Katie Parr is a clinical coordinator for Ross College in North Canton. Aside from her professional pursuits, she has been very involved in her community as well. She has spent countless hours working in veterinary medicine shelters, day practices, and ERs for about a decade before coming to Ross. She is a positive role model for her students, and she’s always pushing them to become better versions of themselves.
We sat down with Katie to hear more about her story.
Here is what she had to say:
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I am a registered veterinary technician, and I actually graduated from the very building that I am now teaching in. It was still Brown Mackie at the time. When I am not teaching, I am typically studying. I’m currently working on getting my Bachelors of Science in Veterinary Technology. With the little time that I have left over, I enjoy reading and watching movies.
What led you to Ross? Have you always been in healthcare or was Ross your first exposure to healthcare?
I worked in veterinary medicine, shelters, day practices, and ERs for about a decade before I returned to Ross to start teaching.
How has your experience at Ross been so far? Do you have any memorable experiences or moments?
I love working at Ross! Our students are the best, and I have the greatest team ever!
Did you have any people that inspired you along the way?
I have been inspired by many people along the way. My grandmother passed on her love of animals to me, and having two parents, two in-laws, and a husband in the education field has given me lots of inspiration!
What are some important lessons that you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned so many lessons along the way! My most important lesson has been that everyone has a different learning system that works for them, so I try to incorporate many different ways of explaining and demonstrating things so I can help everyone as much as I can.
What advice would you give to students who want to pursue a similar path as you?
I always tell my students to try different types of environments and to always keep an open mind. When I first graduated I was terrified to work in emergency medicine, and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life!
What are a few things that you wish you knew before going into the medical field?
I wish that I had known just how taxing veterinary medicine could be, both emotionally and physically. However, when you are doing something that you love, it’s all worth it.
What achievements are you proud of?
The achievements that I am most proud of are the students! It is such a special feeling to watch someone walk across that stage to accept their degree after watching them throughout their educational career. In addition, when a former student reaches out with a question or an issue that they want my opinion on, it just makes me feel like I am in the right line of work!
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would love to tell my younger self that everything will work out just the way that it’s supposed to work out. Stressing out doesn’t change the outcome of things, so take a deep breath!
A fun fact about you.
A fun fact about me is that I love to challenge myself and face my fears. I conquered my fear of heights by zip lining over old Vegas. Our program chair, Bob Argent, has been working with me on conquering my fear of snakes, and I actually voluntarily held one of his babies last week!
I am beyond honored to be nominated as a GEM, it means the world to me. I love my students and what I do, and sometimes it doesn’t even feel like work!