She Moved to Ireland for Vet School — You Won’t Believe What Happened Next!
At just 23 years old, McKenna Ullsperger is already making waves in the world of veterinary medicine. Currently in her second year at University College Dublin, McKenna’s journey from Northern Virginia to State College, Pennsylvania, and finally across the ocean to Ireland is not only a testament to her passion for animals, but also to her adventurous spirit and relentless drive.
"I've always loved traveling," McKenna shares, and that love for exploring new places has shaped her path. As a student at Pennsylvania State University, McKenna earned a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, alongside a minor in Equine Sciences. But it wasn’t enough to just study in the U.S. — she wanted to broaden her horizons and pursue veterinary school abroad. "I figured attending school overseas would give me the perfect chance to travel while still pursuing my dream," she explains. And so far, it has been everything she hoped for.
Since moving to Dublin, McKenna has had the opportunity to visit incredible places like Morocco, Milan, Tenerife, and Edinburgh during school breaks, all while diving deep into her veterinary studies. And she didn’t do it alone — her dog, DJ, came along for the journey, making every day in a new city feel a little more like home.
It’s not just McKenna’s wanderlust that makes her stand out — it’s also her resilience and optimism. One of the best pieces of career advice she’s received is: “What is meant for you won’t pass you by.” At first, McKenna was skeptical, especially when she didn’t land certain internships or job opportunities. But over time, she learned to trust the process. "If you don't get that job or internship, it’s not the end of the world," she reflects. "It just means that something else is meant for you. Keep moving forward, and something better will come along."
This mindset is part of what makes McKenna not only a great student but also a future leader in veterinary medicine. Growing up, she was inspired by the legendary Steve Irwin, whose passion for animals sparked a fire in McKenna that still burns today. "Steve Irwin was magical," she says. "He had such an incredible connection with animals, no matter how small or unusual. I still wish I could sit down with him and ask him a million questions." That passion for animals, especially wildlife, has shaped McKenna’s career goals. Although she’s currently interested in small animal emergency medicine, she’s also determined to work in wildlife health and conservation.
But McKenna is no stranger to the challenges in the veterinary world, especially the issue of burnout. "I see more and more veterinarians dealing with burnout, and it’s heartbreaking," she says. "There’s so much pressure on vets because the pet industry is booming, but there just aren’t enough vets to meet the demand." With the ever-growing number of pets and owners, the work-life balance is quickly becoming an issue that’s hard to ignore. McKenna’s already thinking about solutions, and one thing is clear: she’s committed to finding ways to help the industry thrive — without sacrificing personal well-being.
When the stress of vet school and life gets to be too much, McKenna knows how to unwind. “Cuddling with DJ or taking him on walks really helps me clear my head. No matter how stressful my day has been, he’s always so happy to see me.” But it’s not just her dog that helps her relax. “I also love reading, working out, or even lighting a candle, making a nice dinner, and putting on a face mask. It’s all about finding those little moments to reset and recharge.”
From her international journey to her unwavering commitment to animal welfare, McKenna Ullsperger is a true rising star in the world of veterinary medicine. With her passion for both small animal care and wildlife conservation, she’s well on her way to making a lasting impact on the field. And as she continues to learn and grow in her studies, there’s no doubt that McKenna’s bright future will be marked by her ability to balance ambition with compassion — not just for animals, but for herself as well.
In a world where veterinary professionals face constant challenges, McKenna’s positive outlook and determination to make a difference are exactly what the field needs. And with her love for travel and dedication to wildlife, one thing is certain — she’s just getting started.
