A DEDICATED trainee veterinary nurse from Malvern has been named Student of the Year at Pershore College.
Elizabeth Griffiths, 27, won the overall prize at the college and was also named Animal Welfare and Vet Nursing Student of the Year.
She undertook a two-year Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at the college, whilst working full-time at Abbey Green Vets in Broadway.
Tutors were impressed with how Elizabeth rose to the challenge of combining her studies with working in veterinary practice.
Elizabeth said she was shocked and pleased to win the award.
“I really enjoyed the course, especially the balance of working and studying although it was quite a big challenge living an hour from work and having to study when I got home but the college and my employer were really supportive.”
Elizabeth originally gained a degree in zoo biology from Nottingham Trent University and started working at the Dogs Trust in Evesham.
She was then taken on as a student veterinary nurse at Abbey Green Vets.
She said: “I knew when I left school I wanted to work with animals but after university, realised I wanted to care for animals rather than be a zookeeper.
“Abbey Green Vets took me on and after six months, I applied for Pershore College.”
Once she has completed the practical exams she will qualify as a veterinary nurse.
She is planning to get a couple of years of work under her belt before looking into a specialist role, such as animal behaviour or nutrition, to expand her knowledge for better nursing.
“The course has been great in helping me to get where I want to be and the tutors have been wonderful with their support,” she added.
Head of department Philippa Gerrard said: “As with other veterinary nursing students, Liz combines working in veterinary practice with her studies at college but she has risen to the challenge of full-time work and study throughout her time here.
“She has shown a mature attitude to her studies from the outset, and this has been rewarded by consistently high grades in all of her exams and assignments.
“Liz has been a pleasure to teach.”
Visit www.wcg.ac.uk/study for more on studying at Pershore College.
