{"id":197513,"date":"2024-05-14T12:31:40","date_gmt":"2024-05-14T22:31:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=197513"},"modified":"2024-05-15T11:18:46","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T21:18:46","slug":"pagottos-chancellor-to-veterinary-assistant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2024\/05\/14\/pagottos-chancellor-to-veterinary-assistant\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating Louise Pagotto’s purr-fect journey: From chancellor to veterinary assistant"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
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Louise Pagotto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Louise Pagotto’s story is one of following her heart, even when the path takes unexpected turns. Originally dreaming of becoming a veterinarian, Pagotto\u2019s’s love for her home in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> led her to change her plans when she discovered there was no veterinary school in the islands.<\/p>\n

Arriving in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> from Montreal, Canada in 1980, Pagotto pursued studies in linguistics at University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> at Mānoa, eventually earning her doctorate in 1987.<\/p>\n

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Her career took her on a fulfilling journey through the UH<\/abbr> System, from teaching English at Leeward Community College to serving in various roles as an administrator at Kapiʻolani<\/span> Community College, where she retired as chancellor in 2022.<\/p>\n

But retirement didn’t mean slowing down for Pagotto. Inspired by her cat’s health struggles and her desire to be a volunteer at the Honolulu Zoo, she found a new calling: enrolling in the veterinary technology program at Windward Community College.<\/p>\n

Describing the program as “rigorous and humbling,” Pagotto embraced the challenge with determination. Her goal? To excel and earn her certificate of achievement, which she received in May.<\/p>\n

Check out more stories of our UH<\/abbr> spring graduates<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Drawing on her experience as an educator, Pagotto found herself on a different side of the classroom, learning from dedicated faculty who instilled in her values of integrity and professionalism within a medical context. “The depth of knowledge of technical skills taught is at a high level,” she said.<\/p>\n

Yet, it was the support of her fellow classmates that truly made a difference. Despite initial challenges, Pagotto’s perseverance and newfound skills left her feeling empowered and accomplished.<\/p>\n

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Louise Pagotto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reflecting on her journey, Pagotto said, “I can do it!!” Her appreciation for the complexities of physiology and medical science has deepened, reminding her that there’s always more to learn.<\/p>\n

“It’s not just about kittens and puppies; it’s about embracing the medical aspect with discipline and dedication,” said Pagotto.<\/p>\n

As she prepares to embark on this new chapter, Pagotto encourages others to explore the veterinary technology program at Windward CC<\/abbr>, emphasizing its selectivity and the supportive community it offers.<\/p>\n

Pagotto’s story is a testament to the power of passion and resilience, reminding us that sometimes the most fulfilling journeys are the ones we never expected to take.<\/p>\n

Learn more Windward CC<\/abbr>\u2019s veterinary technology program online<\/a> or email vettech@hawaii.edu.<\/p>\n

—By Bonnie Beatson<\/p>\n