Tell us about your background (education, work, journey, experiences).

I went to a small high school near Springfield then went on to receiving my BS in Biochemistry at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While there, I participated in a research lab for three years, working alongside PhD students and leading a team of undergraduates in yeast protein research. I planned to earn my PhD in Biochemistry before pursuing a career in academic research. While in school, I worked at a pet store, where I found my love for veterinary care. In my last year of undergrad, I decided to turn my career path completely and dive into the world of veterinary medicine. I took a gap year to earn experience and make my application more competitive. I began shadowing three local vets before finding a job as a vet assistant at a clinic for the summer. I earned my Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Sciences through Illinois vet med. Additionally, I actively volunteer at Forever Home Feline Ranch, a short and long-term home for cats. Through these experiences, I learned an extraordinary amount about veterinary medicine and myself, solidifying my choice to pursue a career as a veterinarian.

How is/was this program beneficial for you?

I initially applied to the CVS program with the sole goal of strengthening my application. While there’s no doubt that the experience did that, I feel I gained so much more. Compared to my colleagues who earned their undergraduate educations in Animal Sciences, I felt rather unprepared to learn about whole animals for the first time. Like others, I also worried about the material load and expectations of attending vet school. The materials provided by the program presented a specialized overview of many topics covered in vet school at the same level of understanding that was to be expected. As a current first-year veterinary student, I often review notes from the program as supplementary study material. I used my understanding of the expectations in vet school to explain my devotion to being a successful vet student despite the challenges faced along the way.

What part of the program did you find most impactful (specific course, mentoring, community, skill development, etc.)? Describe that impact.

While applying for the CVS program, I considered what benefits I would receive and what skills I would develop through the experience. Yet, the most impactful resource was unexpectedly the people. The mentors of the program provided great tips and feedback on the application process, even providing insight in personal statements and other essay questions. Going into the program, I didn’t know any other aspiring vet students. I got to know other students through discussion groups and made several long-lasting connections. Many of them helped me to improve my application through peer review. I am grateful for the small community we created during attendance of the program as opportunities often became available through this networking.

What is one thing you would say to someone considering this program?

I believe the CVS program was not only a shiny spot on my application but also a developmental experience for me as a student and a person. If this is an obtainable opportunity for you, I highly recommend providing yourself with this experience.

What’s next in your journey (vet school, graduate school, work, etc.)?

I am currently in my first year of vet school at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. I have developed an interest in emergency medicine and plan to pursue specialization after earning my DVM.