I am now officially a BSc!
Last weekend I sent in my last two assignments for my Bachelor of Science Degree. I am now officially a BSc! It took me six years. So to those of you who say it can’t be done or it’s is too late or I’m too old – don’t listen to that nay sayer. Just believe in yourself and go for what you want.
My degree is from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and the Humane Society of the United States. I loved almost every minute of it (not so much philosophy).
I started this degree in September, 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. My first course was “Risk Management.” A little too late for my classmates who were all helping with disaster relief for the animals.
Here are some of the other courses I took in my major for Humane Leadership:
Strategic Planning
Fundraising, Philanthropy & Resources
Animal Health & Behavior in a shelter environment
Marketing for a non-profit
Publicity for a non-profit
Wildlife in a shelter environment
Animals and Public Policy
Nonprofit Board of Directors
Volunteer Management
I learned a lot from my classmates who are all in the animal welfare profession or are aspiring to be. But I think more importantly I learned what not to do. I was not too excited about the traditional animal protection agencies. I wanted something more progressive and innovative and how about something new like preventative.
In 2007 I took First Strike: Interpersonal Violence and Animal Cruelty. This course changed my life. My professor was Randall Lockwood who is the North American expert on animal cruelty issues. This is where I first discovered Animal-Assisted Therapy. This is when I decided to build SALI’s Farm. I also learned about the Hope and Freedom Projects and the Cinnamon Trust in the UK and decided I wanted to bring those 3 programs to Canada.
I am so glad I started this journey and am so excited that others want to join me!