Veterinary college grad overcomes adversity on the road to new career

Switching careers after more than a decade was a daunting undertaking for Melissa Walsh. 

Her career change from social work to veterinary medicine involved four years of classes, labs, clinical rotations — and more. 

"As an older student, I was … basically everyone's mom, age-wise," Walsh told CBC Mainstreet host Steve Bruce. 

"There was a little hesitation, but at the same time it sounded like a great adventure and I wanted to try it."

Mainstreet PEI8:38Melissa Walsh's challenging road to becoming an Atlantic Veterinary College graduate

Graduating from the Atlantic Veterinary College is no small feat, especially when you’re also battling serious, life-threatening health issues. Melissa Walsh shares the challenges she faced on the road to becoming a veterinarian.

Jumping back into a rigorous educational environment after not being in school for many years was challenging, Walsh said. But academics weren't the only thing she had to overcome.

Walsh faced a series of serious health issues that affected her life in significant ways. 

"There were definitely moments I wasn't sure I was going to be able to finish the program, but there [were] also moments I wasn't sure I was going to make it… to live," she said. 

Walsh graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College earlier this month. 

Show of resilience

During her second year in the program, Walsh broke her ankle and foot.

She said she spent about nine months on a scooter trying to participate in anatomy labs and other classes. 

In her fourth year, Walsh developed an intestinal infection, which led to other complications. 

"Because I got sick, I couldn't take my normal medications, and I ended up getting blood clots in my lungs," she said, adding that one of her lungs collapsed. 

Walsh said that resulted in her having to drop a rotation because she physically could not get out of bed. 

After meeting with the dean, Walsh said she was able to rebuild her schedule and take on rotations that were not as physically challenging.

"I think I was more worried a lot of the time about school," she said. "But the school was like, 'No, your health is more important.'"

'I try and find the good'

The experience of completing a challenging degree amid physical health issues took a mental toll, Walsh said. 

"It was hard. It was really hard," she said. "But I guess I would just say… it's kind of just my personality. I'm just a fighter, I guess." 

Even in moments where it wasn't easy, Walsh said she looked on the bright side.

"I try and always have a positive outlook, so I try and find the good," she said.

"It was kind of hard to find it at that point, but the school was amazing and my classmates were amazing and we persevered."

With her background in social work, Walsh said she's learned how to take care of herself. 

"Having a healthy mindset is what can help you get through these things," she said, noting that she also has a good support system to lean on.

Having now earned her degree, Walsh said she feels mostly joy.

"I think over the last four years, I've definitely grown in confidence," she said.

"I used to be a complete wallflower. Like, you wouldn't even know I was there. And now I'm … talking on the radio."

Walsh said she plans to do a one-year internship in Illinois. She said she'll figure things out from there.