As a pre-veterinary student, I've had the unique opportunity to participate in two exceptional programs that have further fueled my passion for the field. The Vet For a Day program, in collaboration with Disney and National Geo Wild Channel's Country Critters, allowed me to spend 14 hours over two days, immersed in the daily routine of veterinarians Dr. Vernard Hodges and Dr. Terrence Ferguson. This comprehensive experience included shadowing them in their practice, attending lectures by esteemed professionals such as the Dean of Agriculture and Veterinarian Medicine from Prairie View A&M University and veterinarians and pharmaceutical reps from Texas A&M University. I also had the privilege of touring both campuses, spending time in labs, and gaining hands-on experience at Rhonda Ranch, assisting with deworming cows, observing castration, and practicing sutures under the guidance of Dr. Diarra D. Blue, of the Disney television show Vet Life, and Dr. C. Herrera Fry, both of Cy-Fair Animal Hospital. This exclusive program was only available to a select few students in the region, and I felt honored to be part of this elite group.
As a junior, I was thrilled to receive an invitation from the World Strides Veterinary Academy to participate in their prestigious program in Costa Rica. From June 2024, I spent 30 hours a week for two weeks and trained alongside professional teaching veterinarians at wildlife facilities, earning 60 valuable veterinary hours that will be essential for my future applications to veterinarian school. While on-site at the rescue center in June of 2024, this immersive experience allowed me to earn a certificate during my time in this program.
While in this program, I analyzed issues that involved a toucan bird, and with a group effort, we developed a plan to allow the bird to explore a different side of the cage for the bird to feel safe in a new environment. Additionally, I prepared food for sloths, researched diseases and infections through microscopic analysis, practiced protocol when dealing with wildlife, and my most memorable time was feeding baby raccoons.
Follow my journey as a vet for a day - this is only the beginning!