Newly qualified veterinarian
Source credit: Courtesy of 'Comaro Chronicle' (Thursday, 21st January 2016) newspaper
Andrea Lau matriculated from Glenvista High School in 2015 with 7 distinctions in the following subjects: English Home Language (83%), Afrikaans First Additional Language (85%), Mathematics 89%, Business Studies (92%) Life Orientation (93%), Life Science (92%) and Physical Science (89%).
She credited her full house of distinctions to the support of her family and friends, as well as to the dedication of her teachers. But not the least, her faith in God had also helped her achieve at school.
“After studying the whole day, I often go to the gym to swim for an hour. I enjoy exercising– be it going to the gym, playing sports or walking the dogs. I also spend my time reading, binge watching series or food, playing Sims (yes that game still exists) or spending time with family of friends.”
Throughout her school career Andrea had always been very active and her favourite sports were swimming and hockey, as well as excelling in Eisteddfod and public speaking, just to name a few of her extra-mural activities.
“Everyone should feel they have a purpose in life and I believe mine is to help animals.”
Passionate about animals, Andrea was accepted to study a 6-year BVSc degree at the University of Pretoria.
Video credit: Courtesy of 'Facebook / Onderstepoort Paraveterinary & Veterinary Student Committee OPVSC' (Monday, 8th April 2019)
"Before coming to Onderstepoort Paraveterinary, I knew exactly what type of vet I wanted to be – a small animal vet. However, after being exposed to so many other animals and career paths, I have no idea anymore. All I know, is that where ever I end up, I want to uplift the lives of animals by promoting proper animal healthcare or advocating against animal cruelty."
OPVSC 2017/2018 committee member Andrea was recognised as the 'Best treasurer' during the University of Pretoria Student Development Awards for 2018. She also served as one of two OPVSC community engagement representatives during 2018/2019.
Source credit: Courtesy of 'University of Pretoria' (Friday, 15th March 2019)
Andrea visited Balebogeng Primary School in Mamelodi and the Laudium community n Pretoria West to inspire less privileged learners to pursue veterinary science or nursing careers and educate them on the prevention of dog bites and rabies using an interactive presentation comprising animations, rhymes, colouring-in exercises, face painting and other activities.
"Together, our aim is to uplift our own Onderstepoort faculty community and the communities around Onderstepoort by exchanging and enhancing knowledge, experience and skills or by just lending a helping hand. This is done through various projects such as the Medical and Veterinary Rural Integration and Collaboration (Maveric) Project, OP Line or I-Want-To-Be-A-Vet-Weekend. We encourage all our students to participate in these eye-opening events, so ensure that you do not miss out on these great opportunities!"
She also single-handedly built and maintained the website and social media as the public relations and media officer for the International Veterinary Students Association South Africa (IVSA SA) committee 2019/2020.
Dr. Andrea Lau recently graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Bachelor degree in Veterinary Science. She is grateful to the Chinese community for all their support throughout her years of studies. She is one of two Chinese people to graduate from her class.
Andrea believes that knowledge is power and she hopes to empower all animal owners about animal husbandry, disease and general care, and in doing so, promoting One Health (helping both humans and animals in a synergistic way). At the same time, she hopes to show how animals have cultural significance in the Chinese culture and to break ongoing stereotypes around Chinese people and animal mistreatment.
More Glenvista High School alumni ...
Meet architect and part-time actor Jason Leong here.
Meet professional actor Kenneth Fok here.
Another University of Pretoria alumni ,,,
Meet Associate Professor Kai-Ying Alice Chan, who lectures in Innovation Management at the Graduate School of Technology here.
