Tragedy Has Struck Our Sea Turtles

I never really quite grasped the idea of sea turtles until I moved to St. Kitts.  We had a professor, Dr. Kimberly Stewart, come and speak to our class in my vet prep (and 1st semester) about her research and work with the sea turtles that visit the beaches of St. Kitts when they nest.  The St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network works diligently to prevent illegal harvesting of the sea turtle species in the area (critically endangered hawksbills, leatherbacks, green sea turtles, and even the loggerhead sea turtles) that utilize the beaches of St. Kitts.  Not only has the organization helped improve legislation here in St. Kitts to protect these turtles, there are many other efforts that they take on to protect these awesome creatures.  They have helped provide education for the younger generations through awesome hands on experiences (turtle camps, ecotours, etc.), they have helped re-shape the way fishermen of the island think as well as providing alternatives to earning an income (rather than fishing for these sea turtles and wiping out viable turtles that could help sustain the populations), frequent and regular beach clean-ups that involve the students of RUSVM as well as community members, collaborative satellite tagging program of the sea turtles that visit our beaches, and so much more.

It is now more than ever that I know the importance of these species.  They have played a vital role in the health of our world's oceans for more than 100 million years!  From maintaining coral reef ecosystems to transporting essential nutrients from the oceans to beaches and coastal dunes.  With their dramatic decrease in numbers has come evidence of their importance.  What threatens them??  Commercial fishing, loss of their nesting habitat and climate change...what do all of these have in common??  They are human-caused threats and they are pushing our sea turtles towards extinction.  Without them, we will loose vital functions that they serve towards our ocean ecosystems.

What do we need to do....PROTECT and help them REBUILD their populations to ensure a healthy and resilient future for our oceans.

Protect their homes.

Protect them.

It broke my heart when I saw the headline today:  "Up to 20,000 sea turtle eggs crushed by bulldozers on Caribbean island".  What happened in Trinidad will hopefully open the eyes of those throughout the world that work to protect the world's sea turtles as well as the eyes of the public.  Our impact on these creatures is becoming more than a problem...we are destroying their chances to continue their vital relationship in our world's oceans.  I hope this kind of tragedy never strikes the sea turtle population again.  Tourism Minister of Trinidad: This must never happen again.

"It is a tragedy what happen with these turtles , I agree... and a lot of people are to be held responsible ... I hear the cries for this one throat and that one job, but check yourself ... if you are not recycling YOU are killing more that turtles DAILY ... YES DAILY !!! mistakes happens ... actually everyone make them ... but I sure do hope this will open up the minds and heart of more people about our environment ..."-Papa Bois Conservation group

"Trinidad has the second largest number of Leatherback nestings in the world. Grande Riviere is the densest nesting beach in the world, with hundreds of turtles nesting on the beach each night at the height of turtle nesting season. The village of Grande Riviere attracts thousands of turtle tourists each year and the income generated by this is a big incentive for local turtle conservation. (Marc)

The meandering of the river is a natural occurrence, but this year the course of the river was more extreme than normal. Grande Riviere villagers have described the extent of the river's changing of course as a once in a 15 year event. The meandering river had already destroyed a portion of the beach, which also happened to be the most productive section. If the river had been left to continue its
meandering course, it would have destroyed more nests and endangered the Mon Plesir Hotel, portions of which were already eroding in to the river. Local fishermen also use the river to launch their boats, an exercise which had become difficult due to the extended course of the river, and dangerous due to surf conditions at the new mouth of the
river. Clearly action was required to contain the river.

The Grande Riviere beach falls under the jurisdiction of the Trinidad & Tobago Forestry Division. The Forestry Division would have had to give permission for the works to take place.

The complaint is that stakeholders had been asking for intervention for a long time, without a response. When the response did come, it was unplanned, unsupervised, and the way in which it was done did unnecessary damage to hatchlings and nests. An earthmoving crew was left to operate, without any qualified supervision, on one of the most environmentally sensitive beaches in the world, with a D8 bulldozer and an excavator.

Clearly the "chain of command" at the beach was broken, resulting in the unsupervised action. It is important to investigate how this was allowed to happen, and to find a solution so this won't reoccur in future. What is needed is an immediate meeting between stakeholders, including the Forestry Division, the Environmental Management Authority, Turtle Village Trust, turtle protection groups, persons representing the turtle nesting communities and other stakeholders, which would result in new, effective, procedures being put in place."-Papa Bois Conservation group

 Teamwork.

 Together we can.

