My name is Saylor Kvalheim, and I am a 16-year-old Junior in High School, from Burleson, Texas. I am a self-driven, homeschool student who has a lot of passion. I am very active in my Community 4-H Club and Johnson County 4-H organizations. There are some people who search their whole life to figure out what path they want to take in life. I feel blessed, because for as long as I can remember, I’ve loved animals of all kinds. Since I was 10 years old, I’ve known that I want to be a veterinarian. I began my official journey to becoming a veterinarian in 2019 when I attended a 4-H Vet Science workshop in McClellan County. That night I learned that I could jumpstart my dream by completing a 4-H Vet Science curriculum AND that I could receive a CVA license through 4-H! In August of 2019, I began my journey to complete my CVA. I was accepted by Rendon Road Animal Clinic (RRAC) to complete my internship hours. Dr. Trisha White and Dr. Megan Gaines have helped my skills develop further than I ever could imagine. Working there has allowed me to be hands-on with medical procedures, well visits, and surgeries. I have learned how to draw blood on numerous small and large animals, how to place a catheter, take an X-ray and administer medications. I have now been a part of many surgeries including spay, neuters, abscess removal, tumor removal, and hematomas. I have even been able to drain hematomas on dogs and goats at house calls. It has been a great experience to learn new skills and work with the staff. I have learned how to identify parasites, and ticks through the microscope. I can now restrain, and muzzle animals going through anesthesia and have learned how to administer shots. I chose to go in fully and take advantage of all the opportunities given. This has included participating in the Texas A&M Veterinary Enrichment Camp, and the Texas A&M Kingsville Vet Science Camp. I also took advantage of the Texas 4-H State Round-Up Vet Science Skill-a-thon. The last 2 years I was able to complete my Texas 4-H Recordbook on Veterinary Science. I won State for 2021 and went to D.C. on an educational trip. One of my main objectives has been to educate others about this program. I led a booth at the Johnson County 4-H Open House to help spread the word. I would highly suggest this program to anyone who has an interest in Vet Sciences. After completing 100 lessons, 125 hands-on skills, and over 650 hours of internship and studying, I am happy to report I am officially, Saylor Kvalheim, CVA! This goal is completed, but I am far from done. My goal is to graduate and attend Texas A&M University. I want to become a DVM and possibly minor in Wildlife Research. Thanks to this program and Dr. Susan Culp Wildlife Research is a new area of interest for me. I know the sky is the limit for me! Thank you for providing this amazing program for the youth of Texas!
