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Meet Ruohan! She is Mission Animal Hospital's third international volunteer! Ruohan is here from China studying at the U of M. Even with her incredibly busy schedule, she has volunteered 16 hours in the hospital. Thank you for making Mission apart of your educational journey. We are so thankful for your time!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am an international student from China and I am currently a senior studying Animal
Science at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities. I am a compassionate and
humorous person, and I am really outgoing. I've always been passionate about animals and their well-being, and I aspire to become a veterinarian (I'm applying to vet school this year!). My hands-on experience ranges from working with various animals to participating in community outreach programs focused on animal care.
Why did you start volunteering with Mission Animal Hospital?
I started volunteering at Mission Animal Hospital because I wanted to contribute to a mission-driven organization that provides affordable, high-quality care to animals in
need. The opportunity to help pet owners who may not have the means to afford
treatment deeply resonates with me, as I believe every animal deserves the best care,
no matter their owner's situations. I am passionate about making a meaningful
difference and ensuring that financial barriers don't hinder proper veterinary care.
Additionally, I wanted to gain experience in different veterinary settings and observe
how various hospitals operate. Volunteering here has provided me with valuable
insights into different approaches to animal care while reinforcing my commitment to
helping underserved communities.
What's your favorite volunteer task in the hospital?
My favorite volunteer task at the hospital is folding surgical drapes. While it may
seem simple, it plays a big part in helping the team be more efficient by ensuring the
drapes are ready for future use. I've found that this activity helps keep things
organized and gives me a chance to relax and clear my mind while contributing. It's a
small but important part of the hospital, and it allows me to practice patience and
attention to detail, qualities essential in veterinary care. I love knowing that even tasks
like this contribute to the overall flow of the hospital and help the team focus on
providing excellent care for the animals.
What do you do when you're not volunteering here?
Since I am a full-time student, I usually study for my courses when I am not
volunteering. I also enjoy staying active by playing badminton and table tennis or
simply relaxing at home with my cats. I also like to take time to improve my technical
skills, like learning more about animal care through research and reading.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have lots of pets. I have 3 dogs and 6 cats in total. One of the cats is here with
me in the U.S., while the others are in China, and my parents are taking care of them.
Tell us about a pet that had a big impact on your life.
A pet that had a significant impact on my life was a rabbit I brought home while I was
in middle school. I found it in poor health at a zoo, and I felt a deep sense of
responsibility to care for it and nurse it back to health. Unfortunately, despite my best
efforts, the rabbit passed away the day after I brought it home. The experience was
heartbreaking, but it taught me valuable lessons about the fragility of life and the
importance of proper care. This moment profoundly affected me and was a pivotal
experience in igniting my passion for veterinary medicine. It inspired me to pursue a
career where I could help ensure that animals receive the care they need to live
healthy, happy lives.
What's the most memorable moment in your time volunteering with Mission
Animal Hospital?
One of the most memorable aspects of my time volunteering at Mission Animal
Hospital was the kindness and appreciation I received from the staff. Every time I'm
there, the staff members go out of their way to thank me for the tasks I've completed,
no matter how small. Their consistent warmth and gratitude make every shift
meaningful, reminding me that my contributions are truly valued. That supportive
environment is something I'll always remember and appreciate.