Thank You to Our Outstanding Interns
The Canada Summer Jobs program allows RAPS to hire young people during the summer to assist on special projects and to cover vacation for staff, among many other things. Last newsletter, we profiled the three unbelievably awesome students who worked with the administration team this year.
This week, meet the three tireless students who worked hands-on with animals at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary.
Thank you to all six! It is an inspiration to see the talent and dedication of the next generation of animal allies! We have been so lucky to work with you all this summer and we look forward to following your success in future!
Malek Salih
What did you do at RAPS this summer?
I worked at the Cat Sanctuary, where I helped out by cleaning the back pens, interacting with the cats and learning about cat behaviour, ensuring the safety of all the cats, doing laundry and cleaning scoops/litter boxes.
What are you studying?
I’m currently studying Health and Science at KPU and this will be my first year out of four.
Where are you from (eg., family home)?
I am from Iraq and the Philippines.
Do you have pets?
I have a beautiful female two-year-old Torti.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are fishing, video games, golf, basketball and collecting Funko Pops.
Where do you hope to be in 5 and 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be finished Vet School and starting my life as a veterinarian.
Erika Chan
What did you do at RAPS this summer?
I was a summer intern at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary this summer. I did a lot of cleaning and taking care of cats.
What are you studying?
I’m going into my first year at UBC in the applied biology program this September.
Where are you from (eg., family home)?
I was born and raised in Canada. My family immigrated from China.
Do you have pets?
I currently have two cats named Sylvia and Newt. Newt is actually from the RAPS Adoption Centre. I also have a western hognose (snake). Her name is Waffle. Surprisingly, I couldn’t find a single photo with me and my pets together. I have plenty of just them. I’ve included one of Newt (left) and Sylvia (right).
What are your hobbies?
My main hobbies are gaming on my PC and reading. I could easily spend hours doing either.
Where do you hope to be in 5 and 10 years?
In five years, I hope to finish my undergrad and begin my journey at vet school. In 10 years, I hope to be a fully licensed veterinarian working overseas.
Josh Levesque
What did you do at RAPS this summer?
This summer I worked as an intern in the Cat Sanctuary.
What are you studying?
I am doing a double major in Music and English Language at UBC. I am going into my fifth, and hopefully final, year.
Where are you from (eg., family home)?
I am originally from Abbotsford, BC.
Do you have pets?
I have a flamepoint Siamese cat, named Matcha.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include reading, composing music, writing poetry, and travelling.
Where do you hope to be in 5 and 10 years?
In five years, I hope to have completed a Master’s in English Language. In 10 years, I hope to have found a way to make it useful!
Any other things you would like people to know?!
I love all the cats at the sanctuary equally, but Stella would like me to tell you that she is my best friend.