Yael Raich | Class of 2026 | Animal Sciences Major | Lincoln Exchange Study Abroad | Sigma Delta Omega | Hillel |
Pre-Vet Scholars | Corvallis, OR | @yael.raich
Endless Enthusiasm
When people meet me for the first time they quickly learn that I am an extremely driven person. I'm driven by many passions, but the one that stands out is my passion for animals. Ever since I can remember I've wanted to be a vet and I've built my life around that goal. When I am not working on schoolwork or volunteering, I love to spend my time dancing, reading, or playing video games. Recently, you can find me traveling. I've always had an itch for travel, and my exchange to New Zealand this past semester has helped scratch that itch.
Expanded Endeavors
I recently spent 5+ months on exchange at Lincoln University in Lincoln New Zealand. The phrase can be a cliche, but I can say that my exchange experience changed my life. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. I learned how to be truly independent in a way that you can't learn unless you are hundreds of thousands of kilometers away from home. While in New Zealand, I had the opportunity to help with research regarding parasites, lambing during springtime, and even tailing on one of my friends farms in Waikoikoi. My favorite class I took there was called beef and deer production where I learned all about NZ's beef and deer production methods. It was so cool to learn about domesticated deer production especially when it comes to harvesting velvet as that is something we simply don't have here in the states.
Epic Exploration
Not only did I have great educational opportunities, but I got to see some of the most amazing sites. In New Zealand I visited both the north and south island. The south island is by far the most beautiful place I've seen, with sites like Milford Sound , Lake Te Anu and Queenstown you simply cannot beat it. I also visited Dunedin , Picton, Invercargill, Bluff and of course I thoroughly explored Christchurch and the greater Canterbury area. The North Island holds a metropolitan excitement. While there I visited Wellington, Tongariro National Park , Mt. Mordor, Hobbington and Auckland. If you had to ask me what the best part of my experience was and I could only pick one thing I would have to say it was the people. I met people I know I will be best friends with for the of my life. The kiwis are some of the most welcoming people out there. They make it very easy to fall in love with their country. It did not take long for Lincoln to feel like home. I feel incredibly lucky to have met people and made it experiences that made it so hard to leave.