How to start preparing for being a veterinarian

Question
Hi my name Alexz and I would like to ask, what can I do to start preparing for being a veterinarian? (age 10)  

Answer
Hi Alexandria!  The vet profession is very rewarding and a wonderful profession to belong to.  At your age, where you are showing an obvious love for our furry friends, you may be able to volunteer at your local animal shelter by providing play-time with the animals there.  As you grow older, your responsibilities will grow.  This is the perfect place to start.  You can also begin by pet sitting neighbors' pets and even by just taking a neighbor dog for regular walks.  Anything to become more familiar with animals and have some hands on experience with their personalities and care.
Upon graduating from high school, you may want to get a job as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic.  This will help you see how things are run, the types of situations you will be encountering, dealing with pet owners and working with others in the veterinary field.  If you feel as though you could further this and actually deal with the animals...surgery, taking blood, testing blood, testing urine and feces, and performing x-rays, your next step would be to become a certified veterinary technician through schooling.  At this point you will be discovering animal care at length, understanding diagnostic procedures, ect.  Now that you would have a taste for being in charge of all of these things, you can decide to further your education by going to veterinary school to become a licensed veterinarian.  These would be the steps that you would need to reach your goal.  Take it slow by starting off doing the little things and slowly enter the veterinary world.  There are many ups and downs in this field and it is not easy.  With determination and a caring heart, I am sure you will reach your goal!
If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!
Hilary