The Enrichment Summer Program provides students from all over the US and its territories with the opportunity to learn about and experience the veterinarian field.
Forty three students—on flights across the mountains in Colorado, over the caves below Tennessee, and even the Atlantic Ocean—came to the banks of the Red Cedar River for their opportunity to work with the doctors in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
This year, students from 18 universities across 11 states, plus Puerto Rico, gathered in the college for the annual Enrichment Summer Program. The program is hosted by Vetward Bound, and provides academic reinforcement for undergraduate students with an interest in veterinary medicine. It focuses on developing well-qualified prospective students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The students came to MSU for seven weeks and stayed in Owen Hall, a five minute walk from the Veterinary Medical Center. Most days included attending lectures and labs or participating in rotations at the Veterinary Medical Center. They learned the language of science and saw first-hand what it's like to be a veterinarian.
Students also had the opportunity to see first hand what it's like working in fields other than an animal hospital. Students traveled to the MSU Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Detroit Zoo, Kellogg Biological Center, and the University of Michigan Lab Animal Research center to experience the job and see the many career paths available in veterinary medicine.
Vetward Bound
Dr. Pat Lowrie, assistant to the Dean and Senior Academic Specialist, started the Vetward Bound program in 1978. She said the program has been a major help for students looking to pursue a career as a veterinarian.
“We've had the privilege of interacting with some extraordinary students and individuals. They've just been outstanding and go on and do the things they want to do. Not everyone decides to be a veterinarian, but even for those who do not, they have gone on to be very, very successful," Lowrie said.
Individuals building community
MSU student Holy Drankhan was one of the students who benefitted from the assistance and support system provided by the doctors and advisors of the Enrichment Summer Program.
“The support system was probably the biggest help for me because it's really scary to apply for veterinary school because a limited number of students are admitted. You always feel like, 'You can't make it,' but everyone is telling you that you can do it. Awesome veterinarians in the field were telling us our work was exceptional and they hope to see us in their class. It was special," Drankhan said.
Students also had the opportunity to see first-hand what it's like working in fields other than an animal hospital. Students traveled to the Detroit Zoo, Kellogg Biological Center and the University of Michigan Lab Animal Research center to experience the job first hand and see what other opportunities were out there for veterinarians.
Isamar Sanchez, from Texas State University, had an excellent time in the program. She said everyone in the program was extremely invested in her aspirations and goals for the future.
“I'm just really grateful for this program. I'm the first generation to go to college. My mom only made it to elementary school, so they can't really help me in the application process. So I had to do this on my own. Coming here has really helped me get on a better path and understand my chances of getting into Vet School," Sanchez said.
Designed to fit
The students are placed into one of three levels, based on their stage of education and the goals they describe in their application. This structure supports the personal success of each participant.
The first level, ESP I, is designed for undergraduate students who express interest in possibly being a veterinarian. Generally, these students are college freshmen or sophomores.
Students in ESP II are usually juniors or seniors and are either in the process of applying for veterinary school or expecting to apply in the next year.
ESP III is designed for students who have already been accepted to a veterinary school, and are looking for more experience in the field before beginning their program.
The Enrichment Summer Program helped 43 more students toward their goal of graduating university, and for some, becoming veterinarians. For all of those who don't become veterinarians, they will have learned about hard work and the animals that inhabit the world alongside humans. With the expertise of Dr. Lowrie and her staff, that's several more well-equipped and driven students for the future.