Volunteer Spotlight: Tatum

Meet Tatum. Tatum recently graduated from Boston College with a degree in Biochemistry and is preparing to apply for medical school. While she takes a short break, she decided to join the Mission volunteer team this past May. This summer she has volunteered nearly 30 hours of her time in the hospital. Thank you for making Mission a part of your educational journey, Tatum!

Why is volunteering important to you, and why do you volunteer with Mission Animal Hospital?

Volunteering is so important to me because it gives me a meaningful way to engage with my community and make a difference! I love animals and just enjoy being in the hospital environment. I've learned a lot and gained a lot just by being there! 

What's your favorite volunteer task in the hospital?

My favorite task is cleaning surgical equipment, but I like staying busy and jumping between jobs!

What do you do when you're not volunteering here?

I am in the process of applying to medical school, so I work as a nursing assistant, volunteer for a science accessibility program for kids, and study a lot! In my free time, I love reading, hiking, and seeing movies.

Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them.

I have a lab named Stella and a black cat named Wybie! Stella is almost 12 years old and is the happiest and most lovable pup. Wybie is 2 years old and has "wobbly cat syndrome" (cerebellar hypoplasia), so he tends to fall over all the time. The two of them are best friends (usually) and are the most fun to be around!

Tell us about a pet that had a big impact on your life.

My first dog, Gaby, was my best friend. We grew up together and were absolutely inseparable. She was a therapy dog that would help out my mom at work, so she was super smart and sweet. 

What's the most memorable moment in your time volunteering with Mission Animal Hospital?

During my first shift, the veterinarians were finishing up a surgery and took the time to explain what they had just been doing. For someone interested in medicine, it was so cool to hear about and so meaningful that they noticed my interest and took a moment to talk to me about it.