Meet the Class of 2023: Sierra Temple

Sierra holding a Boston Terrier in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Sierra Temple always wanted a career that would be fulfilling, challenging and rewarding, that built her up personally as well as professionally. Since animals hold a very special place in her heart, working with animals was also desired, which made veterinary medicine her perfect fit. 

From Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Sierra is headed back north after graduation to work at her hometown veterinary clinic, Bonners Ferry Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice. She is excited with her time as a student closing and her career as a practicing veterinarian coming up in just weeks. 

“The focus on hands-on learning has made me feel most prepared for practicing medicine,” she said. “The clinical year in general has increased my confidence and solidified the material we covered in years one through three, and the communication course allowed us to navigate the hard conversations in a forgiving environment.” 

She also gives some credit to the countless coffee shops in Moscow and Pullman. “With the amount of study time veterinary students have, having good study locations is crucial,” she said. 

In her spare time, Sierra enjoys backpacking, hiking, swimming, skiing, painting, but most of all, she likes riding her horse, Chester, a 12-year-old appendix quarter horse gelding. Together they compete in low-level eventing. In addition to Chester, Sierra also owns Pudge, a 2-year-old Fjord cross gelding. 

Fun Fact: Sierra is a trumpet player and played jazz music in high school.