Counting Down To Commencement: BIMS Senior Reflects On The Passions, People That Shaped Her Veterinary Dreams
Story by Megan Bennett, VMBS Communications
Photos by Hannah Treider ’26, VMBS Communications
Senior biomedical sciences (BIMS) major Christine Wang has three major pieces of advice for students: “find your passions, find your people, and don’t give up.”
These have been important lessons she has learned during her own undergraduate journey at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS). Throughout her four years as a BIMS student, she not only gained the skills needed for her next big endeavor — a degree in veterinary medicine — but she also built self-confidence in her ability to persevere through tough times.
Now, as her Dec. 18 graduation nears, Wang is even more committed — and prepared — to reaching her goal, no matter what challenges she might face.
A Passion For Veterinary Medicine
While growing up in Round Rock, Texas, Wang never dreamed of any career path besides veterinary medicine.
“I remember back in elementary school, we had a career day to dress up and present on what we wanted to be when we grew up,” she said. “I came in with a little stuffed animal and my white vet coat. This has just always been something that I’ve wanted to do.”
When it came time to choose a university, Wang was drawn to Texas A&M both for its well-established veterinary program and its culture. Majoring in BIMS would also give her the chance to become familiar with the VMBS, where she hoped to one day enroll as a veterinary student.
“I felt like because A&M has a vet school, they could provide me with resources and classes to set me up for success,” she said. “Plus, the Aggie traditions make this place feel a lot smaller than it is. At my New Student Conference, everybody was really friendly and welcoming.”
During her summers as a student, Wang continued to focus on veterinary medicine by shadowing local veterinarians to learn more about life in a veterinary practice.
“It was so cool just getting to be in that environment and see firsthand how their days go and what responsibilities they take on,” she said. “I learned a lot just by being there, even from the little things like phone calls and talking to the owners, and it definitely helped remind me why I want to become a vet and how the work that goes into that is going to be worth it.”
Building A Community
Texas A&M has provided Wang with more than just a degree — it also has introduced her to a circle of friends who have provided endless support and encouragement.
“It’s very important to have a support group; for me, at least, that really did get me through every day,” Wang said. “My friends are definitely my biggest supporters — they’re very understanding, empathetic, and encouraging. They always remind me of who I am, and I really do appreciate that.”
Wang also found support through the BIMS Advising Office, especially from her primary adviser, office director Jacob Clough.
“He provided me with a lot of good advice for academics and for personal situations I was going through, and I could tell that he genuinely wanted what was best for me,” she said. “I know he’s always there if I need anything.”
Likewise, a connection she made through shadowing gave Wang a wealth of encouragement and advice on pursuing a veterinary career.
“Megan, a practice manager and veterinary technician, was very encouraging and patient with me. She’d always let me try things at least once, and she let me peek over her shoulder all the time,” Wang said. “We were able to talk about everything, from our personal struggles to how we got into veterinary medicine. Even in the hard moments when I questioned if this is the right path for me, she was always there encouraging me.”
Keep Pushing Forward
Because the BIMS program is designed to prepare students for rigorous advanced degree programs in human medicine, veterinary medicine, and more, it includes a variety of high-level science classes such as organic chemistry and physiology.
When Wang began to feel challenged by her courses, she used every tool at her disposal — from office hours to tutoring — to get ahead. Although she struggled at times, she’s now thankful for those challenges and how they made her a stronger student and future veterinarian.
“Knowing that I could overcome one of many hard classes for this degree instilled in me to keep going at it,” she said. “Yes, those times were tough, but I would not be who I am today without them.”
Now, Wang’s looking forward to spending a year gaining animal experience, possibly as a veterinary technician, before diving into veterinary school applications. No matter what the future holds, she’s confident in her ability to persevere and do what needs to be done to live out her dreams.
“It’s important to ground yourself, set a goal that you’re passionate about, and remind yourself what you’re working for and why you want it,” Wang said. “For me, I know that it’s all going to be worth it so that I’m able to become what I’ve always wanted to be.”
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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216