 RUSVM Students at work learning the ropes.

 If we don't protect them...who will?

 Community outreach here in St. Kitts.

 The job gets a little messy at times :)

 St. Kitts nesting leatherback.

 An opportunity to learn for all.

 The generation of hope for our sea turtles.

Dem Island Cats

In honor of Ting's 1st Birthday (today!) I decided to write this blog :)

When I moved out of the dorms, I decided I need a fuzzy critter (or two) to come home to.  So here are my island cats, Ting and Brutus.  Enjoy!

Baby Ting

Baby Brutus

Growing Ting

Brutus:  Just got brought to my house :)

Spayed Ting

Brutus being cute

Ting's favorite place in the apartment

Growing Brutus

Playtime together

Neutered Brutus

Study break and more belly rubs

Together forever

Late night canoodling

Playing with each other's tails...built in entertainment :)

Something has got to give...

So this semester has had its ups and definitely has had its downs for me.

First the positives...

I have a mango tree in my yard! I have been able to pick so many that I not only eat or cut up and freeze for myself, but I have given them away to lots of people who love mangos as much as I do. Can't wait for the next mango season and to take advantage of this awesome tree again :)

Josh Project is thriving! A member of RUSVM's admin team helped me draft a letter that was sent not too long ago to the officials who oversee St. Kitts customs/duty in order to hopefully receive an exemption from duty/taxes on "Josh Kits" shipped directly here. Staying hopeful that they contact me with good news soon, if not I do have one more plan of action to make this come true. Thanks to the class reps, one of my co-chairs, the professors that volunteered for the semesters, and all those that made coin/bill donations, we had the most successful coin fundraiser in the history of RUSVM's Josh Project! 7th Semester (Pink semester) took the entire event and was able to recruit Dr. St. Jean to their cause. He will be dressing up as Zorro for an entire day this semester at some point. We also sold 97 fleeces and made quite a profit from the fleece sale...I'm very happy with this. The trick will be bringing most of these back with me in suitcases and having a very good speech prepared about JP should I get caught by customs at the airport! My other co-chair and I will soon begin recruiting professors/staff members for the Professor/Staff Cook Off and get all those details ironed out in time for the event (will be held mid July). Next semester we will have frisbees at the cook off to utilize as plates (more stable then flimsy paper plates and are re-usable for future cook offs, etc.)!

I put my deposit down to go to African via Wildlife Vets in April of 2013 ($1300 USD deposit...still owe $2000 USD...flight cost is approx. ~$2700 USD). The whole trip and experience definitely are coming with a big price tag...I'm hoping to receive aid from SCAVMA via my PDF (professional development fund) points that I've accumulated since I started in Vet Prep, fundraise with a handful of others going on the trip, and put all birthday/Christmas present money from my family towards this to help with the cost. I was way too busy during undergrad between being a full-time student as well as supporting myself financially (usually working ~2 jobs) to take advantage of the awesome study abroad opportunities, so when I came here, I knew going to Africa was something I would find a way to do.

I did a necropsy this semester and reported on it with a group of classmates. This was such a cool experience. This was for my Pathology class...my favorite class this semester because it makes you put so much of the knowledge you have already acquired to use (ie. parasitology, anatomy, physiology, etc.).

Still going strong in my relationship and loving every bit of it. It feels amazing to have met someone as driven as myself in life and also someone that wants to be there and work through it all...someone that loves every aspect of who I am. If I hadn't come to RUSVM, we would never had met each other...definitely grateful for this.

"If you want something to last, you treat it differently... You shield and protect it... You never abuse it... You don't expose it to the elements... You don't make it common or ordinary... If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new... It becomes special because you made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by"

And now for the part or this semester that has taken its toll on me...

As much as I have enjoyed serving as class rep for my class, it has been overwhelmingly time consuming for me this semester. It has been a great experience being the voice of my class, guiding them to answers, and playing a huge role in the success of our fundraising events...however, I am at the point of exhaustion and have decided that I am stepping down from the role. Just like any leadership role, I have been praised for my hard work by my classmates, and I have been criticized along the way. I'm thankful for all the experiences that the role has thrown my way. I was definitely lucky to have had such a great partner in crime this semester that acted as an amazing class rep as well. However, it is now time for me to refocus...to refocus on myself, my happiness, and my academics. I struggled with the decision to let go of my responsibilities and role because I have really poured myself into it. But after a much needed meeting with a professor to seek out advice, it was very clear what I needed to do.

