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Name: Kristen Landenberger ’24
Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio
High school: Pickerington High School North
Majors: Pre-Professional Zoology and Spanish
Minors: Chemistry and Religion
OWU Connection Experience: Veterinary internship in Seville, Spain
Landenberger lived and worked in Spain throughout the summer through the Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA) CAPA Study and Intern Abroad program. She worked as an intern with a traveling veterinarian who owns Servicio Veterinario Animales Exóticos.
“This was the perfect fit for me because my main goals for studying abroad were to go to a Spanish-speaking country and stay with a host family, add Spanish credit toward my major, and gain experience in the veterinary field.
“During my time of being an exotic veterinary intern, my duties included assisting the veterinarian during examinations and surgeries in order to diagnose and treat animal illnesses and injuries.”
“The main thing that I learned from this experience was that I simply cannot plan everything, and that is OK. There were plenty of instances in which I had to quickly acclimate and adjust. However, these instances allowed me to further foster the skill of being quick on my feet, which is extremely important for the field I want to pursue.
“Along with that, my experience revealed my love for traveling and meeting people from different cultures, which has encouraged me to start adding other languages to my toolbox. Not only that, but also confirmed my desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
“Overall, I learned lessons that I likely never would have to this extent without studying abroad, and they will be a part of me for the rest of my life.”
“It may seem silly, but my favorite moment was going out to breakfast with my supervisor on my last day and learning from his experiences and advice. I was so grateful for his mentorship and also willingness to treat me like a friend, instead of just a subordinate. This conversation helped me believe in my ability to become a veterinarian and lit a spark in me to help students in the future like others have done for me.”
“Lisa Ho (of the Office of International and Off-Campus Programs) and the Global Scholars advisers Dr. (Nathan) Rowley and Dr. (Eva) Paris-Huesca all assisted me in the planning and financial navigation of how to make my program possible and affordable.”
Landenberger was selected as a Palmer Global Scholar when she enrolled at OWU. The competitive program includes a $4,000 grant for the scholars to pursue an approved international research or study project of their choice in their junior or senior years.
My experience revealed my love for traveling and meeting people from different cultures, which has encouraged me to start adding other languages to my toolbox.
“Outreach coordinator in Cru, member of Pre-Vet Club, third-year RA (resident assistant).”
“I chose Ohio Wesleyan because of the potential for opportunities that the University offered me from the start. I knew my experience at OWU would catalyze my ability to become the well-rounded global citizen that I strive to be.”
“After graduation, I am planning to further pursue my career in veterinary medicine by attending veterinary school. Not only has OWU prepared me for this next step academically, but also provided an incredible support system that has taught me the skills necessary.”