For many students, their education is their sole priority.
Not for Jacob Ingersoll.
Jacob, a senior at the Jr./Sr. High School who is enrolled in the Animal Science program at the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES’ Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), is focused on his future goals, as well as teaching others.
For the entire 2021-22 school year, Jacob is an “instructor’s assistant” in the Animal Science program. In his volunteer role, he helps Joanne Daley, program instructor, design and deliver engaging lessons to first-year students. With Daley’s guidance, Jacob’s responsibilities include preparing work stations for clinical demonstrations and modeling the skills necessary for the proper care of a variety of domestic animals and livestock, both large and small.
“Jacob has a lot of ambition and is very passionate about what he does,” Daley said. “With his work ethic, commitment and determination, there will be a lot of opportunity for him in the field of veterinary sciences.”
In addition to dogs and cats, Jacob works alongside Daley to help students in the Animal Science program learn about and work directly with animals like goats, cows and even horses. Jacob, the proud owner of a Husky Shepherd mix and Chihuahua Pomeranian mix – with a Labradoodle on the way – along with four cats, feels right at “home.”
“I have always had a soft spot for animals,” Jacob said. “I have always wanted to help people, but also animals.”
Jacob’s “instructor’s assistant” position was arranged through the Jr./Sr. High School’s College & Career Enrichment Program. Jacob is set to graduate in June with a Regents diploma, Career and Technical Education Program credential and work-based learning extension. He plans to attend SUNY Cobleskill in the fall to major in K-9 Training and Behavior Management. He ultimately wants to train search and rescue dogs for first responders and service dogs for veterans.
Congratulations, Jacob, and best of luck with your future endeavors!