Kayla Ruegg had plenty of reasons to let go of her dream of going to school to become a Veterinary Assistant and working with animals she loved so much. She was going through a divorce, trying to keep custody of her 2-year-old son and had no transportation or permanent residence. She didn’t even have her GED. How could college be a possibility?
A fire in her storage unit took the last of her attachment to material possessions, even as it molded her determination to rise above their ashes. She would find a way.
What made you so determined to go back to school at that time?
My son was so little, I was going through a divorce, and I needed to make more money to support him and me. We were living with my grandmother until I could get back on my feet and I was working at my son’s daycare. It was during that time that I got my GED online.
The little bit of money (insurance) from the storage unit loss made me able to get a car.
Why Veterinary Career Field?
I’d always loved animals and thought they were pretty much better than people. I’d pursued massage therapy and then training to become a tattoo artist, but after the fire I wanted a different passion, a new direction. My son was always talking about puppies and kittens, that reminded me of my old passion for animals.
I did some research for myself, and this was a good field. Helping animals was really what I wanted to do.
What made Carrington College’s Veterinary Assisting program your first choice?
I went to a career fair and Carrington College had a booth there. Later I went on their website to look up options. I found the Veterinary Assisting program and thought, ‘OK, this is a good field.’ A week later I scheduled a visit on the Mesa campus.
They were very kind and understanding and treated me well. They didn’t treat me like an older person (at age 30) coming to school. They weren’t all about getting the money. They talked about me most of the time. My first impression was that they cared about my own education.
What was your next step in the process?
I signed up as soon as the appointment was over. I didn’t want to delay, procrastinate. This is my calling and I needed to do it.
Did the Veterinary Assisting program connect for you?
I knew it was a fit the first day I started class. As soon as I entered the room, wearing scrubs, I thought ‘This is where I’m meant to be’. It’s like a lightbulb came on, and everything just felt right.
What was the biggest surprise in the Veterinary Assisting program?
It was all surprising. It was a lot of hands-on…and a lot of fun. With classmates – there’s going to be some ups-and-downs. I tried to focus on what I was doing and the students I did connect with.
What was your greatest difficulty in the Veterinary Assisting program?
Probably the math. I still have a little difficulty with the names of medications and what they’re for. A lot of memorization.
I asked my instructor how I could go about remembering things and she told me about the Quizlet app. It gives you flash cards about your questions, and it helped me answer questions better.
Did you have favorite moments in the Veterinary Assisting program?
I loved hands-on labs. The surgical tools, disinfecting wraps. Our instructor would have us throw them (wraps) against the wall and, if it falls apart, you’re going to have to re-do it. If it all stays together, you did it right.
We would stand in lines to compete with each other in (verbal) quizzes and whoever could get the most points would get a prize. It was totally fun, and we loved playing those games.
Was the instructor support readily available?
Miss Anna, I love her! She never really sugar-coated anything – got straight to the point. You could communicate with her about any issues/struggles; she would help you out. If I might not be able to do an assignment or have difficulty with an assignment, she would help me out right away.
Was there anything you didn’t expect in your Veterinary Assisting program?
We did a lot of volunteer work in the program. There was always a sign-up sheet. The Blood Bank would come to campus for blood donations. It makes me feel good that I can help somebody else.
I’d been in a situation when I gave birth to my son when I needed a transfusion, and somebody’s blood helped me.
I was also a student mentor during class. It was my responsibility to help Miss Anna. I set up group chats for students and, if they have any questions, they could ask me, as well. I do have good grades and was on the Dean’s List.
What inspired you to complete your Veterinary Assisting program?
It is my goal to become a veterinarian. I am taking it step by step: go to school for Veterinary Assisting, push for Vet Tech. At this time, I want to start working, get some experience and help with finances, then go back to college.
I’m taking it step-by-step to first become a Vet Assistant, then Vet Tech. It’s the best feeling in the world to accomplish what you’ve set out to do.
Any regrets?
Sometimes I think I might be pushing myself too much, but I know this needed to happen. But when my title changes from Veterinary Assistant to Veterinary Technician…it will feel amazing.
You landed your first Vet Assistant position, right?
Jaclynn Yazzie is my Career Service Advisor; she is amazing and makes me feel like family. We were both putting my resume out there and I went in to tell her when I thought I aced my job interview. I got the call before I left the college to start the hiring process.
I played the message for her, and we were hi-fiving, and she was jumping up and down! She was shouting, “You did it, Kayla!” It’s the best feeling in the world when you’re able to accomplish what you’ve set out to do.
What is your veterinary work environment like?
We have about four doctors, ten vet assistants and two support staff. I love the job; it’s wonderful. People are nice, animals are cute and sweet and I’m having a blast!
What is your day-to-day job?
As a veterinary assistant I do check-in/check-out, medication draws, med refills, administer meds, blood draws, animal restraint, assist in minor surgeries – pretty much everything that is done in a typical day. Everything I was taught, I’ve done.
This is definitely what I’m meant to do.
Any difficult moments?
We have some animals that are very aggressive, but they’ve taught me how to work with them. We muzzle them or restrain them more tightly and ask owners for permission to medicate them. We don’t want to get the animal too stressed.
I was taught how to deal with medical emergencies, but it’s different when it’s right in front of you. A dog was brought in, having a grand mal seizure. I froze. I felt mad at myself, but they assured me that everybody’s done that. Then, they taught me what was done in a situation like that.
What advice do you have for others who might struggle with fulfilling their career ambitions?
If you have a goal in mind, don’t give up on it. What I tell my son, Locke, is, “If it’s something you feel very passionate about, put your heart in it. It’s words vs. action.
