How did you arrive at your current position? What path brought you here?
I had held a few jobs working in retail pet stores, and loved working around and with animals. I wanted to do more of this type of work, so I investigated veterinary jobs and stumbled onto Harmony’s listings. The hospital was interviewing for entry-level veterinary assistant positions at the time, and I thought I would be good—and qualified—for the role. I applied and got the position, and began working in July of 2012. I started as a veterinary assistant but as of last year, I was promoted to lead assistant. I now have a leadership role in training, supervising and scheduling. I have grown with my role and the company since I started.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
Helping animals – this is the most important aspect of my role. Even when I have a very stressful day, I know that I’ve been able to make a difference in some animals’ lives.
What excites you most about your work and the contribution you can make?
The veterinary assistant position is important and vital to the hospital, and I feel like I contribute a lot of the behind-the-scenes support such as cleaning instruments, feeding animals, etc. Without veterinary assistants, the hospital would be quite chaotic. I always work hard and feel very accomplished at the end of the day. My position is important to me, I take care of the animals and help make the hospital run more smoothly. I don’t feel like I go to work and my job doesn’t mean anything. Everything I do contributes to the operation of the hospital.
Where did you grow up and why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in Sumter, SC and moved to Durham when I was 11. A few years later my family moved to Puerto Rico for my dad’s job. After graduating from high school in Puerto Rico, I came back to NC to study and attended Catawba College. I studied Psychology and use it every day in my job. There’s just no reasoning with some of these animals! LOL.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
I love my family and spend time with them on regular basis. It’s important for me to spend time with them and I am fortunate that they all live close by or within a few hours’ drive.
What is one of your grand, audacious goals for this life?
I just want to feel successful and accomplished in whatever role that I take on, whether in my current position, as a future wife (I’m engaged to be married in August) or in building my future family.