How Ariana Torres is Making Waves at Puerto Rico’s First Vet School

Stepping onto the campus of Universidad Ana G. Méndez (UAGM) feels like the beginning of a thrilling adventure for Ariana Torres. She’s not just starting her journey to become a veterinarian; she's making history as part of the inaugural class at Puerto Rico's first School of Veterinary Medicine. For Ariana, this moment is the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering love for animals.

Choosing UAGM: A Leap of Faith

Ariana's path to UAGM wasn't a straight line. After taking a break year, she found herself in a sea of uncertainty about where to apply for veterinary school. Initially, her sights were set on established programs in the United States, like Texas A&M and the University of Tennessee. But everything changed when she heard whispers about UAGM opening its first veterinary school.

“I'm from Puerto Rico; I grew up here and love everything about the island,” Ariana shares. The thought of studying in her homeland thrilled her, but skepticism held her back initially. It wasn’t until she dived into her research that she discovered the unique opportunities UAGM offered, including NAVLE preparation and clinical year placements at top-notch institutions like the University of Florida and Purdue.

“What I’m most looking forward to in these next four years are the relationships and memories I’m going to make with my new class of bright, kind future DVMs,” she says with a smile. For Ariana, knowledge is power, and she’s ready to soak up everything she can to become the best veterinarian possible.

A Journey Fueled by Advice and Determination

Ariana’s journey to vet school wasn’t without hurdles. After facing rejection from U.S. vet schools, discouragement crept in. While working as a vet tech at Orlando Vets in Florida, a pivotal piece of advice from Dr. Nicole Hancock became her beacon of hope. “Don’t be discouraged by this mishap; you will become a vet, it just takes time. An opportunity will present itself,” Dr. Hancock had said. These words gave Ariana the fortitude to press on.

Another golden nugget of wisdom came from a coworker who stressed the importance of communication. “Don’t be afraid to communicate, even if you make a mistake. We all started where you are right now. Communication is important in this industry because if there is no communication, there will be chaos in an animal hospital,” her colleague advised. This principle has guided Ariana, ensuring she remains open and communicative in all her professional interactions.

Early Lessons and Life-Changing Adventures

After high school, Ariana’s first job was at a café in Puerto Rico, where she honed her customer service skills. “I am grateful for that job because it showed me how to better my customer service skills,” she recalls. Handling difficult customers with kindness and thinking on her feet were skills that would later prove invaluable in her veterinary career.

In 2022, Ariana experienced a life-changing adventure while volunteering at Hacienda Siesta Alegre, a horse stable in Puerto Rico. It was her first encounter with equine care, and despite her initial nerves, she quickly fell in love with it. “They taught me the basic care of a horse, such as grooming, bathing, feeding, hoof cleaning, and some behavioral signs,” she explains. This experience cemented her desire to become an equine veterinarian.

Facing the Future with Confidence and Compassion

As Ariana begins her veterinary studies at UAGM, she’s acutely aware of one of the biggest problems facing the veterinary field today: the oversupply of clinical vets for dogs and cats and the shortage of vets skilled in farm and equine medicine. She’s determined to be part of the solution, bridging this gap with her unique skills and passion.

To her younger self, Ariana would say, “Never give up and keep on pushing through even when you feel like you can’t anymore. Start gaining experience wherever you can find it.” These words of wisdom are especially poignant given the challenges of finding volunteer opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The three qualities that have propelled Ariana to this point are kindness, respectfulness, and honesty. Guided by the biblical principle of treating others as she wishes to be treated, she believes these qualities are essential for building strong relationships with clients, coworkers, and patients alike.

As Ariana Torres embarks on this exciting new chapter at UAGM’s School of Veterinary Medicine, she does so with a heart full of determination and a mind eager for knowledge. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of guidance, and the value of seizing every opportunity. With the support of her new peers and the foundation of her past experiences, Ariana is well on her way to becoming an outstanding veterinarian, making waves and setting new standards in the veterinary field.