Leesburg, VA (USA)

For the fourth year in a row, Mollie has been fortunate to be able to spend quality time with horses at the Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, a world class facility operated by Virginia Tech. Previously, she’d done “Shadow Days”, about six hours with with a Vet, but the Internship she earned this summer offered her a chance to spend 12 full days (9-5) with various specialists (Vets, nurses, residents, pharmacists, lab technicians, etc.). The opportunity turned out to be a full immersion in the field of Veterinary Medicine! She made new friends and networked with people who offered support and encouragement during her search for a college major and career path. Her colleagues introduced her to what “real life” as an adult looked like.  I noticed that she even got into a “work” rhythm over the last three weeks. Today was her last “shift”.  This morning, I drove to pick up Mollie one last time (my Day 7/7) and we departed for Leesburg (via VA-7) at 0635.  We picked up breakfast at Chick-Fil-A (0730) and then went to JiffyLube so I could get my top-off service (0800).  After that, we walked a little bit near the Equine Medical Center (looking for groundhogs) and then I dropped Mollie off for her last day (0845).  I drove to the Rust Library to telework.  Took a short break so I could visit the Leesburg Post Office (0930).  For the rest of the day, I teleworked at the library.  I picked Mollie up at 1700 and we drove home (via US-15, I-66 and Fairfax County Parkway).  On the way, we talked about driving skills, the SAT and her first day/week of school. Mollie also told me several stories about observing surgeries, mucking out stalls, helping to fill prescriptions and examining blood-work.  We were back at Nicky's by 1815 and I said goodbye to Mollie there.