As soon as you step into the animal shelter, the environment is always full of furry friends. The Animal shelters are always busy and loaded, whether that be taking care of a furry companion or having to deal with some major events.
A helping hand is always needed at the Humane Society of North East El Paso animal shelter, and these practicum students do that. The practicum at SISD follows Career and Technical Education (CTE). This veterinary technology program not only provides experience, but also allows students following this pathway to earn a level-one veterinary assistant certification by graduation.
Students can wish to take a level further by volunteering for at least one thousand clinical hours, and reach VME level two.
Senior Christan Dubrule, feels that engagement plays a big part in working hands-on, helping him with his education.
“I love working hands-on rather than reading a book or going online to teach, yeah it’s way better,” Dubrule said.
With this experience he will be able to attend college and gain even more, or actually work alongside his mentors at the animal shelter.
Senior Iker Martinez, another VME certified student has put his helping hands to use as well. He has three hundred and fifty clinical hours, and finished early September, 2025. He plans on reaching veterinary assistant certification level one, by completing 500 hours.
“By volunteering, helping out the dogs, walking them every day because they are shelter animals, they are stuck here 24/7,” Martinez said. “Walking them has a big impact on their lives.”
The adviser of the program, Agriculture Science teacher Felicia Martinez, knows that not only her students are able to make an impact, but so can anyone else. There are opportunities for students not in the program, but still share a love for volunteering.
“The animal shelter takes volunteers whether they are in the program or not, as long as they are] 16 years of age you can attend,” Martinez said. “If you’re younger than sixteen you can go, but you must have a parent present, so even if you are not in the program, you can still volunteer your time.”
Not only are they making an influence on their own career path, but they are making a real difference and working hard to make sure animals in their care have a chance to live a happy, healthy life. Through dedication, volunteering, and mentorship, this program doesn’t just give students a chance to learn, it helps them help where real lives are changed.
All photos by Sydney Revesz
