Caroline Jaquish

 

 For Caroline Jaquish, a senior at Tennessee Technological University who is majoring in agriculture with a concentration in pre-veterinary science, the path to her dream career working with animals began on a farm in Athens, Tennessee. 

When it came time to choose a university, she had decided on a different school completely before her sister insisted she come to Tech’s campus for a tour before making her final choice.

“And it was instantly like, ‘This is my family,’” Jaquish said. “The agriculture program here is just like my family. They're so tight-knit and so supportive."

Now, her days are filled with classes on everything from animal anatomy to organic chemistry. There are also hands-on classes conducted on Tech’s Oakley farm. The property is home to cattle, sheep and pigs, as well as the new Poultry Science Research Center that houses chickens.

“Some of my favorite labs that I've done at the farm are with both piglets and lambs. When they're first born, we get to do tagging, and we get to do the first round of vaccinations, which is something I really enjoy,” she said. “Being able to see things outside of the textbook has been great. Getting my hands in the dirt and really getting to practice things brings a whole new level of understanding.”

In addition to her classes, Jaquish is also vice president of the Pre-Vet Club; a member of Delta Tau Alpha, an agricultural honor society; and a member of Future Farmers of America. She also spends time at the University Christian Student Center, an organization with Collegeside Church of Christ.

“Time management is a very important skill. It's something that I've had to master through college,” she said.
After graduation, Jaquish plans to attend veterinary school, with a goal of eventually working with both small and large animals. She encourages anyone with a love of animals to come visit Tech’s Agriculture Department for themselves to see just what is possible for their future career.

“I would encourage you to take a tour. Get in with the department; there are really good people and really good things to find there,” she said. “This major has taught me a lot about hard work and determination. It's something I'm really passionate about, and I think that that's necessary for people who are going into pre-vet to understand – that it is something that you really have to love to do. But once you love it, everything will be worth it.”