Anna Wagner

As a first-generation college student, my successes have not always come easy for me. The sooner I realized to focus on the talents I did have than what I did not, the sooner I was able to thrive and succeed. I have wanted to become a veterinarian ever since I could remember, as I always possessed an active role in animal contact and care. As I have gotten older, I have realized that there is more to the veterinary profession than just healing animals, it is about the people we interact with and learn from along the way. The rural community I grew up in has a demand for large animal veterinarians and I hope to one day fill that void. My upbringing has helped me establish strong relationships built on values and trust with its leaders and members which will allow me to build a solid client base. But more importantly, living in a place surrounded with people that have the same beliefs and endless support motivates me to do exceptional work.
I have gained a lot from my educational experiences personally and professionally. Becoming open to new opportunities, I took an interest meat science research and food animal agriculture, and even obtained a job at a butcher shop in my home town. From my first day on the kill floor, I was instantly astonished of my naivety of the food animal industry. This experience was very humbling for me as it showed how veterinarians are crucial components of the meat animal industry. They have the ability to impact the animal as muscle through animal welfare and as meat through food safety. I take pride in the work that I do and I realized there are still many misconceptions about where our food comes from like I once had, and I plan to be a leader of change in this area, using my God given gifts to serve my community. This job shows that I not only care about animals but I also care about how my care and treatment can have an effect on the consumers. I am able to connect with livestock growers and understand the economic value of their profession to help build a better relationship. I have revised my career goals to educate others on where our food comes from and to help feed the world. My practice will be based on strong moral principles and grit. I will continue to use my inquisitive nature and love of learning to uphold the veterinary oath by accepting the lifelong obligation to use my knowledge for the greater good. I plan to one day pay it forward to aspiring young veterinarians by providing externship opportunities so their dreams can too become a reality. Most importantly, I don’t need to be a veterinarian to have an impact on my community as influential people come in many different forms. I believe as long as I treat others with kindness and respect, my impact will go farther.