A TRAINEE veterinary nurse has been named Student of the Year at Pershore College.
Elizabeth Griffiths was also named Animal Welfare and Vet Nursing Student of the Year.
The 27-year-old from Malvern undertook a two-year Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at the college, whilst working full-time at Abbey Green Vets in Broadway.
Tutors were impressed with how Elizabeth rose to the challenge of combining her studies with working at the practice.
Elizabeth said she was shocked and pleased to win the award.
“I really enjoyed the course, especially the balance of working and studying although it was quite a big challenge living an hour from work and having to study when I got home but the college and my employer were really supportive.”
Elizabeth originally gained a degree in zoo biology from Nottingham Trent University and started working at Evesham’s Dogs Trust before being taken on as a student veterinary nurse at Abbey Green.
She then applied to Pershore College.
She said: “I knew when I left school I wanted to work with animals but after university, realised I wanted to care for animals rather than be a zookeeper.
“The course has been great in helping me to get where I want to be and the tutors have been wonderful with their support.”
Once she has completed the practical exams she will qualify as a veterinary nurse.
After getting more experience under her belt, she plans to look into a specialist role, such as animal behaviour or nutrition.
Head of department Philippa Gerrard said Liz was a pleasure to teach.
“As with other veterinary nursing students, Liz combines working in veterinary practice with her studies at college but she has risen to the challenge of full-time work and study throughout her time here.
“She has shown a mature attitude to her studies from the outset, and this has been rewarded by consistently high grades in all of her exams and assignments. ”
Visit www.wcg.ac.uk/study for more on studying at Pershore College.
