University Application: Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement Essay

This personal statement details a student's lifelong passion for animal welfare, beginning with childhood experiences with pets and visits to animal facilities. The essay recounts a formative experience involving the illness and eventual loss of a beloved cat, which solidified the student's commitment to veterinary medicine. Despite initial academic and financial challenges, the student is currently pursuing an accounting program while seeking opportunities to gain experience in the veterinary field through internships and volunteer programs. The student highlights the importance of animal care, the role of vets, and the development of relevant skills. The applicant expresses a desire to contribute to animal health and welfare and achieve the ambition of becoming a veterinary surgeon, while contributing to the University’s vision and mission.

Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement
Name

Personal Statement
I have always had a strong interest in animals since my childhood and I spent quality
time visiting orphanages, and stables. At the age of three, my father gave me a cat which I
called Blueblue. I always carried the cat along when visiting local orphanages, stables and
also interacted with friends who had pets. Blueblue recognised her name and always gave me
company when I arrived home and at night when I slept; hence grew fond of each other. I
enjoyed many happy moments with Blueblue until she fell sick. I arrived home one afternoon
and realised that she was bored and reserved. I took her to a vet and she was diagnosed with
ureteral stone. After consultations with the vet, I realised that Blueblue could only survive
after a surgery to replace the ureteral tube with a ureteral stent, due to her old age. The cost
of treatment was extremely high, and my parents were unwilling to pay for the treatment. I
used the savings I had made from my pocket money to pay for Blueblue’s treatment, and she
recovered. However, after about six months, she fell sick again and was diagnosed with
kidney failure. I had to inject her hypodermically daily and make numerous visits to the
clinic. A few weeks after diagnosis, the condition worsened and she had to stay in the clinic
for treatment, but she eventually died. The news were rather devastating for me, and I
committed myself to support animal health and welfare to ensure that they lead healthy lives
and access healthcare services. I also appreciated the fact that animals are more vulnerable
compared to humans and they must not be overlooked.
Through my interaction with Blueblue, I realised that animals play a critical role in
our lives by befriending and accompanying humans. Therefore they help us relieve stress and
are also important components of the ecosystem. Animals cannot express themselves like
humans and are at risk of suffering from illnesses without getting help. Therefore, humans
have a responsibility to treat, and take care of animals, while also paying attention to their
needs. I realised the importance of vets in the world. I also interacted with vets at the clinic

whenever I took Blueblue for treatment with the aim of understanding their academic journey
and their work environment. I was fascinated by the experiences of vets and could often
imagine how life would be for me as a vet. My interests in veterinary medicine continued to
grow and I knew I wanted to become a Vet.
I have always had an interest in Sciences, and wanted to study biology, chemistry and
physics in High school. However, due to some subject restrictions, I only managed to do
biology, economics and chemistry. After completing my high school studies, I intended to
pursue a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine but the course was not offered in any
institution within Hong Kong at the time. I wanted to study overseas, but could not meet the
minimum qualifications in most Universities as they required the applicants to have
completed physics, biology and chemistry at high school. I considered pursuing biomedical
science in Hong Kong for my bachelor’s degree and veterinary medicine for postgraduate
studies, but my family could not cater for my studies due to the financial condition. My
parents proposed that I pursue a business course which was less expensive. Currently, I am
enrolled at The University of Hong Kong for an Accounting program. However, I have not
found interest in the field of accounting despite enrolling for internships during my summer
holidays.
My passion for Veterinary Medicine has driven me to apply for various internships,
part time jobs and volunteer programs in the field. However, my applications are often
unsuccessful because most of the institutions only recruit veterinary students and full time
employees. Recently, I applied for for the volunteer program at the CityU Veterinary Medical
Center, and I am still waiting for a response.
My hobbies include caring for animals, and playing badminton. I am a member of the
badminton team and executive committee member of badminton club at the University.
Caring for animals has enabled me to learn more about them through research and

interactions with friends with similar interests and vets. Also, playing badminton has
equipped me with skills such as critical thinking, time management, and self-discipline,
which are important for vets.
An opportunity at your institution will be a major milestone towards fulfilment of my
desire to care for animals at a professional capacity, and to achieve my ambition of becoming
a veterinary surgeon. I look forward to an opportunity in your institution so that I can achieve
my personal and professional goals as I contribute towards the realization of the University’s
vision and mission.