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Feature Story - Kat Farrell-2

Katherine Farrell, a biology student at SUNY College of Old Westbury, took part in a unique study abroad trip to Belize where she gained hands-on experience in veterinary skills. During the trip, Farrell and her classmates learned procedures like injections, physical exams, and suturing incisions from neutering. They also helped at a free clinic that neutered and spayed over 100 stray dogs and cats. The experience confirmed Farrell's dream of becoming a veterinarian and gave her valuable large animal experience she couldn't get on Long Island. Upon graduating, Farrell plans to become a veterinary assistant and later attend veterinary school.

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117 views2 pages

Feature Story - Kat Farrell-2

Katherine Farrell, a biology student at SUNY College of Old Westbury, took part in a unique study abroad trip to Belize where she gained hands-on experience in veterinary skills. During the trip, Farrell and her classmates learned procedures like injections, physical exams, and suturing incisions from neutering. They also helped at a free clinic that neutered and spayed over 100 stray dogs and cats. The experience confirmed Farrell's dream of becoming a veterinarian and gave her valuable large animal experience she couldn't get on Long Island. Upon graduating, Farrell plans to become a veterinary assistant and later attend veterinary school.

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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Long Island Biology Student Engages in Unique Learning Experience

By: Danielle Sullivan

“Being able to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this made me realize that
all of the work it takes to achieve my dream job will totally be worth it,” said Katherine
Farrell. “It is a tough but rewarding career.”

Katherine Farrell, a biology student at SUNY College of Old Westbury in New York, took
a unique study-abroad trip to the beautiful country of Belize in January 2019 to take part
in a hands-on veterinary class. Throughout the course of this class, Farrell, along with
her classmates and professors, went to different farms throughout Belize and learned
how to do certain procedures on the animals. This included giving vitamin B and
dewormer injections, along with physical exams, which had them checking an animal’s
temperature, heart rate, pulse rate, digestion and teeth. In addition to that, they also
learned how to suture animals at the spot of their incision when they are neutered.

“It was nerve-wracking doing these things for the first time,” said Farrell. “I overcame my
fears by just trying to do everything. As I got more practice, I was more confident in my
abilities.”

While learning these skills, Farrell was also lending a helping hand to the people and
animals in Belize. Many natives of Belize could not afford to get their dogs and cats
spayed or neutered, so every time this class is in session they offer a free clinic. It was
split into three stations, the sign-in station, the physical exam station and the neuter,
spaying and recovery station. Each time an animal was neutered or spayed, they stayed
with the students and professionals to ensure they were comfortable until the
anesthesia wore off. This clinic was done over the course of two days, so the class as a
whole was able to help over 100 dogs and cats.

“It always brings me so much joy when they run this class and allow these students to
not only learn, but make a difference in our country,” said Edwardo Tesecum, one of the
veterinarians of Belize that leads the program. “Katherine was one of my favorite
students in the class because of her calming persona. All of the animals were at ease,
specifically the cattle, when they received injections from her which is important when
becoming a veterinarian.”

Growing up, Farrell has always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian and this trip
confirmed that dream even more. At home, she always continues to further her career in
any way she possibly can. In addition to doing her best in her schoolwork, she often
observes local veterinarians and has seen a variety of different exotic pets be taken
care of. Being a part of this unique experience gave her the opportunity to do things that
are hard to get to do on Long Island, while also getting to immerse herself into an
entirely different culture. Until she attends veterinary school, this was her ticket into
getting to be able to practice procedures and techniques on larger animals like horses,
cows, goats and pigs.

“If given the chance, I would definitely take part in an opportunity like this again,” said
Farrell. “This was the most hands-on class I have ever taken. It will always be one of my
favorite experiences in my entire life.”

Upon her graduation in December 2019, she plans to start her career by becoming a
veterinary assistant and go on to continue her education in veterinary school to one day
become a veterinarian.

Farrell suturing a dog at their incision after it had been neutered by the veterinarian at
the clinic.

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