From Sheep Labs to Surgery: How Jalea Stevens is Revolutionizing Veterinary Mentorship and Chasing Her Dreams
When Jalea Stevens walked into her first-year sheep lab at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, she had no idea it would change her life. Growing up, she’d always envisioned herself working with dogs and cats, but that day, as she touched a sheep for the first time outside of a petting zoo, something clicked. “I realized my lack of openness was limiting me,” she recalls. “From then on, I adopted the motto: ‘Try everything once.’”
That mindset has carried Jalea through the highs and lows of veterinary school, shaping her into not only a future veterinarian but also a mentor, content creator, and advocate for the next generation of animal doctors. Now in her third year, Jalea is on a mission to make veterinary medicine more accessible, one mentorship at a time.
The Birth of TAILS: Helping Pre-Vet Students Navigate the Maze
Jalea’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She failed a first-year unit and had to retake a placement exam—a setback that tested her resilience. “I had to dig deep and find my commitment to this field,” she says. But that experience became a turning point. It inspired her to co-create TAILS (Tailored Application Insights & Literary Support), a program designed to help pre-veterinary students navigate the daunting application process.
“People say the hardest part of veterinary school is getting in—I agree, but I also disagree,” Jalea explains. “The real challenge is staying in, especially when faced with self-doubt and setbacks.” Through TAILS, she provides guidance, resources, and emotional support to aspiring veterinarians, many of whom feel lost or overwhelmed.
A Passion for Mentorship and Advocacy
Jalea’s commitment to mentorship extends beyond TAILS. As a content creator on YouTube and Instagram (@futuredogtor.stevens), she shares her veterinary school journey, offering tips, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at life as a student. But her vision goes even further. She’s passionate about building mentorship programs that connect students with professionals, particularly at underserved universities.
“One of the biggest challenges in the veterinary field today is the accessibility of genuine mentorship,” Jalea says. “I often meet pre-vet students who feel lost, unsure of how to gain experience or connect with professionals. That was me, and I know how valuable mentorship can be.”
Beyond Veterinary Medicine: A Multifaceted Life
While Jalea’s career aspirations are ambitious, she’s equally dedicated to finding balance in her personal life. In her free time, she nurtures her plants, dabbles in sewing, crocheting, and art, and spends quality time with family and friends. She’s also a devoted churchgoer, finding strength and purpose in her faith.
“Finding purpose in life is essential—not just in your career, but in your personal life as well,” she reflects. “True fulfillment comes from embracing both personal and professional aspirations.”
The Future: Building a Legacy
In five years, Jalea sees herself as a mixed animal practitioner, specializing in small animals and exotic species. She plans to deepen her expertise in dentistry, ophthalmology, and specialty surgeries while continuing to give back to the next generation of veterinarians.
Her goals include expanding TAILS, establishing mentorship programs at her alma mater, and creating opportunities for aspiring veterinarians through shadowing programs, lectures, and lunch-and-learns. She also envisions evolving her content creation, transitioning from veterinary student to veterinarian, and sharing her journey to help others navigate the shift.
“When I reflect on my life, I want to feel confident knowing I made a meaningful impact—not just by pursuing my own dreams, but by helping others achieve theirs,” Jalea says. “That is my purpose.”
Advice for Aspiring Veterinarians
Jalea’s advice to her younger self—and to anyone chasing their dreams—is simple yet powerful: “Never give up on what your heart is set on. There will always be people who try to steer you away from your dreams, but you must hold onto your imagination and reach for the stars. Dreams are just the blueprint for reality.”
From sheep labs to surgery, Jalea Stevens is proof that resilience, optimism, and a commitment to mentorship can transform not only your own life but also the lives of countless others. Follow her journey on YouTube (“Jalea Marie”) or Instagram (@futuredogtor.stevens) for more inspiration and a glimpse into the life of a future veterinarian who’s changing the game—one student at a time.
