Resilience rewarded with a dream veterinary career

Growing up in the small South Waikato town of Tokoroa, Shauna was taught from an early age about the importance of education.

“Education is a core value within my family, particularly the value of science and the opportunities that come from that field. With an ever-changing world, science offers security while also challenging critical thinking.”

Knowing she wanted a career in a scientific field, Shauna says she originally thought she would follow her siblings into the health sciences.

“I quickly learned human anatomy is not for me!”

During the high school holidays, Shauna worked as a dairy farm assistant. Although she had always loved animals, it was the opportunity to learn from the local vet during farm visits that cemented her interest in animal health.

“I ended up doing a placement with that same vet at South Waikato Veterinary Services a few months later and found I loved what the career had to offer,” Shauna explains.

Shauna went on to enrol in Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science, and says one of the biggest lessons she learnt was perseverance.

Looking back, she says her time at Massey passed by quickly.

“I remember starting university and thinking what a long journey I had ahead of me, but you blink and time flies. I’m grateful for the people I met and the time we had together, including hours of studying, and feel very fortunate to have been able to experience it all. I am especially grateful for VetMAP (the Veterinary Māori and Indigenous Pacific students pathway). Being surrounded and supported by people who share your culture and understand your experiences created a true sense of belonging, a family away from home.

“The new routine, experiences and opportunities, and all the friendships developed along the way, shaped my journey, and for that, I am truly grateful.”

Given the challenging nature of the degree, Shauna says she made it a point to surround herself with people who uplifted her and made sure to take breaks where she could.

“Sometimes you have to hit pause on the books and fill your cup, whether that’s going for a walk along the river, a sweaty session at the gym or simply sitting around a table with your mates.”

Ask Shauna about her favourite animal to work with and her answer is immediate: cows.

“Their anatomy is much larger, and they’re highly resilient animals. I have to admit my least favourite is birds – I think my heart rate increases more than theirs when interacting with them!”

Having graduated earlier this year, Shauna is now working at VetPlus, a mixed animal vet practice in Reporoa and Rotorua. She says she feels incredibly lucky to have found a career where she wakes up excited to go to work every day.

“It brings something new each day, with plenty of weird and wonderful cases, and offers a real sense of satisfaction, even in the routine jobs. I am constantly learning, improving my skills and building my own personal toolbox, which is something I am really excited about.

“It’s a career recognised worldwide, which makes the opportunities it brings and the places it can take me even more exciting.”