Las Chicas
The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association recently published an article written by Heather Riggs, the Program Chair for the
Veterinary Technician program at Broadview University, Orem Campus. The article recounts Heather’s experiences as a volunteer at a teaching clinic in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Heather returned, after a second two-week volunteer trip, at the end of this past March.
Heather’s experiences taught that her shared passion for animals transcended all cultural and language barriers. A shared goal of improving veterinary care in this economically poor country created a sense of friendship and camaraderie with the faculty, students, and fellow volunteers.
After a truly inspiring first trip in 2011, Heather was excited to be invited to return again last March. This time she involved her students at
Broadview University, collecting textbooks, medical supplies and scrubs to be donated to the Universidad Autónoma Gabriel René Moreno (UAGRM).
Heather spent most of her time working with Vet students but formed a dear friendship with several technicians whom she called “Las Chicas.”
While only one spoke any English, through a combination of Spanish and English, and some charades, they worked anesthesia cases together and Heather was able to share some techniques with them that will be useful in their future work in La Paz.
Here at Broadview Orem, we are pleased to have such a talented and
passionate animal activist as our program chair. Heather is a pleasure to know and a great example and teacher to her students.
For the full text of her article, go to: http://www.hsvma.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=331%3Alesson_in_translation&catid=21%3Aravs&Itemid=79#.T-obGhk6KYg.email
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