When did you decide to pursue veterinary medicine?

I have considered going to vet school briefly when I was still in high school, when I saw a stray cat hit by a car. Back then I had no resources available to me to really know what going to vet school in the US means. I re-visited this dream multiple times in college when I considered pursuing other animal-related careers, but still found myself fascinated by the hands-on experience in veterinary medicine, so I decided to give it a try.
 

What did you do to prepare for veterinary school?

I sought out experiences in areas of my interest, which was wildlife rescue, and made sure I tried my best in the science classes. My grades weren’t always perfect but an interest in learning goes a long way.
 

What advice do you have for high school or college students who are interested in becoming a veterinarian?

Do your best in classes but don’t make getting into vet school as your sole goal of undergraduate career. It’s also the best time to explore other experiences academically and in life. If vet school is for you, it will make its way to you sooner or later along the way. Don’t push away other possibilities just because they are not related to veterinary medicine
 

Why did you choose Cornell and what do you enjoy most about the veterinary program?

I wanted to stay in the northeast and Cornell has a good wildlife program, which fits my career goal. I like Cornell’s pro-learning environment, and how the students are always eager to learn more outside of the classroom as well as how the doctors and professors in hospitals and in class are willing to explain things. We are even encouraged to make mistakes, and that makes it easier to learn.