March is National Women’s History Month. EASTERN is celebrating by spotlighting several of our successful female students and alum. Today’s student spotlight features Tori Simmons, an EASTERN Veterinary Science/ Cheltenham High School junior, who chose EASTERN’s Veterinary Science program because she has always dreamed of working with animals and knew this program would give her a great jump start on preparing for her future career.
Tori was honored to be nominated for this spotlight by her Veterinary Science Instructor, Karen McGeehan. McGeehan chose Tori because she has so many outstanding qualities. “She volunteers at a nursing home and interacts with elderly patients, she participates in Cheltenham High School’s Black Student Union, basketball, the outdoor drumline, and flag football,” said McGeehan. “She represented EASTERN in the SkillsUSA District Competition and placed second in Job Demonstration. Tori is a quiet, calm force within our class. She is a leader by her initiative to have the guts to take on challenges and not to be afraid to step up and work hard.”
To Tori, National Women’s History Month means recognizing those women making changes in the world for their benefits or for everyone’s benefit. I also think of women breaking through barriers that were holding them back from success,” said Tori.
Although there are many inspirational women in Tori’s life, her mother and professional basketball player for the Las Vegas Aces of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), Candance Parker, are at the top of her list. “Candance Parker has made incredible achievements in basketball and she encourages girls in and outside of basketball to work hard to achieve their goals in life,” said Tori.. “My mom has always been a role model and encourages me to do my best. I feel as though her work as a nurse encouraged me to pursue Veterinary Science at EASTERN. She always knew that I would do something in the animal care field and supported my goals.”
Tori heard about the Veterinary Science program through a presentation at her high school, and her guidance counselor. She attended a field trip to EASTERN, and visited the Veterinary Science, Allied Health, and Exercise Science and Rehabilitation programs. “Science and Math have always been my stronger subjects,” said Tori.
“If you are passionate about animals and enjoy science this is the perfect course to get your feet wet,” advises Tori. “EASTERN prepares you for college or whatever you plan to do after high school. “
After graduation from EASTERN and Cheltenham High School, Tori is thinking about studying Animal Pharmaceuticals or Small Animal Science in postsecondary. She is currently considering Manor College and Delaware Valley University, but she wants to take time to research all of her options.
