Academic Programs > For Prospective Students > Meet Our Students > Brittany Garr
Brittany Garr
Hometown: Upper Marlboro, MD
Major: Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine
I first became interested in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources because of its close proximity to my home. I wanted to be close to my parents while gaining the full college experience at a highly credited university. The college offered a broad curriculum that allowed me to choose a variety of electives in addition to my required courses. And I liked how well-rounded the campus environment seemed to be, with people from almost every part of the world.
When I arrived, I was surprised at the closeness of the college community and how easy it is to get advice on almost any academic issue. I like how the faculty and staff show a keen interest in helping their students and making sure that we all have the best resources available.
I’ve taken a lot of interesting courses so far, but if I had to pick my favorite, it would have to be Animal Anatomy. Even though it was a difficult class based largely on pure memorization, it was interesting and a lot of fun. It allowed me to get hands-on experience dissecting an animal, which is a great way to enhance what you learn in lecture. Being able to feel and look at the different parts of the animal is a completely different experience than seeing them as a picture in a textbook.
Another great hands-on experience was my internship at USDA’s Beltsville Agricultural Research Center the summer after my freshman year. I worked with Dr. John F. Carroll, a research entomologist, assisting in the study of tick-borne diseases. The main part of the study involved monitoring deer feeders and determining if a certain kind of tickicide on these feeders lowered the tick population in specific areas.
I’ve always known that I wanted to become a veterinarian because animals are my life; however, I wasn’t completely sure if I wanted to work with horses or small animals. As a result of the courses I’ve taken so far, particularly Animal Anatomy, I now know that I want to specialize in animal ophthalmology.
Advice for students:
If you’re looking for a college that will provide you with a more personal experience than many students receive and a tremendous amount of opportunities and resources, then the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources would be the perfect place for you. However, it’s up to you to take advantage of these opportunities and take control of your path to graduating and pursuing a career in your field of choice. Besides trying your best to obtain good grades, use college as an opportunity to learn many lessons that you will take with you for the rest of your life.
Advice for parents:
Know that if your child enrolls at the University of Maryland, they’ll be able to experience something they’ve never experienced before. And they will definitely be in great hands at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Weiss
Last updated: 03/9/2009
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