Graduating from: Highline College (Des Moines, WA) 

RASKC Team: Dog Walker (“red”) 

How your graduation experience will be unique due to the pandemic: “During the pandemic, I have to do online classes and the situation forced me to study only at my house. It was really hard to focus. It was an extremely hard year, but I was able to Ingenuity my way to study and able to change many ways of studying style. I was planning to go to South Africa for a veterinary volunteering program and work lab assistant at UC Davis in the summer, however, it was canceled due to COVID. Thankfully, I was able to work instead as a veterinary assistant at Jet City Animal Clinic in Seattle. I learned many things. I really admire the work style of the clinic and people with how they cooperate and have good teamwork.” 

Hoping this will continue post-pandemic: “I really miss volunteering at RASKC. The dog-walking shift was one of my favorite times every week. Hanging out with many different kinds of dogs. It was a very exciting and relaxing time for me. I was able to notice that I want to work with animals throughout my life thanks to RASKC. I wish I was able to volunteer more!” 

Most proud of in the last year or two: “I came to the United States alone. Taking classes at Highline College was a new challenge. I also did many extracurricular activities to find what I actually want to be in the future. I had many new experiences and did as many things that I could for my growth. Through the experiences during community college, I was able to find my dream to become a veterinarian in the aquatic field. An acceptance letter from the University of California-Berkeley meant a lot to me- not just admitting to that university, but also I felt it was an admission of my hard work. I was really happy that I cried so hard when I open the letter.”  

Looking forward to: “I want to walk at the dolphin center in the Bahamas or visit a marine mammal lab in Florida this summer. If the COVID situation gets better, I hope to be able to do an internship there. My favorite animals are dolphins and orcas, so I’m really excited.” 

What’s next: “I will probably transfer to the University of California-Berkeley. I will be a junior there at and major in Molecular and Environmental biology and specialize in Animal Health & Behavior. 

Most memorable volunteering experience: “I worked with a dog whose leg was amputated. I really saw how strong and tough this dog was. This brought me courage and motivation to keep studying hard for my dream.” 

Advice to new RASKC volunteers: “The professional staff and skillful volunteers at RASKC are always there to help you, so don’t hesitate to ask for help or to ask question. You can gain skills and learn animal behavior to be a better volunteer to help the animals. If you like animals and are willing to work, you are able to learn a lot. I was really happy that I was able to volunteer at RASKC!!” 

Will you volunteer after graduation?  “I wish I can still work at the RASKC, however, I have to go to Berkeley. I would love to find other places to volunteer with animals.” 

Fun fact: “I have experience breeding moon jellyfish at the MaST Center. Jellyfish are really sensitive. It was wonderful to take care of this unique animal.”