RaiderVet Clayton Krause shares his passion in veterinary medicine and how scholarships have impacted his life.
Veterinary school can be a challenge in both the classroom and financially. Part of Texas Tech University's School of Veterinary Medicine's purpose is to provide access to an affordable, world-class education for Texas and New Mexico students.
To do this, leadership of the School of Veterinary Medicine set an aspirational goal
to provide scholarships equal to 25% on average of a students' tuition and fees. When
the School reaches its capacity of 400 veterinary students, this will mean they'll
need to distribute $2.2 million in scholarships every year to meet that goal. 
For first-year veterinary student, Clayton “Clay” Krause, scholarships have made a huge impact in his life. He's seen first-hand the extent to which scholarships play a role in his success as well as that of his fellow classmates.
“There is no getting around the fact that veterinary school is expensive,” Krause said. “Scholarships are tremendously helpful in offsetting some of that expense. This in return allows me to focus more on my studies and less on the financial burden.”
Krause was born and raised in Stephenville, Texas. He credits his involvement in the National FFA Organization and his first “real” job working at a local feed store for instilling in him his purpose to one day make an impact on both human and animal lives in a rural community.
“Looking back, I would say that's where my interest in helping people with the care of their animals started,” Krause said. “I love the rural lifestyle and the people you find there.”
He didn't know it at the time, but it was the first steppingstone that laid his foundation
towards finding his passion in veterinary medicine. Let's get to know Clay Krause
through a series of questions.
What are you passionate about in veterinary medicine?
In the simplest terms, I love the work. I enjoy the complexity, the intricacy, and the challenge of solving the animal health issues. It's a profession that requires an enormous amount of knowledge and skill, and you get to enjoy in a rural setting among people you love. To me it is the best of both worlds.
How did you find your passion in veterinary medicine?
For the first couple of years of my undergraduate work at Texas Tech University, I really wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but what I did know is I missed being in a rural setting and the people you find there. I took a leap of faith and went and interviewed for a veterinary technician position with Dr. Bo Brock in Lamesa, Texas. Dr. Brock hired me, and the journey began. I fell in love with veterinary medicine working with the incredible staff at Brock Veterinary Clinic. My work at Brock's led to the opportunity to intern at the 6666 Ranch under Dr. Glenn Blodgett. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience for which I will be eternally grateful. I have been incredibly blessed with great mentors.
What are your plans after graduation?
I hope to find a position with a rural practice that has a strong emphasis in equine medicine. My ultimate goal is to own my own practice. Being a veterinarian in a rural community allows one to serve as a mentor to the young people of that community. It's an opportunity to show them you can have a professional career while living and serving in a rural setting. That doesn't just necessarily apply to veterinary medicine. Rural communities need professionals in human health care, financial services, etc. as well. I want to serve as an example that one can have a great professional career while enjoying all the benefits of a rural lifestyle.
Why did you choose Texas Tech?
I visited several veterinary schools during my application process. They are all great
veterinary schools. I was fortunate to receive acceptance letters from all four of
the schools I eventually applied to. Admittedly there was probably a bit of an early
bias for Texas Tech University's School of Veterinary Medicine. The atmosphere and
the faculty and staff interaction here was just hands down better than anything I
experienced at the other schools. From the moment I walked through the doors, I just
knew this was where I belonged. I honestly believe every member of the Texas Tech
University School of Veterinary Medicine faculty and staff is dedicated to my success.
What does it mean to you to receive scholarships?
For every dollar of scholarship money I receive, that's one less dollar of debt I will face upon graduation. Student debt is one of the biggest challenges facing newly graduated veterinarians, in particular veterinarians wanting to serve in a rural practice. I am incredibly thankful for the generosity afforded me through these donations.
If you could thank a scholarship donor, what would you say?
First and foremost, thank you! Furthermore, I will commit to you that I will make the absolute most of your generosity. I feel an immense obligation to pay it forward and will work hard to do so. I will be the best veterinarian I can be, and I will give back to my community and my profession.