Saint Rose student plans to become a vet after graduation

By: Kellie Marsh

Posted: 12/13/06

It's mid-December, and for many students, that means a four-week break from papers and projects until Spring semester. For graduating seniors, however, it is the end of Undergraduate work and the beginning of a new mindset-one directly focused on a career. It's a time for the College to reflect on the academic careers of its seniors and to recognize their achievements and contributions to the college community. One of the most distinguished of these students is Kelly Arcolano, a graduating Biology major who aspires to work as a veterinarian. Dr. Ann Zeeh, Arcolano's Cell Biology professor, describes her as a "great student who has a fun attitude and is very enthusiastic about her work."

According to Arcolano herself, it all began during a semester off between colleges. Originally an English major, Arcolano took a job at an animal shelter and immediately became interested in working with animals-specifically, the medicine aspect. There, Arcolano mainly observed coworkers administering medicine to the animals, which prepared her for her job at Central Veterinary Hospital in Albany while attending The College of Saint Rose. Here, Arcolano began taking Biology courses. A Biology major, according to Zeeh and Arcolano, requires a great deal of commitment and motivation because of the intensity of the courses.

"Saint Rose was a good choice for me because the science classes were pretty small, which allowed me to develop a good relationship with the professors," said Arcolano.

The small class sizes and being able to work closely with her professors added to her success in her field. Arcolano noted that there was quite a difference between the work required for an English major compared to the work she completed as a Biology major.

"In order to succeed in this major, you need to ask questions often," said Arcolano. In addition to regular classes, science majors are often required to take a lab, which "can be a lot of extra work."

"I also had to attend Science Colloquium, which involves going to special science lectures-about four times a year," said Arcolano.

Apparently, Arcolano's hard work and extra effort are paying off. Zeeh said that her student was excelling in her class this semester, Cell Biology, which has been one of the many in which Zeeh has taught Arcolano. Arcolano listed the former as one of her favorite, most memorable, and most interesting courses over her Undergraduate career, along with Microbiology and Genetics.

Arcolano's achievements and determination have not gone unrecognized. Two years ago, she was awarded the very first Sister Tess Scholarship. This is an award presented by and consisting of donations from alumni of The College of Saint Rose to a worthy student who has achieved academic excellence.

"I was invited to a big dinner when I was told that I was chosen for this award, and I was a little nervous. But I also felt very honored that this was something that I was selected for," said Arcolano

She met Sister Tess herself, and remembers her being very encouraging about her academic career and goals.
"I still talk to her-we e-mail each other back and forth once in a while," said Arcolano .

The aspiring veterinarian found time to study at Yale University this past summer. Working and studying at the Yale Comparative Cognition Laboratory, Arcolano focused on Cognitive Science.

"Although it wasn't exactly in my field of expertise-it's usually something that Psychology majors study-I was working with primates there, which I enjoyed," said Arcolano.
What's next for the graduating senior? She has applied to several veterinary schools for Graduate work, including Tufts and Cornell.

"There are fewer vet schools than med schools," said Arcolano. "When you're accepted, there's usually only about 80 people per class, which makes the program very competitive."

Arcolano is not sure what her career after college will be, but for her, the opportunities and possibilities are many.

"I've taken some Science classes that deal with oncology which interested me, so I might pursue that," she said, explaining that she could work with animals who are afflicted with cancer. "I can also see myself doing research, working in public health, or working with wildlife medicine."

With her strong educational background and with her enthusiasm and motivation, her success is sure to continue. The College of Saint Rose wishes her the best of luck in her future endeavors.