When learning a new language, your brain will draw on its current knowledge of other languages to decipher it. You compare known words to new ones and commit to memory unique sounds or spellings until it comes together to achieve fluency. Having lived in four different countries I have used this strategy throughout my life to learn English, French and Portuguese in addition to my native Spanish. I plan on utilizing this strategy to learn the language of medicine and immerse myself fully in the veterinary field. My passion for veterinary medicine was the natural consequence of a life surrounded by animals and the people who love them. My first experiences with animals were through my father’s involvement in wildlife conservation and sustainability, learning how humans and animals interact both at home and in the wild. Later, as I became involved in competitive equine showjumping, I grew interested in the world of animal training. I have nurtured this interest through my volunteer work at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, learning about sports medicine and rehabilitation. However, it has been my clinical experience that solidified my passion to be a veterinarian. I spent two summers at El Campeon Farms – a rural ranch in California home to camels, emus, Santa Cruz Island horses and more – and was exposed to both large and exotic animal medicine. I have also worked in small animal medicine in the radiology department at the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary hospital. As a veterinarian, I plan to consolidate my medical knowledge and my varied animal experiences to create a holistic care model that is effective while being respectful and empathetic to my patients and their caretakers. For instance, by integrating practices from the animal training world like positive reinforcement and behavioral shaping, receiving care may become less stressful for the animal and would result in increased safety for all those involved. However, a veterinarian’s role is not only to diagnose and treat, but also to educate. My passions go beyond improving treatment and handling; I am interested in exploring the intersection between medicine and entrepreneurship by offering clients educational resources, coaching, and product development as I gain experience in my field. This will allow me to collaborate with clients on a proactive and comprehensive approach to animal health, as opposed to a purely reactive treatment plan. Ultimately, I believe veterinary medicine is equal parts a service to animals and a service to society. By leveraging my global experiences with people and languages, I can customize my practice to the needs of my patients and their owners in a way that is uniquely suited to their beliefs, backgrounds, and cultures. My multicultural background, interest in the incorporation of training practices, and my passion for education are the pillars upon which I will build my veterinary career and the driving force behind my endeavors to become a veterinarian.