Not very long after I returned home I started assembling myself and prepared to apply for school, more specifically the Animal Health Tech program at Thompson Rivers University (TRU).
I had thought my school days were done when I completed my Bachelor of Science last spring, but I was convinced otherwise. By whom you ask? Well by Tim of course. It was about a month before my internship was to conclude when I decided to sit down with Tim (the stranding coordinator i.e., my boss) and discuss what was next for me. After working in a wildlife rehab facility for 3 months it was apparent that I ultimately wanted to pursue this as a career. But how? Could I achieve this goal with the skill base I currently had? What would be the next step I’d have to take? Tim thought I could continue on with what I had but, the road would be difficult. I would have no sure shot of getting on board with a rehab facility. It would be slightly easier if I was an AHT, then it would be clear of what clinic experience I posses and the necessary skills to work in animal medicine. A BSc. demonstrates that I’m well versed in all things academic when it comes to science, more specifically animal biology. That’s great for research and publishing papers not something practical like wildlife rehab.
Alright so going back to school huh? Is that really for me? I asked Tim. I struggled with school, not just University. I learn best by doing not by note taking. The classes I aced weren’t until 3rd and 4th year where they mostly based upon field work. Would I struggle with the AHT program too? Not necessarily, Tim advised. The first year of the program can be very classroom oriented but there are opportunities to practice what we write down in class. Second year is much more practical based and is where we cement all of what is learned in the classroom. Tim really thought I had a good shot at getting in and succeeding at the AHT program. It may not seem like it took me much convincing, but a 2 hour conversation later had me in a new direction towards the same goal I’ve had all along... a career working with marine mammals.
