Friend to the four-legged Student embraces life-long love of animals for her future

CHRISTIAN JUAREZ Reporter @roundupcaj

They are often confused for doctors, but the people in the blue scrubs are veterinary technicians, and it's a whole different job.

Unlike some of her peers, Isabel Garay, 24, wasn't faced with difficulty when choosing her major. Her passion to help animals keeps her going, is why she chose to major in Veterinary Sciences and Technology.

Aa a child, she knew she was going to pursue a career in the veterinary field. Garay said her hobby was helping animals.

“I liked feeding the stray cats around my neighborhood,” Garay said. “I loved taking care of them. They had no one to look after them.”

Garay grew up in a supportive and loving household, despite of all the obstacles her family faced.

“We moved around a lot,” Garay said. “I had to move from my apartment to my grandma’s, and then from there, to a house with my whole family because of the Northridge Earthquake.”

Garay, who is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, experienced educational struggles.

“I had to move from three different schools because of my disability disorder,” Garay said. “They kicked me out because I wasn’t learning quick like the others.”

Garay said the Pierce Vet Tech Program helps her out tremendously.

“It’s hard to concentrate with a disability because I focus and get distracted a lot,” Garay said. “With the program here, I get a lot of hands on work which is helpful for me.”

Garay said she enjoys the hands-on experience that she receives at Pierce.