Sarah Agullo ’25, a Gate of Opportunity Scholar, spent her years at Berry invested in the animal science and art programs, with a minor in chemistry. Currently, she is freelancing in graphic design and illustration while developing as a fine artist. She anticipates attending a graduate program in medical illustration.
For her presentation at Berry’s recent Symposium on Student Scholarship — The Horse Compendium — Sarah integrated her primary fields of study. While she had little experience with horses, she was inspired to pursue the project because of an animal science course, Horse Systems and Management. The class afforded Sarah the opportunity to take a hands-on approach with the animals, vaccinating, grooming and taking foal watch shifts in the middle of the night. She also observed the staff and equestrian team handling the horses at the Gunby Equine Center.
“I just started to notice the different personalities between the horses,” she explains. “I got to witness things like the first steps of a newborn foal and a horse being ridden for the first time that made me feel like I was part of an exclusive world.”
Sarah also excelled in the LifeWorks program, rising to student director of marketing and communications in the recreation department. This position allowed Sarah to develop leadership skills, though balancing work with two majors did not come without challenges. However, she managed academics, job pressures and commitments by establishing a support system.
“Of course, my class and work were important, but when I had an event, meetup or call to look forward to, it motivated me to keep pushing forward,” Sarah says. “It was sort of a system I had created where if I completed assignments or studying, I got to spend time with my friends. If I had too much free time, I’d focus back on my work.”
She further commented on the community vibe at Berry: “I think of it as tightly knit where every student is undoubtedly connected to another through their friends, professors and co-workers. … I also love that when it gets warm we can see the popping up of hammocks and blankets out in the sun. Having a large portion of the student body working on campus also cultivates this understanding between one another to appreciate the work we all do.”
Like many seniors, Sarah experienced some anxiety about life after graduation. However, Assistant Professor of Art Dennis Ritter reminded Sarah that her wide range of skills would allow her to find various career opportunities.
“I offer a variety of perspectives and flexibility as a potential employee,” she says. “I am able to continue my search knowing that I will find an opportunity where I am able to develop my career and be a valuable asset wherever I end up.”
