“You can’t pour from an empty cup.” This phrase has stuck with me since beginning veterinary school, and it serves as a daily reminder of why prioritizing my mental health is not just helpful, but necessary. As a second-year veterinary student, I am in the thick of one of the most academically rigorous programs in higher education. Long hours in lecture halls, labs, and study groups push me to my limits, and the stress of keeping grades high can feel overwhelming at times. However, I have learned that the best way to succeed academically and personally is to take care of my mental health as intentionally as I take care of my education. One of the most important tools I rely on is exercise. Running and working out daily have become non-negotiable parts of my routine. For me, physical activity is not about competition or appearance—it is about clarity, balance, and resilience. When I lace up my shoes and head out for a run, I can feel the stress of the day loosen its grip. My mind resets, my focus sharpens, and I return to my studies with more energy and perspective. Exercise is my outlet, the space where I can process challenges and rebuild the stamina I need for the demands of veterinary school. Maintaining mental health in veterinary medicine is not only personal but also professional. The profession has one of the highest rates of burnout and compassion fatigue, and I have seen classmates struggle under the weight of expectations. By committing to my own well-being, I am building habits that will sustain me throughout my career. If I cannot manage my own stress, I cannot be fully present for my future clients, patients, or colleagues. Taking care of myself is not a distraction from my studies—it is what allows me to succeed in them. This dedication to balance has taught me discipline in ways that go beyond the gym. I have learned to create boundaries with my time, prioritize rest, and recognize when I need to step back in order to move forward. These lessons are just as valuable as the anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology I study every day. In fact, they are what make the pursuit of those subjects sustainable. They tell us all the time that veterinary school is a marathon, not a sprint, and my commitment to mental health is the steady pace that keeps me moving toward the finish line. Ultimately, my goal is not only to graduate as a veterinarian but to do so with the resilience and tools necessary to thrive in a demanding career. I want to be a role model for others in this profession, showing that taking care of oneself is not a weakness, but a strength. By staying active, balancing stress, and maintaining a healthy mindset, I am preparing myself to serve both animals and their owners with patience, empathy, and energy.

“My dog has been scratching its ears like crazy!” I honestly cannot count the number of times I heard that exact phrase while working at a mixed animal practice in rural Iowa this past summer. Dermatology is one of the leading reasons why pet owners bring their animals to see a veterinarian. In the field of veterinary medicine, new and improved ways of treating these issues are constantly emerging, helping to ease the discomfort of animals for all different reasons. I am fascinated with the idea of creating solutions that help alleviate the symptoms of itchy skin and ear infections, not only through clinical practice but also by empowering pet owners with tools to provide relief at home. Growing up in Iowa, I have seen firsthand the shortage of veterinary care in rural communities. Farmers and pet owners often drive long distances to access veterinary services, and emergencies can sometimes mean waiting longer than ideal for an appointment. These challenges make me passionate about practicing rural medicine, because I know the need is real and growing. My experiences working in a mixed animal practice opened my eyes to how essential it is to have veterinarians who are willing to serve both livestock producers and small animal owners. Rural veterinarians wear many hats—they are problem solvers, teachers, and community resources. I want to fill that role in my own community. At the same time, I have developed a particular passion for dermatology. While conditions such as ear infections, allergies, and chronic itching may not seem life-threatening, they significantly affect quality of life for both pets and their owners. I have seen the frustration on a farmer’s face when their working dog cannot focus because of constant itching, or the concern of a family whose beloved pet keeps developing recurring ear infections. These problems may not always have easy answers, but they matter deeply to the people who bring their animals to us. I want to be a veterinarian who listens, who takes dermatology seriously, and who develops creative approaches to management that improve daily life for animals and their families. My career goal is to return to a rural Iowa community, where I can provide broad-spectrum veterinary care while also offering a special focus on dermatologic conditions. By combining rural medicine with my passion for dermatology, I hope to meet a need that is both practical and personal. Ultimately, my mission is simple: to serve where I am needed most, to improve animal health, and to support the people whose lives are intertwined with the wellbeing of their animals.

If you say “AI” to someone likely the first thought that will pop into their head is artificial intelligence. For me, that was the same thought that I had. However, my time at a practice in Southeast Iowa taught me that it really means artificial insemination. I truly first discovered my passion for canine reproduction during a summer spent at this practice. There, I gained hands-on experience with progesterone testing, breeding protocols, and artificial insemination in dogs. As a sophomore in undergrad, I hadn’t realized how advanced reproductive techniques in canines could be, and witnessing the process from start to finish was eye-opening. That experience showed me the level of expertise and dedication required, and I knew I wanted to incorporate reproduction into my future veterinary career. I hope to offer clients the same high-quality reproductive care that I was fortunate to be a part of during that summer. Ultimately, my goal as a veterinary student is to graduate and practice in a rural setting at a mixed animal practice. What excites me most about this type of medicine iss the opportunity to provide care for a wide variety of species—livestock, horses, and companion animals all at the same time. It is extremely rewarding being able to provide care for all animals and never knowing what will walk through the door next. Reproduction has become a unique area of focus for me, but I also have a deep passion for working with farmers and their herds. Mixed animal medicine allows me to pursue both, bridging the needs of rural communities with specialized services that might otherwise be unavailable. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, only about 16% of veterinarians practice large animal medicine, a number that includes food animal exclusive, mixed animal, and food animal predominant practitioners. This highlights a critical shortage, especially in the Midwest and Western regions of the U.S., where rural and livestock veterinarians are needed most. My goal is to help fill this gap by becoming a mixed animal practitioner in a rural Midwestern community. In doing so, I hope to give back to farmers while also providing reproductive care to small animal clients. This past summer reinforced that calling. At the rural Iowa practice, I worked side by side with veterinarians on vaccine protocols, implanting strategies, and even the occasional prolapse. The message was clear: “We need more people like you.” Having a passion for large animals is not something everyone possesses—taking late-night calls for a large calf stuck in a feedlot heifer, working outside in all weather conditions, and getting covered in manure isn’t everyone’s first choice. But for me, it is what fuels my fire. While many veterinary students plan to pursue small animal practice for higher salaries and a more predictable schedule, my passion lies in helping farmers who are in desperate need of veterinary care. Even if the financial rewards are not as great, the impact on the community is immeasurable. Ultimately, my goal is to become a mixed animal practitioner and eventually a practice owner, where I can provide large-scale care with a small-town feel. I want to build lasting relationships with clients, support farmers and their livelihoods, and offer reproductive services to those who may not otherwise have access. To me, that balance of variety, impact, and community connection is what makes mixed animal medicine so meaningful.