As long as I can remember, I always remembered how much I wanted to pursue a career in the animal field. After high school I took a different path and soon realized it wasn’t what I wanted to do. That’s when I decided to join Stellar Career College’s Veterinary Assistant Program. Ever since I started I have learned so much from my instructor and peers’. As part of the program I was able to experience hands-on training at Standiford Veterinary Clinic in Modesto. While doing my hands-on training I was able to learn so much in a short amount of time. Everyone at the clinic was so nice and was always open to help me or answer any questions I had. I was able to learn about different departments in the clinic like outpatient, the emergency room, intensive care unit and surgery. While working in these departments I was able to learn how to properly give pets their vaccines and learned how to properly give a pet a physical examination. I was also able to learn about all the different drugs used in the veterinary field and the different surgery techniques veterinarians’ use. While working in the surgery department I was able to see many procedures done and would take vitals for the patients and would also be able to see dental procedures done which I thought was really cool to watch. I was also able to care for patients while they recovered from anesthesia. One of the things I was actually surprised by was that they run their own blood tests in there laboratory, so I was able to collect and prepare veterinary samples and conduct laboratory tests like PCV, TP and CBC which thankfully I had knowledge on due to my instructor, Mrs. Reed. My personal favorite was the emergency room, I loved how fast paced it was and all different cases that would come in. One of the hardest parts of working in the animal field I have to say is Euthanasia. On my first day I saw how a patient was euthanized and the pain it brought to the family. Although it was hard I know it was the best for their pet. Besides the sad parts of the job I really enjoyed my time being there and everyone would always tell me how great I was doing, that they even offered me a position to stay after my hours were done in my favorite department, the emergency room. I am very thankful for the experience I was able to receive and all the new people I met throughout it. As I work I plan on continuing to pursue school and get my RVT License so I am able to have more knowledge of the field. Overall it was a great experience and I am excited for what is to come for me.