Your Crush on Taylor Smallwood is Justified
Meet Taylor Smallwood, a determined third-year vet student at Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona, CA. Her journey from the East Bay Area, California, to vet school is a story of relentless determination and passion. With a BS in Biology and a minor in Spanish from Pacific University Oregon, Taylor excelled not just academically but also as a dual-sport athlete in collegiate-level tennis and volleyball.
Early Beginnings and a Heart for Animals
Taylor’s dedication to animals began in the fourth grade when she started raising Guide Dogs for the Blind, a commitment she maintained through high school. Over ten years, she trained six dogs, an experience that shaped her love for community service and animal care. Today, she is the proud owner of a retired guide dog, Kiev, and a rescued Persian cat, Paisley.
The Road Less Traveled
Getting into vet school wasn’t easy for Taylor. “It took me three tries to get into vet school,” she recalls. Her perseverance paid off, proving that third time’s truly a charm. Her story is a testament to never giving up on your dreams, no matter how many obstacles stand in your way.
Career Choices and Milestones
One of Taylor’s most significant career decisions was leaving her first veterinary job, a leap of faith that eventually led her to Lafayette Animal Hospital (LAH) in Lafayette, CA. “My coworkers are the best—from the doctors to the techs to the receptionists. I truly love coming to work every day with those people,” she says. The supportive environment at LAH has been instrumental in her growth and happiness in the field.
Influences and Inspirations
The best career advice Taylor received was from her medical director at LAH: “Establish boundaries. It is okay to say no. It’s healthy and will lead to a great work/life balance in this field.” This guidance has helped her navigate the demanding world of veterinary medicine while maintaining her well-being.
Taylor draws inspiration from her family and loved ones. She admires her mother’s integrity, dependability, and incredible work ethic, and she is motivated by her boyfriend’s resilience and positive outlook on life despite facing adversity.
Beyond Veterinary Medicine
Had Taylor not pursued veterinary medicine, she might have ventured into dermatology or the beauty industry. During the pandemic, she developed a passion for skincare, a bond she shares with her younger sister. “Making people feel beautiful about themselves just sounds like a fun job,” she muses.
Self-Care and Stress Relief
Balancing the rigors of veterinary school with personal well-being is crucial for Taylor. She clears her head after a stressful day through self-care routines, working out, and prayer. Her love for Colleen Hoover’s captivating books also provides a much-needed escape from her demanding schedule.
Vision for the Future
Taylor’s mission in life is to help her community while living each day to the fullest. She envisions a future where she is a god-fearing wife, mother, and successful DVM, possibly owning her own business and surrounded by fur babies.
Addressing Challenges in Veterinary Medicine
Taylor is acutely aware of the mental health challenges facing the veterinary field, largely due to significant student loans and difficult clients. She advocates for greater mental health support and understanding within the profession.
A Call for Kindness
One change Taylor wishes to see in the world is the end of cancel culture. “There is so much negativity already in this world, so why add to it?” she asks. She believes in leading with warmth and withholding judgment, understanding that everyone faces their own struggles.
Taylor Smallwood’s journey is a remarkable story of perseverance, compassion, and dedication. Her path to becoming a veterinarian is marked by her unwavering commitment to her goals, her love for animals, and her desire to make a positive impact on the world. As she continues her journey, Taylor remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring veterinarians and anyone who dreams of making a difference.
