Meet Sarah, Animal Science Student

About Sarah Kay

Fourth-year animal science student Sarah Kay had her eyes set on the University of Guelph since high school. Sarah is passionate about working with animals and is involved with various activities across campus. After graduation Sarah plans to pursue graduate studies or work in animal behaviour and welfare.

Program: Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
Hometown: Belleville, Ontario
Year of Study: Fourth year

Why did you decide to come to the University of Guelph?

The University of Guelph was my dream school from grade 9! I grew up with racehorses since my dad was an owner/trainer and have lived on a small hobby farm with horses, goats, and chickens since 2010. I have loved animals and agriculture my entire life and Guelph is so well known for their agriculture and veterinary programs. I visited the campus in grade 11 and immediately felt at home and welcomed with open arms. The campus was beautiful, and the food options were incredible (especially because I am vegetarian)!

What do you like best about your program?

My favourite thing about the program is the sense of community. Every student has a strong passion for agriculture and some of us have similar backgrounds (coming from family farms, involved in 4-H, etc.). I have made so many friends that will last a lifetime. I also like that in third and fourth year we have a lot of elective choices. You can choose courses that interest you or that you think will be useful in your career following graduation.

In what ways were/are you involved on campus? 

I have been heavily involved in activities on campus throughout all four years of my program. First, second, and third year I was a varsity athlete on the Gryphons Curling Team. First, third, and fourth year, I was an executive member (secretary) of the OAC Sheep and Goat Club. Second year I was an executive member (College Royal Coordinator) for the Animal Science Society. This year, I am volunteering in Dr. Eduardo de Souza Ribeiro’s lab which focuses on dairy cattle health and reproduction. I am assisting graduate students with data collection at a commercial farm and the Elora Dairy Research Station.  

Do you have a favourite class or professor? 

There are a few classes that immediately come to mind – Animal Production Systems, Health and Industry (AGR*2350), Agricultural Animal Physiology (ANSC*3080), Animal Reproduction (ANSC*3040) and Animal Welfare Judging and Evaluation (ANSC*4010). AGR*2350 was an amazing overview of the different livestock species and their industries. Our class got tours of both the Dairy and Beef Elora Research Stations and a tour of the Aquaculture Research Station. ANSC*3080 involved a lab component where we dealt with animal specimens such as a brain and digestive tract. ANSC*3040 was similar in that the lab component involved working with specimens such as the male and female reproductive tract and learning how to do an embryo flush. I enjoy any and all opportunities for visual/hands on learning! Finally, ANSC*4010 is a very unique course as it is presentation based versus memorizing and regurgitating information. It is a great opportunity to practice public speaking and critical thinking skills!

What residence did you live in during the first year? 

I lived in the aggie (agriculture) cluster in Addington! I really enjoyed living in the cluster because I met so many wonderful and like-minded people. The common living area on our floor was a great place to study with friends and it was convenient we all had the same classes, so we typically walked there together as a group. The LA Café, sometimes referred to as the LA Pit and Starbucks were located in the same building, so we didn’t even have to go outside to get food or a drink!

Where is your favourite spot to hang out on campus?

I really enjoy spending time in the Aggie Lounge located in the basement of Johnston Hall. There are comfy couches, individual study corrals, and large tables for studying with a group. It’s typically really quiet here and no one really knows it exists except for Aggies! I also enjoy studying in the Summerlee Science Complex because of the abundance of natural light, the large spacious tables, and of course the Second Cup!

What is an unforgettable university experience you’ve had?

I will never forget Aggie Pub! Every Wednesday night (before the pandemic) agriculture students would flock to the basement of the UC (Peter Clark Hall) for drinks and line dancing! It was so much fun.

Do you have favourite spots in Guelph?

Favourite restaurant: Beertown on Stone Road! 
A night out with friends: The Stampede Ranch on Woodlawn Ave
My second home: The Guelph Curling Club 

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

I absolutely love riding horses, so I currently take riding lessons at a horse barn just outside of Guelph. I really miss interacting with my horses from home when I’m at school, so this is therapeutic for me! I also love to play curling and I am super competitive, so going to tournaments with my team or practicing in my free time makes me very happy!

What are your plans or goals after graduation?

Coming into first year of my program, I had full intentions of going to the Ontario Veterinary College to become a veterinarian. My plans changed over time as I discovered new things about myself, and about the world of animals and agriculture. My new plan is to take some time away from school and discover what it really is that piques my interest and makes me happy. I can see myself potentially completing a master’s degree, but I am unsure where or what area of research at this moment. I really enjoy animal behaviour and welfare, so some career ideas include welfare auditor and animal care/welfare specialist.

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

I would tell my high school self that: 
1.    Not everything works out exactly as you plan it, and that is okay! Definitely learn to go with the flow! 
2.    A veterinarian is not the only job for people who love animals, there are SO many others that you don’t even know exist. 

What methods have you found to adjust to remote learning during the period of online class delivery? 

I will not lie; the first semester of fully online learning was so tough! I fell into a pattern of waking up just minutes before class started, watching lectures from bed, and not leaving my house. The most important methods I have found to be happy and successful in online learning is setting up a dedicated study space in your home, waking up with enough time before class that you can eat breakfast and put on clothes, and try to go outside at least once per day. This can range from going for a walk, to running errands, or meeting up with friends. 

What's one fun fact about yourself?

I am basically known to my friends as “the goat girl”. I am obsessed with my herd of goats at home, and my all-time favourite activity is showing my goats at fairs/shows. If you have ever been to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto and visited the goats, you’ve probably seen me!