S A L T U S M A G A Z I N E
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THE ANIMAL-LOVER
Ever since she was a Cavendish first-grader, some of Michaela Ratteray's very best friends have been of the
furry, feathered variety. "I really love animals and I've always had them around me," she says. "I can't see
myself doing anything that wasn't connected with the animal world." The science buff has set her heart firmly
on becoming a veterinarian, and hopes to head to the US this fall--UC, Davis or University of Maryland, if
she has her way. She has carefully paved the way to her goal throughout her Secondary years, excelling at
Biology and Chemistry and getting real-life experience by working weekends since 2009 at Endsmeet Animal
Hospital. "I feed, walk and clean up after the dogs and cats, and I have been able to help out in surgeries,
too, when they need an extra pair of hands."
"This is not a glamorous job, but Michaela approaches it with the same enthusiasm she approaches
everything she does," says Biology teacher Tanja Walker. "As a result, she has been allowed to experience
every aspect of being a veterinarian and running a veterinary hospital."
But while her career focus is unwavering, Michaela, like so many of her SGY peers, already has a mile-
long resumé that underscores wide-ranging interests and accomplishments. Last summer, she went to
Chile to represent Bermuda on the National Debate Team. She has completed all three Duke of Edinburgh
Awards, nailing the Gold during a 2012 trip to the Bahamas. She is Head Candy Striper at the King
Edward VII Memorial Hospital, mentors Dellwood students, and tutors at Saltus. Oh, and she
also squeezes in time to compete on the School's volleyball, swim and softball teams.
"I do a lot of things," says the bubbly teenager, who has four years of undergraduate
studies followed by at least three more years of veterinary college ahead. "It's a lot
of work because we have to learn so many different anatomies," says Michaela,
who hopes to contribute to the wider world of conservation once she's estab-
lished her career. "It's going to be tough, but I think I'm prepared for it."
Michaela Ratteray
FUN FACTS
AP subjects: Biology, Calculus, Chemistry,
English Language and Composition, English
Literature, Human Geography, Physics
Heading to: (accepted at) University of California,
Davis, University of British Columbia, University of
Maryland, University of Guelph, University of
Manchester, University of the West of England,
Penn State, PA, Emory University, GA
Career dream: A veterinarian who also helps in
the preservation and conservation of animals
Listening to: Anything that makes me feel happy
Pet peeves: Being tardy, bad manners, people
who tease animals, people who put others down
Book: The Immortals series
Little-known talent: Cooking and baking
Weak spot for: Animals and food
Inspired by: My parents and Dr. David Wingate
Couldn't live without: My family and my dog, Izzi
Best Saltus memory: Becoming Captain of
Butterfield House
Words of wisdom: Let your dreams be bigger than
your fears and your actions louder than your words