Margaret Frye '20 is a veterinary technology major from New Bern, North Carolina. Her childhood dog Alice gave her the chance to see firsthand the profound impact that pets can have on the lives of their humans, and she the motivating force behind Margaret’s chosen course of study.
Margaret Frye: When I was a senior in high school, UNH appealed to me because it offered a college experience with small and personal classes. I was able to explore many interests in my first year. I lived in North Carolina at the time and the state has many fantastic schools, but I wanted agriculture and sports and UNH offered me the best of both worlds as opposed to choosing just one.
Margaret: I chose veterinary technology because of my first dog. Her name was Alice, and she was a brown and white Papillion with a little cat marking on her forehead. Alice was a little diva in a small body and loved herself more than anything. She was also my best friend and since we were both adopted, we related on so many levels. She needed a home, and I needed someone to talk to. Alice taught me how to love.
When I was going into high school making a transition in my life, Alice passed away due to an autoimmune disease. When I lost Alice, I decided that I wanted to help animals as much as I could. Animals can't talk to us, but it doesn't mean they can't communicate. I look at being a veterinary technician as being the voice for them.
Margaret: Having good time management and study skills are crucial. Have fun but know when you need to scale back. I wish I learned that sooner. When I was a freshman, I took 15 credits and 5 classes. I ended up finishing my freshman year with a 2.8 GPA. Now as a senior and full-time student I work 20 hours a week, four days a week. I couldn’t do it without the ability to manage my time and study efficiently.
Make time for friends because friends are there for you when it’s 2am in the library and you need to let off steam. Friends will help you create the memories that last a lifetime. I would also advise incoming students to not be afraid of their professors. Office hours are a great way to talk about the stress, ask questions, or just get to know faculty.
Also, it's okay to make mistakes! Making mistakes is part of learning. Making mistakes is part of life. What you learn from the mistake is what is important.
Margaret: After graduation, the plan is to do small animal practice for a few years, and then work my way up to emergency. Eventually, I would love to go work in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park and help the captive animals the best way I can and hopefully using the knowledge I gain from the Thompson School to make a difference in the animals’ well-being.
Margaret: UNH has prepared me socially, academically, and mentally. When I was a freshman, I had to learn how to be social and live with another person. I also had to learn how to deal with conflict and to stand up for myself. Academically, UNH pushed me hard with animal anatomy and learning as many dog and cat breeds as I possibly could. Mentally, being in college made me grow up, I didn't ask permission from my parents to go to a sporting event or go to a friend's dorm. Having independence to make my own choices helped me learn what I wanted and how to achieve it.
Margaret: I love everything about UNH. I know it's cliche but I love the atmosphere, I love hockey season and I love having an unlimited food plan. I mean who doesn't want to eat all the time? UNH also has the agriculture aspect which is what I was looking for in a college.
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