Paraparaumu student one step closer to career in animal care

12 July 2012

Paraparaumu student one step closer to career in animal care

While most students would spend it on a holiday or a new car, a Paraparaumu veterinary science student has a far more pragmatic use for her recently-won $2,500 scholarship.

Emily McColl (27) has just received her scholarship from Agcarm, an industry association of companies which manufacture, distribute and sell products that keep animals healthy and crops thriving.

Emily plans to spend her winnings on a practical investment – travel costs, text books and university equipment.

“To make the most of studying it is so important to have good resources. The Agcarm scholarship will be a great help in ensuring I have the best textbooks and equipment while I’m studying.

“I live in Paraparaumu but commute to Massey University in Palmerston North every day. The scholarship will certainly assist with my travel costs!”

Emily is studying toward a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, although becoming a veterinarian was not her initial career choice.

“My original intention was to get into human medicine. I did some volunteer work in a hospital, but it just wasn’t for me. Now that I’ve started studying Veterinary Science, I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.

“I love working with animals, and it’s particularly gratifying knowing that I can help them. Being a veterinarian is so diverse, which is probably what I like most: I could end up working with birds, or dogs, or farm animals. There is such a wide scope – no one day will ever be the same.”

Emily believes it is important for organisations such as Agcarm to support veterinary care, as veterinarians are vital to New Zealand’s economy.

“Agriculture plays such a large part in New Zealand’s economy. The more improvement that takes place in that area, the better off New Zealand will be financially. I really believe that veterinarians can play a great part in helping to improve the agriculture industry in New Zealand.”

When Emily hasn’t got her nose in a text book, she plays soccer and goes tramping.

“I love anything outdoorsy – anything that gets me out into the fresh air!”

Agcarm chief executive, Graeme Peters, said the association is pleased to contribute toward the future of such a motivated, talented student.

“Emily’s application was of a very high calibre. We were extremely impressed with the passion she showed for her area of study,” Mr Peters said.

Industry initiatives led by Agcarm include providing safe and sustainable animal health and crop protection technology for the future of New Zealand, and educating the community about the industry’s contribution.

ENDS

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