For as long as I can remember, becoming a veterinarian has been my unwavering aspiration. Growing up surrounded by a diverse collection of rescued animals – from the scaly charm of reptiles like geckos, tortoises, and snakes, to the furry companionship of dogs, cats, and horses – instilled in me a profound desire to advocate for and nurture animals. This lifelong passion has driven me to seek out every possible learning experience in animal care.
The global pandemic and its subsequent isolation presented unprecedented obstacles to education. The collaborative spirit of teamwork with fellow students and professors, particularly within Cal Poly’s hands-on enterprise programs, was deeply missed. These immersive, in-person engagements are precisely what drew me to Cal Poly, offering unique and impactful learning environments. The return to these real-world learning experiences has been incredibly revitalizing, reminding me of the invaluable opportunities for practical growth available right here.
Recently, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to merge my passion for animals with practical application through the Cal Poly Veterinary Community Service Enterprise. As part of a dedicated team of approximately 15 students, we organize and operate veterinary care clinics for individuals in the San Luis Obispo community facing houselessness or low-income situations. These clinics provide a crucial service, offering a range of essential animal care including flea and tick prevention, vital vaccinations, deworming treatments, heartworm testing and preventative medication, and even sedation procedures when necessary. This experience exemplifies what it means to find a meaningful “Learning Experience Near Me” that directly benefits both my professional development and the local community.
Our commitment to providing accessible veterinary care begins every Friday with meticulous inventory checks of our field supplies. We ensure we are well-stocked with vaccines and preventative medicines, ready for the clinic day. Saturdays are when our efforts truly come to life. The team divides into specialized groups, each focusing on a key aspect of patient care. Some students work directly at the exam tables, interacting with the animals, while others prepare essential supplies tailored to each patient’s needs. Another group takes on the vital role of client check-in, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for both owners and their beloved pets. Throughout this process, we have the invaluable guidance of Dr. Jennifer Staniec, a licensed veterinarian and our course instructor, whose expertise enriches our learning at every step.
For me, this community enterprise has been the embodiment of an ideal “Learn by Doing” experience. It continuously hones my technical veterinary skills and enhances my communication abilities, both crucial for my future career. A particularly rewarding aspect of the clinic is educating clients on proper animal care procedures, empowering them to better care for their companions. The deep bonds our clients share with their pets are evident, highlighting the profound and precious nature of the human-animal connection. Witnessing this firsthand reinforces the importance of accessible veterinary care within our community.
Connecting with community members and gaining insight into the challenges they face in accessing quality animal care has been incredibly impactful. The gratitude expressed by our clients is truly heartwarming and reinforces the value of this “learning experience near me”. I recall my first clinic where I met Jorge and his chihuahua, Olivia. His appreciation for our care was so immense that he warmly invited our team to his restaurant, treating us to appetizers and heartfelt hugs! This interaction perfectly illustrates the reciprocal benefits of community-based learning.
Beyond Cal Poly’s enriching environment, I’ve actively sought out diverse “learning experiences near me” within the veterinary field. During summer breaks and vacations, I’ve gained valuable experience at Bressi Ranch Pet Hospital, a contemporary veterinary clinic in Carlsbad, California. Working here provided an inside look at the daily operations of a companion animal hospital, assisting with examinations, advanced laser therapy treatments, and dental procedures. Collaborating closely with experienced small animal veterinarians has fostered a deep respect for their diagnostic acumen and intuitive understanding of animal behavior. Crucially, they’ve also mentored me on the vital “human side” of companion animal care, emphasizing the importance of empathy and communication in this profession.
Expanding my horizons further, two years ago I embarked on a month-long volunteer experience at a cheetah sanctuary in Paarl, South Africa. Immersed in the care of these magnificent big cats, I gained unique insights into how veterinarians design specialized medical plans for cheetahs with specific needs or illnesses, meticulously considering their dietary, physical, and social requirements. The profound connection between these powerful animals and their dedicated caretakers deepened my passion for veterinary medicine, showcasing the global reach of animal care learning experiences.
Experiences like these, coupled with the Cal Poly Veterinary Community Service Enterprise, are instrumental in propelling me towards my aspiration of advocating for animals on a larger scale. This journey of continuous learning, particularly through “learning experiences near me” and further afield, is preparing me for the next significant step: the Cal Poly/University of Glasgow Feepass Veterinary School program, which I am eagerly anticipating in 2022. These hands-on, community-focused, and globally aware learning opportunities are shaping me into the compassionate and skilled veterinarian I strive to become.
