Lakeland elicits exciting experience for alumnus

There’s something about Lakeland College that gets Cayley Peltzer excited.

That’s why the double graduate wrapped up her four-year Lakeland experience with an animal health technology diploma (2020) after a agribusiness diploma (2017). Peltzer briefly considered returning for one more year but felt it was time to use her education. Now, she’s a full-time registered veterinary technologist at Bow Valley Veterinary Group in her hometown of Brooks, Alta.

 “I used to volunteer with them in high school, so returning is a full-circle moment. I’m caring for a variety of large and small animals like beef and dairy cattle, and cats and dogs. I'm putting my education to use. My experience with the Student-led Clinic is helping me in my current job,” she says.

Peltzer and her class were the first students to put theory into action in the Animal Health Clinic (AHC), which opened in 2018. The AHC reflects an operational veterinary clinic. While students work with both large and small animals and handle clinic operations, they also develop soft skills like client interaction, critical thinking, communication and problem-solving through the Student-led Clinic.

 “It’s truly an amazing facility. Lakeland did a great job of designing a space that gives students the best possible learning environment. In our profession, there’s a lot to learn and be proficient at. I felt prepared to start my career after learning in that facility.”

Though Lakeland’s hands-on learning model results in unique experiences, some of Peltzer’s favourite memories are from her time as a member of the Stockman’s Club, including their annual trip to Denver, Colo., to attend the National Western Stock Show. The connections she made with her instructors and classmates standout from her other Lakeland experiences. 

 “It’s always a good time to connect with friends and your instructors, even participating in events like Band in the Sand and Little Royal. My instructors were more than teachers, and I made lifelong connections and friendships, which is something not everyone can walk away from college with.”

 Though Peltzer’s time on-campus was cut short in her final semester and transitioned online due to COVID-19, she says she wouldn’t have her experience any other way.

 “It’s not how I imagined wrapping up my time at Lakeland. It was an emotional goodbye, but I have four years of great experience and wonderful memories. There is something about Lakeland that will always get me excited,” Peltzer concluded.

Photos: Top two–Cayley Peltzer putting her classroom theory to the test during a lab (pre-COVID-19). Bottom–Pelzter co-emcees the second annual Feast on the Farm in 2017.