Best Bake Sale EVER

In lieu of another missed student spotlight (I am the worst class blog updater ever), here are some photos of the most successful bake sale ever! We will be having another jerk pork sale, possibly two, next semester!

This is where the magic happens:

All the thanks go to everybody who helped out, especially those that donated baked goods, salads and their Thursday mornings!

Semester Black Update

In lieu of a spotlight this week, we wanted to take care of a few announcements and let everybody know the fund raising and semester Olympics plan as we move forward.

First, "Selection Sunday" is this week and with it comes the Madness of March. For the NCAA tournament we will be hosting a Bracket Pick 'em Challenge for the campus and for anybody else who wants to send in their entries. First prize is $300EC and entry fee is $20EC, see the flier below:

Second, just wanted to say thanks again to everyone that helped out with our more recent Jerk Pork bake sale. As we said, it went extremely well and it couldn't have happened without all of your food contributions and especially those that gave up time to help serve. 

We will be hosting one more event, in addition to the Bracket Challenge, which will be on April 2nd and be the last big event before finals. It is going to essentially be a beach event centered around a Corn Hole tournament, with specials on food and local beverages. If you have any ideas to help make it better we would love to hear about it.

Finally, its time to start thinking about Semester Olympics in May. We had an extremely strong showing in terms of attendance and participation in all events, most events we had the most attend of any semester. This time we want to build on that and hopefully have plenty of athletic success to go along with it. Last semester we ended up in 4th place overall after a couple disappointing last second losses in Ultimate Frisbee and Flag Football. Since first place earns $1000US for the semester, we have vowed to be a little more organized in how the teams operate. Each event will be assigned a team captain and they will be responsible for organizing the team to give us the best chance to win. The events are going to be Ultimate, Football, Soccer, and Volleyball so email Brandon (bprince@rossvet.edu.kn) if you want to volunteer. This time we will have "winning" teams with Tiger Blood and Adonis DNA.


Also, we are going to be taking care of shirts earlier to avoid that fiasco again. Ordering will take place over the next couple weeks, shirts are $40EC again, and we have the design ready to go:

So we'll finish it off with a photo compilation from last semester's events generously provided by Jackie!

Student Spotlight Wednesday: Better Know a Ross Student

We're back! Too much studying and bake sales to take away from our weekly Wednesday article. To the column!

This is the twelfth weekly installment of our 138 part series, "Better Know a Ross Student". Every week on Wednesday we will be introducing another member of our fantastic class.

This week: Brendan!

Where are you from?

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (FYI, Pittsburgh was recently named America's Most Livable City, so boo-yah)

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I'm not sure I can verify that claim, are you sure you didn't read that in the Onion? Lets get the regular questions out of the way: How did you end up at Ross?
My Boss and another Vet at my old clinic both are Ross Grads and really sold me on this place. They both are incredible Vets, so I was excited when I got accepted because I knew I was going to get a great education.

What do you like most about the veterinary profession?

Most people have such a strong bond with their pets and often treat the animals like they are members of the family. To me, it would be pretty gratifying as a Vet to help heal these animals when they are sick so that they can continue to enhance the life of their owners.

Favorite thing about St. Kitts?
Not having to deal with snow at all. Western Pennsylvania usually gets dumped on pretty bad so I'm happy I don't have to shovel my truck out or shovel the sidewalk. Also, having round-a-bouts is the greatest thing ever. I'm going to write a letter to the mayor of Pittsburgh to see if he can just remove all traffic lights and put round-a-bouts in.

If you like the ones here, wait till you visit "The Magic Roundabout". I was so excited, I peed a little when I drove through it. Least Favorite?
Cost of living sucks here, potholes everywhere, scary-ass hospital, the smell of formalin, Brian Krisko

Does Brian always look at you that way? I can see where you are coming from. What do you miss most about home?
My family means a lot to me so its tough being away from them. Besides missing them, I really miss my truck. It sucks going from a Dodge pickup to a 95 Toyota Corolla (even though I got the Sweetest rims on the island)

I just have to ask a Pittsburghian, how orgasmic is a Primanti Bros sandwich?
Words cannot do this sandwich justice, but I'll try. If you like big, sloppy, greasy sandwiches, then this is the food for you. You can get meats like capicola and steak which are placed between two fresh made slices of italian bread and topped with tomato, cheese and....wait for it....fresh cut french fires and coleslaw. You can also add a fried egg to it, which only makes the sandwich that more awesome. When I die, there better be a Primanti's in heaven. Or in hell, I really can't tell which way I'm headin.

