Animal Care – Hope
Level 3 Animal Care
What initially drew you to our Animal Care course?
‘I have always had a passion for animals and seeing Dearne Valley College’s animal care unit encouraged me to apply for the course. Dearne Valley College’s animal unit staff have gone above and beyond to enrich my knowledge of animals and have further increased my love for animals.’
How does the academic content directly connect to the practical work you do as a technician?
‘Beyond being a student, Hope is an active member of our Animal Care staff team! She works as a Unit technician during her days off and half-days, while also representing our community as a Student Ambassador.
The academic content delivered to me has provided me with the necessary tools to work efficiently and professionally as a tech ensuring all animal welfare needs are met to the highest standards.’
Hope“Seeing Dearne Valley College’s animal care unit encouraged me to apply for the course.”
What is your favourite animal of ours on the unit and why?
‘Nova has been my favourite animal to work with as I have enjoyed seeing the progression she has made with her confidence going from being shy and reclusive to a more confident skunk.
Nova is our resident skunk. Being nocturnal, she is quite shy and rarely peeks out during the day, but she is adorable.’
What are your next steps/future plans after college?
‘I would like to progress with my animal-based education and incorporating aspects of teaching with the end goal of an education officer in a zoo because I have a passion for delivering animal-based education.’
What are some challenges you’ve faced whilst studying with us and how did you overcome them?
‘A challenge for me has been adapting to a more independent based learning style but overcoming this has enabled me to become a more flexible and organised learner.’
Balancing Work, Study, and Life
You wear three different hats here – student, technician, and ambassador! What does a typical week look like for you?
‘I am in college studying 3 days a week and I usually work 2 days per week on the unit and when opportunities work as a student ambassador arise, I always say yes! I love a challenge, so I take every opportunity offered to me.’
How do you successfully manage your time and workload between studying and working?
‘I am a very organised person and hold myself to high standards meaning that I can adapt to any necessary changes.’
Hope“I have developed an extensive real-world experience about the animal care industry.”
The Technician Role
What made you want to take on a technician role alongside your studies?
‘I love working with animals and have always taken any work experience opportunities so when a job came up, I applied. I was encouraged to take the job by the opportunities it provides me with which can help me with my studies.’
What specific skills have you developed in your job that give you an edge in your course (or vice versa)?
‘I have developed an extensive real-world experience about the animal care industry this has supported me with my management skills which are a key part of my course. Working on campus has allowed me to engage students with the unit which helps prepare me for my future goal of working as an education officer.’
Student Ambassador Role
What inspired you to become a Student Ambassador, and what has been the highlight of the role so far?
‘I became a student ambassador due to opportunities it gives me to engage with people. A highlight has been about delivering information about courses and the RNN Group as a whole.’
What would you say to a student who is on the fence about applying to be a Student Ambassador?
‘Do it! It provides a range of opportunities and there is something for everyone. Being an ambassador gives you exposure to a wide range opportunities which challenge you and help with confidence, social interactions and even developing friendships.’
What is your favourite part about representing the College and interacting with prospective students?
‘My favourite thing about representing the College is that I can spread awareness about a wide range of topics that I feel strongly about like SEND I am very passionate about this and love my role as a student ambassador being able to incorporate my passion into the role.’
Find out more about the Animal Care courses at Dearne Valley College.
