From Small-Town Long Island to Big Veterinary Dreams: Kaylee Hoffman’s Inspiring (and Hilarious) Journey

For Kaylee Hoffman, the path to becoming a veterinarian has been full of surprises, challenges, and belly laughs. From leaving her cozy Long Island hometown for a bold adventure in Georgia to turning failures into triumphs, her story proves that determination (and a good sense of humor) can get you through anything.

Taking the Leap: “Bye, Long Island—Hello, Athens, GA!”

Leaving her tight-knit community in Long Island, NY, wasn’t easy for Kaylee. “I’d lived there my whole life, so the thought of leaving felt impossible,” she says. But her dream of becoming a vet required a university with a veterinary college, which led her to the University of Georgia.

It was a big change—from bustling Long Island to the slower pace of Athens, GA—but Kaylee thrived. “I made my best friends, learned to balance studying with fun, and discovered sweet tea,” she laughs. “It was the best decision of my life.”

Stressed? Time for “Giggle Time”

Veterinary school is no joke, but Kaylee and her friends have found a way to make even the toughest days fun. Enter “giggle time.”

After hours of grueling study sessions (which include competitive Kahoot quizzes about their exam material), Kaylee and her friends gather to decompress.

“We start sharing random stories or funny things that happened during the day,” she explains. “Before we know it, we’re crying with laughter over the most ridiculous tangents. It’s the perfect way to forget the stress and just enjoy the moment.”

Failure Isn’t Fatal

If Kaylee could give her younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: “Don’t be scared of messing up.”

She knows the fear of failure all too well. “When I failed Organic Chemistry, I thought my life was over,” Kaylee says. But that experience turned into a lesson she cherishes. She retook the class, nailed it with an A, and learned to set more realistic expectations for herself.

“Perfection is overrated,” she says. “It’s way more important to grow from your mistakes—and trust me, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to do that!”

A Role Model Close to Home

Kaylee doesn’t have to look far for inspiration. Her mom is her hero.

“She’s the coolest person ever,” Kaylee gushes. “Not only did she balance a successful career with raising my sister and me, but she did it all with such grace and humor.”

Her mom’s independence and resilience inspire Kaylee daily. “If I can be half as amazing as she is, I’ll consider that a win.”

The Adventure of a Lifetime

If one experience changed Kaylee’s perspective forever, it was a trip to Australia.

She and her best friend joined a group of strangers on a wildlife reserve just outside Sydney, where she got hands-on experience with exotic animals.

“Working with kangaroos and koalas was a dream come true,” she says. “Plus, I made friends from around the world and came home with so many wild stories!”

Where She’s Headed

In five years, Kaylee will be living her dream as a veterinarian.

“Since I was four years old, I’ve been telling anyone who would listen that I was going to be a ‘doggy doctor,’” she says. “Now, it’s all happening, and I couldn’t be more excited.”

Her plan? To kick off her career in NYC, soaking up the fast-paced clinical experience before eventually finding her perfect place to settle.

Kaylee’s Takeaway

Kaylee Hoffman’s journey shows that big dreams often come with big challenges—but they’re worth it. Whether she’s laughing with friends, acing a second try at Organic Chemistry, or saving wildlife in Australia, Kaylee tackles life with a mix of determination, resilience, and a whole lot of fun.

And if there’s one thing she’s learned along the way, it’s this: “Chase your dreams, but don’t forget to laugh—because the best moments are often the funniest.”