Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello I'm Glitters and I'm autistic and also have ADHD.
Since I was little I've loved animals and have always been excited at the idea of working with animals as a veterinary surgeon. I'm lucky enough to live on the outskirts of a town in the country, there's a lot of space and a good sized building that's used for storage. If I become a vet I could use the building as my practice where I could treat the animals.....
But!
I'm low functioning and as people constantly tell me I'm stupid I don't know if I'm even capable of being a veterinary surgeon and that is really upsetting for me. It's my passion and my special interest! I don't want to do anything else. I constantly research animals, watch videos on animal health and welfare, read books, lookup equipment...
But it all feels like it's for nothing. I don't know if I'm smart enough to get through training. No one believes in me and I'm nearly 30 and I worry that there's not enough time left for me to do this.
I feel like I want to just go for it but my anxiety is so bad I feel like I'll just spend the rest of my life dreaming and wanting but never succeeding.
Do you think it's something I should pursue?
Does my lack of intelligence mean I'll not be good enough?
I don't know what to do.
Veterinary degree courses often require higher grades than medical degree courses do. There are other things that you could do that do not require as high grades at A level or equivalent. Veterinary nurse might be an option, that can be through an apprenticeship. Alternatives might include zookeeper or an assistant in a pet shop or pet grooming establishment. Volunteering might be a way into a job in these fields. As I did a zoology degree, I am very aware that, in addition to an interest in animals, you also need a strong stomach to deal with the 'blood, guts and excrement' involved.