in town, especially when they sell delicious food and drinks! I spent most of the night working on a presentation and doing homework. This study abroad trip still counts as a course grade and I understand that it is my responsibility to complete everything that I am assigned, even while having fun. Once again, the theme arises that with great freedom comes great responsibility.

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Day 10: Goats, Sheep, and Clinic

Today was such a long day, but packed with great experiences! This morning, we grabbed goats by the horns and held them down to give them their vaccines. It was harder to catch the sheep because they don’t have horns and the pen was full of slippery mud. We literally had to tackle them and grab them by the neck in order to restrain them. My partner would catch and restrain the sheep while I gave the vaccine, and then we would switch roles. Once the adults were done we moved onto the younger ones. The little lambs were so adorable! When it was all over, I was dirty and sweaty but so satisfied because it was actually a lot of fun. Later in the day, we had the opportunity to help at the small animal clinic in San Ignacio. Although I could have spent the day catching up on rest, I was not going to let another opportunity pass me by, so of course I went to the clinic. I am so glad that I did! We saw a few house calls, including a horse with proud flesh growing near its eye and a dog with an ear hematoma. At night, two emergency cases came into the clinic. Both dogs were severely cut and needed suturing. Although I did not perform the sutures themselves, I learned a lot about sanitation and the importance of immediate treatment. We did not return to the resort until late at night, and we are going to have an early day tomorrow, but I do not regret going to the clinic at all! One of the friends I have made here has decided she wants to stay in Belize after our program is completed because here she can get a lot more hands-on experience here than she can at home and because she is really enjoying the people and the experiences here. This is just one example of how amazing this whole trip has been and I am so grateful to be here.

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Day 8 and 9: Placencia

I had an amazing time in Placencia this weekend. We started bright and early helping out at a spay and nuter clinic run by the Humane Society. I was able to help with the spay of a Great Dane and, this time, performed sutures on the dog myself! The whole clinic was long but successful because we were able to help a lot of animals and gained a lot of clinical experience! It felt like we were making a difference in the lives of the animals and their owners. We had dinner and dancing as a big group at a nice restaurant. This definitely brought the group together. I feel like I am making lifelong friends an connections and couldn’t ask for anything more. On Sunday, after a long week of hard work, we took some time off to enjoy the Cayes Islands of Belize! We took a boat to a small island that was a national park and went snorkeling. The first trip out snorkeling was difficult because my mask did not fit right and kept filling with water. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the experience and saw a lot of beautiful fish and corals. Sometimes things in life don’t go as planned, but you have to make the most of it! The second trip out was better and I had a great time swimming in the clear Caribbean ocean. We even saw dolphins in the water on the way back! It was a relaxing weekend and I feel ready to take on the week ahead!

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Day 7: Horses and Caves

Today we went to a family owned horseback riding place in order to examine the horses and to give them vitamins. The horses were a cross between the local breed of horse and a quarter horse. We discovered that there were a lot of embedded ticks on the horses, but these were mostly dead and did not seem to be doing any harm to the horses since the local breeds are semi-resistant to ticks. I was more confident when conducting the exams than I was the first time. We also administered vitamins and antibiotics to all of the horses. Since one of the mares was in heat and they wanted to breed her, we observed her being introduced to and mounted by a stallion in order to get her pregnant. It was pretty interesting. I took part in a good conversation with two of the adults helping to run the CELA Belize program, Ruben and Stephanie, about the differences of veterinary medicine in the states compared to in Belize. In Belize, there are no animal shelters because there aren’t enough funds to maintain them, and the doctors in vet clinics have no choice but to work with old, secondhand tools since new machines are too expensive. This is why donations are so important. Later that day, we went horseback riding through the jungle. It was absolutely beautiful being among the tropical plants! A group of us were allowed to let our horses run through a clearing. This was my first time going fast on a horse and it was exhilarating! Next time I go horseback riding, I hope it is in a location that allows the horses to either canter or gallop because I would love to do it again. Then, we ended up near a cave where some of us went cave canoeing. As soon as we got to the location, we changed into our bathing suits, and a few people jumped into the river from the top of a cliff. There was no way that I was letting this opportunity pass me by. Looking down from the top of the cliff, I was terrified, but I jumped anyway and it was completely worth it because I felt the rush of free falling and felt accomplished for overcoming a fear! The cave system itself was amazing because it was all naturally formed by the water passing through the ground. The stalactites and stalagmites created beautiful and intricate structures all throughout the cave. The guide showed us a Mayan sacrificial ledge and some of their ceramic pots. My favorite part was the sparkling calcite crystals that lined parts of the cave. We were informed that the bats and other creatures that lived in the cave were all blind, which makes sense because it is pitch black in there, yet it is crazy that they live in this area without ever knowing its true beauty. This was such a great day, and even though I was not able to take a lot of photos, the memories will last me for years to come.

