In 2024, Sydney Long of Streator FFA was honored as the State Proficiency winner in Veterinary Science. Her dedication to the field of veterinary medicine has been recognized through her Veterinary Science Placement SAE at Countryside Veterinary Clinic in Streator. Throughout her record books, which span from 2020 to 2023, Long has gained valuable experience in the field and honed her skills.
Long’s first record book, initiated in 2020, allowed her to observe surgeries and procedures at the clinic through job shadowing. This experience provided her with a firsthand understanding of the complexities of veterinary medicine. In her second record book, started in 2021, Long expanded her role to include assisting in the exam room by restraining animals and performing tasks like walking and feeding in-clinic patients.
Throughout all three record books, Long documented her experiences meticulously, maintaining three separate record books that allowed her to track her progress and growth as a veterinary assistant. Her final record book, started in 2023, focused on her responsibilities as a veterinary assistant. This role included running bloodwork, animal restraint, assisting in surgeries, and operating the X-ray machine. Through this experience, Long learned valuable skills in time management and dedication that will serve her well in her future career as a large and small animal veterinarian.
Sydney Long is the daughter of Jennifer Long Schumaker and is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of animals through her work as a veterinarian.
