PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (December 9, 2021) – It is said that if you love what you do, then you’ll never have to work a day in your life. While Prairie View A&M University student Asia Henderson is no stranger to hard work, her passion for animals and diligence throughout her college career has prepared a path toward a lifetime of loving what she will do for a living.
“Working hands-on with animals—drawing blood, placing catheters, and nurturing animals back to health—is everything I love to do,” said Henderson, who is scheduled to graduate in December with a degree in agriculture from the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences at PVAMU. “I have found my love for animals to be deeper than I believed.”
Perseverance, Strength, and Fortitude
During Henderson’s time as an undergrad at PVAMU, she took full advantage of internship opportunities that placed her face-to-furry-face with the types of tail-wagging patients she wants to help. Internships for the Houston native included USDA Specialty Crop Inspection and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Henderson said the internships allowed her to learn valuable hands-on skills while furthering her knowledge and familiarity with medical terminology—not to mention the bonus of “building connections with the sweet animals.”
The mission of the USDA Animal and Plant Health Service revolves around helping animals while allowing students to gain hands-on experience. According to the USDA APHIS website, it also gives back to the community, providing food and clothing to people around the world.
It’s no wonder, then, that Henderson chose USDA APHIS as one of her internships. Her time at PVAMU included giving back to the community through countless hours of community volunteer work that provided her with networking, as well as the opportunity for acts of compassion.
With more than half of her college undergrad work occurring during a pandemic that brought the world to its knees, Henderson found ways to overcome the restrictions and precautions. She continued her efforts to expand her world and gain knowledge that would carry her forward throughout life.
“I was able to help make a difference in the community, meet new people, learn new skills, and make human connections,” said Henderson. “The time I have sacrificed for this growth has benefited me tremendously.”
Making the Most of Time
To say Henderson has a demanding schedule would be an understatement. As a single mother, her time is divided between school, working 10-12 hours a day and caring for her child.
“My morning now starts at 5 a.m. to get dressed and cook, drop the baby off at daycare, then make it to work at 8 a.m., said Henderson. “I work six days a week and still manage to be a good mother.”
As a first-generation college graduate, her drive is both instinctual and purpose-driven, with an eye to the future when she can inspire others by her example of determination.
“I have done something many could not,” Henderson said. “So, now I hope this encourages my children, as well as others, to further their education.”
To further pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian, she has applied to veterinary schools at Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, and the Ohio State University.
Henderson shared that the secret to her success has been to “stay focused and highly motivated even when it feels like your whole world is coming down.”
PVAMU All the Way
High school graduates and others considering college are bombarded with advertisements and university recruiters vying for four years or more of their lives. With all the available educational options for talented individuals, PVAMU stands as a natural choice for many young men and women.
For Henderson, attending an HBCU was always her goal. Her high school FFA teacher steered her toward attending PVAMU with afternoon discussions about the “great university.”
“PVAMU has a welcoming environment,” said Henderson. “I look at the campus as a home away from home. Everyone seems to be like family, and I love the Black excellence and Black leaders.”
Faculty and key opportunities within animal science offered Henderson the right environment that helped shape her experience. Now she knows that through her time at PVAMU, she is well-prepared for a career in veterinary science.
“PVAMU has made me aware of the seriousness of animal health and wellness,” said Henderson. “My professor has helped me with knowing the science behind my career aspirations. I love everything PVAMU stands for. African American students can study and gain a better education in an environment that accepts them with open arms.”
Henderson’s experience at PVAMU—along with her degree in agriculture, specializing in animal science—has helped her land a position at Houston Veterinary Hospital, where cutting-edge pet health medicine is the primary focus.
“I have loved animals ever since I was a little girl, and it has been my passion,” Henderson said. “I was a volunteer [at Houston Veterinary Hospital] for months until I was offered a job based on my dedication and hard work.”
Henderson now waits to hear from one of the schools to begin her grad school career in veterinary medicine.
Visit www.pvamu.edu/academicaffairs/commencement/graduates to view this semester’s notable graduates and read their stories.
Visit www.pvamu.edu/commencement to learn more information about PVAMU’s upcoming fall graduation.
By Kerry Laird
-PVAMU-