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SUCCESS STORIES
Business Management
Alicia Michel '09
Most students studying Business
Management at Daniel Webster plan on working in the corporate world in one
form or another. While this is a great goal, Alicia Michel of Andover, MA
has a different plan. “I love animals, and I have always wanted to work with
them. It was never just a hobby to me. I wanted it to be my job.”
Growing up surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, and all sorts of other
creatures, Alicia was fascinated by the animal world. “As a kid I would sit
in front of the TV for hours watching the Discovery Channel. I wanted to
learn everything I could about any and every animal out there. I’m sure I
drove my mom and dad nuts talking about animals all the time. I think I
still do!” When asked how she differs in her goals for the future, she
simply replies, “I want to have a farm.”
A farm? How does that have anything to do with the business world? “I’m sure
it doesn’t, not directly anyway,” she retorts, “but like I said, I want to
work with animals.” Okay, we get that, but why come to a school like Daniel
Webster? “I loved the atmosphere here. I jumped around from public to
private schools, and I liked private schools more. Not to mention, the
student body was so small I felt that if I could really connect with my
professors, I would try to do my absolute best.”
Alicia went on: “I started out as an Engineering major. While I enjoyed the
major itself, I had a hard time dealing with the work load. So I decided
that Business Management would fit pretty much anything that I wanted to go
into, be it the corporate world or eventually having a farm.” There’s that
reference to the farm again. We’re still a little confused, Alicia. What
courses can you take here that possibly apply to the world of farming?
Laughing, Alicia responds, “Well, there is one class in particular that I’m
really looking forward to taking this fall. Principles of Transportation
will help me gain knowledge on at least the basics of laws and everything
else that goes along with hauling all kinds of goods, whether it’s corn from
America’s Breadbasket or horses from my farm.” That’s understandable. What
else? “Advertising and Marketing help a lot too, since I need to know these
things in order to attract business.”
Makes sense. So what qualifies you to work with animals, anyway? Giving us a
sly look, she starts, “I’ve been dealing with animals my whole life. I’ve
been riding horses for over 15 years, not to mention working with them. I
volunteered with a group called Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm in my
hometown of Andover. They do therapeutic riding for the disabled, and it’s
really a great program. I also worked in a pet store for about a year. I’m
not afraid of most animals, however, I hate bugs. I absolutely can not stand
bugs! I’ll admit it… I’m the one who takes off running at the first sight of
a spider.”
One last question, Alicia. What exactly are your future goals? You keep
talking about this farm, but what will you actually be doing? “It’s about
time you asked. I never thought you’d get around to the question.” She
laughs, and then continues, “I want to breed horses and dogs. My friend
Rachel McGregor (a graduate of UNH-Durham with an Associates Degree in
Equine Management) and I came up with a plan to open a farm that breeds
horses and dogs, but also offers fostering for those animals who are not so
fortunate to have a home of their own. While she and I would love to adopt
each and every one of those animals, it’s just not feasible. So why not give
them a place to re-learn what a loving family is like?”
That’s a truly noble cause. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Cocking her head to the side, Alicia sighs and looks down. Looking back up,
she says, “If I could change anything in the world, even if it was just one
thing, I would love to raise awareness about our country’s animal shelters
and the great need of those animals within. If you’re thinking of getting a
new pet, please, look at the shelters first. Chances are, you could find
your new best friend.”
With a passion for animals and ideas for the future, it’s a certainty that
Alicia Michel will attempt to make this world a better place for the animals
she loves so dearly. “I will make a difference for those animals in need. I
just know I will.”
Daniel Webster College. Success
starts here. Right away. From day one. |
