Part-Time and Online Student
Tell us about your background.
I originally started as a kennel assistant when I was 16 in high school, and this year is my 12th year working in veterinary medicine. I received my veterinary certificate in 2015, and then earned my Associate’s in Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Napa Valley College. I graduated in 2021 with my Bachelors in Animal Science from UC Davis where I specialized in companion/captive species and minored in Medical-Veterinary Entomology. I currently work at UC Davis as an Instructional Support Facilitator and Animal Health Technician II, it’s a mouthful, but I basically just support didactic instruction for our School of Veterinary Medicine. I absolutely love working here with my team and enjoy our students and the menagerie of creatures we get to experience!
How did you become interested in the Master of Veterinary Science degree program?
I was looking for a graduate-level program that was something I was truly passionate about. I didn’t feel like general animal science or microbiology were the right fit, and I really wanted to focus on veterinary sciences and challenge myself with a subject I love studying. It turns out options for programs are limited- especially for someone who works as much as I do! I spoke with a counselor (Clarissa) on the phone after looking at other colleges and knew immediately it was the right fit! I felt right at home.
What sets the MVS degree/program apart from other programs you’ve either participated in or considered?
I love that I am able to focus on livestock and herd health, since that is something I have less formal education on. It has helped with shifting my focus from that ‘individual patient’ mindset to herds as their own living breathing entity.
Tell us about a course in the program that impacted you? How was the content useful?
I have been able to expand my skills with biosecurity through learning how to formally create protocols. I love Dr. Lowe and Dr. Blairs textbooks and that they don’t try to overcomplicate things or make ideas harder than they need to be. Occam’s Razor is something Lowe mentions, and that has stuck with me! Specifically, the two biosecurity courses (VCM560/561) have been really useful to me.
The MVS degree helps students “discover what’s next” in their career? What’s next for you?
I am pursuing my DVM next! I was just accepted into veterinary school, although I have not yet decided where I will be going yet. I am so excited to be moving on to this next chapter in my life and continue my path of lifelong learning. I believe working on my MVS made me a more competitive candidate and helped to better prepare me for veterinary school.
What is one thing about the program you would say to someone considering this degree?
Two words: DO IT! I have really enjoyed the instructors, counselors, and curriculum in this course! I feel connected despite being all the way in California and have even made some friends! The instructors understand and respect that most of the students work full-time and have very realistic expectations. I am so happy that I have had this opportunity, and it has been very manageable for me with my job.