By Matthew Pak
Ponte Vedra High School is home to students with a wide range of interests and ambitions, many of whom are exploring possibilities for their future. While it’s common for high school students to feel unsure about their career paths, junior, Lily Gavazzi already knows she wants to do veterinary medicine.
Lily’s passion for animals began at a young age. Her natural love for science and animals led her to initially be drawn towards research, but shifted after weekly visits to the zoo with her mom. “ I realized I could combine my love for animals and passion for science by becoming a veterinarian.” Motivated to start early, Lily sought out volunteer opportunities that would allow her to gain hands-on experience in animal care.
At just eleven years old, she began volunteering at a local cat shelter, working closely with cats and veterinarians to learn the basics of animal care. Over time, she found a community that supported her growth and encouraged her. Two years ago, Lily applied to volunteer as a veterinary technician at a local veterinary clinic and was accepted. After six months of dedication and training, she officially became a staff member at the clinic.
“I have to tell myself that I am helping rather than hurting. The job is never easy.”
Lily Gavazzi (11)
Veterinary technicians are the nurses of animal medicine, responsible for tasks such as lab work, diagnostics, X-rays, anesthesia, monitoring animals during surgery, and assisting veterinarians throughout medical procedures. Vet techs must also have extensive knowledge of prescriptions and medical protocols at a moment’s notice.
Through her work, Lily has learned how to administer vaccines and perform blood draws, responsibilities that require both technical skill and confidence. In addition to her vast medical knowledge, she has unexpectedly developed strong people skills through her daily interactions with her patients’ owners. “Working with pet owners has taught me how to communicate clearly and compassionately, especially in stressful situations. At first, I was nervous about answering calls and meeting people at the front desk, but over time I became comfortable and confident. Animals can be just as stressed and scared as their owners, so it is important to keep both sides cool and collected.”
However, the job hasn’t come without its challenges. Lily often finds that people underestimate her abilities because of her age, but she doesn’t let that discourage her. “I’m confident in what I can handle and know my abilities,” she says, determined to prove herself through her work ethic and skills. Another challenge she faces is time management, as balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and her responsibilities at the clinic can be demanding. The hardest part of the job is dealing with the loss of loved pets. She says putting an animal down isn’t an easy task, but knowing that she is helping the animal by taking away their pain and suffering allows her to complete the task. “I have to tell myself that I am helping rather than hurting. The job is never easy”
Despite the challenges, Lily says the most rewarding part of her job is seeing both animals and their families happy and healthy after a successful surgery. Every healthy animal only motivates her to continue down this path.
As Lily continues her journey through veterinary medicine and her education at Ponte Vedra High School, she serves as an example of how a childhood passion can become a dream job.
Pictured: Lily Gavazzi (11) practicing putting a bandage on a dog
