From Zookeeper Dreams to Vet School Reality: How This Autistic UK Student is Changing the Veterinary World
Laur Charleston, a first-year veterinary student at UCLan School of Veterinary Medicine- the newest vet school in the UK, has always had a deep connection with animals. For as long as she can remember, she’s felt most comfortable and secure around them, which makes sense given her lifelong passion for animal welfare. But what truly sets Laur apart is her dedication to raising awareness for neurodivergent individuals in the veterinary field. As someone who is proudly autistic, Laur is determined to help create a more inclusive and supportive environment within the animal care sector.
Finding Her Path to Veterinary Medicine
Laur’s journey into the world of veterinary medicine wasn’t always straightforward. Initially, she considered becoming a zookeeper. “Zookeeping was something I strongly considered,” she explains, “but as I got older, I realized that I wanted to do more for animals, and veterinary medicine gave me that opportunity.” Laur’s love for animals—especially goats, giraffes, and cats—fueled her desire to pursue a career that would allow her to make a real difference.
Her studies at UCLan have been challenging, but Laur’s perseverance has carried her through. “I’ve been surrounded by incredibly motivating people who remind me to keep going when things get tough,” she shares. And it’s advice she takes to heart: with hard work, dedication, and passion, Laur firmly believes that anything is possible.
Advocating for Neurodivergence in Veterinary Medicine
Being neurodivergent herself, Laur is especially passionate about advocating for individuals with similar experiences in the veterinary profession. “Animals have always provided me with comfort and security,” she says, reflecting on how her autism has shaped her bond with them. She hopes her voice and story can inspire others in the field to recognize the unique contributions neurodivergent people can offer, creating a more inclusive future for veterinary medicine.
Inspired by Steve Irwin
Like many animal lovers of her generation, Laur was deeply inspired by Steve Irwin and his family's passion for wildlife conservation. “The Irwin family has always had a place in my heart,” Laur recalls fondly. In fact, at just nine years old, she created a PowerPoint presentation about Steve Irwin for a school project. His legacy continues to inspire her as she moves forward in her veterinary journey.
Hard Work, Dedication, and Passion: The Keys to Success
Laur credits her achievements to three qualities: hard work, dedication, and passion. “These are the traits that have helped me get where I am today,” she says. For Laur, veterinary school is not just a career choice but a calling. She is determined to use her skills and knowledge to help as many animals as possible while paving the way for a more inclusive industry.
Finding Balance
When she’s not hitting the books at UCLan, Laur enjoys several hobbies that allow her to unwind. “I love going for nature walks and spending time with animals,” she says. Gaming also plays a big part in her relaxation routine—she enjoys cozy games like Animal Crossing on her Nintendo Switch. Recently, she’s taken up scrapbooking, finding it a calming and creative outlet to de-stress after a long day.
Beyond her love for animals and veterinary medicine, Laur’s personal interests are just as unique. She adores Halloween, snow, and blossom trees, and one of her more unusual hobbies is collecting Doc Martens, a reflection of her distinct sense of style.
Looking Ahead
As Laur continues her studies at UCLan, her vision for the future is clear. She wants to make a difference for both the animals she cares for and the neurodivergent individuals who seek their place in the veterinary world. With a strong foundation of hard work, dedication, and passion, there’s no doubt Laur will succeed in both her advocacy and veterinary career.
Laur Charleston may still be a student, but her impact is already being felt—whether through her commitment to animal welfare, her advocacy for neurodivergence, or her unrelenting passion for learning. The future is bright for this trailblazing vet student.
Quickfire Q&A with Laur Charleston
Q: If you weren’t a vet, what would you be?
A: I would consider zookeeping—it’s a career I’ve always admired. But I realized veterinary medicine offers more opportunities to help animals in ways that zookeeping couldn’t.
Q: How do you unwind after a stressful day?
A: I enjoy nature walks, spending time with animals, and gaming on my Switch. Lately, I’ve been really into scrapbooking—it’s a great creative outlet.
Q: Who was your hero growing up?
A: The Irwin family. I even made a PowerPoint presentation about Steve Irwin when I was nine!
