Back to school with Maya Sullivan

Star student Maya Sullivan is on her way to becoming a veterinarian. An outstanding student, she was recognized by the UNCF for her work promoting African American veterinarians through the Tuskegee University Student National Association of Black Veterinarians. 

Her path to the veterinary field began at just 12 years old. Maya was able to spend two weeks at the AgDiscovery Program at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. This program was special because she was able to work with black veterinarians and students.

Through the program, she realized it was possible for people of color to be veterinarians. Until then, she didn’t realize that it was an achievable dream. It inspired her to start on her own journey to practicing medicine.

It wouldn’t be entirely smooth sailing. One of her most agonizing career decisions was deciding where she wanted to study medicine at. Maya was lucky enough to not only get into veterinary school, but to have several colleges interested in having her. 

She eventually went with Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM), an illustrious school known for reaching back and supporting its students. She has collected many acolades since then, including making it to the Honor Roll and Dean’s List for both 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. She also received a number of scholarships from places such as the George Washington Carver Society Scholarship and UNCF Scholarships.

Maya is an inspiration to everyone around her. After a stressful day, Maya likes to listen to Gospel music to relax and unwind. If veterinary medicine were no longer a choice, she believes she would become a vocalist instead. Singing is a powerful and wonderful way to share with other people. Another possible career path she might have taken is as a fashion designer for both people and animals.

One of the biggest problems Maya believes the veterinary world is facing is one of mental health. It’s no secret that suicide rates are highest among those in the medical field, and that includes veterinarians. She believes a possible solution to this is in making mental health classes mandatory for veterinary students.

By requiring vet students to take classes on how to manage both mental and physical health problems, it would put the tools to help reduce suicide in their hands.

Maya is still at the beginning of her veterinary journey. She’s currently a senior in college, and expects to complete her degree in the next 5 years. After completing college, she hopes to start work as both a domestic and exotic animal vet. Once she’s completed her education, she also hopes to inspire other people of color to follow in her footsteps through a mentoring program.

In the next 10 years, she hopes to get more advanced degrees such as an MBA or MPH, and serve on boards designed to support underrepresented minorities in veterinary medicine. She also hopes to start and grow a family at some point during this time.

Maya’s future is bright, and there’s no doubt that she will help many other people and animals throughout her career.