KPOSSIBLE

My Heroes

My mother is my hero. She is a NICU nurse and was the only income my family had when I was younger. I always thrived to emulate her work ethic as she overcame many challenges and compromised a lot to support a family of 6. I knew I wanted to be like her.

In this age of new technology, it might be odd to say one of my role models was an author. When I was in elementary school we had to read “Gifted Hands” by Ben Carson. Reading about one of the most celebrated neurosurgeons in the world telling his story of being a poor child from inner-city Detroit and becoming director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital was inspiring. The one story he told about his 4 hour surgery separating conjoined twins at the age of 35. This was the story that started me on the path of medicine. I don’t know if it was because I am a twin and could appreciate the importance of separate identities or because of his descriptive words/gift of storytelling (inserting “hair-thin” tubes into veins, connecting the tiny bodies to heart-lung machines, etc), but it changed my career path.

My father who struggled with 3 bouts of cancer/chemotherapy/radiation, a brain aneurysm, and a stroke over the last 20 years. A true inspiration, my father who never let any of his health issues bring down his spirit. He fought every battle with positivity and determination. My father is a high school graduate who would read medical books just so he could learn more about his health issues and communicate better with doctors. This gave me the drive to continue my education, even when I thought I could not succeed.

My Typical Day

I start my day with farm rounds in the morning, basically check on all the animals on campus (sheep, goats, pigs, etc.). I provide treatments and/or perform procedures when needed then or throughout the day and even at night. I then head to campus to teach 2-4 animal science classes a day until about 5pm. Since I am the pre-vet club advisor, I then meet with my pre-vet students after 5pm. (We host club meetings biweekly but I meet with pre-vet students daily). This includes scheduling classes, vet school prep, inviting guest speakers , organizing volunteer activities as well as interactive labs, all in order to get them more animal/veterinary science experience. I also often travel nationally and internationally with students throughout the semester as a part of MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences). As the faculty advisor, I help coordinate club activities and professional workshops for the student members.

My Stressors

I would have to say: Animal patients (only when they do not read the textbooks), Students (only when they don’t listen to good advice) and Clients (same as my students). To destress, I try to play volleyball or work out at the gym when I can to give my brain a rest and my body some exercise.

My Why

First and foremost, being able to help animals that can’t help themselves. This includes not only those that are part of the family, but those animals that many people wouldn’t consider as pets (swine and ruminants). Second, the perk of hearing a kid say “Hey you are a veterinarian and you look like me.” Representation matters. Lastly, being able to be part of a career that is so supportive in itself. Whether it is coming together to share stories, to cry, to celebrate, or mourn, Veterinarians have this special bond or connection. You are never truly alone in this career because all veterinarians know how hard (emotionally and physically), this profession can truly be as a whole.