Ariel MacKenzie, a Martensville High School graduate, recently received one of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s top student honours.
MacKenzie, who graduated from the Veterinary Technology program, was named the recipient of the Outstanding Citizenship Award, which recognizes students for volunteerism, leadership and community involvement.
For MacKenzie, the recognition came as a bit of a surprise. “I really didn’t think I was going to get it,” MacKenzie said. “I looked at the criteria and thought I’d apply, but I was definitely shocked when I found out.”
MacKenzie was raised in Martensville and spent much of her younger years involved in the community. While attending Martensville High School, she served on the Student Representative Council and also volunteered alongside her family through local organizations and church initiatives.
Her love for animals started early, and for many years, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. “I loved animals, even the weird creatures. I was the kid who would go out and rescue worms off the driveway after it rained so they wouldn’t dry out,” she said.
Although she had always been drawn to working with animals, MacKenzie said she initially talked herself out of pursuing veterinary medicine because she didn’t think she would be able to handle the science and math involved.
After high school, she briefly attended university before leaving and spending several years working in the hotel industry. Eventually, she returned to school and found herself once again thinking about veterinary technology. “I kept coming back to it over and over again,” MacKenzie said. “Finally I thought, ‘You know what? Let’s do it.’”
“Go with your instincts. If something keeps pulling you back, it’s probably right for you. And don’t feel like you have to have everything figured out right away. It’s okay to take your time.”
– Ariel MacKenzie
Before being accepted into the Veterinary Technology program, MacKenzie upgraded some of the high school science classes she needed. As it turned out, the subjects she had been nervous about became some of the ones she enjoyed most. “It turns out I actually really like science.”
During her time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, MacKenzie served as the student liaison on the Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists’ Board of Directors and volunteered with Northern Engagement and Community Outreach, also known as NECO. The program helps provide veterinary care to northern and underserved communities.
MacKenzie said one of her most memorable volunteer experiences was travelling with NECO to Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, an area that she already felt connected to through time spent in the area at the family cabin.
“It wasn’t just about vaccinating animals or doing exams,” she said. “It was about meeting people, learning about their community and building relationships. That really stood out to me.”
The experience also gave her a better understanding of the barriers many pet owners face when it comes to accessing veterinary care.
“Some people have to travel long distances just to see a veterinarian,” she said. “Some don’t have transportation or the financial means that others do. It really changed my perspective and showed me how important it is to meet people where they’re at.”
MacKenzie hopes receiving the award will help bring more attention to outreach programs that support animal health in northern and remote communities.
“These programs always need volunteers and support,” she said. “A lot of people don’t realize that you don’t have to be a veterinarian or veterinary technologist to help.”
MacKenzie is now preparing to begin her career at City Park Veterinary Clinic in Saskatoon, where she hopes to continue growing her skills while also staying involved in outreach work.
Looking ahead, she said she is interested in surgery and radiology, and is excited by the many different opportunities available within the veterinary technology field.
“There are so many different paths you can take in this profession,” MacKenzie said.
For other young people who may be unsure about their future, MacKenzie said her advice is to trust their instincts and not feel pressured to have everything figured out right away.
“Go with your instincts,” she said. “If something keeps pulling you back, it’s probably right for you. And don’t feel like you have to have everything figured out right away. It’s okay to take your time.”
MacKenzie said she is grateful for the support she received from her teachers, instructors and mentors along the way.
“I’ve had so many teachers, instructors and mentors who helped me get to where I am,” she said. “I’m just really grateful for all of them.”
