There are moments in this work that stay with us.

Returning to Queens for the blendVET Foundation’s 24th Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine Youth Pathways event was one of those moments for me.

As a sixth-grade student at P.S. 99 in New York City, I was excited for the end-of-year tradition where students danced to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” waved batons, and stepped toward middle school with all the energy and possibility of the city behind them. I remember holding onto the lyric, “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.” That New York mindset stayed with me — the belief that with grit, community, faith, and vision, I could make a way forward.

At John Bowne High School in Queens, that mission came full circle. Alongside fellow Queens natives and New Yorkers, including my mentor Dr. G., and mentee Kayla, and the volunteers, we poured into students encouragement, mentorship, and a clearer vision of what their futures in veterinary medicine could look like. This event was more than a career exploration day for youth. It was also a reminder of my younger self who had a dream — and how that dream continues to open doors for the next generation through the blendVET® Foundation.

There are moments in this work that stay with us. A student putting on gloves for the first time. A young person realizing veterinary medicine is bigger than they imagined. A volunteer demonstrating a how to clean pet’s teeth, answer a question, or simply say, “There is a career path for you in veterinary medicine.”

And those moments are the why behind the blendVET® Foundation.

They step into veterinary medicine.
They explore hands-on activities.
They learn about clinical skills.
They meet veterinarians, veterinary technicians, educators, specialists, students, and industry professionals.
They ask questions that matter.
They discover pathways they may not have known existed.

And sometimes, they start to connect the dots between who they are, what they love, and what their future could become.

So far this year, Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine Youth Pathways has reached over 309 students through events and learning experiences connected to communities across the country, including:

Each event is part of a growing effort to bring veterinary career exploration directly to students — especially those who may not otherwise have early access to veterinary mentors, clinical environments, or career pathway resources.

At VMX in Orlando, Florida, students experienced veterinary medicine surrounded by one of the profession’s largest gatherings. That kind of exposure matters. It shows students that veterinary medicine is not one clinic, one role, or one path. It is a profession full of specialties, stories, leaders, and possibilities.

At William H. Turner Technical Arts High School in Miami, Florida, students were able to connect classroom learning with real veterinary career exploration.

At St. Petersburg College in Seminole, Florida, students were introduced to veterinary career pathways in an academic environment where curiosity could meet practical next steps.

At every stop, the goal is the same:

Help students believe.
Help them belong.
Help them begin.

We are thrilled to celebrate a historic achievement from Colonial High School FFA in Orlando, Florida. For the first time in school history, Colonial High School students earned the title of State Champion Team in the Florida FFA Veterinary Science Competition.

We are especially proud that three blendVET® Foundation alumni—Mervin, Erick, and Alexa—were part of this history-making team. Individually, Erick placed 2nd in the state, Mervin earned 9th place, and Alexa placed 20th, demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skill in veterinary science. We extend our sincere gratitude to James Prescott, Agriscience Teacher and FFA Advisor at Colonial High School, for his outstanding leadership and commitment to creating pathways for students pursuing careers in animal health.

The Veterinary Science Competition is one of the most rigorous FFA events, challenging students to identify more than 100 companion and livestock animal species, 30+ parasites, 70+ surgical and restraint instruments, perform dosage and medical calculations, and demonstrate proficiency in more than 20 clinical and animal restraint procedures. Congratulations to these remarkable students on this history-making accomplishment and for representing the future of veterinary medicine with excellence.

Show your passion for veterinary medicine with our brand-new veterinary merchandise collection! From our signature "I Am the Future of Vet Med" and "We Are Vet Med" t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts to our Hearts & Hands bandana, tote bags, ballcaps and exclusive swag stickers, there's something for every future veterinary professional and supporter. Whether you're representing vet med at school, in the clinic, or out in your community, these items help you wear your commitment with pride while supporting our mission to build a more inclusive veterinary profession. 100% of proceeds benefits the blendVET foundation.

The blendVET® Foundation is expanding access to veterinary career exploration through Youth Pathways, but this work is only possible through the support of volunteers, donors, partners, educators, and community champions.

Together, we are not just introducing students to veterinary medicine. We are helping them believe they belong there. And that changes everything.

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With gratitude and purpose,

Dr. Niccole Bruno, DVM
Founder & Executive Director
blendVET® Foundation