Submitted by Soroptomist International of Friday Harbor
Angela Gossom is the 2016 recipient of the Fellowship Award presented by Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor. A panel of local judges selected her from four excellent entrants to receive the $3000 grant to assist with educational expenses. She will be honored at the Notable Women’s Luncheon to be held on Wednesday, March 2 at noon at the Mullis Center.
The Fellowship Award is presented to a woman resident of San Juan County who has completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree and is enrolled in either a post-graduate program toward an advanced degree or a professional program to enhance her competence in her profession. A graduate of Western Washington University, Angela is pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree at Washington State University. Her goal is to graduate with the knowledge and skills to run her own practice and provide quality care to all animals.
Angela graduated from Friday Harbor High School in 2009. During her high school years she participated in wrestling and developed a passion for sailing. She pursued this passion at WWU, taking leadership and teaching roles there. Back home in the summers she volunteered as an assistant coach for the FHHS sailing and worked as a tour guide for Crystal Seas Kayaking.
Angela’s employment and volunteer experiences during her college years centered on her love for and interest in animals. During the school year she was a transport assistant for WeSnip, Whatcom Educational Spay and Neuter Impact Program. She spent many hours shadowing Dr. Colleen Coyne at Northshore Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Susan Besel at Harbor Veterinary Services. In 2013 Angela volunteered for 5 weeks at the Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia, Africa. Angela comes highly recommended for her excellent scholarship, her self-motivation, hard work and determination to succeed, as well as her love of animals. One letter of recommendation stated, “I have known Angela since the day she was born, and she has always impressed me with her dedication to succeed in all her undertakings. Once she determines her interests, she pursues them with passion.” Soroptimist is delighted to assist Angela in living her dream!
