Help Serisha Complete Veterinary Medicine Abroad
6 years ago 
3307 views
Serisha is a passionate veterinary student who has been offered the prestigious opportunity of completing her degree at St. George University, Grenada in 2018. This is an invaluable opportunity to gain international experience in the field and to broaden her knowledge and skill set. Unfortunately, she is short of funds and is desperately looking for donations to help her achieve her goal.
"Veterinary Science has been my dream career path since I was a child. I grew up in a home where animals were our family and my love for all creatures grew as I got older. I spent the majority of my youth visiting animal shelters and on my 16th birthday, my gift was to officially become a volunteer at CROW - The Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife. This experience changed my life, I started to see the harsh trauma associated with animal rescue as well as the immense difference we can make. During my matric year I applied to study Veterinary Science as was my life goal, I was accepted into the only veterinary school in the country and I was filled with joy. My parents however, put the brakes on my dreams and did not agree with my career choice.
I was then forced to study Mechanical engineering, every year I cried and begged to be allowed to change but my parents were adamant that this was the correct career path for me. I completed my mechanical engineering degree and knew that this was still not my purpose. I told my parents that I would once again apply for veterinary science. They had one request, that I spend a year in a practice so that I could be completely certain that this was what I wanted to do.
I joined the Westville Veterinary Hospital as a shadower of the doctors. I was filled with wonder and after the first few daunting days, I knew. This was me and this was my purpose. I felt as if I was home and that I had found my true self. I spent the year learning all I could about surgery cases and medicine cases and learning procedures and how to deal with difficult clients. I experienced euthanasia for the first time and learnt how to cope with the immense sadness and stress of the profession. I will forever be grateful for the wealth of knowledge and the skills I was given.
Working at the practice showed me both the positives and the negatives of the profession and I knew that being a veterinarian was more than just loving animals. It was about pain and passion, and a need to make a difference.
I was accepted into veterinary school the following year and the best two years of my life followed. I was in heaven and well on my way to my dream career!
A dramatic family tragedy caused me to have to leave my studies and work full time in order to support my family. My dreams of being a vet seemed to be over and in order to maintain my sanity I spent all my free time volunteering at numerous animal shelters. My sacrifice helped my family get back on their feet and I would do it again in a heart beat.
But now it is my time, I know that it is finally my chance to embrace who I am supposed to be and to be the positive and brilliant influencer I know I can be in this field. There have been many obstacles in my path but the fire that burns inside me has only become more fierce and I am more determined than ever to be a success as a veterinarian. It is my passion, my calling and my purpose.
How would I make a difference using this career?
When I was younger, I was convinced that I'd be a small animal vet and treat people's beloved pets. My experience in the various fields of veterinary science showed me how much more my heart lay in the production animal field, something I was previously opposed to as a vegetarian! There is such a fine balance between the human need for sustenance and humane livestock care. I became aware that there were too very different sides, neither benefiting the holistic good - it was either cheaper products for the people which resulted in poor animal care or animal care that took the prices way above what the average person could afford. This is a field I would love to be a part of, as vets we are at the forefront of change and making the best decisions to benefit both the animals and people who rely on us. I would love to be a part of this change and to be instrumental in making sure that the animals receive a dignified life and death.
Another aspect that I think I can make a massive difference in, is education of underprivileged communities. I think that there is a misconception that poorer communities are cruel to animals. While I do agree that there are a few despicable people in all communities, the majority of neglect is lack of education and not intentional harm. We can do so much by treating the problem rather than the symptoms. By my experience in township projects, once communities are educated and advised they are so motivated to do the right thing! They choose to be responsible pet owners, regardless of how poor they may be.
My passion for this profession and my love for animals are the catalysts I need to make a difference and to change and enhance countless lives, both animal and human alike."
If you would like to view Serisha's acceptance letter, or are able to help out in any way, you can contact Serisha directly at [email protected]
There is also a crowdfunding page set up at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/help-serisha-complete-veterinary-medicine
Serisha's deadline for raising the money is the end of July 2018.