Heal the past, live the present, and dream the future.

While the original source of this proverb is unknown, the words hold no less impact. Especially for veterinarian to be, Lakhia Fuller. 

Originally born and raised in the small city of Goldsboro, North Carolina, LakhiaFuller is currently a second-year student at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After earning a B.S. in Biology from Winston-Salem State University in 2019, a M.S. in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2021, this first-generation college student decided to pursue her passion for pets, with an interest in mixed animal medicine, small and exotics, and emergency. 

But as exciting as the future is, Lakhia Fuller knows the importance of honoring the past in all that she does, too! 

This includes being charter president of NC State Chapter of the National Association for Black Veterinarians, diversity and inclusion chair for the class of 2025, student coach for the Educators Pledge Program for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and more.

Recently, Vet Candy spoke with Lakhia about her experiences in veterinary school so far.

Introducing, our newest star on the rise, Lakhia Fuller!  

Let Your “Why” Guide You

Choosing to become a veterinarian is a lifechanging decision. 

Like thousands of applicants, Fuller had her own fair share of doubts. Being multi-passionate – with a love of acting and cooking – also made the decision a tough one. 

“Deciding to apply to vet school was an extremely agonizing decision for me,” Lakhia remembers. “I often felt like I was underqualified and that I would be wasting my time and money (VMCAS is expensive!) if I decided to apply.”

Yet thank goodness she did.

With resiliency, sincerity, and allowing her so-called “why” to constantly motivate her, Lakhia has blossomed into an active member of the student vet med scene.  

Living the Prayers of Her Ancestors 

Nowadays, Fuller is enjoying her studies at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. However, she remains aware of the barriers that have faced (and continue to face) veterinarians from diverse communities.  

“I always knew that I wanted to be a veterinarian but because I had never met a Black veterinarian, I didn’t think that it was something obtainable,” she says. 

Fortunately, one of her mentors stepped in.

Lakhia recalls, “I shared my thoughts with my mentor who helped me design a research project centered around minority veterinarians. This project helped connect me with a network of Black veterinarians and this propelled me into the veterinary medicine field. All it took was for me to admit that I was afraid that my dreams might not be a reality.”

Of course, statistics reveal that her feelings were valid.

According to The American Veterinary Association, only 2% of the U.S. veterinary workforce is made up of Black veterinarians…yikes.

Lakhia Fuller knows that as a Black vet med professional, she is literally (in her words) “living the prayers of my ancestors.”

She explains:

“While in undergrad I had the chance to study abroad in Cuba while researching Afro-Cuban culture. While there we climbed Sierra de Lan Gran Piedra and from there visited the ruins of a coffee plantation. Climbing to the top was incredibly difficult for me (and I was in shape back then) but seeing the view made it all worth it. Visiting the coffee plantation was an emotional experience to say the very least, but it left me with a deeper understanding of how I am in fact living the prayers of my ancestors. I carry that feeling with me everyday and whenever I feel like giving up, I remind myself of their prayers.”

When asked about changes that need to happen, Lakhia touches upon the same issues.

“Like many people there are numerous changes I would like to see in the world,” she tells us. “One of the biggest changes I would like to see is a halt to the erasure of Black history. Several politicians across the country are trying to erase Black history and the important contributions made by Black people. This is especially terrifying as Black history is so deeply rooted in American history. Attempting to erase Black history takes away a certain level of accountability and hinders us from learning from past mistakes and fixing current issues.”

Lakhia’s final words of advice?

“Don’t let others define who you are,” she says. “And don’t be afraid to go after an opportunity even if it scares you.”

Right on, Lakhia!  It is no wonder you are on Vet Candy's 2023 Rising Star list!