My first job was volunteering as a veterinary assistant at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Even though it was voluntary, I was paid a stipend and all in all, I can truly say, it was an experience which helped to shape the professional I am today.
I’ve always been an animal lover and thought that would be a great way to spend my summer, while gaining much-needed work experience. I was 16 at the time and loved working with animals.
There were, however, some aspects of it that I was not very keen on. I recall very vividly one incident with a huge white dog, who was fierce. He growled and barked each time I passed his enclosure.
The day came when I was obligated to interact with him and I was terrified. I was advised to command his respect and I did. That too, was an invaluable life lesson in confronting ones fears and I’ve taken this lesson with me throughout my entire professional career.
But generally, with that job, I was required to do everything that needed to be done, including processing patients, cleaning the animal’s enclosures, assisting with surgery and keeping the surroundings tidy.
My stint at the RSPCA is especially significant because it was from that, that I also learnt a lot about myself and my soft-hearted nature. This was especially useful for my future career as an attorney-at-law because I became aware of and subsequently learnt how to control my sensitive side.
Being an animal lover and a part of Animal Defenders at Queen’s College was a passion that I acted on. I eventually got into law because I was always a good arts student and president of the Debating Society and so was steered in that direction.
There are so many aspects of my current job that I enjoy. I can honestly say there is never a dull moment and it certainly is never boring.
Just as when I was 16 and at the RSPCA, there are many tasks which one may not enjoy but are just as necessary and essential as those that you love.