After four semesters of hard work, I'm definitely looking forward to letting go of the responsibilities and passing the torch to another capable individual as well as what I'll be able to accomplish with the time that I will have available from this decision.

Feeling lighter and refreshed already...

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

After surviving my 2nd semester at RUSVM, I now believe that after all is said and done with my time on St. Kitts and my 7 semesters at RUSVM, I will be able to survive just about anything!  There really is something to say about the experiences you have while attending RUSVM.

Just some personal experiences and feelings since I've been attending RUSVM.

• It is definitely hard being away from my family, pets, and friends.  You do however form a "Ross family" that provides you with friendship and support the whole way through (this has been my experience).  
• I have also had my fair share of corrupt mechanics since I've been on St. Kitts (not fun to deal with while you are trying to stay focused on your studies).  The cars here are always going to have things to fix during your time owning one...however, spending a little extra money and from the right person/dealer, you may save yourself from some of the hassles.  I can't recommend any one autoshop or mechanic, just be careful who you trust.
• I have fortunately not been a victim of theft (although I do have classmates that have been).  In regards to robberies, I truly feel as though living on the island is like living in a big city (something that I have done most my life, so some important common sense rules to live by in such an environment have already been well instilled in me).  
• I did adopt an adult cat (estimated to be about 2.5 years old), Ember, who was a former "Marriott cat" (lived around the Marriott hotel and was well fed by the tourists).  Had her for about 6 months at my apartment before one early morning she must have been playing in the windowsill and pushed out the screen (found out later that the screen was missing a metal piece that kept it in place, so it was more easily pushed out without this piece).  I spent about a four weeks searching for her (setting traps everyday around my apartment and spreading canned cat food around them and inside of them, hanging up laminated and color flyers around the neighborhood, constantly flooding Facebook with her picture and information, as well as a newsletter announcement that reached the entire student body).  Broke my heart.
• A lot of times when you need to get things done (ie. go to the bank, go to the cable company, etc.) you may not be able to because of your class schedule and their hours of operation.  Can be frustrating.
• Service at many restaurants is slow...you just learn to accept it and as Dr. Reich would say "Live wit it".  However, I have never had slow service at one of my all time favorite places to eat (Bombay Blues).  Truly amazing owners.  I don't even have to say my take-out order anymore :)
• Police check points.  Randomly the police set up a check point to check for driver's licenses, insurance, and wheel tax.  Can be at the most inconvenient times (ie. the morning of a final).
• Bugs.  They are just a part of life on the island and always manage to find their way into your apartments/homes no matter what.  Fortunately I have only had one centipede run in...they are really creepy and don't die upon a first squish attempt.
• Dealing with unprofessionals in a professional school...Just remember to rise above those that choose to act in an immature manner. 

So as the title of this entry says...harder, better, faster, stronger...these are the results of the experiences you have on St. Kitts and at RUSVM

Fully accredited = Fully equipped

Just in time for my arrival to RUSVM, the school was upgraded from partial accreditation to full accreditation.  Perfect timing!  As my time at RUSVM goes by I have become more aware of the stigma and uneducated misconceptions about RUSVM.  It is not worth even mentioning these misconceptions because they are quickly dissipating as more and more RUSVM graduates enter the profession and others take the initiative to educate themselves about RUSVM.

What I do want to take the time mentioning is that although my journey at RUSVM has just begun, I am thoroughly impressed with the educational experience I've had thus far at RUSVM.  I am part of one of the largest admitted classes at RUSVM (September 2011).  There is a lot of controversy surrounding this topic (increased class sizes).  I believe that as RUSVM grows in popularity, the increase in class size is inevitable.  As far as I know the school is putting some changes/adaptions into action in order to accommodate this.  We have also acquired a new dean, Dr. Elaine Watson.  Although change is sometimes unnerving, I am completely confident in those that are playing their part in these changes.  RUSVM will continue to be an amazing veterinary school and will continue producing amazing veterinarians.

Anyways...back to the misconceptions about RUSVM.  A fellow colleague shared a Reader's Digest Article titled 50 Things Your Vet Won't Tell You and both of us were pretty appalled by #20 on this list.  Luckily, I contacted the AVMA and shared the article and asked that they stand up for those of us that are attending their fully accredited caribbean schools and clear up any misunderstandings that may have been further fueled by such a ridiculous statement published by RD.  I'm so thankful that I am the proactive person that I am and that I have always had the courage to speak up and spark awareness.  The AVMA did respond to RD's article (the response to reader's digest) and many became aware of the statement and showed their support and disbelief that such a statement would be published by posting comments on the Reader's Digest article page.

