From Coffee Shops to Critical Care: The Unstoppable Hustle of Jovanna Perez
Meet Jovanna "Jo" Perez, a veterinary student at Michigan State University (Class of 2028), who is driven by two passions that may seem worlds apart: emergency medicine and a perfectly crafted cup of coffee. While she’s hustling through vet school, Jo’s also mastering the art of brewing, perfecting her latte techniques, and imagining a future where her two loves—senior dogs and caffeine enthusiasts—come together in the most heartwarming of ways.
“I’ve got this vision,” Jo shares, a sparkle in her eye. “Imagine a café where you sip a cappuccino, and a sweet, gray-muzzled rescue dog curls up by your feet. It’s not just a coffee shop—it’s a place where pets and people connect, where you might just leave with a new furry best friend.”
But don’t let the coffee shop fantasy fool you. Jo’s professional goals are as sharp as a scalpel. She’s setting her sights on being a top-tier surgeon, critical care specialist, and ultimately, a medical director. And if there’s one thing about Jo, it’s that she doesn’t stop until she’s reached the highest peak.
The Hustle That Got Her Here
Jo’s journey to veterinary school wasn’t a straight path—it was a winding road of resilience and determination. After facing rejection during her first application cycle, Jo didn’t let the setback define her. Instead, she took matters into her own hands, enrolling in a self-paced anatomy course to prepare for her future as though she were already a first-year student. “I refused to sit back and wait. I made the most of my time and treated it like I was already in,” she recalls.
This fierce determination comes from a mantra that has guided her throughout her life: “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” (A quote from the legendary Steve Martin, which has been posted on her desk for years.) Whether she’s tackling a tough case or frothing the perfect microfoam for her coffee, Jo embraces her “big three” qualities with unwavering passion:
Hustle – “The relentless pursuit of excellence. If Plan A falls through, I’ve got B, C, and Z lined up.”
Adaptability – “It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about figuring them out when it counts.”
Resilience – “It’s the voice that tells you, ‘This too shall pass.’”
Heroes, Solo Trips & the Power of a Big Sister
Jo draws inspiration from an unexpected duo: a trauma surgeon friend whose combination of brilliance and compassion continues to motivate her, and her older sister, Amy. “Amy has been my constant, my support system. She baked my birthday cakes, dragged me on adventures, and never let me forget my worth. She’s the reason I don’t quit,” Jo shares. “She taught me that even when things get tough, you don’t back down.”
Her advice for others? Take a solo trip. “Go somewhere, anywhere, by yourself. My first solo trip was to Atlantic City, where I walked the beach, watched the sunset, and realized how empowering it is to trust yourself. You learn so much about your own strength when you’re on your own.”
Where Will She Be in 5 Years?
“Doctor Jo,” she says, her eyes filled with certainty. “I’ll be in the ER, fighting for my patients when they need me the most. I’ll be practicing great medicine, making an impact, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll finally nail that latte art.”
One thing is for sure: whether she’s saving lives in the ER or crafting the perfect espresso, Jovanna Perez is bound to leave her mark—one cup of coffee, one patient, and one resilient step at a time.
Want more stories of unstoppable vet students? Follow Vet Candy for the best in vet med inspiration! 🚀 #VetCandy #FutureDVMs #VetMedHustle
Loved Jo’s story? Drop a comment below—and if you know a vet student or professional who deserves to be featured, tag them!