I’ve always lived and gone to school in Greater London and so I was used to being surrounded by people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Once I started my veterinary degree this was no longer the case as few students came from diverse or ethnic minority backgrounds. This pattern seemed to be the same in all vet schools, and even the veterinary profession, but there were very few, if any, initiatives to address it. 

During my intercalated year at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) I was lucky enough to meet Stephanie Stapleton; another vet student who also shared my passion in increasing diversity in veterinary medicine. She introduced me to the Widening Participation team at the RVC and together we recruited an amazing group of vet students and Animal Aspirations was born. I truly think this is one of the best professions to be in and I’d like to see it become more accessible and inclusive to all young people, no matter their background.