Passion in Compassion
Story appeared in the 2019 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.
BY HAYLEY PICARD, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most of us were bombarded with this question growing up, and in turn we plague the next generation with its unfortunate implications—the idea that their future careers will define who they are. Yet, for QMS graduates Jillian Kitt (‘19) and Sara Raessi (‘19), they are not focusing on the what, but rather, the who.
What first interested you in a career in the sciences?
JILLIAN: “Growing up, I can’t remember a single day that didn’t involve animals. Animals shaped me in more ways than one. They taught me how to love and care for something and how to say the hardest goodbyes; both extremely important life lessons. I was hesitant to pursue the veterinary sciences initially because I was afraid my strong love and compassion for animals would get in the way, then I slowly realized that I can use my passion for animals as a way to help. I want nothing more than to make an animal feel cared for.”
SARA: “I’ve been interested in dentistry and medicine from an early age. Becoming a dentist is not what I am passionate about, I find it really interesting, but helping people to feel good about themselves is what I am passionate about.”
After your work experience this year, were their aspects of the work you found surprising?
JILLIAN: “Spending four months at Prevost Veterinary Clinic has only solidified veterinary sciences as my path of study. I discovered how I can let my passion fuel me to do everything in my power to help animals. I got to witness and assist with a variety of procedures, including teeth cleaning/pulling, C-sections, spays and neuters, lumpectomies…the list goes on. I definitely enjoy the real hands-on, ‘dirty’ aspect of being a vet. I can’t think of a single moment I felt disgusted or disturbed. I was fascinated the entire time I was there.”
SARA: “I enjoyed my time with Dr. Benham. Watching a procedure to extract teeth was a little hard to see at first. It’s scary for the patient, so it helped me realize how incredibly brave they were. The experience got me really interested in oral surgery.”
What do you hope will be the most rewarding part of working in the sciences?
JILLIAN: “The fact that I would be working every day to stand up for animals who don’t have a voice. I want to do more than just be a vet, I also want to do plenty of volunteer work for less fortunate animals and be a strong advocate for them.”
SARA: “I want people to feel good about themselves. There are so many individuals around the world who don’t know about, or understand dental health. The program I intend to study at university in Turkey provides travel experiences [to work in dentistry] around the world. My first choice would be my home country of Iran, but developing countries are also a priority for me.”
Who do these grads want to be?
Jillian visualizes her future self with an honest, but clear lens. “In the future, I want to be somebody who can wake up each day knowing I am truly changing the world for the better, even if it is just one animal’s world. I want to know that I am doing everything I possibly can and that I’m giving 100% to my career in animal care. I want to have the power to influence others to discover the same passion and desire [to help] as me. I understand that my road to [reach] these goals will be tough with many bumps, and tons of stress along the way, but I know that the end goal will be more than enough to fuel me to push on, even when the present feels impossible.”
According to author and spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle, “Compassion is the awareness of a deep bond between yourself and all creatures.” Sara and Jillian’s dreams of helping humans and animals through health care, displays their grasp of his theory and the deep passion they have for pursuing a life dedicated to it.