It looks like this sandwich will help you get there sooner, wherever it is. Also, I want one. Or three. What is your biggest personality flaw besides clogged arteries?
I'd say my maturity level isn't where it should be, especially since I'm in medical school now. I'm hoping one day that I'll just wake up and start sounding more professional and not laugh at fart jokes like some high schooler. Probably not going to happen though.

So which Office character are you most like?(since you are from PA)
Probably Dwight, because I can describe myself in three words: Hard working, Alpha Male, Jackhammer. 

I had you pinned as the Nard Dog, but I suppose I'll buy it, you would make an excellent Assistant (to the) Regional Manager. What is the worst job you ever had?
Worst job I ever had was when I was 16 and worked as a caddy for a private country club. Usually I had to carry two, fully equipped golf bags for 18 holes in the hot summer sun. The pay was terrible and the golfers barely tipped. I had to fight the urge to throw their bags in the lake at times.

So that's where you got those guns and your farmers tan, I wouldn't call it a total waste. If you could be any animal what would you be and why? Would you be a black bear?
Without a doubt, a Velociraptor. Greatest animal of all time and I'm fairly certain they live here on this island up in the rainforests, which excites me. I have a terribly, unhealthy obsession with Jurassic Park.

I'm just saying that we can't prove that they aren't there, hence why you do not find doors like the one above on this island. Also it explains the security bars on everyones windows, why else would you need them? Who did you idolize while growing up and why?
Like every white trash child growing up, I loved Hulk Hogan. He was more American than apple pie and always preached good morals to kids. Plus, I was the coolest kid at school because I had him on my lunch box.

Any excuse to put the Hulkster back up here. Favorite activity you did over Christmas break?
I was able to spend New Years Eve/Day in Erie, Pennsylvania where my undergrad, Mercyhurst, is located with a bunch of my friends who I haven't seen since graduation. Did a lot of catching-up and had a couple of drinks. Good times.

If you were starting a band who would be in it and what would be your band name?

On lead vocals: Me, just because I can't play any instruments and I can hit those Mariah Carey-like high notes 

Lead guitar: Dr. St. Jean ( that way we could get a lot of girls to come see us play)

Drums: Animal from the Muppets (that furry lil guy could play a mean drum)

Electric Clarinet: Kenny G (just kidding....but seriously)

The name of our band would be "Gubernaculum"

That needs to happen. What is another guilty pleasure you can't live without(besides the euro-mullet)?
This is going to sound strange, but I cannot live without milk. Back home, I can go through up to 3 gallons a week. Down here, its the greatest day ever when I can find milk that isn't about to expire the next day. I should probably become a Bovine practitioner and just have my clients pay me in milk.

Cosign that idea. I would also make a trip once a month to a chicken farm so I could get some wings. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
Hopefully in 15 years I'll have a ton of clinical experience under my belt. I definitely want to move into academia in the future and teach some undergrad (or even graduate) level veterinary courses. I think Professor Cloonan has a nice ring to it, don't you? 

Well, once the Guy retires we will need someone to take his place. Play your cards right, get the right hairstyle, and you will be set! Thanks for taking the time today Brendan.

Just as a reminder to everyone, our last "bakesale" is tomorrow so be sure and leave your lunch box at home and come support us by Shak Shak.

T-Shirt Sale Design Preview

For all the St. Kitts shoppers, get your money in by this Friday.

See these designs plus many more available 24 hours at our class store!

 

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Student Spotlight Wednesday: Better Know a Ross Student

This is the first of 2011 and tenth weekly installment of our 149 138 part series, "Better Know a Ross Student". Every week on Wednesday we will be introducing another member of our fantastic class.

This week: Jess!

Where are you from?
Vandalia, OH.. It's a small suburb of the DYT!

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Also home to the Wright-Patterson AF Base. Everyone should check out their air show at least once in their lifetime, it is the best. 

