WBL Internship: Western Slope Animal Hospital
The Colorado Department of Education defines "Professional" using the following descriptors:
time & work management
career literacy
grit and resilience
work ethic; dependable and reliable
Professionalism, to me, means showing respect, responsibility, and integrity in every aspect of my work. It’s about being reliable and committed to producing quality results, no matter how big or small the task. Professionalism isn’t just about following the rules, it’s about bringing my best self to every situation and continuously learning and growing. It’s showing up with a positive attitude, treating others with kindness and respect, and holding myself accountable, even when no one is looking. To me, professionalism is the balance between skill, attitude, and ethics, all working together to create an environment where trust and collaboration thrive.
Future plan & career statement
My intended career is in the veterinary science and animal systems career cluster. Throughout my vet internship and my hands- on experience with raising and showing livestock, i have found that i am passionate about working with animals and helping their health and welfare. I enjoy working directly with animals, and solving medical and husbandry challenges while educating owners about proper care. My long term goal is to become a veterinarian, and specializing in large and mixed animal care. this is one career i am confident that works hand in hand with my strengths alongside my strong will of hands on learning and my love for agriculture.
This is a picture of a squirrel being neutered, it was just one of the cooler things i was able to watch.
Four year plan
Year 1:
Attend a college with a pre-veterinary or animal science program. Complete general education and introductory science courses while gaining animal experience through work or volunteering.
Year 2:
Take higher-level science and animal courses. Shadow veterinarians, stay active in animal-related organizations, and maintain a strong GPA.
Year 3:
Complete advanced animal science classes. Prepare and apply to veterinary schools while continuing hands-on clinical and livestock experience.
Year 4:
Finish bachelor’s degree requirements and secure acceptance into a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. Prepare for the transition to veterinary school.
Resume
Path to success
Soft skills I focused on
Communication
Responsibility
Teamwork
Problem- solving
Professionalism
My goals
Help veterinarians with daily tasks and caring for animals.
Learn how to safely handle both small and large animals, including livestock.
Watch and learn basic veterinary procedures and treatments.
Understand what it is really like to work as a veterinarian.
Evidence of outside professionalism
I have developed professionalism through several activities outside of my internship. Working with livestock and selling animals at fairs taught me responsibility, time management, and accountability. I learned how to follow rules, meet deadlines, and present myself professionally when interacting with judges, buyers, and the public. My involvement in FFA has greatly strengthened my professional skills. As an FFA officer, I learned leadership, communication, and organization by helping plan meetings, events, and activities. This role required me to be dependable, work as part of a team, and set a positive example for other members. Through FFA and my leadership experiences, I have learned how to communicate respectfully, manage responsibilities, and act professionally in both academic and real-world settings.
Final presentation