Veterinary medicine student Hannah Tronetti noted in her scholarship application essay that her workplace became a refuge during challenging times in her undergraduate career.
“I have faced various stressful life changes outside of a historically typical college experience during my time as a library employee.” she wrote. “The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly disrupted my well-being, as it did to many others. Additionally, and arguably equally as impactful, I underwent the exceedingly demanding process of applying for veterinary school. I routinely found comfort through the library. I grew to understand the impact that not only books, but the physical serenity of being within a library can have on a person.”
With more than four years of experience as a student employee at the Veterinary Medicine Library, Tronetti has developed personally, professionally and academically while in her role, leading to her selection as a recipient of a 2023 University Libraries Student Employee Scholarship. We interviewed her to learn more about her, her student employment experience, and her thoughts on University Libraries.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Hannah Tronetti, and I am a first-year veterinary student at Ohio State. I am working toward becoming a small animal specialist.
What drew you to working with University Libraries as a student employee?
I have been working at the Vet Med Library since I was an undergraduate freshman. Growing up, I had a passion for reading books. I was always in the library, participating in my “Book Bug Book Club” at school, and constantly finding new books to read. I knew coming to Ohio State that I wanted to continue nurturing that passion within me, and once I found the Vet Med library, I knew it was fate!
What is something you’ve learned by working for University Libraries?
Working in the library, I discovered how universal books are. Even though I worked specifically in the Veterinary Medicine Library where most books were animal related, I was able to interact with all kinds of students from not only all areas of Ohio State, but even completely different states/countries. Books are something everyone can connect over, which I think is pretty awesome.
How will this scholarship impact your time as a student at Ohio State?
This scholarship will be extremely helpful in contributing to the cost of my tuition next semester for school. It is hard to hold a job while in veterinary school, and while I do my best to manage this one with an additional job, I can only work so many hours with classes. Having this scholarship helps to alleviate some of the financial burden I face, and for that I am extremely grateful!
What would you say to other students who are considering working for University Libraries?
Whether or not you grew up loving books or just need a quiet place to think or just be, University Libraries have something positive to offer everyone. I would encourage you to explore working at one, as this was one of the best decisions that I made during my time at Ohio State!