VetCat Graduation Stories: Brittney Skopek
Celebrating our VetCat Journeys: Where They Are Going
As our third-year VetCats complete the last few months of their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, they are reflecting on their experiences and looking forward to exciting plans. Class of 2024 student Brittney Skopek has worked hard throughout veterinary school and secured a position at Aloha Affordable Veterinary Services, LLC, a privately owned veterinary practice in Oahu, Hawaii. As a first-generation student, Brittney has adapted to tackle the challenges of veterinary school and is now ready to aid her community as a day-one-ready veterinarian.
Aloha, Veterinary Practice!
What are your plans for after graduation?
BS: I am moving to Oahu, Hawaii, to be reunited with my husband, who is stationed out there. I will be starting my first job as an Associate Veterinarian at Aloha Affordable Veterinary Services, LLC, a private general practice seeing small animals and exotics.
How did your educational experiences influence your career path?
BS: The combination of didactic learning and clinical experience helped me gain confidence in myself and confirmed that general practice caring for small animals/exotics is where I see myself thriving, especially at this point in my life!
What aspect of your future opportunities excites you the most?
BS: Being able to do what I love, fostering relationships with my team and clients, enhancing the human-animal bond, and eventually working towards owning a private practice is what excites me the most!
Wisdom from Brittney
Throughout her time at Arizona, Brittney refined her goals and stayed connected to community. During her clinical year, Brittney chose to tailor her experiences to her personal goals, allowing her further exposure to the types of cases she will tackle in her future work. As a first-generation college student, Brittany is thrilled to share her success with her family, who has acted as a constant support throughout her education.
Can you share how your clinical year experiences have equipped you for your veterinary career?
BS: I chose my clinical rotations based on my personal interests and the likelihood of gaining hands-on experience that I can utilize in the future. Since my interests are in both small animal as well as wildlife/zoo/aquatics, I tried to pick a variety of clinics that would allow me to work with a wide range of species. Being able to see cases from start to finish, discuss treatment plans/diagnostics, practice my surgical skills, and have discussions with clients has helped boost my confidence and has aided my development as a “day-one-ready vet”.
As a first-generation college student, what does your upcoming graduation mean to you and your family?
BS: I am a first-generation college graduate as well as a soon-to-be veterinarian. When I was a teenager, I felt a lack of “direction” and didn’t have many plans for my future. I’m grateful that my family pushed for a college education and supported me during my entire journey. They frequently reminded me of the mistakes they made while growing up and they did not want me to repeat the same mistakes. They are extremely proud, and I don’t think I could’ve made it this far without their encouragement! As cliché as it sounds, they have always pushed me to shoot for the stars and I can happily say that I am living my dream!
What advice would you give to a first-year student?
BS: Take advantage of every opportunity and always maintain an open mind! Join clubs, cultivate friendships/relationships, stay positive, work hard, become financially savvy, and never forget how far you’ve come!