Student of the Month

Veterinary Assistant Tenille Ewing

Tenille Ewing lives in Lake George, Colorado, where she will be working on a dude ranch for the summer. Tenille has always had a love for animals and wanted a career that would bring her closer to them. She knew becoming a veterinary assistant would be a great step in the right direction to her goal of working with animals.

Was being a veterinary assistant your first career choice? If not, what was it?

Yes, working as a veterinary assistant was my first career choice. Before I decided to go to school for it, the jobs I worked were just that–jobs. What they say is true. There is a huge difference between a job and a career!

What was/is the biggest challenge you faced during your externship and how did you overcome it?

During my externship, I lost a couple of my pets due to age and cancer complications. Every time a client came in and the situation led to euthanasia or other loss, I truly felt what they were going through. It was hard, but you have to be strong and professional for the client.

What has been your most rewarding moment during your externship?

The most rewarding part of the externship was getting to see the healing process of these animals week after week. It is the reason so many of us chose the veterinary field. To see that in action is truly rewarding.

How did you hear about the Veterinary Assistant Program and what convinced you to become certified?

I researched different schools online that would fit into my busy schedule of a full-time job. Animal Behavior College was not only convenient, but very affordable as well!

What skills do you want to master during the next 12 months?

I really want to learn more about large animal care, such as horses. That is where my heart truly lies.

If you could work with any exotic animal, what would it be and why?

I would probably like to work with wolves. It would be such interesting experiences to get to work with them. Wolves are quite social and very intelligent animals.