When did you decide to pursue veterinary medicine?

Becoming a veterinarian has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I grew up around many types of animals, from dogs and cats to snakes, rats, and tarantulas, and had lots of wildlife on my property. I have always felt a special connection to all kinds of creatures and have had a special interest in medicine, in general, as well. I am drawn to helping people, but did not realize until later that you get to do this in vet med, too! I really started exploring the profession in high school, when I was deciding if this was truly the career path for me. I shadowed several local private practice veterinarians and a research veterinarian and was fascinated by the different routes that I could take while working as a veterinarian. After those experiences, I knew that this was the career for me!

What did you do to prepare for veterinary school?

In high school, I began shadowing different types of veterinarians to better understand what they actually do. Since I had no idea what field of veterinary medicine I might want to pursue at the time, I made sure to experience every opportunity that I could. Throughout undergrad, where I studied animal science, I worked on our school’s livestock and equine barns, as a veterinary assistant at a small animal and exotic practice, and as a research assistant. In addition to gaining necessary skills that have helped me in veterinary school, I narrowed down my interests. I like the small ruminants, but no horses for me, please! While I enjoyed all of my animal-related experiences, I also discovered my interests in yoga, backpacking, and cooking which are now my favorite things to do while I am not studying. Being in touch with your mental health before vet school is important!

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

Instead of thinking about just the end goal, enjoy where you are now. Work to learn the material in your classes, don’t just aim for good grades. This will also benefit you as you take higher-level courses. Try to experience working with different kinds of animals in various capacities when you have the opportunity - you might find something you didn’t know that you liked! Spend time with your friends and make connections, and find out what activities outside of veterinary medicine you enjoy. 

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

When exploring Cornell, I was most attracted to the problem-based learning (PBL) and on-site teaching hospital. Peer-based learning is a great way to learn how to work through cases as a clinician. Beginning your first semester during Block I, you are working through cases that you will see again and again in vet school and throughout your career with your peers and a faculty member or clinician. These cases teach you how to work methodically, problem-solve, and communicate with your colleagues. I was also drawn by the on-site teaching hospital. I appreciate that during our clinical year, all of our rotations are offered in the hospital with faculty and clinicians that you have gotten to know throughout the years. We also have the opportunity to travel for rotations. As a student technician in the teaching hospital, I have gained familiarity with the hospital layout and functioning before reaching clinics, where my focus will be learning how to be a doctor! My favorite part of being here is serving as a student technician in the exotic animal service. Not only does it confirm my desire to be an exotics-exclusive veterinarian, but I get to work alongside and get to know knowledgeable faculty, follow real cases, and be constantly reminded why I am here.