Dear University,
Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by animals. This passion
naturally led me to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine, which I
completed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I also hold a postgraduate degree in
small animal surgery. Throughout my academic journey and professional
training, I have faced challenges that shaped who I am today — a resilient,
proactive, and responsible individual with a strong desire to grow both
personally and professionally.
I was born in Brazil, but at the age of three, I moved to the United States due
to my father’s job as an auditor. We returned to Brazil when I was five, and
over the years, I lived in different cities such as São Paulo and Brasília.
These constant changes taught me how to adapt quickly, embrace new
environments, and stay focused on my goals. When I began veterinary
school, I moved to Rio de Janeiro, where I not only attended university but
also participated in several internships to gain hands-on experience in
clinical settings. Later, I returned to São Paulo to complete my postgraduate
studies in small animal surgery, continuing my internships and
strengthening my sense of responsibility and discipline.
My academic journey was far from easy. One of the most difficult moments I
experienced was the loss of my grandmother during my second semester of
university. She was one of the most important figures in my life — always
advising and supporting me unconditionally. Her death deeply affected me,
and there were times when I felt like giving up. However, I reminded myself
of how much my family had already invested in me and how proud she
would have been to see me succeed. That thought gave me the strength to
continue.
Another personal challenge I had to overcome was dealing with test anxiety.
I faced difficulties in subjects like mycology and avian pathology, but I
sought help from classmates and started going to the library more often to
learn more about these topics. By the end of the term, I achieved my goal:
passing those subjects. Over time, with my family’s support and by trusting
in my preparation, I learned to approach tests more calmly. I realized that
making mistakes is part of the learning process and that grades do not
define my intelligence or worth. This mindset shift helped me become a
more confident student and a more compassionate person overall.
My internships were fundamental to my development as a veterinarian. At
Homecão, I focused on inpatient care, learning to administer medications,
collect samples, and perform venous access — all under pressure and in
emergency situations. At Samis Pet, the emphasis was on general practice,
where I improved my communication skills, learned to use clinic
management systems, and gained confidence when interacting with pet
owners. These experiences taught me that each clinic has its own way of
working and highlighted the importance of flexibility and teamwork.
Throughout my internships, I had the opportunity to help animals in critical
condition, assist veterinarians during emergencies, and bring comfort to
worried pet owners. These moments, although part of my training, had a
meaningful impact on the lives of those families and their pets. Being able
to help — even in small ways — reminded me why I chose this profession in
the first place.
After completing my education, my goal is to become a skilled and confident
veterinarian, especially in surgical procedures like spaying and neutering.
One of my insecurities has been speaking directly with pet owners, but I am
determined to overcome this through experience and continued growth. I
also aim to stabilize myself financially, invest in further courses, and
continue developing my knowledge and skills.
At this time, I do not wish to return to Brazil. Unfortunately, veterinary
medicine is not as valued there as it is in other countries. In many parts of
the world, there is a real demand for qualified veterinary professionals, and I
believe I can make a greater impact abroad — both in clinical work and by
contributing.
