My career so far: vet student Reanne

My name is Reanne. I am a dyslexic, second-degree student of Afro-Caribbean descent who grew up in the city of London…but I’m also a vet student!

My journey to vet school wasn’t the conventional route. Growing up in the city, I wasn’t exposed to large animals and I didn’t get the best A levels. Although I didn’t have any pets, I did have an interest in animals and science back in primary school. I also loved going to petting zoos and having horse riding lessons, which fuelled my interest.

But no one expected me to end up in vet school – I certainly didn’t!

Encouragement matters

With an interest in animals and science, I decided to do a BSc Animal Science degree after leaving secondary school. My degree helped me explore my interests in science and management further, but there was still something missing.

I remember the day I decided to apply for vet school clearly. It was a normal day during my third year at university. One of my lecturers, who happened to be vet, sat me down and told me I had the potential to be vet – and I just had to try. My lecturer’s belief in me is what ignited my self-belief and determination. That day I decided that I too could have a veterinary career.  

Being at vet school has been an amazing experience! I’ve met so many different people, learnt vital skills, and dared to dream about all the different opportunities having this degree will give me in the future.

I thrive on the idea that everything I learn in this degree will help me be a better vet. That every skill I learn can translate into other career opportunities, and every placement can help build confidence, competency, and connections within the veterinary community.

This degree allows students to explore their interests in research, travelling, legislation and law, food production, and animal medicine. I learnt I do enjoy being on farm and working with large animals – something I never would have imagined I would do. Ultimately, exploring theses interests can lead to a stable, varied, and flexible career path in the future.

Now coming to the end of my time at vet school, I reflect on how grateful I am for the experience. Once I graduate, I would like to work as a small animal vet in general practice, with hopes to maybe further my education in the future. I would also like to explore the option of seeing practice abroad.

Inspiration at a young age is so important

Having people invest in my interest from a young age helped encourage me to pursue this career. The support has helped me with self-belief, even when I didn’t have any. The positive role models and mentors comforted me during times of imposter syndrome. I really do think having this encouragement was vital to me pursuing this career. These are just a few reasons why resources aimed at young people, like ‘Vet Team in a Box’ are so important. This amazing lesson in a box is designed to reach pupils in years 7, 8 and 9. It gives them the opportunity to take part in a practical session which gives them the chance to consider different roles within the veterinary community, use broader skills related to veterinary practice, and ignite their passion and realise that they can follow their dreams.

The right advice at the right time could shape a student’s future. The right role model could help eliminate self-doubt in an individual. I’m so happy that someone believed in me and that I seized the opportunity to follow this career path. It doesn’t matter your race, your ability, or your sexual orientation – the veterinary profession really is for everyone, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

About Vet Team in a Box

Vet Team in a Box is a complete secondary school lesson in a box. It is designed in-line with National Curriculum key stage 3 Science, where students will participate in ‘real-life’ veterinary scenarios, performing diagnostic tests similar to those used to diagnose real animals and interpreting scientific evidence. It is sponsored by ManyPets Insurance and was created by the University of Liverpool in collaboration with members of the Widening Participation Vet Schools Network, the British Veterinary Association (BVA), the British Veterinary Nurse Association (BVNA), Vet Nurse Futures and HE Unboxed. 

To find out more about Vet Team in a Box or to book, visit Vet Team in a Box.