VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Riggins
Stephanie Riggins
Technician, Ophthalmology, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
When did you join the veterinary college?
I began in 2004 as a part time employee and then switched to full time in 2008.
What is your role at the veterinary college?
I am a technician in the Ophthalmology Department.
The best part of being at VMCVM...
The people and the patients. I absolutely adore the people that I get to come work with every day. I enjoy teaching as well, which is kind of funny because I never really saw myself in that role throughout my life. However, teaching the students about different cases and helping them fine tune their skills for the future is an awesome experience. The clients that bring in their animals never cease to amaze me. They're incredibly appreciative and a joy to work with.
Best advice I've gotten...
It's actually a direct quote from a person who is no longer with me, but his advice on all things life and animals could be summed up by one phrase, which was "More flies goes to honey than poo". While it's not exactly advice, it also kind of is because I apply it to so many situations every day.
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline?
"Living my best life, saving the world one eye at a time"
My hidden talent...
Singing
A person who has inspired me...
A veterinarian that I used to work with many years ago named Dr. Rutkowski. She embodies the essence of being a compassionate, empathetic, driven, hard working veterinarian that still manages to find balance in making time for her daughter and her own special interests, which include horseback riding and gardening. She was always a no nonsense, get it done, kind of woman that had a deeply caring and sensitive side. I have the utmost respect for her and learned a lot by shadowing her.
Can you share a memorable experience or story from your time working with animals?
Oh my goodness there's so many. I think one of my favorites though, was when I first started working in ophthalmology. There was an exuberant yellow labrador retriever that came in for a cataract evaluation. Being a lab lover, I felt extremely drawn to him and yet also sad because he was beyond terrified. The poor thing couldn't see at all, was bumping into everything, and was quite withdrawn in his personality. He went to surgery and had a successful cataract removal. It was extremely rewarding watching him become overly enthusiastic when he could finally see his owners again. The difference in his quality of life and the reward I felt being a part of that was so wonderful.
What do you find most inspiring or fulfilling about working with students and helping them pursue their careers?
I love watching when things finally "click" with them. You can tell the moments where they piece the puzzle together and apply their class knowledge with real life application. Those moments are my favorite.
One misconception that all students seem to have is?
That once you graduate you're done being a student. Not in this field, everyone's always learning.
If I had a superpower, it would be...
To go back in time.
If you could magically grant an animal the ability to talk, which one would you choose and what do you think it would say?
I think they already talk to us, we just have to listen.
A cause I am passionate about...
No Child Hungry.
Favorite way to end the day...
Watching our daughter enjoy spending time with our animals while running barefoot through the fields.
Top of my bucket list...
To tour Ireland on horseback.
My favorite quote...
"First we make our habits, then our habits make us"
If you could communicate with animals for a day, what would you ask them?
Who is their favorite person and why.
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
We have a 16 year old Thoroughbred Gelding who lives his best life by getting spoiled by our daughter as they absolutely adore each other. We have 14 hens that run amuck and are the most tame birds I've ever met since our daughter basically carries them everywhere, and we have 60 head of cattle. Most of them are Angus or Black Baldies. We do a cow/calf operation and enjoy watching all the little calves run around each spring.
