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I'm a Veterinarian

March 2024
by Dr. Sarah Blackwell as told to Ellen Song

Dr. Sarah Blackwell has always loved animals. Growing up, she had many pets, including spiders, rabbits, birds, and cats. She knew she wanted to dedicate her life to helping animals. That’s why she became a veterinarian, or animal doctor. There are many different types of vets, from those who care for traditional house pets to special researchers who create medicines and products that can help animals stay healthy. Blackwell works with large farm animals. She’s a mobile vet, which means she travels to her patients. But vets can also work in hospitals, zoos, and wherever else animals are located. Are you an animal lover who’s interested in becoming a veterinarian someday? Read on for more information!

I grew up in North Carolina in an area that had a mix of city life and farm life. My grandparents had a small farm, and I loved to visit. The farm had many different kinds of animals, including horses, cows, pigs, chickens, and ducks. 

When I was 8, my pet turtle, Lucky, had to have surgery. The doctor, Dr. Mac, was the first Black vet in Charlotte. He let me watch the surgery and even gave me my own gloves! I felt really inspired.

In middle and high school, I volunteered at animal shelters. I did basic tasks like changing litter for cats. Later, when I was applying to veterinary school, that volunteer experience really helped.

Today my specialty is large-animal medicine. I help animals like horses, goats, and cows. I even see emus and kangaroos! I give shots, assist with births, and stabilize broken bones.

I make emergency visits, so sometimes I work from 8 in the morning until 9 or 10 at night. But I love my job. It’s so rewarding to see sick animals recover under my care!

Dr. Blackwell’s Tips for Becoming a Veterinarian

  1. If possible, join clubs related to biology, animal science
  2. Volunteer at an animal shelter. This experience will help when you apply for vet school.
  3. Attend a four-year college and take courses in subjects related to animals and science. 
  4. Attend veterinary school. You may also need to complete an internship after. 

Life Skills
Career Skills
Underscored

verb:

emphasized
pursue college

Question: In what other ways could the college search and application process be more difficult if you’re the first in your family to go to college?
football coach

Question: Why can it be important to ask for help when trying to reach your goals?
love of learning

Question: What are some actions you could take to make sure you don’t lose sight of future goals?
never considered

FYI: In the 2011-2012 academic year, 34% of undergrads were the first in their families to go to college. 
technical college

FYI: Students who go to technical schools—also called vocational schools—take classes and complete training that prepares them for a specific job, such as to be an automotive mechanic, chef, or cosmetologist. 
tirelessly

adverb:

seemingly incapable of tiring
perseverance

noun:

continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition
veer

verb:

to change direction or course
fiercely

adverb:

to a high degree
financial aid paperwork

FYI: First-generation college students take out student loans in higher amounts than students who have parents that went to college. They also take out student loans more often.  

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