I strongly support this petition.  As a first year student, and as veterinary students in general, we receive minimal amounts of hands on experience as we spend the majority of our time in class or studying.  Giving us the opportuinity to practice the skills and techniques we have learned in class would greatly benefit students.  Practicing skills throughout our first three years of veterinary school would make us feel much more comfortable going into fourth year rotations and upon graduation.  Not only would we feel more comfortable, but we would also be more competent and adept with various techniques and skills necessary to excel in a veterinary practice.  Obviously we would be under complete supervision by the practicing veterinarians and would never be allowed to do something beyond our current skill set.  With continuous practice throughout our school years, we will be much more competent veterinarians upon graduation, which will benefit our future clients when we are practicing.