Vet Student Mom: Faviola Mojena Balances Veterinary Medicine and Motherhood with Purpose
Faviola Mojena is not your typical veterinary student. A second-year student at Ana G. Méndez School of Veterinary Medicine in Puerto Rico, Faviola is driven by a passion for animal welfare, preventive medicine, and client education—all while raising two young children. Through her platform, Vet Student Mom, she shares her journey to inspire others to pursue their dreams fearlessly, proving that dedication, love, and resilience can make anything possible.
Before pursuing her DVM, Faviola worked as a veterinary technician and later as a practice manager, honing leadership and communication skills that continue to shape her approach to veterinary care. She believes that empathy—for both animals and people—is at the heart of great veterinary practice. Her long-term goal is to strengthen the human–animal bond across Puerto Rico through education, community outreach, and accessible veterinary services.
Early Advice that Stuck
One piece of guidance Faviola carries with her to this day came from a medical director on her very first day as a vet tech:
“In this field, there’s a lot of rush, stress, and pressure, so don’t take anything personally. It has nothing to do with you.”
That advice has been invaluable. “Veterinary medicine is demanding, with long hours and high emotions. Understanding that most stress comes from the work, not personal conflict, has helped me navigate challenges with empathy and composure,” she says.
Qualities That Shaped Her Journey
Growing up, Faviola lived by the motto: “Dream it. Wish it. Do it.” Hard work, commitment, and positivity have been guiding principles throughout her life—from sports to her academic goals. These traits helped her persevere through the rigorous journey to veterinary school, proving that dreams can become reality with dedication and consistent effort.
Motherhood: The Adventure that Transformed Her
Becoming a mother at 20 during her second year of university was a turning point. “My son became my reason to grow up, take responsibility, and start building the life I wanted for both of us,” Faviola shares. When she later welcomed a daughter, she entered a new chapter: purposeful, focused, and motivated to be her best self—not only for her children but for everyone around her. She sees motherhood as a teacher of patience, unconditional love, and purpose, lessons she carries into every aspect of her life.
Driving Change in Animal Welfare
Living in Puerto Rico has fueled Faviola’s commitment to improving animal welfare. She emphasizes education as the foundation of change, teaching clients why preventive care and compassionate treatment matter. “Children are the future of our planet. Teaching them respect and responsibility toward animals can transform the next generation’s approach to care,” she notes. For Faviola, clear and compassionate communication is key to building a culture of empathy and responsibility for animals.
Challenges in Veterinary Medicine
Faviola is candid about the profession’s hurdles: burnout, mental health struggles, and staffing shortages. After years working in clinics as a vet tech and practice manager, she witnessed firsthand the emotional and financial pressures of the field. She advocates for prioritizing mental health, fostering supportive work environments, and emphasizing communication to sustain a healthy, thriving veterinary community.
Her Mission
Ultimately, Faviola’s mission goes beyond veterinary care: it’s about leaving a positive impact wherever she goes. She strives to inspire others, empower her team, educate clients, and lead with empathy. “Whether through my career, my family, or daily interactions, I want every interaction to matter and to leave a legacy of compassion, understanding, and encouragement,” she says.
Through her work and her story, Faviola Mojena embodies the power of perseverance, empathy, and purpose—showing that with determination and heart, it’s possible to balance motherhood and a demanding career while making a difference in the lives of animals and people alike.
