Jaclyn Adams, who graduated with a master's in biology with a zoology concentration from Eastern New Mexico University in May, is working as a veterinary technician/receptionist at Country Club Animal Clinic in El Paso.

"I've always loved working with animals," explained the graduate from Middleton, Md. "At a veterinary clinic, I feel like I can make a difference in improving animals' lives."

Her job duties include assisting the veterinarian in appointment rooms, drawing blood, taking x-rays, giving injections, filling prescriptions, reception duties and "so much more.

"It's such a fast-paced environment with so much to learn. It can get overwhelming at times," she said of the challenges.

The position, which she started in January, has its perks, too: Ms. Adam's favorite part is playing with the puppies and kittens that come in.

Her previous jobs include serving as a veterinary assistant at Jefferson Veterinary Hospital in Md., an intern at Carnegie Natural History Museum in Pittsburgh, Pa., a graduate assistant at ENMU, and an administrative assistant at Canam Steel Company in Point of Rocks, Ma.

The hiker, who also enjoys playing soccer and camping, would like to work in conservation research or in a zoo setting.

Ms. Adams chose to purse a biology degree with a zoology concentration (which she noted is a difficult concentration to find) because she "love animals and wants to make a difference. This degree opens up many opportunities for me to do that."

The technician's time at Eastern, which included being part of the Fish and Wildlife Club and attending local events, like the Roosevelt County Fair, helped her "gain more research experience and learn new skills, such as GIS, which will make me more competitive."

Ms. Adams explained that her experience in the ENMU Natural History Museum "opened even more opportunities."