A 16 year old has a million things on the horizon; college, tuition, acceptance rates, pathways, careers, and residency. It’s so much that sometimes they forget to breathe. There are plenty of ways to start down the journey in high school.
Junior Gillian Cota is starting her future career in Noblesville High School’s veterinarian technician program. It’s a class that gives them the ability to become certified with a chance for a job after graduation. All of this can be completed in two years. Cota said her journey in the program started with a purpose.
“Animals are so important and I want to be able to save people’s companions,” Cota said.
Cota’s passion for animals is what first inspired her to look into the program. In the class, she’ll be able to learn about animal anatomy, medications, and how to treat all kinds of pets.
“Once each year, we will take a veterinarian certification test to be able to work in clinics and possibly get paid,” Cota said.
NHS offers this opportunity as an internship and allows students like Cota to take the course mostly online.
“I heard about it by looking in the school schedule list and asked my counselor about it,” Cota said.
NHS counselor Craig Spinner knows a lot about the program and its depths. It is offered through the Pursuit Institute to all upperclassmen in Hamilton County.
“There are days when students can work online and then other days when students need to be in person,” Spinner said.
Spinner says the course works to ensure that students are matched up with pathways that will help students like Cota find their dream program.
“It can be a two year program to go all the way through. Students can also just do year one,” Spinner said.
This program draws in those who have a deep interest and passion for the veterinary field. Cota said she has always wanted a chance at a career like this.
“I want to be a vet because I have so much love for animals and I can’t think of a time where being a vet was out of the question,” Cota said.
Cota has hopes of being a veterinarian and being able to do what she loves every day.
“My [plan] for senior year is to get my certification and work in a couple of clinics to find what animals I most enjoy taking care of and going from there,” Cota said.
Junior Kenley Johnson is also enrolled in the program. Like Cota, she’s enjoying her time in the class.
”It’s very fun and interesting and there is a lot of information to go over and know,” Johnson said.
As a junior, Johnson has time to immerse herself in the excitement of the program before she gets some hands-on experience. She hopes to learn as much material as possible and grow as a vet student.
“[During] senior year, they offer the chance to go into rotations where you basically shadow or just help out in a veterinary office/clinic and I can’t wait for that,” Johnson said.
With an opportunity like this, with a decision of such large magnitude, it can seem daunting to apply for students with such a passion as described by Cota and Johnson. The excitement produced is what is highlighted. Cota and Johnson have found a passion. However, it can be painless and counselors such as Spinner can aid students throughout this process.
“Simply fill out the application when you meet with your counselor to schedule classes for the following year,” Spinner said.
The veterinarian technician students like Cota and Johnson have the chance to express their love for animals while also offering them an education and learning environment to do it during the school day.
“I want to help them when they are sick or dying,” Cota said, “to give them a second chance in life.”
