7th Generation Blog Site

Hello future vet techs…

My name is Kim Lertjuntharangool and I am the first year scholarship winner. I would first like to introduce myself to you all, I am a native american indian from the New Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico. I was raised in New Mexico and have always had a profound love for animals. I had worked as a vet technician when I was 16 years old, it was then that I discovered what my calling was.

Since I have begun the program in January, living in Florida has been a little challenging at times but it has truly been the oppourtunity of a lifetime. I have gained a new independence and have now started living my own life while learning to depend on myself.

I have just completed my first semester in the program and even though it was also quite challenging  at times it  was truly an experience that is almost undescribable. The variety of classes dealing with everything from basic animal restraint to actually dissecting a dog and cat for anatomy lab was eye-opening and full hands-on learning, the best type if you ask me. Not to mention that you’ll also get the oppourtunity to work at NASA with real scientists!!! How exciting was that!!

While not in class I spend my time either working a Dr.Paul Burger’s Hospital or volunteering at the Brevard Zoo. Both locations are very fullfilling In there own way, Working for Dr.Burger has been a amazing, fun experience to which I can truly say “I LOVE MY JOB”, I have gained tons of experience  working with both Dr. Burger as well as Dr. Nikki Bond whom herself is more than a delight.

The Brevard Zoo has also been like a third classroom for me. On a typical day my duties include everything from basic cleaning and feeding to educating our guests. This is also another fully hands-on job but with more exotic interactions.

We will begin our second semester the middle of August with another full set of classess to which I will be sure to fill everyone in on as soon as we get started. I am almost through my first year in the program and am truly excited to continue on. I am always available to anyone who may want a bit more insight so feel free to write.. until then… it was nice to meet you.

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7th Generation is a nonprofit organization (7th Generation Community Services Corporation) dedicated to improving the economic situation of Native Americans. I’m Charlotte, the director and only real staff as we are relatively new and small. We have several projects going on now but right now I want to talk about our scholarship/apprenticeship in Veterinary Technology. We partnered with Brevard Community College in Cocoa, Florida (that’s near Cape Canaveral on the east coast in case you’re not familiar with Florida geography). The school has a great two-year program. It’s small (only about 20 new students are admitted each year) so that means the students get a lot of individual attention. And they are a close knit group who really support each other. 7th Gen offers a scholarship/apprenticeship to a student of Native American heritage. It’s more than a traditional scholarship because we provide for tuition, books, school fees, living expenses (rent, utilities, etc) and one of our board members, Dr. Paul Burger, a local veterinarian gives our student a part-time job at his animal clinic. Anyway, all that said. Our first student started the program this past January. Her name is Kim and she is a member of the Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico. Kim will tell you more about herself and the program in future posts. I just wanted to get things started. We would love to hear from anyone who is interested in veterinary programs and/or educational programs for Native Americans.