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Day 6: Cattle Vaccines

          Today I am glad I wore my hiking boots to the farm! We took a long trip to a cattle farm in order to administer vaccines, vitamins, and a dewormer to the beef cattle there. The method they had to restrain the animals while they were getting the injections was pretty clever. Five or six animals were corralled into a narrow pen and planks of wood were set in place so they couldn’t exit from the front or the back. While they were stuck in there, we were able to inject the vaccines into their rear end from the outside of the fence. This was done quickly and prevented us from getting kicked or trampled through the process. I don’t think I was very good at administering the vaccines, but it was a great experience and I now know how to do it so I’ll only get better with practice! The hardest part was when the cow started to move around after I stabbed them in the rear with the needle. It was difficult to get a good grip on the syringe to push down the plunger and to actually inject the vaccines when they wouldn’t stand still. Because of this experience, I can see why veterinary medicine never gets boring! Just when you think you have the process down, the next animal behaves differently and keeps you guessing. The only thing you can do is to remember that all animals are different and try to give them each the best possible treatment! On our way back from the ranch, the ride was too bumpy to journal or read, so I just looked out the window and appreciated the nature of Belize. I was most impressed by the large birds, palm trees of different varieties, the red fruit growing near the road, and the colorful butterflies that went by as we drove past. I am so grateful to be here to have these amazing experiences, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the trip has in store for me!

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Day 5: Horse Examinations

           After class today, we took a trip to whistling Duck Farms to examine the horses there. This was my first time examining a large animal! I was paired up with Bri who owned her own horses and was able to show me tricks for interacting with them. The most difficult part of the exam was taking the heart rate and temperature, but we managed just fine. When the examinations were completed, everyone was able to inject vitamins into the neck muscle of the horses. The trick is to pinch and twist the skin to distract the horse from the fact that there is a needle going into its neck! After my time on the farm, I feel like I am really starting to learn how to maneuver around large animals which is imperative for when I become a veterinarian. At this point in my study abroad experience, I have learned that whenever there is an opportunity to go somewhere or to try something, that you should do it. On Monday, after our class on suturing was over, we were notified that a dog came in and anyone who wanted to help out could return to the clinic. I made the mistake of staying back because I finished showering and didn’t want to get dirty again. Unfortunately, I missed an opportunity to help with a major injury that required numerous stitches to treat. Ever since that moment, I have been more willing to take advantage whenever opportunity arises. For example, I’d rather go to a restaurant with a group instead of eating the leftovers in my room. This way I can form stronger bonds and have interesting stories to tell when this trip is over. I am only going to be here for a short time so I must take advantage of everything that comes my way instead of worrying about the small stuff!

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Day 4: Animal Lab and Bats

Today’s lecture was on animal reproduction. I am grateful for the animal science class at Rutgers because a lot of the information was familiar and I was able to follow along fairly well. We then got in the van to get samples for the animal lab we were doing later. We drove to a farm on one of the bumpiest roads I have ever been on; I felt like my teeth were rattling. We observed how to collect blood from the jugular vein of a horse. It looks a lot easier than I thought it would be! We also collected fecal matter before we left. For lunch the entire group enjoyed a meal at the Guava Limb Café, a really nice restaurant not far from where we are staying. When we got to the lab, we all put on lab coats and read a handout of the specific procedures we would be doing. We were told that this was the only major animal health lab in the entire country of Belize which I found interesting since there are a lot of labs in America. Even Rutgers University has labs and the ability to conduct PCR testing which is fairly new to Belize. I can tell that it takes a lot of practice to analyze fecal samples accurately since it was difficult to identify the parasite eggs and it was easy to mistake fibers for eggs. This was my second time trying to identify parasite eggs under a microscope and I definitely have a long way to go before I can confidently do it on my own. The blood lab was equally interesting. It is amazing how many things you can discover about an animal through its blood. We tested the horse’s hemoglobin levels to see if it was anemic, and we used a centrifuge to measure the PCV, or packed cell volume of the blood and everything seemed to be in order. We made a blood smear on the slide and died it properly, but were unable to analyze it while we were there because it needed time to dry. We also observed a dog’s blood parasite under the microscope, and it was fascinating. I enjoyed being able to take part in the sampling and analyzing because it allowed me to learn about how the tests are conducted through experience instead of learning about it from a book. Right after dinner we prepared to stay up late to try to capture bats. They have a method to capture vampire bats in order to control the population, thus reducing the spread of rabies among livestock which is also important for public health. The ride to the site was long and bumpy. We climbed into the back of a tractor and were brought deeper into the jungle. We waited all night to see if we could catch bats, listening to poetry, singing songs, and just talking. Just listening to the sounds of nature was such a nice change from what I am used to back at home. We were able to catch two of the vampire bats! This was such a great experience!

