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Inspiring Future Veterinary Professionals: Anjelica Bautista’s Journey

Children who once viewed college as an unreachable dream are now envisioning themselves in careers as veterinarians, scientists, and scholars, all thanks to the incredible dedication of Washington State University veterinary student, Anjelica Bautista. Her commitment to uplifting young minds in her community is reshaping aspirations and expanding horizons.

A Commitment to Education and Outreach

Currently in her second year of WSU’s demanding four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, Bautista is relentless in her mission outside the classroom. She dedicates countless hours to inspiring grade-school students in Pasco, Washington, introducing them to STEM fields and broader educational opportunities. By doing so, she is not only broadening their understanding of what higher education can offer but also revealing futures they never imagined possible.

Recognition for Leadership in Diversity

Recently, Bautista received the prestigious Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship, which grants a competitive $10,000 award to veterinary students showcasing remarkable leadership in promoting inclusion at institutions affiliated with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. This accolade acknowledges her influential role in equity-focused initiatives, her unwavering commitment to enhancing representation within the veterinary field, and her tireless efforts to create accessible pathways for students historically marginalized from the profession.

“Promoting equity begins with challenging the barriers that keep talented students from entering the field,” Bautista emphasizes, reflecting on her childhood experiences living with her grandparents in the Philippines. “This starts with ensuring kids can see people who look like themselves in fields they dream of going into — helping them recognize career opportunities they never thought were possible.”

Initiating Community Engagement

Bautista’s outreach journey began in 2019, shortly after she earned her undergraduate degree and took up a chemist position with the U.S. Department of Energy at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington. While Richland boasts a highly educated population, just across the Columbia River, Pasco grapples with significantly lower test scores in its schools. The statistics are stark: over 80% of students in Pasco School District come from minority backgrounds, many of whom are economically disadvantaged.

“When I worked at the lab, I noticed our outreach efforts were focused on Richland — students already college-bound,” Bautista states. “That’s when I began taking resources to Pasco.”

Building Connections and Exciting Future Careers

Now that she’s transitioned to WSU, Bautista’s efforts have not wavered. Sometimes, her contributions manifest through facilitating meaningful connections. She successfully linked youth from a Pasco robotics club with WSU archaeologist John Blong, who then spent time mentoring the budding scientists. Recently, this team advanced to a state-level competition, and one member is now aspiring to become an archaeologist.

Bautista’s method of sparking curiosity among the youth also reflects her creative approach. For instance, with Día de los Muertos — a Mexican holiday honoring deceased loved ones — approaching, she collaborated with Dr. Steve Lampa to borrow anatomy specimens for an educational presentation in Pasco.

“All of a sudden, these kids became excited and showed genuine interest in these subjects,” Bautista remarked.

Changing Perspectives and Expanding Possibilities

Many students Bautista encounters are familiar with agricultural work and have grown up around animals but fail to envision careers in veterinary medicine, especially given the scarce representation of veterinarians from similar backgrounds. Yet, thanks to Bautista’s efforts, students who once saw themselves as ranch hands are now aspiring to become veterinarians.

“A small shift in mindset can create substantial change,” she clarified. “For many of these kids, their parents didn’t attend university. Some aren’t even aware of what a university is, but by exposing them to this world and affirming their potential, it changes everything.”

Unique Reading Programs and Global Impact

In addition to her in-person efforts, Bautista has initiated a bilingual reading incentive program. This program rewards students excelling in language skills with field trips to WSU. She believes the experience of touring the campus, visiting the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and meeting faculty members will empower these students to visualize themselves in higher education.

Bautista’s commitment extends far beyond her local community in Washington State. She and her mother have established an animal shelter in the Philippines that aims to provide spay and neuter services, community resources, and hands-on learning opportunities. Bautista’s passion for these initiatives was largely inspired by WSU alumna Dr. Heather Rae, an influential veterinary practitioner based in Kennewick, Washington.

Encouraging Cultural Understanding in Veterinary Practices

Over the summer, a group of WSU veterinary students will volunteer at the newly established shelter in the Philippines. Bautista hopes this experience will expose these students to various cultural contexts, enriching their understanding of global veterinary care complexities.

“We need more veterinarians who understand different cultural contexts and face real-world barriers in animal healthcare,” she asserted. “Pets are family members in all communities, and access to care is crucial.”

Innovative Funding Solutions

To fund the shelter, Bautista has turned to her artistic talents. She is selling her artwork, including handcrafted ceramics made in her Pasco studio. Additionally, she is designing a mosaic that supporters can help build piece by piece, showcasing her commitment to the cause and encouraging community involvement.

Bridging the Gap with AI legalese decoder

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