The Literature

This week I discovered that “trusty old Google” may not be so trust worthy after all. Sure you can find the answer to almost anything you want to know, but it’s not exactly the best at giving you verified material. After several hours of trying to search for material on google and the Massey University website I felt as though I was drawing a blank and had possibly not picked the best topic to research. “Action must be taken to improve New Zealand’s immunization rates.” With the recent attention this topic has had in America over unvaccinated children in “high-class” areas I thought I would be able to find quite a bit of information on this topic. However none of it seemed to have any solid background in science.

I found that simply “google searching” and idea or phrase was not giving me great results, nor was scrolling through pages of unspecific material on the Massey University library site. The lack of results was becoming very disheartening until I luckily came across Google Scholar which gave me access to a wide variety of reports, experiments and research from appropriate sources. From here I began to find it fairly simple to find the information I needed and researching became a lot easier.

During the research process I also found that using references that I have found during researching was very helpful. I would read a report that had small amounts of the information I wanted but by using the references in these reports I was able to find a lot more of the material I wanted.

If I were to have found Google Scholar earlier I would have wasted a lot less time on trying to find information that was just not there. This experience has helped me to broaden the way I research and has taught me new ways to find information which will be a great tool in future reports and assignments throughout my degree.

Introduction

Hi everyone, my name is Nicole Durie; I am a 19 year old student and currently studying a Bachelor in Veterinary Technology. Ever since I was young I have wanted to work with animals, and growing up on a farm in the Waikato has kept my interest in this field strong. I have a passion for helping sick animals and guiding owners to make the best decisions for their pets and livestock. Originally I applied to Veterinary Science but wasn't accepted which lead me to now be studying Veterinary Technology, this course has high demands but I have found it to be very enjoyable. I am looking forward to completing my degree and starting work in a rural clinic somewhere close to home which will give me the opportunity to work with both production animals and peoples pets. 

This paper is compulsory for me; however I do intend to work hard to get a good grade. Communicating with clients will play an important role in my job as I will often have to deal with emotional or angry clients. I am also helping to gain skills that will help me to express my point of view and give customers all the information they need to make an informed decision about the health of their animals.

In terms of my communication skills I find it very hard to speak in front of groups of any size to present ideas. However I am a good listener and am able to take on board other people's ideas and opinions. I work well in a group and work hard to gain good grades in assignments.