Foster Care to Furry Friends: How Paige Hutton Overcame Challenges to Chase Her Dreams

If you think being a veterinarian is just about knowing how to care for pets, think again! Meet Paige Hutton, a 24-year-old dynamo currently dazzling everyone at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. This second-year student is not just passionate about animals; she's got a story that's more inspiring than a puppy trying to catch its own tail!

From Trials to Triumphs

Born and raised in sunny Southern California, Paige's childhood was anything but typical. She faced challenges that would make most people throw in the towel: parental divorce, a year in foster care, and a whirlwind of family upheaval. But instead of succumbing to despair, Paige turned to her furry friends for solace. From the tender age of two, she declared her dream of becoming a veterinarian after flipping through a beloved childhood career book. Talk about knowing what you want early on!

As a perfectionist, Paige excelled academically, placing her studies above all else. She was the quintessential overachiever, but high school brought a surprising twist: she decided to try out for the girls' varsity golf team—despite never having swung a club before! Not only did she make the team, but she also led it as captain during her junior and senior years. Her dad encouraged and supported her to be on the golf team as well. Who knew that balancing animal care and sports would set the stage for her future?

Academic Excellence and Unforgettable Experiences

Paige graduated Magna Cum Laude from California Baptist University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. While juggling her studies, she worked as a lab assistant and a "jack of all trades" at a local bowling alley. Yes, you read that right—a bowling alley! It was there that she developed invaluable customer service skills that would serve her well in veterinary medicine.

But Paige’s journey wasn’t without bumps—specifically, the road was sometimes bumpy enough to cause a flat tire. During her senior year, she faced homelessness, couch surfing from one friend's place to another while striving to complete her degree. Yet, she never let the challenges derail her dreams. With grit and determination, she secured her first clinical experience in veterinary medicine, propelling her closer to her lifelong aspiration.

Though she initially dreamed of attending vet school at Texas A&M, life had other plans, and she found herself at UC Davis. Now, she’s ready to take the veterinary world by storm, focusing on small animals with aspirations of owning her own practice.

What If I Weren't a Vet?

Paige has always known she wanted to be a vet, but she sometimes wonders what her life would look like if she hadn’t chosen this path. Growing up in a family of educators, she feels that teaching would have been her next natural career. With parents who dedicated their lives to shaping young minds, she learned early on how impactful education can be.

“Teaching, much like veterinary medicine, is about nurturing growth,” she says. “I’d love to inspire future generations of veterinarians and technicians, sharing my knowledge while caring for animals.”

She even applies her joy of educating by sharing \her newfound veterinary knowledge with her younger brother.

Making That First Dollar

After high school, Paige was eager to fund her college education but faced the daunting task of balancing a job with an intense academic load. She applied to over 30 local businesses before finally landing a gig at a bowling alley, which turned out to be the perfect fit.

Starting as a weekend front desk closer, she quickly leveled up to a lane server, juggling large birthday parties and fixing arcade machines. And when the pandemic hit? She was furloughed but welcomed back to a lead lane server and event manager role. Just four days after turning 21, she was thrust behind the bar as the head bartender—self-taught, of course! Who needs a formal training when you can sneak away to Google recipes?

That humble bowling alley job funded her first car and helped her save for vet school, proving that sometimes life’s unexpected paths lead to the best destinations.

Paige has learned a lot from her journey, especially about the burdens of perfectionism. “Mistakes are part of the learning process,” she advises. “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritize your well-being, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support.”

Finding Purpose in Life

“Live your purpose” was a slogan at her undergraduate alma mater that she once shrugged off. Now, Paige understands how crucial it is to find purpose in life. It serves as a compass, guiding us through life’s challenges. She believes that purpose brings focus and motivation, helping us stay aligned with what truly matters. “It's important to have a support net, says Paig, “My grandma, mom, dad, brother, and veterinary mentors have played such a crucial role in cheering me on from the sidelines as I pursue my purpose in life.”

Paige’s mission? To make others feel seen, valued, and understood. “I want to create spaces where people can be their authentic selves,” she explains. Whether through education, humor, or empathy, she aims to empower those around her, showing them that even in tough times, there’s always room for a little laughter.

Paige Hutton’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the unwavering bond between humans and animals. As she continues her studies at UC Davis, we can’t wait to see how she transforms her dreams into reality, one paw at a time