Student Stories is a collaboration between The Merck Manuals and real veterinary students. Our team of bloggers offers insights, tips, and a glimpse into what it’s like to experience veterinary school today. Meet our current contributors below. If you are a current pre-vet, first, second, or third-year veterinary student and are interested in becoming one of our bloggers, please visit our Blog For Us page to learn more.
Maria Estefania
Maria Estefania is graduated from the Tuskegee University Class of 2020. She was born and raised in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. From a young age, her family fostered a genuine interest in animal welfare, and Maria Estefania became dedicated to taking care of injured stray cats in her neighborhood. She will be working in shelter medicine and she is currently the client education coordinator of the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association where she will be creating Spanish handouts and resources for pet owners. In her free time, she loves reading, writing, and creating digital content. She also aspires to become a role model for low-income students to inspire them through sharing her personal journey.
81 Articles
Andrew
Andrew is a Tufts graduate and currently a rotating intern at Bluepearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, FL. His interest in ecology and conservation has taken him to places like the Amazon, the Galapagos, Belize, and Honduras where he experienced, firsthand, the relationship between humans, animals, and the environment. Combining his love for nature and medicine, he founded the nonprofit organization Animal Awareness Abroad that aims to provide veterinary care to underserved communities around the world and promote One Health. A huge proponent of work-life balance he enjoys cooking, reading, and rock-climbing.
53 Articles
Lauren
I am a second-year veterinary student at Iowa State University from Scottsdale, Arizona with plans to practice emergency and critical care small animal medicine in a big city after I graduate. I am especially interested in cases involved with cardiology, anaphylaxis, and trauma. Outside of school, I love running, hiking, and yoga. I also love cooking and spoiling my golden retriever puppy named Sunny.
18 Articles
