Spring 2024 Commencement: Tri-C Helps Monaie Farmer Find Her Dream
Kent State University graduate turned to Tri-C when she wanted to become a veterinary technician
Some students may attend Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) before attending a four-year college. Others may attend the College to receive a certification. But Monaie Farmer, a Kent State University graduate, came to Tri-C to continue her education.
Farmer, who always knew she wanted to work with animals, enrolled in the College’s Veterinary Technology program after graduating from KSU with a bachelor’s degree in zoology.
After Tri-C, Farmer will continue to work at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital, where she has been for five years.
Farmer will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science during the College’s Spring Commencement on May 17 at the Wolstein Center.
Tell us about yourself.
I am the only one in my family in this field, so I went into it blindly. It was hard, but no one ever doubted my judgment. I am African American. In 2021, 82.1% of the veterinary technologists and technicians in the workforce were white. Of that 82.1%, women comprised 89.7%, and men comprised 10.3% (data from Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | Data USA). My ethnicity is very small in this field, which has sometimes discouraged me a little. But everyone I have met has been so encouraging, and it helped me so much. I found that I love working in emergency care. I love how fast-paced it is.
What made you choose Tri-C? When did you first enroll?
I was originally going to apply to veterinary school after I finished my bachelor's, but halfway through, I decided not to pursue that goal anymore. I learned about becoming a registered veterinarian technician through my job and searched around for programs. I found Tri-C, which is very close to home. I graduated from KSU in 2021 and applied to Tri-C the same year. I got into the Veterinary Technician program in 2022.
Describe your Tri-C experience. Has a specific person, class or event played a role in your success?
My Tri-C experience has been wonderful. I have grown a lot in these past couple of years. My professors have been key to my success. Without the help of Associate Professor Terence Kline and Adjunct Faculty Heather Izanec, I would not have been able to grow in this field.
How has Tri-C changed your life?
Tri-C has helped me get closer to my goals. With Tri-C being so much closer and financially affordable for me, it helped in more ways than anyone could think of.
Do you participate in student life at Tri-C (or have you in the past)? If so, please describe your experiences.
I am part of the Vet Tech Club, where we meet, raise donations for shelters, care for the animals in our program, and work with every animal that comes through Tri-C so that when it’s their time to be adopted, they are socialized enough to go to new loving homes.
Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share with students considering a similar degree or certificate program?
No matter what you want to do in life, you should never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. If you ever have doubts about anything, you should never put them to the side. I had doubts about going into this field when I decided not to become a veterinarian. But when I discovered I could become a vet tech, I was still able to accomplish my dream in a different way. Just because something doesn't go your way doesn't mean you have to stop.
Tri-C will celebrate the academic achievements of its newest graduates during Commencement on May 17 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Check our News and Events page leading up to the event for more highlights from the Class of 2024.
May 12, 2024
Dylanne Weese, 216-987-4281 or dylanne.weese@tri-c.edu