Panther Nov. 2013 | Page 11

You matter to us . . . A Q & A with student Carrie E. Freeland Where are you from? I grew up in Southern California just outside of Los Angeles. I escaped L.A. at my earliest opportunity. What schools did you attend? I graduated from Los Altos High School. I had one year at UCLA but graduated from Ivy Tech State College. I also have certifications through two extended learning programs. What degrees do you have? I have my ASN - associate’s degree in nursing and have worked as an RN for seventeen years. I also am a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant and a Forensic Nurse Examiner. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew-up? As a child, I wanted to be a Forensic Medical Examiner. I think this came from watching so many episodes of Quincy, M.E. My other dream was to become a famous singer. What is the most powerful saying that you remember (Quote, proverb etc.) that has kept you motivated? “Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: If you’re alive, it isn’t.” - Richard Bach Why did you decide to attend American College of Applied Science? I realized I had become disenchanted with nursing and didn’t want to do this my whole life in about 2008. I realized my passion was my large pack of dogs and set out to find a career working with dogs that interested me. After a great deal of searching, I found this program and my life has never been the same since. What do you like most about American College of Applied Science? I have gotten to work with and learn from some of the most amazing instructors with such a wealth of knowledge to share. Did you become what you wanted to be? What is your passion? The Medical Examiner idea faded when it was realized that there was no way I could afford that many years of secondary educatio n. I still haven’t given up the singing dream but I won’t quit my day job to chase it. My passion is dogs - anything dog. Any dog, any time, anywhere. I currently have a pack of 17 who make my life complete. What is unique about you? I travel frequently to Mensa events across the country - often times being asked to give talks at various gatherings about dogs and dog behavior. Yes, I am a card-carrying certified Mensa-nerd and Mensans are a lot more fun than most people think they would be. http://www.amcollege.us Panther-Mag.indd 11 11 10/29/13 11:59 AM