What is your background: I grew up in Muscatine, where most of my family resides. I graduated from Muscatine High School in 2015. I graduated from Muscatine Community College is 2018 with my AAS in veterinary technology. Since graduation, I have been practicing as an Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in mostly emergency medicine.
What brought you to Kirkwood and why?: I worked at a veterinary specialty hospital in the surgical area most days and found a love for surgery. I was interested in pursuing my Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in surgery, but found it difficult to find a hospital near me that would be able to support the requirements to achieve my VTS. I decided to go to Kirkwood when I discovered the Surgical Technology program and felt this career would be perfect for me and what I was looking for! I’m currently in my summer semester and plan to graduate this December.
What is your program of study and what interests you about it?: I’m pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology. I have a passion for helping people and a love for surgery. I have a wide experience in the surgical world (veterinary wise!) and am so excited to expand my skills into the human medical field.
Are you involved in anything else on campus? If so, what and why?: I am not, as I work full-time and go to school full-time, so it is very difficult to engage in activities outside of my busy schedule unfortunately.
Are you involved in anything off of campus?: I currently work full-time as an RVT in Cedar Rapids.
What do you do for fun?: My husband and I enjoy spending time outside. We love to hunt, fish, and spend time on the river with our 2 dogs!
Where do you see yourself in five years?: I picture myself working at the University of Iowa in the trauma, cardiovascular, or neurology department as a Certified Surgical Technologist!