Between lectures, labs and late-night study sessions, Â鶹ĘÓƵ’s veterinary technology students are stepping out of the classroom to make a difference — volunteering their skills to support local pet owners, licensed breeders and community events across the Yakima Valley.
By volunteering at the Yakima Valley Kennel Club’s health clinic this past spring, students like Evelynne Samwel helped bring vital services closer to home.
“I enjoy working with different people and types of veterinary events,” said Samwel, who is now in her second year of YVC’s .
The event connected breeders, pet owners and veterinary specialists, ensuring dogs in the region received essential health certifications without a long trip to Oregon or western Washington. For Samwel, it was a chance to see how collaboration between professionals and the community strengthens animal health and supports responsible breeding.
“This event really benefits the community,” Samwel said. “It brings together people who share a passion for showing, breeding and owning healthy dogs. Breeders especially appreciate having access to specialists because it helps them meet breed standards and produce healthy litters.”
ABOVE: Veterinary technology student Adriana Thomas performs an exam on a dog during a lab session in fall 2025. TOP: A Veterinary Technology student in class.
The clinic also brought two veterinary specialists to Yakima — an ophthalmologist and a cardiologist — services that require significant travel from Yakima, giving Samwel and her peers the chance to observe and practice specialized care.
“I was incredibly excited to assist the veterinarians performing ophthalmic exams and echocardiograms. These procedures are fascinating and not something you see every day in general practice,” said Samwel.
During the day, Samwel also assisted with administering eye drops, restraining dogs for exams and guiding owners through check-in. She said the hands-on experience was invaluable for building technical skills she’ll use daily in her career.
“I learned a lot about professionalism and communication in a fast-paced setting,” she said. “Client interactions were different than in general practice, and I had to be clear and professional while everything was happening quickly.”
Samwel also gained insight into the challenges breeders face, including the cost of specialized care.
“Bringing specialists to the valley is expensive,” she said. “Community members paid for the services to help the Kennel Club cover costs.”
This experience, along with others and her role as president of the , reinforces her learning and will serve her well when she graduates in spring 2027.
Another example of students engaging in the community came in fall 2023 when several club members visited a local retirement community to assist with a dog show and provide basic health checks for residents.
ABOVE: A veterinary technology student, right, under the supervision of Veterinary Technology Instructor Joanna Fischer performs an exam on a dog during an outreach event at a local retirement community in fall 2023. BELOW: Weisbarth during a lab as part of her coursework while studying at Â鶹ĘÓƵ.
The event offered a chance for students to apply their skills in a relaxed setting, while connecting with older adults and their pets. Three students, who would go on to graduate from the veterinary technology program, participated in the event— one from the class of 2024 and two from 2025 —offering support and sharing their experiences in the field.
Beyond club-sponsored activities, YVC vet tech students are also stepping up in other ways. Several have volunteered with Yakima Valley Pet Rescue’s Spay and Neuter Clinic, which offers low-cost services to local pet owners. While not an official club activity, the opportunity arose after YVPR representatives visited a club meeting seeking volunteers.
Many students are also employed at local veterinary clinics, serving as veterinary assistants while continuing their studies. These roles often include participation in community service projects organized or supported by their employers, further extending the program’s impact beyond campus.
Inspiring the next generation
This fall, two alumni returned to campus to share their career journeys with current veterinary technology students — one thriving in the fast-paced world of an emergency clinic in Seattle, the other contributing to advanced care at Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
For Vivian Weisbarth, the visit was a chance to give back to the program from which she graduated in 2024. Weisbarth spoke with students about her experiences and offered advice for navigating the transition from classroom to clinic.
Now working in WSU’s small animal surgery department, Weisbarth brings a unique perspective
on career opportunities beyond general practice, showing students the variety of paths
available in veterinary medicine.
“What inspired me to come back was the chance to show students different job outcomes,” she said. “Many of my classmates work in small animal practices or emergency clinics, but I get to give them a glimpse of what it’s like in a teaching hospital.”
For Weisbarth, YVC’s program laid the foundation for her success.
“They prepare us to jump straight into clinics,” she said. “Even though the program focuses on general practice, I was able to hit the ground running at WSU. The client communication and surgery and dental portions of the program had the biggest impact on my career.”
Weisbarth believes alumni play a critical role in building a strong community for students and industry professionals.
“Networking with students and answering their questions helps keep interest alive in veterinary medicine,” she said. “It also strengthens the program’s reputation. YVC’s technician program is competitive and sought after, and alumni help keep its name strong.”
Her leadership skills have become essential in her current role, where she mentors fourth-year veterinary students at WSU.
“I’m confident when I teach and guide them,” Weisbarth said. “I help them understand how to support their future staff and technicians. That confidence came from the training I received at YVC.”
As Weisbarth’s visit demonstrated, alumni connections don’t just benefit students — they strengthen the entire veterinary community. By sharing their experiences, alumni like Weisbarth help ensure YVC graduates are prepared to thrive in a variety of roles across the industry.
“I remember having doubts and questions when I started out,” she said. “Previous alumni and staff helped me grow into the person I am today. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Veterinary Technology Instructor Joanna Fischer, right, lectures to students during class.
For Samwel and her fellow students, their experiences beyond the classroom reinforce the variety of roles veterinary professionals can play — from general practice to specialized care and community outreach. It also strengthened their belief in the value of volunteering.
“I would definitely encourage other students to volunteer at events like this,” Samwel said. “Community service is the best way to give back, and it opens doors to unique opportunities in the veterinary industry.”
Story by Stefanie Menard, AA-DTA ’05, communications consultant. Photos by Menard; Dustin Wunderlich, director of community relations; and Brandon Mendoza, AA-DTA '19, graphic designer/multimedia content producer.