How did you end up at Ross?
I really liked the accelerated program.. I'm not getting any younger here :P

What do you like most about the veterinary profession?
I love the many job opportunities that will be available when I graduate! So many people are having trouble finding jobs with their degrees.. It gives me peace of mind knowing I will find a job doing what I'm passionate about, and be able to pay my student loans all at the same time  =)

Favorite thing about St. Kitts?
Watching the sun rise every morning while taking out my island pup, Nokie <3 

Least Favorite?
I really miss my pup at home, Emma =( 

Emma would not be happy with you cheating on her. What else do you miss most about home?
Being able to laugh with my family... I really miss being able to relax and enjoy their company

Give me your pick for the Superbowl including final score:
Honestly I don't really care.. but hopefully the score is close b/c it makes it way more exciting!

Sorry, we have a no fence sitting policy here. Let me simplify this for you. Which is a better product: Steel or Cheese?
Cheese, duh! It's a main component of my diet! You can eat it on anything!!

BOOM! Take that Pittsburgh fans! Jess says cheese is superior to your steel. While we are talking about it, what is the best Superbowl snack food?
Food is all I care about on Superbowl sundays!!(shocker) My favorite is taco dip!! mmm mmm! 

What is your biggest personality flaw? Is it not caring about our nations greatest sport?
I get REALLY easily distracted.... [its taking me forever to finish these questions] I know it's annoying to friends and especially my boyfriend when we are out somewhere and I can't help but not pay attention...oops! 

I'm sorry, what were we talking about? I can't remember. Next question. What is the worst job you ever had?
Working for my grandma at her horse farm (although I really miss seeing the horses everyday).. Family drama only escalates when you have to work with each other! 

Plus Grandmas are notorious taskmasters. Especially if they own horse farms. Who did you idolize while growing up and why?
My dad (awww) I've always been a daddy's girl =)  He is the most selfless person I've ever known, he always worked long hours at a crappy job to make sure my brother and I  had everything we needed =)

 Sounds like a better choice than Horse Farm Grandma. What's your idea of a perfect man?
It's pretty simple.. make me laugh, have a positive outlook on life, don't lie, don't talk down to me and don't cheat me =) Other than that I don't mind imperfections b/c I have tons of them! 

That is by far the most rational answer so far, better than Jackie's deaf-mute last week. Favorite activity you did over Christmas break?
Waking up with NO ALARM CLOCK!! Oh and eating tons of amazing food!!

I'm sure that answer will lead nicely into our next question: What is a guilty pleasure you cant live without?
PIZZA! I think I have a problem...basically every meal is somewhat based around or includes pizza in some way =)=)=) ( Last week I ate something pizza related 5 days out of 7.. ha ha)
 
I am not even going to take the bait and post a delicious pizza picture. Lets end it with this, where do you see yourself in 15 years?
I want to have a family by then..be working happily in a small town mixed animal practice, living out west (Montana or Colorado?) on a lot of land where I can have a couple horses, some fainting goats, a few ATVs, and where my pups and kids can run around anywhere they want =) 

Definitely Montana. That picture is exactly why Montana is so cool (featuring the official VIP of Almost Vets). Thanks for letting us get to know you more Jess!


Make sure and check out all the sweet t-shirts that are for sale on island, they are posted on the bulletin board nearest you!

Student Spotlight Wednesday: Better Know a Ross Student

This is the first of 2011 and ninth weekly installment of our 149 138 part series, "Better Know a Ross Student". Every week on Wednesday we will be introducing another member of our fantastic class. 

Be sure to check out the new designs in the Class Store after the interview!

This week: Jacqueline!
 

I assume you're the brunette on the right. Where are you from?

I was born in the small town of Port Chester, NY. Lived most of my childhood in Edgewood, MD and finally ended up in Miami, FL.

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I'll assume you are a fan of the weather here then. How did you end up at Ross? Did you not want to go to the Minnesota or Wisconsin schools during the winter?

I always wanted to go to Ross for its accelerated program and told myself that if I did not get into vet school on my first try then they can eff off basically. Now here I am!

What do you like most about the veterinary profession?

Trying to figure out the diagnosis for a patient’s illness and playing with cuddly puppies and kittens OF COURSE!

