LESSONS OF 2020

LESSONS FROM 2020

MADISON HILLSTEAD ‘16 Academy

Despite 2020 being an absolute rollercoaster for everyone, I have learned two very essential lessons.

1.Nothing in life worth anything is easy.

This year I was honoured to be accepted into Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary. In February 2020, while walking alone outside at 3:00 am in a snowstorm to check on patients, I asked myself, "Are all these hours I put into studying, volunteering, and potentially losing a toe to frostbite worth pursuing this career path?" Being where I am today, the answer to that question is 'yes'. Even though my program now is significantly more demanding and complex, I am enjoying it even on the toughest of days. However, I also try to make sure that my drive and passion don't come at the expense of spending time with those I love. Education, patients, and cases will always be present in my life, but family and friends will unfortunately not be.

2. Don't short-change the future based on current fears and hardships.

Years ago, as a struggling university science student, when I felt defeated after failing a course, if someone told me that I'd be studying medicine in the future, I would have laughed. I now realize that those moments of stress, struggle, and even failure have taught me some of the most crucial lessons. It's hard in those moments not to be hypercritical of myself and dash away my goals because I've drifted off my intended path. If I believed that I could no longer achieve my dream of becoming a veterinarian based on a bad mark or a bad experience, I don't think I would be where I am today. What truly helped me through those difficult times was focusing on my strengths and figuring out how I could improve upon myself. Furthermore, not comparing myself to those around me was especially hard in a very competitive academic field. Individuality and creating your journey are more inspiring than following in someone else's footsteps.

However, I also try to make sure that my drive and passion don't come at the expense of spending time with those I love.

CONTINUE YOUR LEGACY CONSIDER RUNDLE FOR YOUR KIDS

Enrol your son or daughter and give them the advantage of a Rundle education. As alumni of Rundle, you are given priority application status for your child. FOR MORE INFORMATION about our admission process, please visit rundle.ab.ca or call our Enrolment Office at 403-291-3866.