Honoring the Women Who Inspire Us
To honor the women who inspire us to achieve our goals, we asked University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine students and faculty to share about the outstanding women who have encouraged them.
To honor the women who inspire us to achieve our goals, we asked University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine students and faculty to share about the outstanding women who have encouraged them. Veterinary medicine requires plenty of grit, determination and heart. Here are some stories about the women who modeled these traits and emboldened our professors and students to follow their own unique path toward veterinary medicine.
Dr. Tessie Martin
Christina V. Tran, DVM - Associate Professor of Practice
“My first exposure to veterinary medicine happened when I was a young child and our family adopted a miniature Dachshund from my aunt and uncle who are veterinarians. They both received their veterinary degrees from the University of the Philippines and overcame barriers to become licensed in the US. My Tita Tessie serves not only as a female role model but also someone that shares the same cultural background as me. She made it possible for me to envision myself as a veterinarian. Over the years, my Tita Tessie has continued to offer me sage advice and support my career. And I hope to do the same for future generations of veterinary professionals.”
Dianna Torres, DVM Candidate
Dianna Torres and her mother
“I have met many strong and inspirational woman who have inspired me, but if I had to pick one person it would be my mom, Lourdes Torres, for influencing my decision to becoming a veterinarian the most. Although she did not have a veterinary background, my mom was always very supportive about my passion to help animals ever since I was a little girl. On top of always being supportive of my goals, when I became a young mom myself, she helped make it possible for me to continue my education by helping me raise my son. Without her, I wouldn't be where I am today and I hope I can continue to make her proud.”
Laura Cagnetta, DVM Candidate
Laura Cagnetta and her family
“My mother, grandma, and sister all play an instrumental role in my life and have pushed me to follow my dream of being a vet. Truly grateful for my Sicilian support system.”
Dreams become reachable when we have support and inspiration, and we are grateful to the incredible women in our lives who have modeled strength, integrity and passion. Their values have helped us blaze new trails as we pursue our goals.