Caroline Quan is a fierce student who’s not afraid of challenges, as stated by her veterinary sciences teacher Demond Spiller. A senior at Nimitz High School, Quan is a star student with a passion and love for health sciences and animals, which is what led her to the veterinary sciences program.

“I’ve always loved animals, and since I don’t own a pet at home, that further propelled me into the program so I could be around them,” she says. 

Quan is working toward becoming a Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) and currently holds an internship at Carrier Animal Hospital in Grand Prairie. Previously, she interned at the Animal Clinic of Grand Prairie. The real-world experiences she’s afforded with the vet sciences program is providing her with a jumpstart in her chosen career field. 

“You get all of the hands-on experience, lectures and the program provides transportation for students to and from our internships, which is great,” adds Quan. 

National Veterinary Technician Week is celebrated October 16 – 22 and for students like Quan, it’s a chance to recognize and celebrate the importance of this career choice. 

“Animals don’t have a voice, so you have to be their voice as a vet tech,” she says. “They’re the ones running the tests and prepping the patients before the vet can make the diagnosis.” 

Quan feels that the job of caring for animals is very important because of the huge contribution animals make to human’s wellbeing. 

“There’s a huge relationship between humans and animals,” says Quan. “They are truly like family, and the dynamic is mutually beneficial.”

When speaking of Quan as a student, Mr. Spiller speaks very highly of her and her will to learn.

“Caroline is brilliant and can handle any task,” he says. “She’s very mature, and I thought she was ready for college her freshman year.” 

Quan hopes to continue her veterinary sciences education after graduating in May and has applied to both Texas A&M University and Cornell University. She aspires to become a veterinary technician in the future and continue to advocate for those that are unable to.If you or someone you know is interested in this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, visit IrvingISD.net/CTE.