Senior Erika Suessmith dreams of the day of becoming a certified veterinary assistant. Suessmith currently takes part in a vet practicum class and plans to major in pre-vet at Iowa State University in the fall.

 
“Animals have always been my passion,” Suessmith said. “I understand them and value them highly, and keeping them healthy is a very satisfying job. I have seen so many pets come from being on the verge of death to being given a second chance at life, because of that I don’t see myself doing anything else. It’s extremely rewarding.”

 
Suessmith was selected by her vet-med practicum teacher to intern at the VCA Tanglewood Animal Hospital. Her and a select number of individuals who applied take part in the program, all working at different veterinary clinics in the area.
Studying and working hard has allowed Suessmith the opportunity to work with veterinarians and technicians at the clinic.
“The vets and the technicians are always willing and ready to teach, but they don’t have time to deal with someone who simply refuses to learn or try new things,” Suessmith said. “There is no place for laziness there [at the clinics]. By putting my studies first and keeping my mind focused, I have earned this opportunity.”

 
Within a matter of months Suessmith claims she has learned more than any book could ever teach about taking care of animals.
“I admit it was very rough at first, but now I look forward to going there,” Suessmith said. “So much that I work on the weekends now. Working there has only confirmed that this is the right career path for me and I am so glad that I decided to try it out.”
Suessmith credits the many organizations she took part in such as Class Officers, National Honor Society, and volleyball on campus to her growth throughout high school.

 
“I have made myself into a person that is infinitely better than the one that first walked into the halls of Bowie four years ago,” Suessmith said. “Being confident in the person I am now has allowed me to focus on my future, who I still want to become, and in what ways I can still improve.”

 
Suessmith plans to attend the 17th ranked veterinary medicine school in the nation – Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
“They have a very good pre-vet program there, with lots of opportunities for trying new things with unfamiliar animals and an abundance of chances to study abroad,” Suessmith said. “I am so excited about going there. The professors that I have met are wonderful. Majority of my family went to the school there and came out extremely successful and ready to start life with the careers they wanted, I am looking forward to working towards the same promising future.”

 
With college in mind, Suessmith realizes the hard work and dedication it will take to achieve her goal of becoming a certified veterinary assistant.

 
“After I finish undergrad school, I have four more years of vet school to get through,” Suessmith said. “But with what I’m learning now, I know it will be more than worth it in the end. Being able to go into a very busy clinic every other day and see exactly what I have to look forward to has given me the confidence I need to get ready for what I have ahead of me.”
Michelle Suessmith, Erika’s mother, states she is proud of her daughter.

 
“She’s always worked hard towards her goals,” Suessmith said. “We’ve always tried to be supportive of her decisions. I hope that someday she can work in a job where she can give back to the community and can continue to learn in her field.”