Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Longino '13

Follow your passion even if the path seems overwhelming. Sarah Longino '13 took this advice and is now a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Banfield Animal Hospital in St. Petersburg. 

Sarah was pursuing a bachelor's degree in business management at Florida State University when, in the midst of her senior year, she made the bold decision to switch gears and follow her passion for veterinary medicine. 

Sarah recalls, “I completed my business degree while also taking science courses my senior year until I graduated from Florida State. After graduation, I worked as a veterinary assistant in various small animal hospitals, all the while taking part-time classes to fulfill the science prerequisites for veterinary school.” Her perseverance paid off when she was accepted into the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. 

Four years later, Sarah earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree and moved back to St. Petersburg, where she works as an Associate Veterinarian at the Banfield Pet Hospital at Tyrone Square. Although she misses Minnesota, she is excited to be back in the Sunshine State with her sweet black Labrador Retriever, Luke.

Sarah is most proud of herself for leaping into a different field of study. She was contemplating making the change but was scared about it being too late. She explains, “The amount of work that laid ahead even to get accepted into a veterinary school was overwhelming, let alone thinking of completing veterinary school itself. I still decided to pursue it and kept working hard despite the obstacles. The hard work paid off because now I get to be in this amazing field where I get to do something that I love as my career.” 

If she could tell her high school senior self something as she walked across the stage, she would tell her, “Embrace the change that is about to come. You are well prepared for what awaits.” 

Sarah’s advice to Upper School Chargers is both comforting and empowering. She reassures them, “It's okay if you're unsure about your future career path. It's okay to change your mind. The person you are today will evolve and grow. Be proud of your accomplishments and look forward to the future, but also cherish your time in high school and continue to make lasting memories.”

Sarah is one of many Alumni Chargers with a wonderful story to share. Alumni Spotlights reflect Chargers in all phases of their lives and careers after Shorecrest. If you have a story to share, please contact Olivia Segalman at [email protected].