Road to Graduation: Tabitha Torres

As the Class of 2026 nears graduation, we're celebrating the journeys of our soon-to-be doctors. Tabitha Torres, who plans to return to New England to begin her career as a veterinarian specializing in small animals and companion exotics, is reflecting on her preparation for this moment and looking ahead to her full-circle moment. 

Image

Following graduation, Tabitha is beginning her career by returning to her hometown. Her move back to New England with her husband and their menagerie of pets: two shepherd mixes, a parrot, a cat, and a leopard gecko, marks the next chapter of her life in a community that means a great deal to her. She has accepted a position at a small animal practice in southern Massachusetts, the very hospital where she worked as a veterinary technician for several years before starting veterinary school. "Returning to a hospital that played an important role in my journey before vet school feels like such a full-circle moment," Tabitha said.

Tabitha's time at the University of Arizona reinforced a passion she developed as a technician: the power of client education in veterinary medicine.

"I love forming relationships with clients and helping them better understand their pets' health while strengthening the human-animal bond through communication, trust, and partnership."

Looking ahead, Tabitha is most excited to finally step into the role she has worked toward for years, improving the lives of animals while supporting the people who love them.

"I look forward to building lasting relationships with clients, continuing to learn from mentors and colleagues, and growing into the kind of veterinarian I have always hoped to become." 

While Tabitha brought her years of work as a vet tech to her educational experience, clinical year pushed Tabitha to think independently and grow as a decision-maker, while reinforcing the value of teamwork.

"Clinical year has challenged me to think independently, adapt to new situations, and become more comfortable making decisions while still recognizing the importance of collaboration and lifelong learning," she said.

Tabitha's Advice for First-Year Students

1. Ask questions and embrace what feels intimidating. "So many times, I had classmates thank me for asking questions that they said they were too scared to ask themselves. Everyone is on their own educational journey with their own strengths and weaknesses; you might be in a different place, but you are never behind."

2. Never stop challenging yourself. "From classroom to clinical year, the experiences that helped me grow the most were the ones that pushed me outside of my comfort zone. Veterinary school can feel overwhelming at times, but growth often happens gradually and is easy to overlook in the moment. Trust the process, stay curious, and remember that every patient, client, classmate, and mentor has something valuable to teach you!"

3. Lean on your loved ones and your classmates. "Vet school is hard, so find your support circle and allow them to lift you up when you need it. The same goes for your classmates; you are all on the same team! Cheer each other on, support one another, and celebrate each other's successes."