4th-semester student, Social Media Ambassador
From an early age, Hadiyah Edwards dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. And the St. Louis native was so determined that she refused to let her allergies to cats and dogs get in the way of her pursuing her career goal.
Before coming to Ross Vet, Hadiyah gained her foundation in animal care and science from Cornell University where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in animal science. Recognizing the lack of diversity throughout her program, she co-founded a student group, Minority Animal Science Students (MASS) while there to create an inclusive community for underrepresented students in animal-related fields.
Her passion for supporting diversity crossed over into her vet school experience and she now serves as the current Co-President of Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment. (VOICE) RUSVM Chapter and Vice President-Elect of VOICE National Chapter. VOICE is the only nationally recognized student club to support diversity and inclusion across all veterinary colleges.
Hadiyah is also a Social Media Ambassador for the University, where she shares her experience on the island and in the program through her social media accounts. She is known for capturing the breathtaking views of sunsets over the Caribbean Sea and she enjoys sharing her love for the community surrounding the University.
“As a future international vet in the field of conservation medicine, I appreciate that I can see, firsthand, how different cultures value animals in different ways. Understanding this difference is key in exercising cultural competency and communicating effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.”
How to be successful in the program
“It's easy to get caught up in the habit of comparing yourself to your peers. However, this is only doing more harm than good. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Instead of comparing them to others, simply focus on maximizing your strengths and overcoming your weaknesses so that you can become the best version of you and the best vet possible!”