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Day Three: Suture Techniques

Today was the first day of classes abroad! We had an introductory lecture to start the day. It contained a lot of information about common breeds and diseases of cattle, horses, poultry, and sheep. Being able to look out of the doorway to see Flamboyant trees and iguanas reminded me of how lucky I am to be able to take classes abroad. We took a break for lunch and I was able to try Belizean fast food which consisted of a cheap but tasty and filling veggie burrito. I also bought fresh cut mangoes from a fruit cart. We changed into scrubs for the clinical work we were doing in the afternoon. First, we practiced basic suture techniques on raw chicken legs. When I originally started suturing it was difficult, but I got better little by little with practice. A group of us was asked to change our gloves and come into the surgery room where there was an anesthetized dog, prepped for spaying. We were not only able to observe the doctor spaying the dog, but I was able to assist directly! I held the ovaries while the doctor clamped them and someone else cut them and the uterus out. My fellow classmates then performed the same sutures we had been practicing on chicken on the dog! The incision site was smaller than I thought it would be. It was then cleaned and I was able to administer one of the post-operative injections subcutaneously (or under the skin). Even though I have seen spays performed at my local veterinary clinic, this one was done with a very different technique, as it was done on the dog’s side instead of on the underbelly, and this was the first time I was able to get directly involved in a hands-on manner! It was really amazing and I don’t think I’ll ever forget this experience!

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Day Two: Xunantunich

Today was pretty exciting! We started the day with a good breakfast made at the hotel. The fresh fruits were delicious, especially the papaya (my favorite). We had orientation for our course at a nearby school. I learned about the history of the region and even a little bit of Belizean Creole. There were a ton of wild iguanas in the back of the place. I was surprised to see how well they could climb trees since I’ve really only seen them in a zoo setting. We then took a walking tour of San Ignacio! The city is small but colorful! There are a lot of family owned businesses that sell food and gifts. Not to mention how impressive the fruit and vegetable market was. After our tour, we grabbed lunch in a local restaurant that kept the lights off, the door open, and fans on because there was no air conditioning. Later in the day we went to the Mayan reserve Xunantinich! Our tour guide was named Joe and he is very well educated on the topic of the Mayan history. I learned that the Mayans from Belize built the temples completely by hand with limestone. They plastered the buildings and used colorful paint made from trees, clay, and insects to decorate them. It is so humbling to see how civilized these people were and how they were able to thrive on the land without any of our modern technology. I don’t know what was more impressive, the buildings themselves or the view from the top of them! Climbing up all of the steps was absolutely worth it. For dinner, I went with a group of four other people to a local Chinese food restaurant. I love the freedom we are given to choose where we want to eat and when, and to explore the city at our leisure as long as we are in a group. This freedom gives us the ability to grow because it puts responsibility on us to make smart choices, get back to our rooms at a reasonable time, and to prepare for class the next day. It also gives us the ability to form closer bonds with each other because we make the experience our own! Tomorrow starts the first day of classes and I am very excited!

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Day One (belated)

Today was mostly a travel day but it was still really cool. I got to see the sunrise through the window of the airport since my flight was so early which was very nice. Flying by myself for the first time was not as difficult as I thought it could be. All I had to do was read the signs and go where I was directed and the next thing I knew, I was landing in a foreign country! Belize is very hot and humid, as you may have guessed, but I love it. I am so happy that it hasn’t rained yet, since June does begin the rainy season. Today mostly consisted of waiting for the rest of the students to arrive at the airport, then driving to our resort. I loved the drive across the country! It is so interesting to compare the roads here with what we have at home. First of all, there are a lot of speed bumps and almost no traffic lights. The homes are very spread out and you can see laundry hanging out to dry at many of them. It is a big difference compared to the suburban area at home where there are chain stores, restaurants, and a ton of cars everywhere you look! The resort I’m staying at is really nice, especially because it has air conditioning and warm water. I have already seen how friendly everyone is here and I can’t wait to see what is in store for me!

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Pre-Trip Excitment

Before I head off on my adventure to Belize, I must address all of my excitement! I know that this trip will be unlike anything I’ve ever experienced! First of all, it will be the first time flying on my own which is a little daunting but I have faith in my ability to navigate the airports. Since I am doing the Large Animal Veterinary Practices program, I expect to spend a lot of time at the farm. I recently purchased good quality outdoor shoes so I’m prepared! I feel like I am going to be one of the students with the least experience of farm animals going into this program. I have never been a part of a 4H club, or even spent more than a few minutes on a farm at a time. Either way, I know that I am going to learn a lot on this trip and it will be completely worth it. I expect the work to be challenging yet interesting, making it almost enjoyable to do. Working with the animals directly is a little intimidating because I do not want to get anything wrong, however this is one of the most rewarding aspects of the study abroad program and I can’t wait! I expect it to get easier as I continue practicing and working with animals.

           In addition to the program itself, I know I am going to be immersed in a new culture which is extremely exciting! I can’t wait to see the different foods and customs that are common in Belize. Also, I am eager to witness how People in Belize treat their animals differently than Americans do. I am probably most excited for the excursions. I plan on seeing the Mayan temple of Xunantunich and I hope to visit the famous caves. It will be so cool to see all of the ancient history that has been preserved! This once in a lifetime chance will not pass me by! I plan on being so busy that the trip will go by quickly, but I will do my best to take in every moment. I also hope to meet a lot of interesting people and make new friends. I am just finishing packing up my bags (I hope I didn’t forget anything). Wish me luck as I embark on my amazing adventure!