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Johanna Fithian

Iowa State prepared me for veterinary school

I'm part of the first group of students to participate in a Two-plus-Two partnership program that's affiliated with the University of Lincoln-Nebraska. My undergraduate work prepared me for veterinary school and definitely gave me an edge in my interviews. They asked me about the beef quality assurance program and I had studied that in my beef science class. They asked about my vet school experiences and I had shadowed a vet, so I was prepared. My undergraduate experience definitely prepared me to get into veterinary school.

I knew this was the place
when I came to visit

I came on a campus visit with my family after visiting several other campuses. I liked the feel of this campus and the students seemed happy and content. It felt like a close-knit campus and when I came here I found out my intuition was right.

There is financial aid available

I poured all my energy into looking for scholarships. Students should look at scholarship opportunities because they are available.

I served as the Ag Student Council President

Being president of the Ag Student Council was a growing experience for me because it definitely took me out of my comfort zone. I presided over biweekly meetings with 65 participants. It also gave me the chance to interact with administrators and was a great networking opportunity. David Acker, the associate dean of the College of Agriculture, wrote a recommendation letter that was included in my application to veterinary school.

I worked with third and fourth year veterinary students

The pre-veterinary program offers lots of experiences. I participated in a number of things at the veterinary school. I worked with veterinary students at the neo-natal care clinic and wildlife clinic. It really gave me a feel of what to expect in veterinary school.

Summer job as zookeeper at Wildlife Safari Park

I worked as a zookeeper at the Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland, Nebraska last summer and I'm working there again this summer. It's a wonderful experience that will help me when I go into veterinary school next fall.