Ellie Beshear '27: Exploring Veterinary Medicine through WORX Internship
October 28, 2026
This summer, Ellie Beshear ’27 explored her interest in veterinary medicine through a seven-day internship via the Eastin Family WORX Internship Program at North Dallas Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital. Spending seven hours a day at the hospital, Ellie observed veterinary technicians caring for sick and injured animals, assisted with daily tasks, and gained a better understanding of the responsibilities involved in emergency veterinary care.
During her internship, Ellie learned directly from the veterinarian she shadowed, who taught her how to prepare a blood smear for examination under a microscope. Ellie also helped veterinary technicians with tasks such as folding laundry and taking out the trash, allowing them to focus more of their time on patient care. These experiences gave Ellie a closer look at the work that takes place behind the scenes to keep a veterinary hospital running.
The internship also gave Ellie a deeper appreciation for the demands of the profession. She learned about the long shifts veterinarians work, including 12-hour and overnight shifts, and the challenges of caring for animals in critical condition. Observing the team’s responsibilities firsthand helped her better understand the skill, patience, and commitment veterinary medicine requires.
Ellie was also able to connect her internship experience to concepts she had studied in AP Biology. Her familiarity with blood cells helped her understand the samples she examined under a microscope, while her coursework introduced her to terminology and concepts she encountered in the hospital.
“I enjoyed getting to apply what I learned in AP Biology to the different conditions the animals had at my internship,” Ellie shared. “It helped me to understand some of the terminology the veterinarians used.”
The Eastin Family WORX Internship Program gives qualified ESD students the opportunity to explore career interests, develop professional skills, and learn from mentors in their fields. Founded in 2014 by the Dads’ Partnership, the program is managed by ESD’s Office of College Guidance with support from the Dads’ Partnership and the Alumni Association. Through a network of local business partners, WORX matches rising seniors with summer internships that offer firsthand insight into potential career paths.
Through the WORX Internship Program, Ellie had the opportunity to explore a potential career while applying classroom learning in a professional setting. The experience offered a glimpse into the realities of veterinary medicine and reflects the program’s goal of helping students build career awareness through meaningful mentorship and real-world exposure.
