My Journey

I thought I would share some personal information about my journey to become a Veterinarian. So, here we go :)

     My dream to be a veterinarian started at the mere age of 5 years old. This is when my parents allowed our family to adopt an English Cocker Spaniel puppy from our next door neighbor (and my best friend at the time). We named her Contessa, Tessa, She Dog, Shadow, Taffy Jr. Rueschhoff, but called her Tessa for short and I fell in love for the first time :)

     I insisted on attending Tessa's first veterinarian visit, where the doctor noted increased ear discharge and recommended a cytology (where you look at an ear swab under the microscope for bacteria, yeast, etc.). After the doctor diagnosed my puppy with a yeast otitis externa (ear infection), he asked me if I wanted to take a look at the yeast under the microscope...I of course jumped at the chance. While looking at those bowling pin-like organisms was when I decided I was determined to grow up and take care of animals by becoming a veterinarian.

Yeast under a microscope

     Ever since that first veterinarian experience, I started tracking myself towards that career. I would volunteer myself to give Tessa her medications, clean her ears, cut her hair and I would randomly decide when she would need a bandaged paw.  As soon as I turned of age to work at a clinic, I sent letters out to close by veterinary offices pleading for any position and landed a kennel assistant job. I worked there for 4 years alongside veterinary technicians, doctors and other staff starting my learning process.  I was then offered a veterinary assisting job, that I excitedly accepted. The 4 years at this clinic allowed me to grow so much as a person and as a veterinary staff member, learning so much listening to the doctors discuss their cases.

     While I was working as an assistant, I applied to Veterinary School at the University of Missouri - Columbia (MIZZOU). I filled out all the paper work, wrote all the essays and had my interview, but the waiting process was AGONY! I finally got the letter....I was second alternate. I called every week to check if 2 people who got accepted declined the offer. I was told one declined, but a second never did; I was devastated.

     The next year rolled around and I applied to MIZZOU again, as I could only afford one application. I went through all the paper work, essays and interview process another time to only find out that....I WAS ACCEPTED!!!! I was ecstatic! I couldn't believe that my dream was so close to reality, that all of my hard work, extra hours I put in had actually paid off. What an accomplishment I was told over and over again.

My son, Bryce

     Weeks later I received some news that sent my dream crashing to a halt...I was pregnant. My boyfriend and I were together for 5 year at the time, but I knew he was not my soul mate. I was devastated and so disappointed in myself. I was so embarrassed to have to tell everyone this news. I called MIZZOU and they allowed me to deffer my acceptance until the following year (2010). I talked to so many people on how to manage a baby and veterinary school and if it was even possible. I was told by some that I should give up on my dream, that my baby was more important. I was told by my friends and family to continue my path, to not give up, so that is what I decided to do. It made me happy and what kind of role model would I be to my child if I just gave up because something became harder.

     I started veterinary school when my son (Bryce) was 8 months old. His father and I still together, we started making the journey through veterinary school. It required a lot of studying, a lot of time and a lot of dedication. My daily schedule was as follows: get up at 5-6 am with my son and get him taken care of, bring my son to daycare, go to school, pick Bryce up, arrive home and fix dinner, take care of Bryce until his bed time (~8pm), study until 11 pm - 5 am (pending the weeks/days) and start all over again. It was challenging, but I did it with very little help.

Bryce and I while I received my
 white coat before starting clinics

     2 years into school I decided to split apart from Bryce's father. This was right around the time I started in my clinical years (where I was working at the teaching hospital and not spending all day in lectures). Clinics started and I loved it! I started getting my hands wet and started using what I have learned and applying it to real life. The school was so nice about giving me the schedule I needed so I could care for my son. I also met an amazing veterinary technician who offered free babysitting services when I needed it. I became involved with a different man, now my fiance, that helped me out countless of times. Without all of this, I don't know how I would have survived and I remain so grateful for all the kindness I received.

My life saver 

My son being watched as I worked

     It was May of 2014 and I was graduating! I had my hat, my diploma and I walked across that stage. I now was called a Doctor and had a D.V.M behind my name. My next journey awaited...off to Chicago we went :)