VMCVM Alumni Spotlight: Carolyn Askew
Carolyn Askew '91, DVM '96
Associate Veterinarian, Animal Clinic of Chardon, Ohio
How VMCVM equipped me for the 'real world'...
I learned how to handle myself in an emergency while being professional and calm. I also learned HOKIES are everywhere!
Best part of being a VMCVM alum...
The community is the best! We stick together and root for each other! I still keep in touch with many of my classmates and it has been 30 years!
Best advice I've gotten....
Breathe! .. Stay focused and you can get through anything!
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline...
Vets are unsung heroes! We fight disease and misinformation in a single visit while forming a strong bond not only with our patients and clients as well! Education, patience, trust and an open mind are the keys to any bond. That bond carries you through 15 years of that patient's and client's life ... that's pretty amazing all in itself!
My hidden talent...
I am an avid crocheter in my spare time! I love to craft! I often sell my stuff too.
A person who has inspired me...
Dr. Leib. He was a great mentor! Tough, scary and fair! I learned a lot from him when on my small animal medicine rotations.
What did you learn at the college that you never thought you would benefit from?
Hard work really does pay off, and that you can do anything even on two hours of sleep.
Biggest misconception about my job or industry...
That it's all puppies and kittens and we are all in it for the money. It's often long hours and heartbreak and there is not enough compensation in the world to cover all the hats we wear.
Words of encouragement to a current veterinary college student...
It is worth it! Find your passion and stick with it. That first job can make or break you as a new vet. Make sure it is a good fit and that you have a mentor willing to go to bat for you and be there for you.
Fondest college memory or tradition...
The Senior Roast!! embarrassing but oh so fun!!!
A cause I'm most passionate about... The most formative experience I've had...
Education! Knowledge is power baby!!
Top of my bucket list...
Travel! When I retire, I want to travel the world!
My favorite quote...
It's better to burn out than fade away!
(Live every moment to the fullest- no regrets!)
Being a VMCVM alumnus means...
I have friends all over the world thanks to this school. Wherever you go if you have a VT sticker or a T-shirt people will stop you!
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I currently have three dogs and two cats. One cat is Teddy - a black 4-year-old rescue who still tries to slip outside when he can. My other cat is "Cas"-- Castiel (we are Supernatural fans -- my kids have a Sam and Dean). All three dogs are orange males with the accompanying awesome temperaments. Lacie is a 10-year-old lab and a sweet, gentle soul who is always up for anything/everything. A 2.5-year-old mini-Aussie that we inherited and he is a dervish that never sleeps. A 2.5-year-old Sheltie who is my heart and we do competition Scent Trials! She has several titles and we actively train all the time! We are getting ready to compete in Obedience and Rally as well. We also have a 7-year-old Cockatoo (Willow) in the family. She's my cuddly BFF.
Anything else to add?
The last 30 years have been an adventure that I wouldn't have traded for anything. I have made lifelong friends with colleagues and clients. I survived the good, bad and some ugly but my career has been filled with an overwhelming amount of fun and love. My heart is full.
