VetCat Graduation Stories: Ari Adams

As graduation approaches, the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine's future veterinarians are securing their target jobs, internships, and more. In these new work settings, they will rely upon skills they honed during their three years as doctoral students. Learning doesn't stop at graduation, however: these upcoming graduates will actively learn and ask questions, refine their skill sets, and carry a mindset of lifelong learning throughout their careers. 

Ari Adams is an excellent example of this dedication to excellence in her profession and has accepted a yearlong internship specializing in small animal practice. This internship, known as The 5th Year, is offered by the Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic and is intended to offer students intensive training in multiple aspects of small animal medicine. Ari completed a clinical rotation at Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic, an experience that helped her discover this internship was the next step she wants to pursue in her veterinary career. We chatted with Ari to learn more about her journey.

Forging Ahead

Ari shared about the application process, her goals for this professional experience, and the personal traits she developed in veterinary school. Her commitment to personal growth and professional excellence are assets she will carry into her internship.

Can you tell us about The 5^th Year? 

AA: It's a small animal rotating internship program that allows us to gain experience in general practice, shelter medicine, emergency, dentistry, and advanced surgery. The application process was quite simple. I reached out to their administration to learn more about the program. When you go onto their website, you click apply, submit your information and resume and someone gets back to you, to start the interview process. I went through 3 interviews over Zoom, each spaced some time apart as each interview was a step moving forward in the process of getting hired. After the third interview, I received a phone call, asking a couple more questions, and then was told the amazing news that they wanted to hire me!

What do you hope to gain in this role?

AA: I hope to gain confidence as a doctor and trust my skills to help my patients. I also want to advance in technical skills such as the ability to perform ultrasounds, gain more confidence reading radiographs, and [gain skill in] performing emergency surgeries/repairs.

What qualities have you developed as a veterinary student that you will carry into this internship opportunity?  

AA: I feel like I have developed strong communication and leadership skills. I also have a strong will to learn and have learned that it is okay to say "I don't know" and ask for help.

A Foundation Built on Family

A first-generation college student, Ari has overcome her challenges with determination and the unflagging support of her loving family. 

What does graduation mean to you as a first-generation college student?

AA: It truly means a lot because I spent so much time fighting for this dream and working hard towards this goal that I really wanted to achieve. The fact that it’s finally here is almost surreal. I almost don’t know what to do with myself because I finally made it. 

What does it mean to your family?

AA: This is a really big deal for my family. My parents set me up to succeed and really wanted to ensure I was receiving a good education throughout the years. This is as much as their celebration as it is mine, because they really did support me the whole way through and didn’t want anyone deter me from doing what I wanted to do. They always make sure that I knew that I could do it no matter what. They set the stage for me so that I did not have to start from scratch. I am eternally grateful for their love and support all this time and I hope that I am making them very proud.

What advice would you give other first-generation college students who are considering applying for veterinary school?

AA: I would say to not be afraid to just do it and jump in with both feet. It’s truly an opportunity that you won’t regret and will bring you so much joy and excitement in the future. That ‘yes’ will come! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and look for mentors because there is somebody out there who is willing to help you and teach you. The reward is much greater than the sacrifice.