A look at an OBCF scholarship recipient’s first semester at NC State University
Carole Garrett, who created the Teddy and Savory Garrett Veterinary Medicine Fund at the Community Foundation, her dog Teddy and scholarship recipient Brandon Woods at the OBCF office.
In the spring of 2024, the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) awarded First Flight High School student Brandon Woods the inaugural Teddy & Savory Garret Veterinary Medicine Scholarship.
Over Thanksgiving break, Woods sat down with OBCF staff and Carole Garrett, who created the Teddy and Savory Garrett Veterinary Medicine Fund at the Community Foundation, to chat about why he is pursuing veterinary medicine, his first semester of college, his future goals, and to offer advice to high school seniors who will be applying for scholarships soon.
Inspired by his childhood and life experiences, Woods is currently a freshman pursuing Veterinary Medicine at NC State University.
Woods’ parents were involved in the George Junior Republic, a community-based home that works with troubled children, alongside a horse farm in Pennsylvania. Woods was surrounded by animals that were a part of the group home’s programs throughout his younger years. After his family moved to the Outer Banks, Woods helped at First Flight Veterinary Hospital & Mobile Services during high school.
“I have been around animals my whole life, and it has just carried on through the years,” said Woods. “A lot of people change their career path and what they want to do in life, but for me it has always been the same thing. It has been an amazing journey so far, and college is a part of that.”
Woods says adapting to college life in the city was a little overwhelming at first, but he quickly found his footing.
“It was really fun getting out there, starting to meet people and getting involved,” said Woods. “As soon as I got to school, I found clubs that I was interested in and joined the Pre-Vet and Zoology clubs.”
When he started college, Woods was already familiar with the school’s Pre-Vet Club offerings from attending a summer vet camp with NC State’s VetPac Program Director Dr. Shweta Trivedi.
“The Pre-Vet club is meant to prepare people that want to become vets,” said Woods. “In our first club meeting Dr. Trivedi told us that 79 students that got into NC State’s vet school are in the Pre-Vet Club. It’s amazing what she offers. They set you up with a mentor, and as you go through the years you could become a mentor as well. They make it super easy to get involved. You can get service points, fundraising points, and social points if you are an active member. In the club, we raise money for animal shelters and go on field trips to different places, like the Asheboro Zoo. Last weekend, I went to the Carolina Tiger Rescue with the club to do a service project and that was fun.”
Outside of joining clubs, Woods said the Raleigh community and his friends have helped him adjust to college life.
“There are so many different opportunities and things to do around Raleigh,” said Woods. “As soon as you find your group and you have your friends, you feel more comfortable.”
Currently, Woods is a Zoology major, but he plans to transfer to an Animal Science program that offers more hands-on opportunities with animals while minoring in Zoology.
“Vet school is hard and takes years of commitment, so getting as many different animal experiences along the way is definitely important to me,” said Woods.
His ultimate goal is to work with vets, specifically focusing on exotic or companion animals.
“Many exotic species have experienced habitat loss, and I would like to contribute to the welfare of their populations,“ said Woods.
Carole Garrett, her dog Teddy, scholarship recipient Brandon Woods, and OBCF President & CEO Chris Sawin at the First Flight High School scholarship awards night. Photo courtesy of OBCF.
While his dream of studying Veterinary Medicine is underway, Woods still fondly remembers receiving the Teddy & Savory Garrett Veterinary Medicine Scholarship, and recalls how special it was to be recognized alongside peers with his family, mentors, Carole Garrett and her dog Teddy present.
When asked what advice he would give to students applying for scholarships this school year, Woods says, “Include your personal experiences in your writing, so people understand you more. Make sure that they know you as a person.”
The Outer Banks Community Foundation will open its scholarship applications on January 10th, 2025. For more information on how to apply, visit https://obcf.org/scholarships/.
As a lifelong advocate for animal welfare, Carole Garrett created the Teddy and Savory Garrett Veterinary Medicine Fund at the Outer Banks Community Foundation in 2023 to help local students who want to become veterinarians.
Anyone can contribute to an existing scholarship fund or establish a new scholarship fund in honor or memory of someone, support higher education at an alma mater, encourage a field of study, and much more. Visit OBCF.org or call 252-423-3003 to get started.
About the Outer Banks Community Foundation: The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to fostering philanthropy and supporting local causes. Through its charitable funds and grant programs, the Foundation strives to enrich the quality of life for residents of the Outer Banks.
