Tell us about your background (education, work, journey, experiences).
I’m a veterinary student at St. Matthew’s University, currently preparing for my clinical year. My journey in veterinary medicine has been shaped by a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience. I hold a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Education, and a Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Science. Before vet school, I worked full-time while completing my graduate certificate and gained valuable experience as a Certified Veterinary Assistant. I also have an extensive background in the equine industry, which has fueled my passion for veterinary medicine. My experiences have given me a well-rounded perspective in both small and large animal medicine, and I’m excited to continue growing in this field.
How is/was this program beneficial for you?
The program was incredibly beneficial to me, especially since I completed it while working full-time. It provided a strong structural foundation in veterinary medicine, helping me better understand cases and apply my knowledge in real-world settings. We learned the basics that most vet students cover in their first year, and by the end of the program, we were able to fully work up and diagnose cases. This experience gave me a significant advantage going into vet school—I recognized a lot of the material covered in my first five semesters, which made transitioning into the rigorous curriculum much smoother. Having that background allowed me to approach my studies with confidence and a deeper understanding of clinical reasoning.
What part of the program did you find most impactful (specific course, mentoring, community, skill development, etc.)? Describe that impact.
The most impactful part of the program for me was the case-based learning approach. Being able to take what we learned in lectures and apply it to real cases was invaluable. By the end of the program, we weren’t just memorizing information—we were fully working up cases, diagnosing conditions, and thinking critically like veterinarians. That experience gave me a huge advantage going into vet school because I already had a structured way of approaching cases. It made complex topics feel more manageable and helped me develop strong clinical reasoning skills early on. This foundation has been incredibly beneficial throughout my veterinary education, especially when transitioning into more advanced coursework and clinical decision-making.
What is one thing you would say to someone considering this program?
If you’re considering this program, go for it—it’s one of the best ways to build a solid foundation before vet school. The structured case-based learning approach not only teaches you the basics but also helps you develop critical thinking skills that will set you apart. Balancing this program while working full-time was challenging, but it made me more confident in understanding cases and diagnosing conditions. By the time I started vet school, I already had a strong grasp of a lot of the material, which made the transition so much smoother. If you want to enter vet school feeling prepared and ahead of the game, this program is absolutely worth it.
What’s next in your journey (vet school, graduate school, work, etc.)?
Next in my journey is completing my clinical year, and I’m hoping to do so at Illinois, where I can further develop my skills in surgery and diagnostic imaging while learning from an incredible team of veterinarians. After graduation, my goal is to start practicing and continue growing as a veterinarian. No matter where my career takes me, I’m committed to lifelong learning and providing the best care possible for my patients.