When I was fifteen-months old, I was diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis and had to have my right hand removed. So, when I enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program at HCC the first question I asked of my professor, Dr. Vincent Centonze, was, “Can I do this job with one hand?” He immediately started naming one-handed success stories, like Jim Abbot, a major league pitcher for the New York Yankees, and Rick Allen, the drummer for Def Leppard. In that moment, I knew I was in the right place and I knew I would succeed. The instructors in the HCC Vet Tech program are not "just teachers" but seasoned professionals with real life experiences to share. They have a passion for teaching. They opened my eyes to the world of emergency medicine, which I fell in love with. Because of the connections I made during my clinical rotations while attending HCC, I was employed before I graduated and was offered my dream job shortly after graduating with my A.S. in Veterinary Technology. HCC gave me the confidence and training I needed to change my life. I now work for one of the largest and most respected veterinary hospitals in the country as a Certified Emergency Veterinary Technician; a job I truly love. Thank you HCC!