My belief about RUSVM graduates that continue to thrive in and nourish the world of veterinary medicine is that

"The world is changed by examples, not opinions"

So that is what I look forward to...finishing my educational journey with RUSVM and leading by example.  Showing the world what RUSVM is all about by making my mark in veterinary medicine will be another amazing chapter in my journey to my career.

"Behind every success is effort.  Behind every effort is passion.  Behind every passion is someone with the courage to try" 

Bullies and Being True To Yourself

If there's one thing that I can't stand, it's bullies.

I have spent a good amount of this semester being distracted (but not deterred) by certain individuals that seem to almost go out of their way to try to make others as miserable as they themselves may be.  The good news is that I have an amazing family back home that continues to support me and provide me with advice as I engage in new and difficult interactions with said individuals.

"Don't let them get to you. People have to always stir up drama if their life is boring."

Parents (the auntie and uncle) always know exactly what to say to put a situation into perspective.  I'm 25 years old and welcome every bit of advice that they give me.  Anyways....back to the bullies.  I know that they were put in my path for a reason...for a lesson.  As much as I hated the situations and issues that these individuals caused with me, I truly appreciate the lessons that they taught me this semester.  I know that these are definitely lessons that I needed to learn now so that I will be more prepared and better off when I enter into my profession.  Thank goodness for learning these now and fine tuning my skills in handling them!

As much as I hate to accept that I'm in professional school and I'm still encountering such individuals as those that I've encountered this semester, I am adjusting to my rude awakening and accepting these individuals and the lessons that they bring with them.  I hope that they take lessons away from their experiences with me as well.  I hope nothing but happiness for them and growth in all areas of their life followed up with success.  Why do I wish so much good on people that have been so hard on me??  Because I truly believe that you get what you put into this world...so if I just keep being myself...if I just keep being true to who I am...then everything will be great.

As my boyfriend loves to say...."I ams what I ams"

I've adopted this mantra for several reasons.  I know deep down what an amazing individual I am and have become through all the personal challenges and adversity that I was faced with throughout my life.  I know that I have a very bright future and am fully embracing the greatness that comes with it.  I definitely am not here to prove myself to anyone.  I'm most definitely here to work harder than I've ever worked to pursue and earn my DVM so that one day I can practice medicine and give exceptional care to someone else's companion/family member and make my mark on the world of veterinary medicine.


"The true leader serves.  Serves people.  Serves their best interests, and in doing so will not always be popular, may not always impress.  But because true leaders are motivated by loving concern than a desire for personal glory, they are willing to pay the price."— Eugene B. Habecker in The Other Side of Leadership

I can definitely relate to this quote.  I have a leadership role within my class and sometimes this position has definitely led to a lack in popularity amongst my future colleagues.  However, I am not interested in being the most popular classmate.  I am more interested in serving those around me with this role.  Truly I am.  In the midst of serving others, I think I forgot to serve myself on several occasions this semester.

But instead of looking in the past and wishing something was handled or done differently, I'm moving forward as always.  Always looking to what's ahead and how to better prepare myself for the future.

I think the biggest lesson this semester has taught me is to just be true to myself and all that I am.  If you continue to be good to everyone around you, there isn't much room for them to really hate you, and if that is the path they choose, then let them be and one day they will learn the lessons that they need to learn and get past that type of decision.

"Dont ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance, and my kindness for weakness."

It's Been Too Long

It has been way too long since I have written a post on here.  So much has happened.  For starters...I actually am now currently in my 2nd semester of school here at RUSVM.  My 1st semester was very successful and this semester is coming to an end in just a couple of weeks.  I have my last week of classes next week and then the week after that is finals week.


So what have I been up to??  I was class rep as well as a continued member of RUSVM's Josh Project during my first semester.  That all went really well and it was an overall fun and successful semester.


Outside of all of that and the workload of veterinary school, I was caught off guard by a very amazing guy.  Completely swept me off my feet and he continues to make me feel amazing.  I definitely wasn't expecting to have such an amazing guy enter my life....wouldn't have it any other way :)


I was able to meet his family over our December break.  They are amazing folks and I can definitely understand how he turned out to be who he is today.  He was able to take a road trip with me all the way from Pennsylvania and meet my family in Cincinnati, OH.  Everyone gave him the stamp of approval...lol.  Long story short...this was a great break and so many amazing memories were made from this short get away from "the rock".


