VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Raleigh Brookshier
Raleigh Brookshier
Large Animal Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
When did you join the veterinary college?
I joined back in 2020 as part of the large animal husbandry staff. In 2021, I became a part-time technician for the large animal department. In 2022, I moved into a full-time position!
What is your role at the veterinary college?
I am a technician in the large animal department, working with in house patients, appointments and emergencies.
The best part of being at VMCVM...
The best part of being a part of the VMCVM is getting to work with very talented and knowledgeable doctors that are willing to teach and talk through everything so that I can learn as well! I love working emergencies and getting to see the case from start to finish regardless of outcome.
Best advice I've gotten...
Never forget why you started! (NFWYS) This profession can have dark times, so I always remember NFWYS. We all have a reason as to why we were driven to this profession (it's not for the faint of heart). Remembering why you joined is always important to keep you pushing forward!
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline?
We don't just treat animals. We heal the bond between people and their beloved pets!
My hidden talent...
I'm double jointed in my shoulders!
A person who has inspired me...
My mom! She is the definition of wonder woman. There are not enough words to truly describe her. She has pushed me to be the best person I can be while juggling everything else in her life. She makes sure to call and check on me every day. She is always willing to listen to my good and bad days. She is such an empowering lady, and I want to be like her when I grow up! :)
Can you share a memorable experience or story from your time working with animals?
The journey with my own horse! I rode her at an English hunter jumper barn. The barn was selling some horses and my parents bought her for me as a birthday present. I found out she was an ex-barrel racer (a discipline I was wanting to start). I learned how to barrel race on her and watched her open up into a super happy horse that loves to run! Now she is 25 and a lesson horse for other kids wanting to start their horseback riding dream. One day we may get back to the barrels but for now I am letting her enjoy some much-deserved retirement!!
What do you find most inspiring or fulfilling about working with students and helping them pursue their careers?
I LOVE working with the students! They keep the job entertaining. I enjoy being able to help build their skills and horse handling. Watching them grow in experience, confidence, and knowledge is a great perk to my job!
One misconception that all students seem to have is?
That all horses are big, scary, and mean. Also, that everyone in large animal is scary. Neither are true!!
If I had a superpower, it would be...
The ability to talk to animals! That would be EXTREMELY helpful in this field!
If you could magically grant an animal the ability to talk, which one would you choose and what do you think it would say?
My cat! She had a semi-rough past so I would love to know her past experiences. I want to know what she thinks of her current life and is she happy?
A cause I'm most passionate about...
Being a voice for the voiceless.
Favorite way to end the day...
So many things! Running my photography business, cooking, baking, hanging out with friends and family, crafting, cuddling my cat, movie night, watching my favorite show, fishing, or even just relaxing!
Top of my bucket list...
Getting my licensing! Hoping to be a LVT by the end of the year.
My favorite quote...
"It's okay to be a glowstick. Sometimes you have to break before you shine!" and
"A vet tech’s job is a labor of love, and every day is an opportunity to make a difference!"
If you could communicate with animals for a day, what would you ask them?
I would have so many questions! It would hard to narrow it down.
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I have one cat, Digit. She is polydactyl so she has extra toes on all four of her feet. She was a stray and had a semi rough past when I adopted her. Since living with me she now rules the roost and is a queen (according to her). I also have a horse named Demi. She is very sassy and loves her treats! I have had Demi for about 12 years now.
Anything else to add?
I love my job! Every day is a new experience. Yes, some are harder than others, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have known since I was about 5 years old that I wanted to work in veterinary medicine. I love every second of it and enjoy going to work. All I can say is I hope I have made 5-year-old me proud!