Resiliency in Action: Continuing to Learn During Quarantine
Izzy Blews, Vet Assistant Class of 2021
According to Al Siebert Resiliency Center, resiliency is the “human ability to recover quickly from disruptive change, or misfortune without being overwhelmed or acting in dysfunctional or harmful ways.” At LCCTC, while we all learn new concepts through theory and hands-on instruction, resiliency is a skill that must be demonstrated in times of great trouble in all aspects of our lives. Especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve come to understand the importance of developing resilience because of my experiences at work, at home, and through online instruction.
Resiliency shows in my school work as I try my best to put my all into each assignment whether I’m in Vet Assistance or in academics; this has been a transferable skill as I am also an employee at a fast food business. Because of the recent events in our community, our nation, and our world, people are afraid. At my workplace, coming to work has been difficult for many; perhaps they’re afraid, and I’m not going to lie, I considered quitting, too. However, I have learned to be resilient by resisting the urge to call off, by continuing to come to work on time, and by making sure that I am adhering to newly-established guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the public and of myself as I do my best to do my best work.
One of the last things I would ever want to do is bring home an illness to my mother who has just had an organ transplant, so I have been making sure I follow all safety protocols when I return home. I have been helping her at home by making sure she is comfortable, helping her make dinner, and doing extra cleaning around the house -- especially when I return to our home after my shift at wok. In spite of the current situation, I have been able to shine through, and make our lives during the COVID pandemic as positive and as healthy, as I can.
Resiliency is shown in my home life as much as it is applied to online learning. I have chosen to study in the Veterinary Assistant program at Lawrence County Career and Technical Career. In shop, I practice resiliency on a day-to-day basis as I make sure dogs are properly groomed and that tools are sterilized and put away in their proper places. I continue to buckle down and complete my independent studies in theory so that I can earn Animal Care Technologies Certifications for skills like Surgical Assisting, Understanding Vaccines, and Practical Radiology -- all skills will be used in my future career. As the school closures keep us from our hands-on studies, it has been somewhat of an easy transition for me as I am able to continue earning the ACT Certifications for my shop.
Being resilient and being able to emotionally withstand difficult times like this could prove how dedicated I am to my future plans. Studying at the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center has also shown me how to apply resilience in my everyday life and online schooling to make sure I am to get the best outcome for my future.
Izzy is a Veterinary Assistant from New Castle. She currently works in the fast food industry. She is a member of 4-H Paw Printz and hopes to work with CoOp at a vet clinic in her senior year. In her free time, she likes to write and take her dog for walks.