Certainly the best part. What is your favorite thing about St. Kitts?

Its beauty! If you are an outdoor junkie, like myself, there is plenty to explore. Hiking, kayaking, sailing, beaching, and biking are just to name a few activities.

That is what keeps me coming back. Least Favorite?

There is not much I can say…. I know! Whenever there seems to be even a little downpour there is massive flood and mud slides all over the roads. Driving a minibus with holes and cracks near the floor (which is still kickass no matter what anybody says- you know who you are) you can get a nice refreshing splash here and there.

I hope everyone out there can appreciate this "vehicle". What do you miss most about home? Having floorboards in your car?

Nicaraguan food!!!! I miss going to La Fritanga and getting Cacao! If you haven’t tried Nicaraguan food you are missing out. My preference is not biased in any way because I’m Nica I promise. I also miss my babies Girlie, Curious George and Pinta. :’(

I love me some salty cheese and plantains. Being from Miami, is LeBron James a terrible person?

On the court… HELL NO BABY! Off the court I can care less as long as he is with the Miami Heat.

You must be one of those pre-LeDecision Heat fans. When was the last time you "took your talents to South Beach"?

Ha ha. All those nights are merely a blur now…. Long Islands will do that to ya!

I've never been down there but it looks like fun on TV. What is the best part about CSI: Miami? 
Nothing. Dexter is where it’s at!

"Well I guess you could say......(slowly puts on sunglasses).......you are really 'slain' by Dexter".....YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!
Florida oranges vs. California oranges. Discuss.

I know for a FACT that Floridian oranges are sweeter! California is full of hippies that probably use weed as fertilizer since there is so much being grown there. My theory is that it must interfere with the taste of their oranges… not that I would personally know how weed affects the taste of food.

Boom! Did you hear that Californians?! Take that for legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. What is the worst job you ever had?

My worst job was working for the slave driver known as Target. I was 16 and it was my first job. Child labor laws weren’t recognized by them back in 2003 I guess because I would go in around 4 pm and get out at 3 am on a regular basis. I would have to stay so late closing because the rude customers from Miami all have the urge to mess up everything and anything that looks neat. Studies have been done to prove this. Overall, I was getting too much crap for s****y pay.

Booooo, I like Target. Plus, child labor is what makes their prices so reasonable. Who did you idolize while growing up and why? 
Mother Theresa for her great contribution to humanity. I wish I could be as selfless as she was.

I bet that if Mother Theresa worked at Target, she wouldn't complain. Just going to throw that one back for you to think about before you go and slander the name of the greatest superstore on the planet. If you were a cruise ship tourist on a bus that was being robbed on Brimstone Hill, what would you do?

I would have handed over my Monopoly money that I always carry on hand. That would have definitely fooled them.

It bears a striking resemblance to the EC bills, good strategy. Also, I am sure Mother Theresa would approve of the crafty non-violence. What's your idea of a perfect man?

My perfect man is a mute who knows how to cook and clean up after himself. OH THAT’S RIGHT, I WENT THERE

Take that men! I bet she really had you roped in with that swimsuit picture above. Favorite activity you did over Christmas break?

I went to a shooting range over break and got to shoot at some zombie targets! I saved one of my target posters because there were multiple clean shots to the groin that I am very proud of. I hang my prize on my front door to deter criminal activity and Jehovah’s witnesses from coming over.

And also to deter your dates from trying to get frisky with you. I can't tell whether our male readers will be incredibly attracted or scared off. What is a guilty pleasure you cant live without?

Video games! What can I say; I am an Xbox 360 kind of girl….

And you have the guys again. Plus, I really couldn't have guessed that based on your zombie shooting hobby. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

I find myself working in private practice in small animal medicine. At this point I hope to co-own a clinic with a friend whom is a mixed animal practitioner. Location is to be determined but California, New York, and North Carolina look promising. I also see myself married with 2-4 children if I am to be so lucky.  No matter the age, I will always make time to go to concerts. My kids will be able to relate to the NOFX song- “What’s the matter with Parents…”

I think that would be a nice compromise between "nun" and "zombie hunter". Thanks go to Jackie for all her input this week!