As far as 2nd semester...This semester had its bumps, but I'm doing just fine.  I am not one to post about the petty drama, but it was definitely present at the beginning of the semester.  Luckily, I have an amazing boyfriend and family and friends that were there for advice and support.  Didn't let others impede my journey and reason for being here.


Now onto the important stuff :)


I was asked at the beginning of this semester to step up as chairperson of Josh Project and I gladly accepted.  I have successfully hosted both the fundraisers that Josh Project holds each semester (Coin Fundraiser and the Professor/Staff Cook Off).  I have also done my part in getting the organizations name and the amazing community service that it provides more publicly known.  Here is the article that the school wrote about Josh Project and my role.  Our coin fundraiser received a lot of publicity amongst the RUSVM community.  Red Semester (my semester) won the coin fundraiser and supporting and aiding us in this achievement was Dr. Allen Reich who has been with the school for 20+ years.  He willingly dressed as Ace Ventura for an entire day in honor of my semester's win.  Here is the photo of his outfit versus Ace Ventura...I think we did a good job!  The Professor/Staff Cook Off was soooooo much fun!  We had such an amazing turnout and I had so much fun with the help of my co-chair, Avery, making the cook books that compiled all the participant's recipes.  Can't wait for next semester's!

I have a lot of really awesome ideas for Josh Project.  The organization was founded about 2-3 years ago here at RUSVM and it has really developed some strong roots.  My personal goal for Josh Project is to see it expand (ie. more community awareness and involvement) as well as work with the St. Kitts government to enable easier ways of bringing Josh Kits to the pediatric ward of the Joseph N. France General Hospital.  I am completely confident that under my care, Josh Project will accomplish these goals especially with the help of certain amazing individuals in the RUSVM community that are working with me to see everything through.

I was class representative this semester and even attempted to take my role in our SCAVMA to the next level.  I had many amazing friends cheering me on from the sidelines and pushing me to pursue a larger role so I decided to run for President.  Unfortunately I was not elected to this position; however, I am not one to get hung up on such things and I am very quick to move on when something doesn't work out and find another avenue or opportunity (definitely pride myself on my resilience in such situations).  I most definitely was proud of myself and the work that I put into chasing after this personal goal.  I went after this opportunity and gave it my all.  I have really enjoyed my role in SCAVMA and saw this election as an opportunity to do more in our student government.  Even though my attempt was unsuccessful, I saw this defeat as a blessing in disguise.  I know my classmates appreciate the work that I put in each semester to keep everyone on track and the liaison work that I do between administration/professors and my class.  So in the words of Napoleon Hill:  "Your big opportunity may be right where you are now."  I enjoy being my class' representative and am definitely looking forward to serving them for another semester (was reelected as one of our two 3rd semester class representatives for next semester).

So that is this semester in a nut shell!!  I really have been busting my butt to stay afloat and my efforts are paying off!  Every day I think about my animal science advisor during my undergraduate years at Ohio State (Ana Hill...she was such an amazing advisor!) and how she mentioned every once in a while that they easy part of veterinary school is getting in...at the time, I scuffed at this idea because I was working so relentlessly to get into OSU's Veterinary School...but now it all makes sense!  Hahaha!  Luckily I am as stubborn as they come (thanks to some good ol' family genes...love my Lowers genes) and I refuse to let any course stand between myself and this career.

So here we are at the end of another semester...where you give it one last push.  You increase your intake of caffeine, live off unhealthy snacks (skittles, etc.), sit your butt in a chair for days upon days, and pound all the important material of the semester back inside your skull for one last hoorah.  I feel like it is fitting for the following quote:  "And may the odds be ever in your favor..."

Just some pictures that represent the fun that I had over the time that's past since my last post...

 Jarrod and I at his old hockey practice rink.

 Romantic walk down the beach together...definitely enjoy these moments when I'm able to have them.

 Jarrod and Tobey.

 Valentine's Day dinner...he surprised me with an amazing and gorgeous necklace.

 Class fundraiser (The Last Cup Tournament) with Sandra and Tia.

 Our amazing chefs for the Josh Project Professor/Staff Cook Off.

 Dr. Reich posing for our class in his Ace Ventura outfit.

 Kalahari and I at the cook off.

 Sandra and I in our St. Patty's Day apparel at The Last Cup Tournamenet.

 Our "Josh" giving away free kisses to the cook off attendees :)

 Avery and I

The winners of the Professor/Staff Cook Off!