Work-Life Balance

Sydney Reeves

Work-Life Balance

Western Kentucky University senior prepares for life after college while managing the stress of final exams.

Sage McBride is a pre-veterinary Animal Science major in her final semester at Western Kentucky University. Leading up to finals, Sage said she, "felt like time was passing me by" and she feared she would regret not seeing her friends more. She began trying to reach out to several friends to schedule time together but realized that with everyone preparing for finals and most working jobs, that finding time was next to impossible.

Sage McBride studies for her Animal Growth final exam 4/28/2025.

As a pre-veterinary student, Sage was encouraged by advisors throughout her academic career to accrue as many clinic hours as possible to increase her odds of getting into vet school. Sage has worked an average of 20 hours per week throughout her undergraduate experience; while she did get into vet school she feels she missed out on the social aspect of college because of this. She works at All Creatures Animal Hospital in Bowling Green where she takes appointments, supervises animal care, and assists veterinarians in surgery.

Sage McBride and coworker Chyanne give a patient a "butt bath" as she had recently urinated on herself.

Sage McBride and coworker Heath trim the nails of a cat who's claw had punctured her pawpad 5/2/2025.

Sage McBride studies while enjoying her cookie-cake and free popcorn in the Helm Library at WKU 5/6/2025.

In reference to what keeps her going through the long study hours required for her classes, Sage says that, "I couldn't do this without indulging every once in a while. Its self-care".

On Tuesday 5/6/2025 Sage bought a cookie-cake for herself to eat while she studied for her finals. This relatively inexpensive treat provided some sense of comfort during long hours in the Commons study rooms. WKU also provided free bags of popcorn to students, which Sage took advantage of.

Enchanted To Meet You: Adopt Don't Shop

In an attempt to make her final semester more fun, Sage decided to take an honors colloquium class that centered around the leadership strategies of Taylor Swift. A lifelong Swiftie and Mahurin Honors College scholar, Sage was thrilled to see this class offering and thought it would be a an easy and fun way to close out her senior year. For their final project the students were tasked with creating a business that combines what they have learned in class with their chosen major. Sage, being a pre-veterinary major, created a business that promotes adoption on the big screens at the Taylor Swift: Eras Tour.

Sage McBride presents her final project, Enchanted to meet you, in Honors 300 - Fearless leadership: unleashing creativity and innovation through taylor swift's influence 4/22/2025

Sage also finds comfort during stressful times by turning to her faith. One of few constants in her life, Sage says she would not be who she is today without it.

After graduation, Sage will be traveling to London for one week to visit her long distance boyfriend, Wes. She will be leaving a carry-on suitcase in his home so that he may bring it to her in August, when Sage makes the move from Bowling Green, KY, USA, to Dublin, Ireland.

Prints of Sage McBride and boyfriend Wes hang above Sage's desk in her apartment.

Calendar hanging in the bedroom of Sage McBride containing details of important upcoming events in Sage's life.

All of Sage's hard work has finally paid off - she will begin earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in the Fall of 2025 through the University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine as the graduating class of 2029.