Recently, Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) announced its 2020 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) award winner: Harrison Avera, a Veterinary Technology senior at SRTC - Thomasville. The GOAL competition begins during the fall semester, when technical college instructors across Georgia identify their most promising students and nominate them for GOAL based on academic achievement and personal leadership.
Harrison graduated high school from Brookwood in Thomasville. He received numerous offers and opportunities to pursue a traditional university education, including a scholarship offer from Mercer University. After spending three years at a private university in North Carolina, he realized that he was working towards a degree that did not lead to an exciting career. He left North Carolina and returned to Thomasville.
When he learned about the exceptional Veterinary Technology program at SRTC - Thomasville, his career path became clear. “Attending a technical college in Georgia has made me excited about learning,” commented Avera.” I am now passionate about education for the first time in a while. The experiences that I have had are something that I do not think I could get anywhere else. My training has given me the confidence to become a leader in and out of the classroom. I have met many people that have helped change and shape my life in many fantastic ways.”
His nominating instructor Sharon Poitevint said, "During the time I've taught Harrison, I have come to see that his skill set cannot be ignored. In class, he is attentive and respectful. His classmates think highly of him due to his congenial personality and genuine care about others."
Now in his final semester at SRTC, Harrison is currently interning atThomasville Animal Hospital. He has volunteered his time at Miss Kitty Feline Sanctuary and on SRTC’s Veterinary Technology Advisory Committee. Currently, he is a member of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America and the SRTC Vet Tech Club.
On Thursday, February 20, Harrison will compete at the regional level in Tifton, Georgia. He will advance to the state GOAL competition in late April to meet fellow GOAL winners from across the Technical College System of Georgia.
