NEWARK – Preparing the next generation motivates her.
“As a kid, I was very involved in 4-H and spent much of my childhood showing horses,” Amanda Swick said. “I started in western pleasure and eventually moved into barrel racing. Horses have always been my biggest passion.
“I also loved camping, fishing and going to the fair,” she said. “I just loved being outside and spending time with animals. If there was an animal that needed cared for, you could usually find me trying to help it. I always had a passion for caring for animals.”
Today, Swick is the veterinary science instructor at the Career & Technology Education Centers of Licking County.
“I teach both junior and senior students interested in pursuing careers in veterinary medicine,” she said. “My students learn topics including animal behavior, anatomy, diseases, medical terminology, laboratory procedures, surgical assisting, animal restraint and patient care for both small and large animals.
“My goal is to provide students with as many real-world experiences as possible, so they feel confident entering college or the workforce,” she said. “I believe hands-on learning is one of the best ways to prepare students for their future careers.”
Swick grew up in Perry County, graduated from Sheridan High School in 2006, earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in veterinary technology at Bradford College, then passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination and became a registered veterinary technician. Before coming to C-TEC, she worked for 16 years as a registered veterinary technician at a mixed animal veterinary clinic, including 14 years as lead.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping people learn, But I never considered becoming a classroom teacher,” she said. “To be honest, I didn’t love school growing up, so I certainly never pictured myself coming back to work in one after college. Looking back now, it’s funny how life can take you in a direction you never expected.”
Swick started at C-TEC in 2022.
“Amanda Swick has been an incredible asset to C-TEC and to the students of Licking County,” said Alyssa Johnston, director of satellite and career development at C-TEC of Licking County. “She continues to volunteer in the field, ensuring her knowledge stays current and allowing her to bring real-world experiences directly into the classroom. Amanda’s leadership and passion have created opportunities for students that simply did not exist before, and Licking County is fortunate to have her as an educator.”
Swick responded: “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is watching students grow. Nothing makes me happier than hearing a former student tell me they used something they learned in my class to help an animal or succeed in their career. Knowing that I’m helping prepare the next generation of veterinary professionals makes all the hard work worthwhile, and that’s what motivates me every day.”
Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs – whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at advocate@newarkadvocate.com.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Former vet tech now trains next generation of pros | Aces of Trades
Reporting by Drew Bracken, Special to Newark Advocate / Newark Advocate
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Drew Bracken, Special to Newark Advocate | USA TODAY Network
