Bay Path University

Animal Science, Human Touch Eva Rodriquez '09 When Eva Rodriguez arrived at Bay Path, she knew exactly why she was there. Growing up in Springfield, she cherished the companionship of dogs and horses and long planned to apply that love to a career as a veterinarian. She also knew herself well enough to realize that academic, social, and familial support would be critical to getting through the rigorous science curriculum and clinic hours required for admission to vet school. "I wanted to stay close to home and have support in the sciences," she recounts. "Throughout the whole process of visiting, admissions, and being a student, I never felt like a number. The campus made me feel like everybody knew me. They knew who I was." As a biology major, Rodriguez was continually challenged and supported by Dr. Christine Bacon, chair of Bay Path's science department. "I had her for microbiology, infectious diseases, and immunology. Whereas some people would say things like 'Vet school is hard, it's competitive, you might want to have a fallback or consider taking a different career path,' Dr. Bacon would say, 'If you think you can do it and you're going to put the work into it, then you can do it.'" "There are only 30 accredited vet schools in the United States. Some have only 60 slots, so it's very competitive," notes Rodriguez. Studies show that women's colleges graduate math and science majors at 1.5 times the rate of coed colleges. Recent research by the Women's College Coalition found that graduates of women's colleges are more than twice as likely to attend medical school and earn doctoral degrees as graduates of coed colleges. While looking for a job to augment her undergrad studies, Rodriguez met Dr. Samuel Carson, owner of the Ludlow Animal Clinic, and formed what would be the most influential relationship of her career. "I sent out a ton of resumes, and it wound up Dr. Carson's wife was a Bay Path alum," she explains. "They said they couldn't technically hire me because I didn't have a degree yet, but that I could shadow and learn." After graduating from Bay Path in 2009, Rodriguez entered Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, but left the program after only a month. "In any form of professional school, you're like drinking from a fire hose. They tell you that the first day," she says. Learn more on how Eva never gave up on her dream by visiting the Bay Pathway Online at www.baypath.edu. 46 Bay Pathway Spring/Summer 2020 2004 Stephanie Huckel G'09 was named a 2019 40 Under 40 for the Providence, RI, region. 2006 Kelly Broderick Class Agent 811 Polo Rd., Apt. 0235, Columbia, SC 29223 kelbyanne@gmail.com Nicole Belbin graduated from Western New England University with her JD in May, 2020. Kelly Broderick is now a clinical therapist at South Carolina's Sexually Violent Predator Treatment Program. Arielle Donmore received her national board certification in teaching. She is certified as an early childhood generalist. Crystal Halcott Gallagher started a new job back in July 2019 working as the consultive administrative assistant for Crossroads School for Autistic Children. 2007 Cassandra Yaiser Class Agent 121 Butternut St., Apt. D, Middletown, CT 06457 860.510.8624 cassie.yaiser85@gmail.com Kiyota Garcia was named coordinator of academic advising and transfer center at Springfield Technical Community College. Anabela Pereira Grenier G'09 President/CEO of the Pioneer Valley Credit Union was recognized for 35 years of service. 2008 Nina Sabettini is now director of visitor services and operations at the Discovery Museum. Jess Roncarati Howe, after giving birth to twins in 2019, decided to build a career that works around her family life. She started consulting for nonprofit organizations and quickly found herself with plentiful, rewarding work. She is currently employed as the first Program Coordinator for Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts; she has completed a contract with the Westfield Starfires; and looks forward to working with the Ronald McDonald House and Chikmedia in the coming months. 2009 Chassity Crowell Miller Class Agent 134 Gates Ave., E. Longmeadow, MA 01028 413.654.0581 chassitymiller@gmail.com

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