Myongsun Kim
ePortfolio
Connecting My Interests​
Viewing the World through Animals
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​I am greatly interested in human psychology, but what interests me the most is the psychological similarities seen across species. My international background opened my eyes to see the importance of non-verbal communication. When I took an interest in the veterinary sciences and animal behaviors, I found surprising similarities. In fact, we humans are also mammals; there is no surprise that mammals share some common methods to communicate in the social group.
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Where the Science and the Reality Collide
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The issue of morality is always present in a veterinary setting. In 2019, the University of California at Davis developed a new treatment for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) that was previously considered incurable with near 100% fatality. It was amazing news for pet owners, but many couldn't afford to wait until the drug was approved by the government. The result was an unapproved (or borderline illegal) trade of drugs that are manufactured in a suspicious setting. I personally know of some cat owners who found out their cats have FIP, and their vets suggested they get the new treatment through a suspicious route. The cats were cured with the treatment, but the owners I've talked to said they were initially worried about the quality of the drug.
Another of my interest is where science and cultural aspects meet. Science itself may be straightforward or logical, but the people implementing those sciences in real life have complex dynamics. Nothing is truly just good or just bad - it is always a mixture of both, depending on the perspective. For example, in Thailand, the establishment of forest reserves seemingly sounds like good news. But for the Hill tribes and local people who were forced to move out because the government used an outdated map for land allocation, that is bad news. A kill-free shelter sounds like a good idea (and in my opinion should be the ultimate goal for shelters) but without proper systemic preparation, an overcrowded shelter is not that different from a hoarding situation.
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The veterinarian faces hard questions every day, which is one of the primary reasons I hesitated to pursue a veterinary career. But one thing I learned from people of different occupations throughout my journey is that the best a professional could do is keep up with the latest information and trust their judgment. In other words, "someone has to do it, and I don't mind doing it, so why not?"
What should I improve?
I am proficient in Critical Thinking & Decision Making but I would like to develop Interpersonal Communication skills.
Critical thinking and decision making is very important in college life; college students, like any other adults, are forced to make life decisions every moment. In class, students have to learn new complicated materials quickly not only by memorizing but also by using logic and critical thinking. Outside of the classes, we have to make choices such as prioritizing tasks, nutrition and health choices, financial decisions, relationship choices and efforts, and etcetera with little assistance if any at all. For example, there are currently three tests coming up in the next two days. On top of it I cannot procrastinate homework projects which due dates are coming up in a week or so, but I want to go back to my hometown on weekends and change my half-broken phone to a new one, and pick up my orchestra dress for next week’s concert. I would also like to attend club meetings and search for other extracurricular activities. Using my decision-making skills, I must decide which of the task I should accomplish in order to have the best results. If I made the right choice, or if I didn’t make the worst choice, will be obvious as the semester unfolds.
I would like to take a communication class such as public speaking to improve my interpersonal communication skills. Taking communication classes will force me to devote more time in developing communication skills. Moreover, achieving distinguished membership in Pre-Vet society will also encourage me to attend various social events and encounter different situations that requires interpersonal skills. I could also start contacting professors personally and stop hesitating to ask questions.
Veterinarian is more than just taking care of animals. As the head of the animal hospital, the vet must make sure they are making the best decisions regarding hospital policies and lead the staff members according to it. Also, the vet must communicate with the clients with various backgrounds and financial situations, through email communications and scheduling appointments with them. Becoming a vet and continuing education requires efficient note-taking and information management skills, as vets always have to deal with immense amounts of data.
Next Steps
Currently, I am applying to the vet school. I may not get on my first try, but that's not going to stop me.