Spenser Worthington-Berry

Spenser Worthington-Berry, Class of 2023, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Science. Having grown up with animals, Spenser realized his passion for animals, science and veterinary medicine at an early age. His interest in the University of Massachusetts Amherst was developed after learning of the schools program with Tufts Veterinary College for early admission, however after spending time as an undergraduate his vision has changed, leaving more room for opportunity. However, what convinced him to choose UMass Amherst was the hands-on experience that the school provides in the form of the farm programs close to campus. Spenser spent his Freshman year asking as many questions as possible, forming foundational relationships with professors that he looked up to, and volunteering for as many opportunities as possible, including participating in a vaccination clinic for low income families who wouldn’t be able to access treatment otherwise. As the fall semester wrapped up, Spenser decided to run for the Animal Science and PreVet Club's Treasurer position, and won. He worked as a joint treasurer along with a senior to learn the ropes, and worked alongside the other officers to provide the club's members with opportunities to listen to speakers from special fields in veterinary medicine, animal management and beyond. His Freshman year was cut short by COVID, which required that his education be online for the remainder of the year.

As many students can relate to, Spenser’s Sophomore year was online. This had its challenges, as much of the major revolves around being physically present for hands on opportunities. However the VASCI departments professors and staff were dedicated to ensuring as positive an experience, given the circumstances as possible, in order to prepare the students for veterinary school or other pursuits. Spenser learned to take advantage of the school's various academic resources for students during this period to supplement his classwork, from reaching out to the Learning Resource Center for tutoring to attending SI and exam review sessions. During this period, Spenser also began work as an apprentice TA for sheep management, where he solidified his knowledge of small ruminant management and also how to manage a class as a TA. While doing school online from home, Spenser began work at the Concord Veterinary Hospital, where he has worked since.

Spenser's Junior year saw UMass students returning to campus, and Spenser was no exception. With the new academic year, Spenser moved on to become Vice President of the Animal Science and PreVet club, fulfilling similar duties in a greater capacity. When the year wrapped up, Spenser went home and began work at the Cambridge Street Animal Hospital. In the spring semester and over the summer, Spenser began work on his veterinary school application.

In his Senior year, Spenser submitted his applications for veterinary school. He also began working as a TA for the Introduction to Animal Science class in the fall semester, and continued into the spring semester as a TA for Introduction to Animal Management. In the spring semester, Spenser began work as one of VASCI's first Peer Advisors, where he acted as a resource for other students in the program seeking guidance on topics ranging from which classes to take the following year, how to apply for jobs, and how to make new friends. While he didn’t get accepted into any veterinary schools during his first application cycle, he plans to continue work in the veterinary field and will continue to apply until he is successful.