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My name is Abigail Hogue, I am 20 years old and a Junior at Texas A&M University- Commerce. When I was little, I repeatedly told my parents that I wanted to be a veterinarian someday. My parents have supported every aspect of this dream throughout my childhood. As I went through high school, I realized that I desired to become an LVT (Licensed Veterinary Technician) rather than a doctor. The idea of becoming a technician was so exciting to me, being able to run labs, work with patients and clients, and having the opportunity to specialize in a specific field as well.
I graduated from my homeschool class in 2020. I knew what I wanted to do with my life, but I didn’t exactly know how to get there. I had researched vet tech programs for countless hours throughout my senior year with no luck of finding a program that seemed to suit me. I reached out to Susan Culp from the A&M Agrilife Extension, and after emailing back and forth a few times to figure out the scenario, we scheduled a zoom call to discuss my options. Dr. Culp was so incredibly helpful and walked me through all the options I had for technician schools in Texas. She explained the basis of the Agrilife extension, and how it can be used to help students find schools and what each university has to offer based on my needs and wants for my college planning. She suggested touring A&M College Station to look at the Blinn college technician program, looking at Cedar Valley campus in Dallas, and A&M Commerce, which had a brand new 4-year technician program. We ended up deciding on researching the Veterinary Biomedical Technology program at Texas A&M University Commerce. Dr. Culp encouraged me to call and look into the new bachelor’s program offered, and to look at the requirements for it. I did, and after applying to the program in 2021, I was officially accepted that same fall! With this program I have been able to perform many tasks such as blood draws, hands-on live animal labs, and physical exams, as well as completing 3 summer internships over the course of the program to utilize the skills we have learned and apply them in a clinic setting.
I am currently in my third year of tech school at A&M Commerce, with plans to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in May 2024. I know without a doubt I would not be here without Dr. Culp’s help, support and encouragement, and I am so thankful for the Agrilife extension for helping me to make my dreams possible!
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