First in Her Family to Attend College, Isabel Lopez Is on Track to Join the Veterinary Field

Isabel Lopez is graduating this summer from CFCC’s Veterinary Medical Technology program. The first in her family to attend college, Isabel came in determined and is now preparing to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to officially become a licensed veterinary technician.

“I did this for me and my family,” she said.

The spark for Isabel’s career path began in high school after a conversation with her counselor.

“Animals have always had a special place in my heart,” she shared. “After talking to my high school counselor and learning about the role of veterinary technicians, she helped me research schools with vet tech programs. I got to tour the CFCC building, which was really nice. That helped me decide.”

Working nights, studying days

What followed was a demanding but rewarding two years. Isabel worked night shifts at a gas station while attending classes during the day, commuting hours each week from her home in Magnolia.

The program offered hands-on training with various animals.

“We worked with many companion animals like cats and dogs, but we also worked with large animals like horses, cows, and sheep,” Isabel shared. “For a person like me with no prior experience, it showed me all the directions I could go.”

Clinical rotations at Capeside Animal Hospital and Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral gave her experience in general and emergency care settings.

“I liked working in emergency because I saw cases I’d never seen before,” she said. “But I also enjoyed doing the basics and helping clients.”

Learning through challenges

One of her most memorable challenges came during surgery lab.

“My first surgery didn’t go well. I was so anxious,” Isabel admitted. “But my instructor, Kim Lewis, kept reminding me, ‘You’ve got this.’ The second time, I handled everything. I remember being so happy that day.”

Isabel credits the support of her instructors for helping her get through the program.

“April Lehmann was always there if you needed anything. Kim Lewis helped me through surgery labs and was constantly encouraging. Dr. Brazik taught us so much and made everything interesting,” Isabel said. “The instructors are a big reason I got through it.”

Helping animals and people

Isabel’s passion for animals matches her strong desire to help her community.

“I am Hispanic. I remember when my grandma went to the vet, and no one could really explain things to her because she didn’t speak English well. That always stuck with me,” she said.

“When I decided to become a vet tech, I knew I wanted to help animals, but I also wanted to help people like my grandma feel welcome, so they weren’t afraid to take their pets to the vet.”

Thanks to CFCC’s strong ties with local employers, Isabel was hired full-time before graduation. Now, with the VTNE in her sights, she’s proud of how far she’s come.

“I never would have thought I would go to college,” she said. “My brother was the first in our family to graduate high school, and I’m the second. Even finishing high school was a big deal. Now I’m about to graduate from college. It’s crazy to think about.”