Getting to Know: Rachel

We’ve had some changes this spring and summer at Grand Avenue Veterinary Center.  While we said goodbye to some staff members, we have also welcomed new staff members. This week we will meet our new veterinary assistant, Rachel, a pre-veterinary student currently doing her undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota. Rachel has been a great addition to our team, so let’s get to know her better!

What make you decide to work at a veterinary clinic and why do you want to be a veterinarian?

I’ve always loved animals, and I’ve always known that I wanted to work in health care.  It seems like the perfect fit for me.

Tell us about your schooling.

I’m currently a senior at the University of Minnesota (go Gophers!) where I’m majoring in biology. I’ll graduate next spring.  I’m originally from a small town in North Dakota.

Do you have an area of special interest in veterinary medicine?

Not particularly, yet. In my few months here, I’ve found that it’s really fun to work with new pet owners. There’s a lot to learn in a short amount of time!  It’s fun to work with these animals and owners because you’re generally seeing them many times over a few months, so you get to watch that relationship AND the actual puppy or kitten grow. 

Tell us about your pets.

As a student, I’m unable to have any pets. As much as I want one, I think it makes me look forward to going to work that much more. My “job” doesn’t really seem like work to me!

Tell us about your history with Grand Avenue Veterinary Center.

I shadowed the doctors here last fall, and then started training with Shalini as an assistant in February when a position opened up. I officially began working in March.

What was your favorite food when you were a child?

I had to ask my mom about this one; I guess I really liked salty things, like ham and pickles. Which is strange, because I don’t really like pork anymore, but pickles are still awesome.

What is your favorite indoor or outdoor activity?

Outdoor:  I love swimming, growing veggies in my garden, biking, running, wake boarding, reading, eating…  I think the list could go on forever. I love being outdoors.
Indoor:  I like to cook when I have the time, but if I’m being honest, that’s not very often.  Most of my time spent indoors involves class, studying, working, or sleeping.

What is your favorite form of exercise?

I run. I recently finished my first (and last) half marathon. I also loved playing volleyball in high school, and was lucky enough to get to play in a sand volleyball league with my friends last summer. It was a blast!

What do you miss most about being a kid? What do you like best about being a grown-up?

I miss summers on the farm; my siblings and I used to spend all day outside playing with all our animals. As an adult, I love being on my own schedule, learning new things in school and at work, and just learning how to be better human being.
What are you reading now?

I’m re-reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck. It’s my favorite book.