My Journey: Representation, Resilience, and Belonging in Veterinary Medicine
I am fortunate to have a steadfast and dedicated mother who believed in my lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. With minimal knowledge of what it takes to be a veterinarian, my mother did the work to expose me to as many veterinarians, summer programs and work opportunities to help foster my goal.
When I finally entered the profession as a Black female Veterinary Corps Officer, I felt alone and oftentimes misunderstood. Less than 2% of veterinarians in the United States are Black and Blacks make up less than 15% of commissioned officers in the US Army. I had to learn how to navigate a career where I did not see many others that looked like me, and sometimes that caused me to question myself and if I truly belonged. While the diversity gap is not unique to the veterinary profession, it was blatant and palpable every single day my first three years out of school. Fast-forward twelve years and several career pivots later, I am blessed with mentors who I can call on and those who have helped me keep perspective. I feel strongly that I belong in our wonderful profession and it has become easier to deal with bias and microaggressions.
I worry about those who do not have a strong support system, someone to take them under their wing. When they begin to doubt themselves the may give up too soon. We need bright, young minds from all different walks of life in our profession to best serve our clients and the scientific community.
When we only consistently hear from the same voices, we miss opportunities to advance, to learn, to thrive and grow as a profession.
My hope is that the next generation of veterinary professionals sees themselves in others and has the support necessary to grow and continue to move the needle forward. I hope I can help lead by example because all representation, big or small, matters. I hope I am the manifested dreams of my ancestors; their sacrifice and work ethic were not in vain.