From the Classroom to the Amazon: Drew Myers

From an early age, freshman Drew Myers knew she wanted to be a veterinarian.

At Radford University, Myers is working toward her lifelong dream by attending the Radford Amazonian Research Expedition (RARE) Program and studying veterinarian practices in Peru.

“My sister helped me come up with the idea that I could compare and contrast veterinary medicine here with services offered in Peru,” Myers said. “I went with it and am so glad I did.”

As part of RARE, the entire group visited an animal rehabilitation center near the city of Puerto Maldonado, Peru. As part of the visit, students were able to prepare food for the animals and tour the facility, which is found on the edge of the rainforest.

Myers took the experience a step further by spending the night at the rehabilitation center, where she conducted the bulk of her research over that day-and-a-half period. Myers was able to speak with interns and a principal veterinarian at the facility.

“Being able to stay there was amazing,” Myers said. “Waking up and feeding the animals and being able to see them again in a closer view than the rest of the group got to see. I got to hold a baby howler monkey. It was amazing being that hands-on and that close.”

Myers said that the experiences have given her a new respect for veterinarians that treat wild animals, especially those that do so in a challenging environment.

The other aspect of the trip that positively impacted the diverse cultural experiences for Myers, something she has brought back to Radford University. “Since I had never been on a plane and never been out of the country, I didn’t really have that view of the world. I knew it from books, but I didn’t know it firsthand,” Myers said. “Now, I have that valuable experience.”

Myers gained a “let’s do it” mentality on the trip.

“I feel like I am a lot more open to doing new things,” Myers said. “Before I went to the jungle, the idea of jumping off a small cliff into the river and swimming across the river would’ve been terrifying to me. The idea of swimming with a caiman would have been tough. Now, I’m like yeah! I’m willing to do anything instead of being the shy me.”