How did you discover your passion for what you do?

I have always known I wanted to become a veterinarian from a fairly young age. My passion for the field of veterinary medicine grew when I began volunteering at my local animal shelter. Working in shelter medicine can be a daunting profession for many. For me, it opened a whole new world of opportunities to help animals and the humans who love them.

Who is your mentor, and how did he/she shape your career?

I would consider my father to be my greatest mentor. He is the most generous person I know and has shaped me into the woman I have become today. As a truck driver, he keeps a very busy schedule yet has maintained that there is always time to help others, which I have implemented into all my career choices.

How do you continue to grow and be a lifelong learner?

I just started the BVSc Program at Massey University in New Zealand. Leaving the United States for Veterinary School was a huge decision. Massey University was the best opportunity for me to grow as a professional. The program carries strong ethical values I hope to bring back to the communities at home. Coming from Los Angeles, where pet overpopulation is a major problem, the learning opportunities in research of animal populations at Massey University is an exciting prospect. It will provide me with the knowledge and experiences to help make a difference in the lives of many in the future. I am currently training to become a student leader for Massey’s Spay Neuter clinic and have already learned so much.