Omaha freshman is NCTA Aggie

February 9, 2018

By NCTA News

CURTIS, Neb. - An Omaha student who wants to help dogs and companion animals stay healthy has been named an NCTA Aggie of the Month.           

Rosa Jurado, first-year student at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, has been named Aggie of the Month for January.

The 2017 graduate of Benson High School studies Veterinary Technology Systems.  She was nominated by Eric Reed, advisor for the NCTA Yearbook, of which Jurado is a co-editor.

"Rosa has all the characteristics of a top student: natural intelligence, inquisitiveness, a strength of character, determination, and a strong work ethic,” says Reed, associate professor and General Education Division chair. “She’s very personable and treats others well.”

Campus activities include editing the 2017-2018 yearbook, serving on the NCTA Diversity Committee, member of Student Technicians of Veterinary Medicine Association, student representative on the search committees for NCTA Resident Life Manager and two campus recruiters.

Rosa also works in the NCTA Business Office. She helped with the Curtis Fall Festival and at the community-operated Star Theater.

Her passion for animals led to a health-related career while in a high school program, “College Possible.”  Her college coach, Sean Caulfield, suggested the University of Nebraska’s two-year agriculture school.

“He was helping me to find a college and NCTA came up in the search of veterinary technician programs,” she explained. “I like the program here in Curtis. It is an excellent, hands-on learning environment.”

Caulfield encouraged Rosa to write an essay and apply for The Susan T. Buffett Foundation Scholarship. It provides college funding to high school seniors based on an essay, academics, financial need and recommendations.

“As long as I keep up my grades and attain a 2.0 GPA, I can renew as a Buffet Scholar up to three years at NCTA,” she explained.  “It is helping me to reach my career goals.”

Rosa’s program will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology Systems. Upon graduation, her goal is to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam.

“Once I pass the VTNE, then I can become a licensed veterinary technician and begin my career at an animal hospital or veterinary clinic, perhaps in eastern Nebraska,” Jurado adds.

Aggie of the Month is selected by faculty and staff. Rosa will received a certificate from NCTA Dean Ron Rosati.