Larissa Gardner
About
From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian, so I began volunteering at various riding stables to gain experience with horses. During school holidays I undertook a variety of work experience; ranging from small animal vets in a city centre – where I sat in on consultations and operations, and assisted in minor roles – to rural equine vets, where I observed, surgery on horses. In addition, I spent time working in the bird department of the Zoological Society of London Whipsnade Zoo. Though less exotic, I also spent time on a number of farms lambing sheep, practicing pig husbandry, and milking cows.
Prior to university, I took part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which takes a minimum of three years to complete, and involves different activities for varying lengths of time, skill, physical, volunteering and expedition. Having already completed levels Bronze, Silver, and Gold, I will be presented with the Gold Award, at St. James’ Palace.
With interest in music, I play the flute and performed in the school orchestra. In my spare time I enjoy playing various sports, including tennis and swimming.
At the age of 18, I moved from England to the former Eastern European country of Hungary, to attend Szent Istvan University in Budapest, which is one of the oldest veterinary schools in Europe. I enjoy the university’s cultural diversity as there are many international students from all over Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. At university, I took up rowing, and am part of the university rowing team. Currently I am undecided about the field in which I plan to specialize in veterinary science.