VetCat Graduation Stories: Adina Bronshtein
Celebrating our VetCat Journeys: Where They Are Going
Graduation is right around the corner for The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine students. After three years of tireless dedication to learning and discovery, our Doctor of Veterinary Medicine candidates are ready to take on the title of Doctor and enter veterinary clinics across the country.
Adina Bronshtein, a first-generation college student set to graduate in August, embraced her ambition and enacted her childhood dreams of becoming a veterinarian. She has embraced the challenges and rigors inherent in a three-year, year-round program and will begin her career as a general practitioner at a veterinary clinic in North Carolina. We spoke with Adina about her educational journey.
Exploration in Action
During her time as a doctoral student, Adina has countless opportunities to meet her future career field and develop exciting goals for herself. She reflected on her time at The University of Arizona and discussed her top takeaways.
How did your experiences at The University of Arizona shape your career plans and goals?
AB: My time at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine helped me to mature both professionally and personally. As I learned more about what it means to be a veterinarian, I was able to better focus on the clinical skills and personal growth I would need to succeed in our difficult field.
What qualities have you developed as a veterinary student that you will carry into this career opportunity?
AB: The most important thing I’ve learned as a student that will be invaluable in practice is that sometimes things don’t go according to plan and you just have to try your best to adjust accordingly.
Fulfilling her Aspirations
At a young age, Adina decided she wanted to become a veterinarian. Since then, she has unwaveringly steered her educational and professional life toward her goals. Grateful to share her success with the family and friends who have encouraged her, Adina shared her excitement for her upcoming graduation.
What does graduation mean to you as a first-generation college student?
AB: As a first-generation college student, walking across that stage means the world to me. My undergraduate graduation was canceled due to the COVID lockdown, so I am thankful that my family will get to celebrate an even bigger achievement with me as I graduate as a first-generation student and as a doctor.
I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian since before I could even pronounce the word. I always heard that vet school would be emotionally, academically, and financially challenging. It was. Coming from a background without higher education made me even more passionate and committed to accomplishing my goals and showing what I was capable of. Graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine will prove, not only to myself but to my family and friends who supported me along the way, that it was all worth it.
What does graduation mean to your family?
AB: My family always knew that I wanted to be a veterinarian. They may not have fully understood the process of what it took for me to get to this point in my life, but my family never wavered in their encouragement of me following my dream.
Their endless support and tireless efforts to help me reach my goals is something I will never forget. I can only hope that seeing all my hard work come to fruition when I walk across that stage as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine will make my family proud.
What advice would you give other first-generation college students who are considering applying for veterinary school?
AB: It’s difficult but worth it. The veterinary school application process is not easy and once you’re accepted you will face different types of challenges as a student. There are so many online resources and current or past students who can help provide direction or support with whatever you need.