Sometimes, as a manager, you pause and realize how lucky you are to work with such great people. Seeing Sherlyn Castillo graduate from her Veterinary Assistant program was one of those moments for me.
Over the past 15 weeks, I watched Sherlyn work hard to reach this goal while still doing everything she already did for our shelter. She truly earned it. She spent her days caring for animals, cleaning kennels, handling all the daily tasks, and showing kindness to animals who needed it most. She worked weekends and long days. When most people would have gone home to rest, Sherlyn went to class.
After her shifts, she studied, did homework, and got ready for the next day. Somehow, every morning, she showed up and did it all again for 15 weeks. There were days she was tired or overwhelmed. There were days when it would have been easier to say, “I just can't do all of this today.” But she kept going.
That’s what makes this achievement so meaningful to me. When I look at her certificate, I don’t just see proof that Sherlyn finished a program. I see every early morning, every long shift, every evening in class, every assignment, every sacrifice, every animal she cared for, and every time she chose to keep going.
As her manager, it’s been special to see someone invest in herself and her future while also giving so much to our shelter. Shelter work isn’t glamorous. There are dirty kennels, long days, tough situations, emergencies, and days when you wish you could do more for the animals. It takes a caring person to do this work, and an even more dedicated person to say, “I want to learn more so I can do more for them.”
That’s exactly what Sherlyn did. She didn’t just achieve something for herself. Everything she learned over these 15 weeks will help her care for the animals who depend on us. That makes me very proud.
One of the best parts of being a manager isn’t just leading people. It’s getting to watch them grow, achieve their goals, and become even better at what they love.
Sherlyn, I hope when you look at your certificate, you see more than just your name. I hope you see 15 weeks of hard work and proof that you never gave up. I hope you remember every tough day you got through and know how capable you are. And I hope you know your manager was there, feeling incredibly proud as you graduated.
I am so proud of you. Our shelter is better because you’re here. Our animals get better care because of you. And I’m a better manager because I get to work with people like you.
This was more than just a graduation. It was seeing someone I care about achieve something she worked so hard for. Sherlyn, you did it. You earned and deserve this moment. I hope you always remember how many people are cheering you on and believe in you.
Congratulations, Sherlyn Castillo, Veterinary Assistant graduate. I couldn't be prouder to call you one of ours.
