Jo Ellen Emswiler
After
30 years in local law enforcement, there is little that surprises Jo Ellen
Emswiler. That is, until she had to give an injection to a steer on a field
trip her first semester in the veterinary technology program at BRCC.
“I didn’t realize how tough a bovines’ hide is, and the longer curly hair didn’t help either. Then I dropped the syringe and felt like an idiot, but the steer bounding up into the squeeze chute wasn’t a surprise to Dr. Van Lear. He just laughed, attached another needle and demonstrated what I needed to do. I was thrilled to hear him say ‘great job’ after I finally did it.”
Her love for animals, especially dogs, led her to this challenging program at BRCC. “We raised hunting beagles and I learned a lot about handling dogs from my dad and our old vet,” she explained. “Also, after having spent 30 years in public service, I still needed to do something that involves helping others.”
Less than two years later, Emswiler is getting ready to graduate to pursue her second career, as a veterinary technician. She hopes to work in water therapy and rehabilitation for dogs.
Her advice to students entering the vet tech program is to, “be ready to devote your entire life for the next two years - there’s lots of studying - but with that in mind take breaks when you can. I found that taking my dogs to agility class or even just working on the equipment I have at home for a little while would clear my mind and helped me.” She added, “Enjoy the people in your class and the wonderful doctors and LVT's that so patiently teach.”