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| The presence of kittens definitely improves the study experience. |
This morning we’re studying the finer details of some
policies before heading to the election booths to exercise our democratic right
to vote, in the hope of ensuring that vote is as evidence-based as possible. I
say “we” because although Phil won’t be voting, he usually joins me for the
experience.
Studying has been the dominant theme of my week, and I
know I’m not alone. Veterinary students all over the country are studying for
or winding up exams; and colleagues are sitting various postgraduate exams.
At this point it’s all about stamina. When not reading
papers I’ve been trying to write my own exam questions, and when that feels
overwhelming I tend to switch to online videos (this week it was the collection
from the Animal Welfare Science Centre, as well as videos by Professor TempleGrandin for the glass walls project – the interwebs has come a long way since I
went through vet school).
If you’re reading from Western Australia, please think
about signing up for Murdoch University’s annual Dog n Jog on September 18. You
can choose from a 4km walk or 8km run, enjoy beautiful scenery and spend some
quality time with your dog.
On a more philosophical note, you might have heard of “imposter
syndrome” – a common syndrome, often in the high-achieving, where one feels
like everyone else is totally on the ball and knows what they’re doing except
oneself. Very common in vets and veterinary students. One way of seeing it is a
dysfunctional form of anthropomorphism, which comes about because we have
access to our own internal states, but we only have access to the behaviour and
expressed thoughts of others.
The “Book of Life” has an interesting take.
Have an excellent weekend and vote well.
