Taylor Hall Gains Hands-On Experience through Rural Veterinary Internship
July 21, 2025
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
FAYETTEVILLE— The steady hum of clippers, the occasional bark echoing through the halls, and the soft murmur of veterinarians and technicians discussing cases are all part of the daily rhythm inside Cross Creek Animal Hospital in Fayetteville, NC. For University of Mount Olive (UMO) student Taylor Hall, these sights and sounds are more than background noise; they are the soundtrack to a summer internship that is shaping her future in veterinary medicine.
A rising junior at UMO, Hall is gaining invaluable real-world experience this summer as part of the highly regarded 2025 Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative, a part of the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship Program. She is combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on veterinary care in a fast-paced rural clinic.
A native of Autryville, NC, Hall is majoring in veterinary bioscience with an animal science concentration and a minor in chemistry. Her love for animals began at an early age, but her calling to veterinary medicine was solidified through a personal journey with her own pet. “My passion for veterinary medicine arose from seeing how proper care can completely change an animal’s prognosis,” Hall shared. “I have a diabetic, blind dog whose glucose levels were once difficult to manage. Her health has stabilized thanks to frequent vet visits and treatment adjustments.”
That experience sparked a dream—one she is now living out each day at Cross Creek Animal Hospital, where her responsibilities range from restraining animals during exams to observing surgeries, preparing lab samples, and communicating with clients. “No two days are ever the same,” Hall said. “One day I might help run lab tests; the next I could be involved in surgery prep or radiology. It’s fast-paced, but incredibly rewarding.”
She credits her coursework at UMO—especially Dr. William Farmer’s anatomy class—for laying the academic foundation she needed. “Because of what I’ve learned at UMO, I can better understand imaging results, identify anatomical structures during exams, and interpret medical records or lab reports,” she said. “I’ve even used lab skills I practiced in class, like preparing fecal samples and examining them under a microscope.”
Hall’s placement at Cross Creek was no accident. She had previously shadowed there before college, building relationships with the staff and discovering her passion for the field. “I’m extremely thankful to the Golden LEAF and everyone at Cross Creek for believing in me,” she said. “The entire team has been so generous with their time and knowledge. I couldn’t ask for better mentors.”
Dr. Shannon Poole, owner and veterinarian at the practice, has been equally inspired by Hall’s progress. “From the beginning, Taylor came in with a love for animals but not a lot of hands-on experience in a vet hospital,” said Dr. Poole. “Now, just weeks later, she’s restraining animals, assisting with appointments, and performing treatments—things that usually take technicians months to learn. She’s a quick learner and handles tasks with confidence and care. It’s been impressive to watch.”
Through the internship, Hall has witnessed a wide range of cases—from annual wellness visits to urgent surgeries and end-of-life decisions. Each experience has deepened her respect for the profession and strengthened her sense of purpose. “I’ve seen live heartworm larvae under the microscope and assisted during surgical prep,” she said. “Those moments have made it clear: this is exactly what I want to do.”
Dr. Poole stressed the broader importance of internships for both students and the veterinary field. “Internships are incredibly important—not just for students to figure out if veterinary medicine is truly what they want to do, but also for practices like ours that are trying to build excitement and interest in the field,” she said. “So many people think it’s just playing with puppies and kittens, but there’s so much more to it. Internships give young people the chance to get hands-on experience, develop communication skills, and make informed decisions about their future. And for us, it’s a way to invest in the next generation of veterinary professionals.”
Though the work can be physically and emotionally demanding—especially when handling frightened or aggressive animals—Hall has learned to navigate challenges with patience and resolve. “I’ve learned that teamwork and communication are essential,” she said. “The staff here works together so efficiently, especially in emergencies. I’ve gained so much respect for the technicians and doctors I work with. They’re not just talented—they’re compassionate, selfless, and deeply committed.”
Having grown up in a rural community, Hall hopes to return home one day as a practicing veterinarian. “After graduating from UMO, I plan to apply to veterinary school and earn my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM),” she said. “My dream is to work in a mixed-animal practice in Sampson County, serving the same community that has supported me.”
More than anything, the internship has affirmed her calling. “This experience has solidified my passion for veterinary medicine—not just because I love animals, but because of the impact veterinarians can have on both pets and their owners,” Hall said. “In hard moments, I hope to bring peace and hope to families. I want to be a role model in my community and exemplify Christ through compassion and care.”
Whether preparing for surgery, examining lab slides, or offering a comforting word to a pet owner, Taylor Hall is gaining more than experience—she’s stepping into her purpose.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
