Terri Lee’s story
Terri Lee studied Level 3 animal management at our Enfield Campus.
“I first discovered Capel Manor College when a friend recommended it as the perfect place for someone passionate about animals. I’ve always wanted to work with animals, particularly in the veterinary field, and after looking into the College, I knew it was the right fit for me. With my strong grades, I was able to jump straight into the Level 3 Animal Management course at the Enfield Campus.
From day one, the course felt like a perfect match. The mix of practical, hands-on experiences with animals, combined with in-depth theory, helped me develop the knowledge and skills I need for my future career as a vet. The tutors were fantastic – not only were they experts in their fields, but they made learning interactive and engaging. Whether we were practising bandaging techniques on dogs or going out on field surveys, I always felt supported and inspired by their enthusiasm.
One of my favourite parts of the course was the unit on Breeding and Genetics – I found it fascinating, and it hardly felt like studying because I was so interested in the material. The hands-on experiences with the animals, especially in the exotics room, were also a highlight. I’ve had a snake and a bearded dragon at home for a few years, so getting to apply my knowledge in the College’s exotic animal section was a real bonus. Plus, it armed me with new ideas for enrichment that I have now taken home and used with my animals too.
A major milestone for me was receiving my final grades. I was thrilled to achieve such high marks, especially in subjects like genetics and health and disease, which I found both challenging and deeply rewarding. My grades exceeded my expectation and achieving top grades, after all my hard work and revision, was an amazing feeling. These results not only gave me a sense of accomplishment but also set me up perfectly for my next step—my application to continue my education at the Royal Veterinary College – which I’m pleased to say what accepted!
While at Capel Manor College, I was lucky to find work experience in a vet’s surgery – which is really hard to come by when you’re under 18 so I felt really lucky. I also completed a six-month volunteering placement at London Zoo this Summer. The opportunity allowed me to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the zoo operates and gave me real-world experience in animal care. I spent a lot of time in the Locust Room, which involved feeding the animals and maintaining their environments. While the tasks were repetitive at first, I was eventually entrusted with more varied duties as I gained the team’s trust. Working with such a diverse range of species was both challenging and rewarding, and it reinforced my passion for working with exotic animals.
Now that I’ve completed my studies at Capel Manor College, I’m excited to be starting the Veterinary Medicine course at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). It’s a six-year journey, but I’m ready for the challenge! My ultimate goal is to specialize in exotic animals, and I’m particularly excited about the chance to work at the RVC’s exotic animal hospital.
Looking back, my time at Capel Manor College was instrumental in helping me achieve this next step. The blend of theory and practical learning suited my style perfectly, and the supportive environment gave me the confidence to pursue my dream career. My advice to future students? Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and start your assignments early – it’ll make everything so much easier! The hard work truly pays off, and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it all over again.”
