From Paleontologist to Veterinarian: One Graduate’s Journey   Although he couldn’t quite put his finger on it at the time, Dr. Konstantine Barsky knew “something had changed” inside of him when he graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in New York City on June 6th.   Dr. Barsky decided to consider Ross University because he didn’t think that his grades would be considered satisfactory at most U.S. veterinary schools. And even after he was accepted to Ross he still wanted to keep his options open, so he applied to a few state-side schools “just in case.” When he got to the St. Kitts campus, however, Dr. Barsky knew that he had made the right choice.   “After being in St. Kitts for three or four days I had already made up my mind that even if I got in to any of those schools I was going to stay at Ross,” he said.   “My overall experience at Ross was wonderful,” he continued. “I definitely feel like I was prepared for clinics in the states. I wasn’t at any disadvantage being a Ross student. I actually think that it helped me a lot.”   According to Dr. Barsky, being able to get involved in the St. Kitts community also had a big impact. “They have tons of challenges there in terms of animal husbandry and just being mindful of how you approach different situations when you’re in an environment that is so different from what you’re used to. It was a great learning experience.”   Dr. Barsky’s decision to become a veterinarian actually emerged from his childhood dream to be a paleontologist.   “When I was a young kid I wanted to be a paleontologist and I guess that dream kind of transferred over into something I could actually do with my life. I had been exposed to the medical field through my family and from working in human clinics as a kid. And it just came to me at one point that this might be something I would be interested in doing. Even though it’s one of the most difficult professions to get into and succeed in, I feel like for me it was the easiest choice just because it seemed so natural— like this is what I was meant to do.”   Dr. Barsky noted that the most exciting part about the graduation for him was being able to see his classmates again.   “I’m from New York City, so I could show people around and things like that. Some of my friends actually stayed around for quite some time. It was nice to get to spend a little more time with them. We know we’re not going to be able to see everyone at once like that for a number of years.”   Dr. Barsky’s immediate plans for the future include working at a mixed animal practice in upstate NY.   “I would like to work in a more urban environment but I haven’t found exactly what I want there yet. And at the same time, I’ve always wanted to practice mixed animal medicine and there isn’t as much of a demand for that in the city. I think one day I’ll go back to the city and do more shelter work and things like that, but for now I’m looking forward to the opportunities at hand.”