Amy Pinheiro

Hi everyone, I’m Amy! I’m a University of Guelph student living in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. I enjoy hiking, camping, rock climbing and swimming. I am a certified lifeguard and swim instructor, and work at the local YMCA. Apart from these active pastimes, I also enjoy playing music. I am a member of a traditional Portuguese marching band, where I play the flute during cultural festivals and celebrations. In addition to indulging in my hobbies, I am a dedicated student and volunteer.

I will be completing my Bachelor of Science in Biological Science, with a minor in Zoology in April 2019. Throughout my education I have found that I am very interested in pathology and anatomy. I’m also passionate about working with animals. My dream would be to pursue a career that would incorporate both of these interests and become a veterinarian. I am in the process of applying to the Ontario Veterinarian College, and I am excited to see what the future holds for me.

During my free time I volunteer at a veterinarian clinic as well as a therapeutic riding barn for kids with disabilities. I find these experiences super rewarding, as I love gaining more experience working with animals while giving back to the community.

Something that not many people know about me is that I spent this past summer working at the African Lion Safari in the Elephant Department. I was lucky enough to enjoy four months working around elephants and was fortunate to see some pretty amazing things. Just this July, the safari welcomed two new baby elephants, and I was able to meet them when they were only hours old! In addition, I was able to work with unique animals like camels and reindeer.

One of my greatest role models is the anthropologist and activist Dr. Jane Goodall. As a young girl, she hoped to travel to Africa to study and work with animals. At that time, it was unheard of for a woman to pursue this kind of work, and she didn't have enough funds or education. Against all odds, Dr. Goodall was able to achieve her PhD, and accomplish world renowned work with chimpanzees. She has inspired me to strive to reach my goals, despite how difficult to achieve they may seem.