Biology and health science major Lara Ellentuck ý22 has been an animal lover from a very young age. ýGrowing up, I always had at least two pets by my side,ý she told us. ýThis led me to discover a deep connection and motivation toward helping all animal species.ý
It seemed only natural that she would come to launch the Pre-Veterinary Club at Pace, an organization dedicated to promoting veterinary medicine and creating a space where students can share their love of animals. ý[We] provide members with opportunities in the veterinary medical profession,ý she went on to explain. Most recently, they rolled out all new ways to get involved like discussions, workshops, trivia, and more.
Laraýs definitely qualified for this work, too. Sheýs interned at a local animal hospital as a veterinary assistant, an experience that left a profound effect on her. ý[It] allowed me to get a glimpse of my future career,ý she explained. ýOne day, I hope to teach students as my mentors taught meýwith an open heart and an open mind to learning respect for every animal.ý Sheýs looking forward to gaining even more clinical experience by volunteering and interning at local animal shelters and hospitals as well, even if COVID-19 put a brief hold on her plans.
ýSince the pandemic started at the end of my sophomore year, all of my internship plans fell through,ý Lara said. But sheýs keeping her options open. ýCurrently, I am still searching for opportunities to gain experience with animals.ý We know that sheýll land exactly what she wants!
In the meantime, Lara is working in the Pace mailroom as an assistant. Before that, she was a research assistant for the College of Health Professionsýall big jobs when youýre also juggling classes and assignments, not to mention running a brand new student organization. Itýs a lot of work for one person, but Lara is nothing if not incredibly driven and positive when it comes to what she wants.
After completing her undergraduate degree next year, Lara told us she plans on taking a gap year before heading off to attain the veterinary school requirement of 500 hours. ýI am a big believer that everything happens for a reason,ý she told us. ýI hope that this gap year will allow me to work in the veterinary industry and grow to love my passion even more.ý
Weýre excited to follow Laraýs career and work in advocating for animal welfare! Be sure to check out all the latest events and opportunities from the Pre-Veterinary Club this month. All majors are welcomeýthe only requirement is that you have a love and respect for animals. The team is also on , , , and their very own . Give them a follow!
Michelle Novominski, now in her final semester of the RN-4 BS in Nursing program at ý, has made her mark through leadership roles in both the National Student Nurses Association and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. We caught up with Michelle to hear about her journey, her love for nursing, and the impact of getting involved on campus.
From volunteering during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, to finishing her degree, Nurse Practitioner Emily Fitzgeraldýs journey to graduation embodies a #PaceGoGetter.
For the next installment of our "Importance of Professional Development" series, we connected with Alison Rebels, OTD, clinical assistant professor for the Occupational Therapy, MS program.
This past fall, Alison presented at the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) conference, sharing her research on spirituality in occupational therapy. Most recently, Alison was awarded the ý 2024 President's Award for Outstanding Contribution. We connected with her to learn more about the presentation process, and the importance of being passion.