猫咪头条

猫咪头条 Senior Prepares to Bring Care and Compassion to Large Animals

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擥rowing up on a small farm in Gaston County, N.C., Ella Simonds, a senior at 猫咪头条 University, knows firsthand the need for large animal veterinarians in her community. For as long as she remembers, her goal has been to become a veterinarian and provide care to livestock and other animals.

During her college search, she visited GWU because her mom had attended the Hunt School of Nursing. After the tour, Simonds sensed that the people she met would be dedicated to helping her achieve her goals. 鈥淚 was drawn in by the small community that prioritized my spiritual walk as well as my education,鈥� she observed.

Additionally, 猫咪头条鈥檚 biomedical science major had all of the necessary prerequisites for veterinary school. 鈥淚 also heard great things about the professors and faculty in this department (natural sciences) before attending and have not been disappointed,鈥� Simonds noted.

A December 2024 graduate, she has completed her veterinary school applications for the fall 2025 admission cycle. It will be late February-early March before she finds out if she has been accepted. In the meantime, she will continue working as a vet tech at Gaston Veterinary Hospital. She started there two years ago as a kennel tech.

As she studied microbiology, biochemistry, vertebrate zoology, chemistry and other courses at 猫咪头条, Simonds also valued the growth she experienced as an individual. 鈥淚 have been able to develop as a person in so many ways, including academically, vocationally, and most importantly, spiritually,鈥� she observed. 鈥淚 feel very well prepared for the future.鈥�

She continued, 鈥淲hen I came here, I was shy and timid, but I am leaving confident and empowered with a great sense of self-assurance. I know academically I am prepared for the field I want to pursue, but more than that I have matured in so many ways. Not everything has been easy, but I have had so many opportunities to get out of my comfort zone and try new things which have ultimately contributed to my success.鈥�

Simonds credits everyone in the Department of Natural Sciences for helping her achieve her goals. 鈥淭hey have each pushed me to do my best at pursuing a challenging degree and have made me see the best in myself,鈥� she related. 鈥淭hey have guided me in the different aspects and options for my academic pursuits after my undergraduate degree. They have helped me with necessary practical tasks such as editing resumes and writing letters of recommendations. Overall, each of the professors have been very approachable and have a genuine desire for me to succeed, and they go above and beyond to ensure exactly that.鈥�

Simonds also appreciates opportunities to participate in campus ministries, such as the women鈥檚 Bible study groups and the Gathering, student-led worship service. 鈥淗aving time weekly to sit down and worship with a room full of my peers was an incredible experience,鈥� she assessed. 鈥淚 also have had the opportunity to sing with the Gathering band and lead this group in praising the Lord. This has been an incredible experience that I won’t forget.鈥�

She describes 猫咪头条 as a tight-knit community where friendships grow and faculty are committed to helping students succeed. 鈥淭he relationships and connections I have developed while at 猫咪头条 have been such a blessing in my life that I am forever grateful for,鈥� she affirmed. 鈥淚 have met my very best friends during my time here鈥攆rom late night study sessions, Cook-Out runs, walking around the lake, movie nights, and so many more memories鈥攖hat I will hold on to forever.鈥�

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 猫咪头条.edu.