Meet Madison Pawsey, Veterinary Technology Diploma Student

About Madison Pawsey

Program: Veterinary Technology (Conventional Delivery)
Year of Study: 2nd year
Hometown: London, Ontario

Madison Pawsey attends the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus and is working toward getting an associate diploma in veterinary technology. The pace of life in Ridgetown is perfect for Madison, who transitioned there from a larger city. She enjoys learning about livestock animals in her program and hopes to work in a mixed or large animal practice in the future.

Why did you decide to study at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus?

I love the campus and being in a small town where everything is so easily accessible. The University of Guelph has always been a dream school for me, so I was very excited to be able to study here.

What do you like best about your program?

The small class sizes are great for connecting with my classmates and professors. I also love the opportunity I have gotten to learn about both small and large animals.

Do you have a favourite class or professor?

My favourite class is Livestock. Coming from a city I never really had the chance to work with or learn about livestock animals and that has been something I have always been interested in learning about. Attending Ridgetown has allowed me to learn a little more about the agriculture industry regarding livestock and I’ve loved learning it all. All the professors in my program are great. They want us to succeed and always do their best to help when we need it.

Did you live in residence or off-campus during your first year?

I lived in residence. It was a great opportunity to meet people and make friends in all different programs.

Where is your favourite spot to hang out on campus?

My friends and I always love walking out to the barns and spending time with the sheep and cattle when we need a break from studying. Being able to spend time with all the animals on campus is a great way to help destress.

What is an unforgettable experience you’ve had while at Ridgetown?

Getting to participate in the school’s Spring Expo. I got to work with one of our colony dogs doing agility throughout the year and we got to show off the skills she learned.

Do you have favourite spots in Ridgetown?

I do not know if I have one specific favourite spot in Ridgetown, but moving from a city to a small town was a nice change of pace for me. I like how close everything is and how you can walk down the street from campus and everything is in one area.

What is a hobby that makes you happy, or relieves stress?

A hobby that makes me happy is playing my instruments or playing with my dog.

What are your plans or goals after graduation?

After graduation, I would love to be able to work in a mixed or large animal practice. I hope to be able to get more involved in the agriculture industry in the future.

Knowing what you know now, what piece of advice would you give to your high school self?

A piece of advice that I would give my high school self is not to worry so much about the future. Things might not go the way you had hoped or planned for them to go, but if you have a dream or a goal and you work hard enough it will happen one way or another.

What's one fun fact about yourself?

I can play the violin, the piano and the ukulele.