Kristina Belton has had a goal to open her own practice. According to Belton, this dream came true in 2021 when she officially opened Elon Oaks Veterinary Hospital under her ownership, despite the building previously being used as a veterinary clinic.
“I really wanted to have a little bit more control over the culture of where I worked and really build a place that obviously cares about animals, but also cares about the people who work here too,” Belton said. “Making sure that they have a really positive, good place to work in addition to helping animals.”
The hospital collaborated with Elon University’s Campus Alamance, an internship program that allows students to gain work experience at local organizations over the summer. Belton said she strived to foster an environment in which interns could thrive.
The relationship was built on Belton’s love for teaching, as she was previously a high school science educator.
“It’s not just a job. It’s a place where you can learn and grow,” Belton said. “It’s not just a vet practice. It’s a place where I want my clients to understand, not just like, ‘Oh, here’s your dog’s heartworm prevention, they have to take it,’ instead have them understand why.”
Belton has also held guest lectures for pre-med and pre-vet students at the university.
“When we heard about Campus Alamance, we were like, ‘That sounds exactly in line with what we’re trying to do,’” Belton said. “Encouraging education, encouraging the next generation of veterinary professionals. And then also a community focus, strengthening those relationships.”
One of the interns, Semaj Clark, a biology major at Elon University, has always had a love for animals. He searched for animal care related jobs, landing on this internship through the Elon Job Network.
“I love the community aspect, the staff is very fun and friendly, very good customer service – everything is so up to par,” said Clark, who plans to attend medical school after he graduates.
With the help he has around him, Clark said he was able to grow in his experience with animals and hopes to one day work in wildlife zoo veterinary sciences.
The Campus Alamance program has served as a stepping stone for students interested in veterinary science, providing them with in-field work and a healthy support system.
“My hope is for them to gain a deeper understanding of what our world looks like. There is a lot of science and math behind what we do,” Belton said. “Yes we do get to cuddle puppies and kittens – we’re always very excited to cuddle puppies and kittens. And at the same time, there’s a lot of biochemistry and things like looking at blood work.”
Abigayl Maryo
Abigayl Maryo was born in Ethiopia and is of Eritrean and Italian descent. She moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, at the age of 3 and is currently a rising senior at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. As an advocate for human rights, she is passionate about international relations and journalism. In her school, she has held various leadership roles, including as an editor for the school newspaper, where she has been writing since her sophomore year. She actively works to raise awareness about global issues and social justice. Outside school, she dedicates her time to advocating for women’s rights and contributing to causes that amplify underrepresented voices. She is excited to pursue a career that blends international relations with journalism, with the goal of working at the United Nations to support human rights and global equality.
Emerson Morales
Emerson Morales was born in Princeton, New Jersey, but now lives in Nutley, New Jersey, about 30 minutes from New York City. She is currently a rising senior at Nutley High School, where she serves as the drum major of its award-winning marching band and helps run the school’s InStyle: Fashion Magazine. Outside school, she participates in New Jersey’s region and all-state choirs and volunteers at her local library. After watching “Gilmore Girls,” Emerson became interested in journalism and storytelling. In the future, she hopes to study media and communications while minoring in marketing.
Mariana Prieto
Mariana Prieto was born in Queens, New York, where she attends Benjamin N. Cardozo High School. She discovered her love for literature in elementary school, when she could always be found with a book in hand. Now a rising senior, Mariana has been a dedicated member of her school’s paper, The Verdict, and will serve as a senior editor next year. She also has a passion for graphic design, which began in her freshman year graphic design course. She served as the head of the marketing and media committee for her school’s Key Club and table tennis team, where she was able to combine her love for writing and design. In addition to running their social media, Mariana is a member of the varsity table tennis and tennis teams. She is actively involved in her school’s Creative Writing, Model UN, La Ciudad Hispana and Big Sib clubs. Outside school, Mariana interned for Councilwoman Linda Lee’s 2023 re-election campaign and previously wrote for Teens for Press Freedom, a student-led organization that fights against government censorship. She plans to major in journalism, with a possible minor in political science or graphic design.