Veterinary student shares her love for animals and passion for science with prospective students as a UTCVM ambassador
Where are you from, and why did you decide to attend the UT College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM)?
I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. I decided to attend UTCVM because of all the great opportunities the college had to offer, and I could stay close to home. I am also an alumna of the University of Tennessee and truly fell in love with the family atmosphere I gained from my undergraduate years here.
Why did you choose to pursue Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree?
As a child, I have always had a fascination with animals, no matter the kind. I also loved science and knew I wanted to pursue a career with something in the medical field. I thought about becoming a medical doctor, but I felt that something was missing, and I just did not have a true passion for it. I then looked into the veterinary field and worked my first shift as a vet assistant and knew this was the career for me. I fell in love with caring for animals and wanting to solve the problems that they have but cannot express on their own.
What does a day in the life of a veterinary student look like?
Being a veterinary student is a real full-time job. I start every morning at 8 a.m. for classes that usually last until noon and have labs in the afternoon. Once I’m done with classes and labs, I go home and usually take a mental break and watch some Netflix. I then cook dinner and eat and after, I begin studying for the night. The next day, I start this routine all over again and I have been loving every bit of it.
What has been your most memorable experience at UTCVM so far?
My most memorable experience so far has been attending the UTCVM alumni reunion. As an ambassador, I had the opportunity to check people in for the event. I got to talk with so many amazing doctors who graduated from UTCVM and how successful they have become in life. They shared great advice for life and school. I loved hearing their past school experiences and seeing old class photos. They even sang Rocky Top together, which I thought was the highlight of the night.
What is your favorite animal and why?
My favorite animal is a dog. I know it’s pretty basic, but I have grown up with big and small dogs my entire life. I just love how they each have their own personality from being little and feisty to being big and playful. No other animal has given me the joy that any dog has yet, which is why they will always be my favorite.
Are you involved in any student organizations, if so, what are they and how have they impacted your experience at UT?
I am a UTCVM ambassador. I get to help with tours and events within the college and it has been such a great experience for me so far. Getting to know prospective students and alumni has been so fun. I get to hear about all the interesting stories from the alumni and learn about what has changed from their time here. I even love communicating with students and answering any questions they have about the college or veterinary school in general because I want them to be able to achieve their dreams like I am now.
What is your favorite subject to learn about in vet school, and who is a professor who has made a significant impact on your learning experience?
My favorite subject so far has been immunology. I just loved learning about all the different cells in our immune system and how just the slightest thing can cause such a great reaction affecting the entire body. Cells are the basis of everything and without understanding what they do, nothing in my other classes would make sense.
The professor who has made my learning experience truly great was Dr. Reed, our small animal anatomy professor. He was someone who was unlike other professors in his teaching methods but was always straight to the point and told you everything you needed to know to gain a true understanding of anatomy. He always told his jokes and was so funny to communicate with. It was one of my favorite labs during my first year.
How has your experience in UTCVM prepared you to enter the field?
My experience here has truly been so helpful for my career as a future doctor. From the long days in lectures to the hands-on laboratory experiences, I have tried to absorb everything like a sponge. When I go back to work in a small animal clinic during breaks, I can see a case and remember when we discussed the symptoms in class or lab. It has been amazing to finally start putting all the pieces we learn in class together in real life cases, which is the goal in becoming a great veterinarian.
What advice would you give to a prospective veterinary student?
A career in veterinary medicine is a true dedication, especially for the next four years. It has to be something you are truly passionate about, so take the time to consider the pros and the cons. Make sure you have worked in some type of animal clinic so you can see everything veterinary medicine has to offer. I have not regretted any of my experiences so far in veterinary school, and in fact, have loved every bit of it. Just know that there will be long nights and sometimes you might get overwhelmed, but crossing the finish line of accomplishing your dream career will be worth it all.
What is one thing you’re excited about for the upcoming/current school year?
I am excited to finally put all the fundamentals into practice with true clinical cases. We have learned so much so far, so I love being able to put everything together where a disease can make sense from the beginning to end. I am also taking the spay and neuter elective, and I am so excited to do my first surgery out of countless to come.
What do you like to do outside of school and/or what is a fun fact about yourself that your fellow students and professors may not know?
Outside of school, I love to binge watch movies, horror movies especially. I also love to go shopping as some retail therapy whenever I’ve had a long week, even it’s just something small like a new notebook. Getting a smoothie or something sweet as a snack while I shop, makes the experience so much better.
A fun fact about me is that I have a lipoma on my elbow that I’ve had as a kid from falling off the monkey bars at school. It was such an embarrassing experience at the time, but now I can laugh about it and even jiggle it from time to time for fun.
