Getting to Know Victoria!

July 14, 2021
We’re taking this month to get you caught up on all of our wonderful new staff! This week we’re introducing Victoria, one of our excellent Veterinary Assistants!
What made you decide to work in this field?
I’ve always loved medicine and animals combined, so going into this field wasn’t a big surprise for me or anyone who knows me. Working at a doggy daycare for over 3 years definitely helped in my decision, especially when it came to going back to school.
Where did you go to school?
I graduated from Apple Valley High School in 2016 and I am currently attending Dakota County Technical College to pursue the Veterinary Technician program!
Do you have an area of special interest in veterinary medicine?
I don’t have a specific area of interest in veterinary medicine because I am so new to the field, but I’ve always been fascinated with pathology, the science of the causes and effects of diseases. I love understanding why a patient would get sick in a certain way based on the virus or bacteria in their body, its fascinating to me and gives me a reason for the symptoms happening.
Tell us about your pets.
I currently have one cat, a 2 year old Bengal, named Jaeger. He is rambunctious and curious. He is sweet and cuddly, on his terms though and when it is deemed necessary. Running is one of his favorite activities, along with climbing. We like to go on adventures out in the yard, on leash, where he likes to stalk the birds and the squirrels, occasionally he will try and catch them, to little avail… yet.
Tell us about your history with Grand Avenue Veterinary Center.
I am a new Vet Assistant at GAVC and am so excited to be here! I began in early April and this is my first job in a clinic setting so I have much to learn. Everyday is a chance for me to grow in this field, especially since I am a student. I love how helpful everyone is and how much experience I am getting. I have enjoyed my time here immensely!
What is one of your favorite quotes?
Albert Einstein said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
This quote helps me keep positive and uplifted whenever I’m being too hard on myself. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. This thought process helps me stay focused on the things I do excel at and staying positive about those things. It helps me focus on how I can improve on the things I struggle with, understanding that I excel at what I excel at and should be proud of any progress made. I am a genius in my own way and I am proud of how far I’ve come.
What is the first thing you bought with your own money?
One of the first things that I bought with my money was a Nintendo Wii when I was about 13 or 14. I had saved up enough birthday/chore/Christmas money that I could not wait to buy one. It has inspired me to buy my other consoles and eventually my own computer as the gamer I am. It also inspired my will and ability to save money and be patient for the things I want to buy and when it is appropriate to buy them.
If you could learn anything, what would it be?
I really desire to learn more languages and explore the different cultures behind those languages. If I could learn ASL that would be so versatile and helpful in so many situations. That is definitely on my to-do list for the future.
What is your favorite form of exercise?
I would say that either climbing, running, or swimming are my favorites. I’ve always been a decent climber but a great swimmer! Try getting me out of the water, you’ll be there for a while. I’m probably part fish, who knows?
What sound do you love?
The sound of rain or any body of water. I find it so relaxing. It is so peaceful to hear water slapping against a dock or rolling up on the shore gently and receding back into the body of water. Hearing raindrops hit any surface of a body of water is one of my favorite sounds. Rain in general has been a happy noise for me, occasionally one can catch me dancing in it.