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Janet Sanford speaks about her experience as the second woman admitted to UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

The California Aggie spoke to Janet Sanford about her experience for womens history month. Our HERstory series will continue throughout the month of March.

In a class of 45 students, Janet Sanford was the second of two women to be admitted to the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis. The school opened its doors to women in the 1950s, and Sanford graduated in 1957. Her admittance paved the way for future women to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Since the 50s, women have even surpassed the number of men in the industry, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. At UC Davis, the veterinary school class of 2023 is overwhelmingly made up of women.

We did something right since its 80% women now, Sanford said.

Horse girl at heart

Growing up in South Wales, Sanford discovered her love of animals at a young age.

I started wanting to be a veterinarian when I was six, Sanford said. Then I met my first pony and got into horses.

Her work with horses inspired her to pursue study in veterinary medicine when she finally settled in California with her family.

I had started out wanting to take care of horses, Sanford said. One of the good things when I got [to Davis], because I was horse-crazy, was a very nice man in the horse barn. I had a horse given to me to take care of.

Despite being initially inspired by her love of horses, Sanfords ultimate career path involved smaller animals. She recalled a time she cared for a dog who had been bitten by a snake.

I married my husband who liked small animals, and I have loved small animals ever since, Sanford said.

Today, Sanford still loves looking after animals, both big and small.

My passion for horses has gone on to this day, Sanford said. I have just lost my saddle horse, but Im 87 years old [so] that was probably a good thing.

Differences in Davis

In addition to the increase in womens attendance, UC Davis today is different in other ways, according to Sanford.

To see the changes, its incredible, Sanford said. The size of the campus, now its amazing and has so many good programs.

When Sanford attended Davis, the campus was significantly smaller and more rural; she even lived in a farmhouse for part of her time at school.

There was only North and South Hall when I was there, Sanford said.

Fighting stereotypes

As a young woman, when sharing her future goals with others, Sanford often received negative feedback.

My local vet who took care of my animals said, Oh thats ridiculous, they dont take women, Sanford said. I said, Well its time they did.

When applying, Sanford faced opposition from within the veterinary school.

The first dean, he had old-fashioned ideas, but I was pretty determined, Sanford said. I had some very nice mentors that convinced the board that I should be there.

As a minority in her class, Sanford often felt that she was not taken seriously.

One male came up to me and said Youre taking up a mans place, youre never going to practice, Sanford said. But I held my own and didnt back down.

The other students at Davis, however, were more accepting.

I have enjoyed every minute of school and I never felt resented, Sanford said. I tried to pull my weight and do the best I could.

Written by: Sophie Dewees features@theaggie.org

The rest is here:
The second woman at UC Davis Veterinary School shares her path to education - The Aggie

This entry was posted on March 17, 2020 at 9:45 am and is filed under Veterinary Medicine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |