ALUMNI PROFILE, GEORGI SUTTON-WALKER, VETERINARY SCIENCE

It is always a joy when former students get in touch to talk about their studies since leaving us and it’s an absolute pleasure to share news from Georgi Sutton Walker. Georgi will be sitting her final Veterinary Science exams soon and in September she will be starting her first job as a Vet with a practice in Derbyshire.  Whilst at school, Georgi developed a passion and talent for cricket, something that she has furthered whilst at University. Georgi has kindly shared her experiences of studying Veterinary Science, some top tips for any students who is keen to follow this path, as well as how she has been able to continue playing cricket which has helped her both physically and mentally. We are also looking forward to welcoming Georgi back to school to talk to students who are interested in a career in the field of Veterinary Science.

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From the moment I knew what a vet was I’ve been laser focussed on becoming one and now, with only a handful of weeks until I sit my final exams, it has been a perfect time to reflect on how I got this far…

I have always been an animal lover. I grew up spending weekends at my grandparents’ farm, walking our family dog and riding my pony. Our animals mean an awful lot to so many of us and being able to make a difference to an animal’s and their owner’s life remains an incredibly rewarding and motivating part of becoming a veterinary surgeon.

I have spent the last 5 years studying at the University of Nottingham after completing A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and PE. I’ve been fascinated by all aspects of the degree starting with anatomy and physiology of the healthy animal in first and second year, completing a dissertation in third year, fourth year where we learn how to treat sick animals and then onto the practical nature of final year where we rotate through different veterinary practices and specialisms. I have enjoyed all aspects of veterinary medicine from small animal to farm to equine practice however I have opted for a career in farm practice as I love working with farmers to solve problems at herd or flock level.

In my spare time cricket has been a huge passion which started during my time at Richmond School. One of my fondest memories was leading the Under 15 girls’ cricket team to victory at Lords in the Lady Taverners competition in 2014 and I’ve been a regular on various cricket pitches up and down the country ever since! I have met some of my closest friends on the cricket pitch at both club and county level. I was fortunate to be selected to represent Yorkshire Women at U15 and U17 age group level where we were crowned National Champions in 2014 and 2016. Following this I had a season with County Durham Women’s 1^st XI however by this stage I was having to prioritise my studies to make steps to achieve my academic goals.

Balancing an intense degree with weekends on the cricket pitch has been a challenge at times but as they say, “work hard, play hard!” Cricket has been a great escape both physically and mentally particularly during stressful revision and exam periods. Joining a local cricket club, Keyworth CC in Nottinghamshire, has allowed me to enjoy playing cricket without the pressure that comes with county level sport. In 2021, I had my best season yet finishing leading run scorer in the East Midlands Women’s Cricket League with 411 runs at an average of 58 with a top score of 130*. It is an exciting time for women’s cricket, and I hope I can inspire the next generation by coaching and mentoring young girls at the club over the years to come.

I always pictured heading back to North Yorkshire when I finished vet school however my cricket club have become a second family to me, so I look forward to starting my first job as a farm vet just over the border into Derbyshire in September.

I loved my time at Richmond School and being able to balance academics with sport was a huge factor in my progression from school to university and now into a career. My top three tips for any aspiring vets would be:

1. Don’t give up! Now more than ever there are many different pathways into a career in veterinary medicine so don’t let anyone tell you that you that you can’t make it!
2. Get a variety of relevant work experience to strengthen your vet school application. Spend some time in a local vet practice but also volunteer on farms, stable yards or boarding kennels.
3. Work hard! GCSEs and A-levels are tough, but I assure you (almost) reaching the final goal is worth every sacrifice!

I am hoping to arrange coming back into Richmond School soon to chat with students considering a career in veterinary medicine