Hometown: Cordova, NE
Undergraduate Degree: Exercise Science (Doane University)
Area of Interest: Small Animal General Practice
Unlike many of her classmates, Maitlyn Linton didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a veterinarian.
It wasn’t until she began working at a veterinary clinic about two years before applying to Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine that she fell in love with the profession.
Initially drawn in by the science behind disease and treatment, Linton found herself captivated by veterinary medicine’s endless opportunities to learn. But it was the relationships with clients that ultimately confirmed she had found the right career.
“I realized that I love sharing this knowledge with pet owners as well,” she said. “There’s something about creating a mutual understanding between you and an owner that effortlessly develops lasting relationships with them and their pets.”
At WSU, Linton said the close relationships she’s built with faculty have encouraged her to continually push herself and embrace new challenges. She especially values the open discussions around learning and the supportive environment that has helped prepare her for practice.
Outside of class, Linton and her husband, Zach, enjoy channeling their competitive streak into pickleball and games of Catan – provided they’re winning. They also take every opportunity to travel around the world.
Linton’s favorite part of WSU is the sense of community, something that reminded her of growing up in a Nebraska town of just 150 people. She knows the friendships she’s built in Pullman will continue long after graduation.
She plans to practice small animal general medicine and care for dogs and cats in central Washington after graduation.