Cassie Borino

Degree: Animal and Poultry Sciences
Hometown: Parsippany, New Jersey

After graduation: 
I plan to attend the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

I was a member of: 
Pre-Vet club and Chi Omega Sorority.

I also worked as: 
a School of Animal Sciences Ambassador, Animal Science Peer Mentor, and undergraduate TA. I have also volunteered with animal shelters, The Big Event, and Greeks Give Back.

Undergraduate research I have participated in: 
I have participated in two separate undergraduate research projects: Phyto Nutrient Pig Growth under Dr. Rhoads, and Location of Saturated Fatty Acid in different organs under Dr. Elkadi.

My biggest achievement is: 
Since 8th grade, my dream has always been to go to vet school. Starting college was a huge adjustment period for me, resulting in my freshman year GPA being a 2.8. Since then, I have worked tirelessly to raise my GPA and gain the necessary experiences that would help me pursue my career. So after a painstakingly long process, my biggest achievement has been getting into Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

My favorite fun fact that I learned at Virginia Tech: 
is the original school colors were black and grey!

My favorite VT memory: 
was participating in the study abroad program Animal Welfare Across the British Isles where I got to travel out of the country for the first time and experience a whole new culture. The coolest thing was seeing animal welfare from a different perspective, at much smaller scales than the U.S.

Some music that defines my time at Virginia Tech: 
Where'd All the Time Go?- Dr.Dog, Young, Wild & Free- Snoop Dogg, and Young & Alive- Bazzi

The thing I am most excited for in the future is: 
practicing veterinary medicine and helping heal amazing creatures of our world!

My advice to incoming freshman is:
KEEP GOING- Undergrad can seem so overwhelming, and burnout is so real. Take time to do things you love and spend time with the people you care about. If your mental health is not prioritized, you can lose motivation to pursue your dreams. YOU GOT THIS!

Photo courtesy of Cassie Borino

Photo courtesy of Cassie Borino

Cassie Borino at a Virginia Tech football game. She is standing in the north endzone stands with the field in the background. A group of young adults jumping together on a hill in front of the sunset. Cassie Borino holding a goldendoodle puppy. Cassie Borino standing at a high elevation and overlooking a town. A young woman in a Virginia Tech hoodie looking to the left. She is standing in front of a stone wall overlooking the ocean.

By: Kiera Porter, School of Animal Sciences Communications Intern