James Lake '13 is a full-time companion animal vet living in Ocean Shores, Washington. After graduating from HTS, he travelled to the University of Edinburgh to complete the five-year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S) program. Admittedly, his degree wasn’t all smooth sailing after failing a course in his third year, but he wouldn’t change a thing.
Looking back at his HTS education, James realizes how well prepared he was for his post-secondary studies. “Being taught multiple ways to learn, study and take notes - keeping up with a lecturer made a huge difference,” he says. More generally, he loved how safe he felt within the walls of HTS. “When someone reached out to talk about their emotions, they weren’t ignored.”
Nowadays, outside the clinic, James finds joy pushing for personal bests at the gym and practicing Muay Thai as a form of active meditation. He points out that these hobbies also help him stay fit to deal with the strength and cardio components of caring for feistier patients. Admittedly, some days are more rewarding than others as a vet, but addressing a pet’s needs and making them more comfortable are all the motivators he needs to keep making an impact in his community.
James exemplifies the HTS Graduate Profile competency of impact by providing high-quality treatment and care to hundreds of furry companions throughout the Grays Harbor region. Recently, he volunteered his time and expertise for the HTS Internship Program's Informational Interviews - speaking with current HTS grade 9 students about his schooling and career as a vet. He urges all HTS students to strike the appropriate balance between your career and an equally meaningful life outside of it.