How This Vet School Mum Juggles 3 Kids, Vet School, and Still Finds Time to Read—Her Secret Revealed!
Imagine balancing the intensity of vet school with the demands of raising three kids. Sounds like an impossible task, right? Well, for Jessica Soanes, second-year veterinary student at the University of Central Lancaster, it’s just another day in the life of a supermum in training.
When she’s not knee-deep in anatomy notes or practicals, she’s juggling homework sessions, family dinners, and school runs. But don’t let that fool you—Jessica’s story is about much more than surviving the chaos. It’s about thriving in it and finding joy in every challenge.
From Bookworm to Vet School Wonder Woman
If Jessica wasn’t studying to become a vet, there’s a good chance she’d be working as a book editor. “I’ve always been a huge bookworm,” she says. “Bookshops are my happy place—I could spend hours browsing the shelves.” But while veterinary school is tough and balancing mum life is no small feat, Jessica knows how to keep her head above water. How? Well, by escaping into the pages of her favorite books.
“After a mentally draining day at university, coming home and doing homework with the kids, making dinner, and being ‘Mum,’ I often feel completely touched out,” she admits. “That’s why climbing into bed and reading even just a chapter is so important—it’s my little bit of me-time, the perfect way to reset before another busy day.”
While she may not be editing novels right now, Jessica’s love for reading has helped her recharge and keep her energy up—especially during those long study nights.
A Heroic Childhood Inspiration
Growing up, Jessica’s hero was none other than the legendary Steve Irwin. “It wasn’t just because he loved animals, like I do—it was his charisma and enthusiasm for wildlife that truly captured me,” she says. “He made learning fun, and his passion made me eager to learn more.”
And it’s safe to say that passion has only grown stronger as Jessica embarked on her own vet school journey. Like Steve, she’s excited to share her love for animals, wildlife, and learning, inspiring others along the way.
The Career Decision That Changed Everything
Making the decision to pursue vet school wasn’t easy. In fact, it was agonizing. Jessica had to relocate her family to a completely new area, leaving behind her support network and taking a leap of faith. “I had two offers from universities far away from home. With three kids, I had to think about schools, new routines, and whether I’d even meet the conditions of the offers,” she recalls.
But Jessica’s leap led her to North Yorkshire, a place where her family has thrived in more ways than one. “It’s been wonderful for the children too. They now spend more time outdoors, exploring, playing, and connecting with nature, which has had such a positive impact on their mental health,” she says. “Being surrounded by nature has been more than just a change of scenery—it’s a lifestyle that promotes both physical and mental wellness.”
Advice for the Younger You
If Jessica could go back and give advice to her younger self, she’d tell herself to embrace the weirdness and follow her curiosity. “Go travel, explore all the weird and wacky things the world has to offer. Don’t feel pressured to stick to just one path,” she says. “Just enjoy the journey and embrace the adventure!”
Her advice is a reminder that life doesn’t have to be planned out perfectly. Sometimes the best paths are the unexpected ones—and Jessica’s journey to vet school is a perfect example of that.
Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone
For Jessica, the boldest move she’s made was relocating her family to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. “It was a huge leap outside my comfort zone,” she admits, but the rewards have been priceless. “The memories and experiences it’s given me are priceless, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
Her story is proof that sometimes the most challenging decisions lead to the greatest growth. And for anyone doubting whether they can follow their passion while raising a family, Jessica’s message is simple: “It’s possible. If you have the courage to take the leap, you can achieve what you set your heart on.”
The Adventure Continues
As Jessica continues her journey through vet school, she hopes her story encourages more parents to pursue their dreams. Whether it’s relocating for a new job, traveling, or taking on a new challenge, Jessica believes that stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to incredible growth and new experiences.
For now, though, Jessica’s focus remains on mastering veterinary medicine—and squeezing in some quality time with her kids and a good book. Because if anyone can balance it all, it’s this vet school mum who’s proving that you can chase your dreams without losing sight of what matters most.
