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91���� Marion junior zoology major, Morgan Margraf took part in a weeklong journey to Victoria, Texas last summer to experience first-hand the work being done in a pre-veterinary program as part of the university’s Second-Year Transformational Experience Program (STEP).

Margraf, a native of Sycamore, Ohio in Wyandot County, used her STEP experience to help determine more specifically her future career path.

“I was motivated to participate in this pre-vet program because I have been on the fence about whether I wanted to pursue the wildlife veterinarian path,” said Margraf. 

“Being able to take part in a program where we get behind the scenes access at a zoo with wildlife is awesome,” she added.

“Since STEP was so amazing as to fund my trip, I couldn't pass up the opportunity,” Margraf said. 

Margraf shared that considering the love she has had for animals her entire life, this trip provided her a tremendous experience. 

“My love for animals has always been a big part of my life. Since I could remember I have loved every animal I come across. I find even the smallest and most different animals so intriguing,” Margraf said.

She shared that her love of animals extends to those most people might find gross or disturbing.

“Snakes for instance are my absolute favorite,” she said. “So much so that herpetology is one of the paths of zoology I am considering. I wish to care for animals to ensure that they have the best life possible.” 

While in Texas, Margraf felt she learned a lot from a vet that the group had as a professor for the week. 

Margraf said, “He taught us a quick course that was a run-down of the basics of being a vet. We learned about proper handling, physical exams, diseases/illnesses, medicines, animal vertebrae groups, etc.” 

“We got to be hands-on with a couple of things, like food prep and doing physical exams. All in all, it was quite an amazing experience, but I learned personally that I do not wish to become a vet. Being part of the animal care side of the animal field is definitely my path,” she said. 

Beyond the funds the program provided to explore the world, the biggest impact, Margraf shared, was gaining insight into her future career choices in working with animals. 

“STEP has helped guide me along the path of understanding what this trip did for me and why it was such an important part of my early career. I learned that the vet path is not for me. My goal was to figure that out, and STEP made that happen,” Margraf explained. 

Margraf said, her educational goal is to finish her bachelor's degree in zoology before the 5-year mark of her degree. 

In terms of her career goals, “I plan on finding a job in my field as soon as I complete my zoology degree. After that it could possibly lead to more educational goals. For example, I am not sure if I want to go back to school to become a zoology professor. When I gain time working in the field, I will gain experience and decide if I want to go back to school to become a professor teaching what I love or not,” she said. 

Margraf said, “STEP has helped me realize gaining that experience is what's going to help me reach goals and help me find exactly what it is I want to do with my life.”