Spring Hill College helps young alumna dedicate herself to serving all God’s creatures

Emily Greima 2019 graduate of Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., knew from the age of five that she wanted to be a “voice of reason” for animals as a veterinarian, but the College confirmed the value of serving humans, too.

“My love for helping and educating people, along with my love for animals and science solidified my career choice” she said.

Greim, from McKinney, Texas, currently attends Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She feels in addition to giving her “an unsurpassable amount of book knowledge,” Spring Hill’s service opportunities also enhanced her people skills, which helped set her apart while applying for veterinary schools.  

Helping others helped her realize that everyone is unique, and “that real wisdom comes from the people you meet and help,” Greim said. “It is difficult to teach someone how to work well with others and be an overall good person, yet I have continuously seen Spring Hill accomplish that,” she said.

Founded in 1830, Spring Hill College has continued the Jesuit traditions of its founders. 

“One tradition that I live by every day is cura personalis, which translates into ‘care for the whole person’ –  meaning their mind, body and spirit,” Greim said. “Not only do I strive to live by this phrase, but all the people I met at Spring Hill embody this mantra.”

As a young girl, watching a veterinarian treat her horse’s injured face inspired her career path.

“It was a gnarly gash and very bloody,” Greim said. “As [the vet] was suturing it up, my friend fainted, and I caught myself inching forward to get a better look.” In addition to her horse, she’s been surrounded by animals throughout her life, including dogs, turtles, a lizard, a guinea pig and a rat. She brought her foster dog, J.J., to school with her. “Becoming a veterinarian has been a life goal of mine, and without Spring Hill, I wouldn’t have been able to go to vet school,” Greim said.

Today, Greim is pursuing a four-year doctorate program at Auburn. An extra four years of residency is required if she chooses to specialize. She’s considering small animal surgery. “Luckily, I have a few more years to think about ‘what I want to be when I grow up as a vet,’” Greim said.

Study habits picked up as an undergrad are now serving her well as a graduate student.

“The overall rigor of my biology courses aided me academically in vet school,” she said. “Spring Hill taught me how to effectively study and manage my time which has proved to be beneficial as I am now enrolled in twenty-four hours of professional level classes. While vet school is strenuous, I luckily did not encounter a study habit learning curve like some of my other classmates,” she said.

Her advice to current students looking towards graduation?

“Spring Hill has more than prepared you for the outside world, so take a deep breath and embrace this time in your life with your friends,” Greim said. “While Spring Hill offers many great things, the people you meet during your time is what makes it such a special place.”

Now, more students than ever may benefit from a Spring Hill degree. The College in September announced a tuition reduction, now $21,100 starting in the fall of 2021, helping to make a Jesuit, liberal arts education more affordable and accessible for more students across the country.

This article is part of the “Real World Ready” series about outstanding Spring Hill College students, alumni, faculty and administrators. rwr.www.shc.edu

Media Contact:
Office of Marketing & Communications
news@shc.edu

© Copyright 2024 Spring Hill College. All rights reserved.