Anja Lugn is a third-term Veterinary Technology student at the Carrington College San Leandro location. Her instructor, Debbie Hansen, RVT, says that Anja is always one of the first students to answer questions in class.
“She has straight A’s in all of her courses last term and this term,” Debbie says. “She’s very literate, uses good terminology, has good technical skills, is organized and prepared for class and lab, and turns her assignments in on time. I believe she will be a great addition to any clinic or hospital—especially when she earns her RVT license.”
Anja is also helpful to other students in lab, who look up to her—and Debbie would like her to consider being a mentor. “She’s very polite, and has good sense of humor,” Debbie says, “Anja is a joy to have in class.” Here, Anja shares more about her journey to become a Veterinary Technician.
How did you know you wanted to study Veterinary Technology?
When I was a kid, I always knew that I wanted to help animals in some way. When my childhood cat, Shank, got sick and unfortunately ended up passing away, I realized that I wanted to work in the veterinary field so I could help more sick pets like him. In school, I always loved science, so I also knew that I wanted to study a scientific field.
How did you find the program at Carrington College? How did you decide it was the right fit for you?
A family friend went to Carrington many years ago, so I was already familiar with the program. I knew that it was relatively close to home. I ended up getting the opportunity to come in and see a class on a surgery day while I was in the application process, and that gave me a good idea of what it was like. It just seemed like a good learning environment and a place where I would do well.
What has been your favorite part of the program so far? What has been the most challenging?
My favorite part of the program so far has been learning about all the different body systems. I find it interesting to learn about how all the parts of the body function and how they all work together to keep us alive. The challenging part has been adjusting to my new schedule. I’ve never been a morning person and I ended up on the morning schedule, so sadly I have class every day at 8 a.m. I do enjoy it in a way, though, because then I have more of the rest of the day after class is done to work on homework and do other things—it’s sort of a give and take.
Where are you doing your externship/clinical hours (if you have done so yet)? If you are doing or have done the externship already, can you tell us about your experience and what you learned/what your duties are?
Because of Covid, I didn’t have a chance to do any clinical hours until this term (I’m currently in my third term), but right now I’m doing my hours at VCA Albany. So far, I’ve learned a lot, I spend a lot of my time there assisting and monitoring patients under anesthesia. I really enjoy getting to see the procedures, since we haven’t gotten to do that yet in school.
Do you have any words of advice for a student just entering the Vet Tech program?
I would say the most important thing is to stay on top of your notes, readings, and assignments. Develop those good habits from the start so you don’t fall behind.
