In my interview at Bristol vet school I was asked (not for the first time) if I thought the arts were worth more than the sciences, or vice versa.
I’m the only vet student I know to have taken English as my third A-level, so, though I’m sure there are others, I feel like an academic minority.
I’m quite lucky, actually. Only a few years ago, it was mandatory to choose between maths or physics to study alongside the obligatory biology and chemistry if you wanted to get into vet school. For me personally, this would have been an impossible task and I would not be where I am today if I’d been forced to meet these criteria. These subjects were always difficult for me and I think three sciences might have overwhelmed me.
Escape from planet science
When the equations and chemical formulae all started to blend together, my English lessons became almost an escape into a different realm. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy my other classes, but the different styles in learning and exam technique acted like a breath of fresh air.
When my interviewer asked me which set of subjects I felt more important I imagine it was half because this change in A-level requirements had only recently been implemented, but also to do with the reality that English and maths – the arts and the sciences – never really mix.
Back at school, I was the only person in my chemistry class taking English, and the only person in my English class taking chemistry.
Fact or fiction?
It seems most people lean heavily towards either bent. For me, the sciences have always been something that intrigued and excited me, but never came to me naturally. English, on the other hand, despite having no immediately obvious connection to my chosen career path, was a completely different story. I’m thankful I was able to further my studies in both and pursue an array of passions, despite their academic weight.
I don’t think any subject should be undervalued or considered “easy” because everybody’s strengths and weaknesses lie in different areas.
I’m thrilled today to channel my literary creativity and veterinary life into the singular locus that is this blog – it also goes to show the English A-level wasn’t entirely in vain. In fact, I’m not sure it was in vain at all. English isn’t simply about reading and writing, the fundamentals of both skills is communication – an invaluable commodity for any professional.
Be more
One of my favourite quotes, frequently attributed to Albert Einstein, is: “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live it’s whole life believing that is stupid.”
I think it’s important for every person to branch out and diversify in life and research. I’ve written before how, in practice, clients are much happier to be met with a well-rounded, relatable individual rather than a walking fact file.
The more you know and expand your studies, no matter the direction, can’t help but make you more prepared and qualified to take on any vocation that calls you.
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