Hi, my name is Darby (she/her)! I recently graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2021 with an Honours Bachelor of Science (HBSc) and am currently studying for my Veterinary Technician Diploma at Algonquin College.My journey to Vet Med• Before joining Algonquin College, I completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology, where I focused my studies on ecology, conservation, and physiology. As a member of the Kharouba Lab, I completed my thesis on the effects of urbanization on butterfly communities. By joining this lab, my goal was to gain the much-needed knowledge and experience that would help me to complete a master’s degree in Marine Biology, as planned. Although I loved the practical aspect of fieldwork during the data collection process, I didn’t enjoy the academic side of research as much as I had hoped. I learned that I much preferred doing hands-on work and decided against pursuing a research degree.• Knowing how much I loved animals, I decided that joining a vet clinic would be a good temporary job while I figured out what I wanted as a career. Fortunately, I really enjoyed being a part of this industry and decided to join the Algonquin College Veterinary Technician Program in the Fall of 2022.My aspirations• Although I am still learning about the different career paths I could choose with this diploma and am not quite sure which area I’d like to join, I would ultimately love to combine my previous knowledge of ecology and conservation with the practical knowledge I am currently gaining.• Current areas of interest: Wildlife rehabilitation, Wildlife technician, Exotics medicine, zoological/aquarium medicine• Other possible areas of interest: surgery, emergency medicine, laboratory technician, education of the publicUntil Graduation?• I’m currently working at the VCA Bells Corners Animal hospital as a Client Care Representative and as a Veterinary Assistant. These positions are teaching me invaluable information about the industry and are allowing me to apply my theoretical teachings from Algonquin College to real-life scenarios.• This position is also allowing me to exercise my time-management and organizational skills by maintaining part-time hours and a full course load at college.• Other skills acquired: animal restraint, wrapping surgical packs, assisting veterinarians and veterinary technicians during physical exams and various medical proceduresSend me a message if you'd like to connect! I'm always happy to expand my circle and love hearing people's stories 😊
