Exploring Opportunities

Where are you from and what undergraduate degrees have you earned?
I am from St. Catherine, Jamaica—a small island with breathtaking beaches, and memorable hospitality, music, and culture. I attended Pennsylvania State University, where I received a B.S. in veterinary and biomedical sciences 

What attracted you to Cummings School? 
I chose Tufts because of the diversity of its curriculum. I had always wanted to pursue a career in aquatic and wildlife medicine. And though I came here with a clear idea of what I wanted to do, the curriculum and environment provided me with opportunities to explore and be exposed to other fields within the profession—such as surgery, holistic medicine, and emergency and critical care, to name a few. 

Additionally, I was also drawn to the Wildlife and Conservation Medicine signature opportunity in Cummings School’s D.V.M. program, and the ability to gain the clinical skills needed for innovative medical care and management of patients in the field. I also hoped to develop an understanding of the different work settings of a general practice, emergency care, and wildlife. Most importantly, my experience has been hands-on since day one. I can take part in networking and shadowing opportunities that provide me with invaluable experiences. And I’ve cultivated desirable personal attitudes in, and behaviors of, a future contributor to the veterinary profession.  

What have you been involved in here and who has helped/mentored you?
On campus I am the student ambassador for both Zoetis and Bond Vet, treasurer of the Student Veterinary Surgical Society, and a member of both the Student American Veterinary Medical Association wellness committee and the Holistic/Integrative Medicine Club.
I was fortunate to have found mentors in most of my professors, but also, I was blessed with the best V25 ‘big’ [student mentor] anyone could ask for. Academically, mentally, and emotionally each played a pivotal role in making it through the first year of vet school. 

What do you think you want to pursue after graduating?
Currently, my interest lies in the realms of wildlife and conservation, aquatics, surgery, acupuncture/holistic medicine, and diagnostic imaging. With nearly three years of vet school left, I don’t know the person I will become or the priorities I will have after graduating. No matter the path I choose, my work will provide a sense of purpose that allows me to follow my passion, pursue important goals, and ultimately live a life of fulfilling and authentic happiness.