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Meet Diego. Diego is not just a volunteer; he is a ray of sunshine and positivity at Mission. His commitment and passion make him an invaluable asset to our team, and we are so grateful to have him with us! He is also an intern through a program with Cristo Rey High School and spends at least one day per week interning in the hospital throughout the school year. In addition, he volunteers during the summer, giving nearly 47 hours of his time. We are so excited to watch Diego grow, and look forward to welcoming him to the DVM team one day!
Why do you volunteer with Mission Animal Hospital?
I volunteer with Mission Animal Hospital because I want to stay connected to the institution that introduced me to the field of veterinary medicine. The hospital staff is always so kind to me and other volunteers, another reason to stay close to Mission!
What's your favorite volunteer task in the hospital?
I love cleaning surgical instruments because it keeps me busy. There are always instruments needed to be cleaned; it's therapeutic.
What do you do when you're not volunteering here?
When I am not volunteering, you can expect me to: bake sweet treats, pick up hours at work, spend an unnecessary amount of money, listen to music and podcasts, spend time with friends, and walk my dog.
Tell us about your time as an intern in the hospital.
I love interning at Mission Animal Hospital. I started my internship as a sophomore; currently I am a senior. Every week since my sophomore year in high school, I work alongside an assistant or technician and their team for the day. They take the time to share their knowledge and encourage me to work alongside them and ask a lot of questions. I have learned so much and am so grateful for the hands-on experience because I know that not a lot of people my age have the same opportunity.
Do you have any pets?
I have a dog, his name is Elvis. His previous owner said he was a Shih Tzu-Bichon Frise mix, but me and my family think he is mixed with Schnauzer too.
Tell us about a pet that had a big impact on your life.
My family cat, Leo, who now lives with my grandma, had the biggest impact on my life. At the time, me and my family were living in an apartment. Our landlord offered us Leo, because he was left outside a building entrance only with a bowl of water. It didn’t take me long to nurture him; covering him with unnecessary blankets, picking him up to bring him anywhere within a short distance, petting him even after he immediately walked away. My little kid self saw Leo as a reason for wanting to help him, and all other animals.
What's the most memorable moment in your time volunteering with Mission Animal Hospital?
The most memorable moment in my time volunteering with Mission Animal Hospital is when I brought cookies for all the staff. I wanted to show my appreciation for all that Mission has done for me.
Do you want to work with animals in the future?
I do want to work with animals in the future, more specifically become a veterinarian. In the fall, I will be a freshman in college and plan to major in animal science. After completing an undergraduate degree, I plan to enroll in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. When I finish vet school, I hope to still be working at Mission as a doctor, where I still hope to see and inspire high school students interested in the field of veterinary medicine.