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The Untraditional Path

Anna, a first-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, didn’t take a traditional path to veterinary school.

Prior to beginning her DVM program at the VMBS, Anna moved to Texas for a research opportunity in the Rio Grande Valley. She studied road ecology, specifically the movement of ocelots and bobcats around highways.

While completing her research, Anna spent her free time interning at a local zoo, helping with wildlife rehabilitation and caring for sick zoo animals. She also volunteered with Sea Turtle Inc. and a bird banding project.

All of these hands-on experiences led Anna to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine in Texas!

Anna stands holding a bird she banded on a dirt path with trees in the background
Anna stands behind a podium presenting her research in a classroom

Anna and fellow volunteers release sea turtle hatchlings into the ocean
Anna stands in a grassy field holding research equipment as she conducts field work

Anna stands in front a screen presenting her research thesis

Gap Year Benefits

Niya, a first-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, was nervous to take a gap year. However, the experience she gained during this period has equipped her to become a better veterinarian!

Niya spent her gap year working for a medical device company, Enova Illumination, where she learned the importance of ergonomic medical equipment and how it contributes to a healthier lifestyle as a veterinarian.

During her gap year, Niya increased her professional skills and learned how to speak confidently in front of large audiences, all skills that have aided her as she has begun her career in veterinary medicine.

Niya poses with her goldendooble outside the VMBS building
Niya and her colleague stand in front of a trade show booth for Enova Illumination

Costa Rica Connections

Natalie, a senior animal science major and VMBS ambassador, traveled to Costa Rica to partake in a unique veterinary mission.

Under the supervision of a local veterinarian, Natalie and 10 other pre-vet students from across the U.S. assisted in running a 3-day, no cost spay and neuter clinic for local cats and dogs. She was able to learn clinical skills and shadow surgeries, in addition to participating in labs and lectures.

Natalie also visited a cattle and water buffalo farm, took a wildlife boat tour, and explored a sloth sanctuary!

“I learned how to work as a team with people I just met and create genuine bonds,” Natalie said. “I also gained a sense of independence, as well as a broader perspective of the world of veterinary medicine and life in general.”

Natalie, veterinarians, and pre-vet students pose under an outdoor shelter area, all clothed in blue scrubs

Natalie smiles with a black, tan and white dog
People on a guided boat tour in a dense jungle river, surrounded by lush, tall trees.
Natalie smiles as she looks into a scope

Combining Traveling and Learning

Katie, a third-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, reflects on the unique opportunities that externships provide for traveling and experiencing differences in medicine across the states!

Katie participated in two externships in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Denver, Colorado. Traveling between the two locations allowed Katie to visit 5 National Parks and 3 State Parks in a short 7 days!

In addition to the scenic views, Katie was able to network with veterinarians and learn about regional differences that impact animal health. She also got to further develop her clinical skills and practice effective communication with clients.

Katie stands, smiling, at an overlook with a river and canyon walls in the background
Katie sits, smiling, on a rock with a large canyon in the background under bright blue skies

Katie stands smiling, with the Hoover Dam in the background under blue sky

Exploring Equine Dentistry

Grace, a second-year veterinary student, has found a passion for equine dentistry through her involvement with the Equine Practitioner club.

During an immersive three-day workshop, Grace learned about the tools and technique needed to float horses’ teeth. Horses can’t naturally file down their teeth, so floating, a specialized dental procedure, helps smooth down sharp and uneven edges.

“This training didn’t just fill my mind with information; it ignited a passion for helping horses in my community,” Grace said.

Following the training, Grace has partnered with a local stable to help float horses’ teeth and put these skills into action during an externship!

Grace holds a dental drill inside an equine barn

Beginning Vet School

Seth, a first-year veterinary student, has enjoyed the start of his academic journey at the VMBS! He has met peers in his courses that share the same passion and love for veterinary medicine, and he is eager for what the future holds.

“Each day brings something new, engaging lectures, hands-on labs, and moments that remind me why I chose this path,” Seth said. “I’m excited to take in every experience, build lifelong friendships, and grow into the veterinarian I aspire to be.”

Seth standing outside the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences building, smiling and holding a thumbs up

Leading With Passion

Caleb, a sophomore animal science and poultry science student and VMBS ambassador, holds leadership roles that have opened countless doors for him at Texas A&M.

Caleb serves as the Executive Director of MSC Aggie Leaders of Tomorrow, where he has built lasting friendships, developed leadership skills, served the community, and helped freshmen find their place at Texas A&M.

“I always encourage new and prospective students to find something they’re truly passionate about and stick with it, rather than joining organizations or teams they feel they ‘should’ be a part of,” Caleb said. “Focusing on what genuinely excites you can lead to deeper connections and a more fulfilling experience.”

Group of students posing outside a building with colorful posters
Caleb poses with a friend at a MSC Aggie Leaders of Tomorrow event at a partner reveal party
Group of volunteers posing for a photo at Houston Food Bank.

Gaining Equine Experience

Allie, a first-year veterinary student, supported her peers by volunteering at the Student Chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners Equine Wet Lab.

Allie worked in the Emergency and Critical Care area, where she was able to learn about life-saving procedures in critical situations. She also attended a job fair that featured more than 50 equine practices from across the country.

Allie stands next to tall promotional banner inside a barn
Allie stands with Dr. Dustin Major and two other peers in the Emergency and Critical Care area at the Equine Wet Lab
Allie stands with two veterinary students at the Equine Practice Career Fair

Finding Friendship in Vet School

Priya, a first-year veterinary student, has found that a strong community is an important foundation for transitioning into vet school.

When beginning her first year of vet school, Priya was excited yet nervous for the unknown she was facing. But she soon found a community of friends, faculty, and staff at the college who encouraged her every step of the way — both inside and outside the classroom.

“The wisdom of others is invaluable,” Priya said. “I encourage anyone who has a dream to reach out to people who have gone before them and to soak in their advice.

“These are people I know that I’ll be in touch with after we graduate, and that is something I’ll be grateful for forever.”

Priya and three of her friends stand together smiling in a parking lot with vehicles in the background

Decompressing Outdoors

How do you destress?

For Adrienne, a biomedical sciences major and VMBS ambassador, vacationing with her friends in Colorado was the perfect way to relax after several weeks focused on dental school applications.

Adrienne enjoyed decompressing in Colorado by hiking, white water rafting, horseback riding, and visiting a mountaintop amusement park.

Adrienne smiles while sitting next to a lake surrounded by mountains
Adrienne and two friends sand in front of the Garden of the Gods landmark sign