“Say Yes, Ask Boldly, and Keep Going”: How Emily Chung is Redefining the #vetmed Journey
It was a long shot.
Emily Chung was still an undergrad, still figuring things out, still very much in the “pre” part of pre-vet. But something told her to ask anyway.
The zoo veterinary hospital didn’t typically allow undergraduate volunteers, and she knew it. But she also knew what she wanted—and what she could offer. She figured the worst they could say was no.
They said yes.
That one moment—a bold, curious ask—changed everything. The experience became one of the most formative of her journey. It offered her a front-row seat to advanced animal care and the delicate dance of veterinary teamwork. It gave her real skills, real confidence, and real clarity. Most of all, it gave her a lesson she now shares with every pre-vet student who’s unsure or afraid to speak up:
Ask. Even if it feels like a long shot.
A Curious Heart with a Steady Hand
Now a veterinary student in the Midwest University class of 2028, Emily still leans into that same mindset. Curious. Open. Persistent. Not afraid to knock on doors—or walk away from the ones that close.
Emily describes herself as someone who’s always learning, always asking, always evolving. But she’s not chasing perfection. She’s focused on progress.
“Confidence, compassion, and adaptability—that’s what keeps you going.”
In a field where the pressure to have it all figured out can be overwhelming, she’s found strength in staying teachable. She knows that success isn’t just about mastering clinical skills. It’s also about learning to speak up, take up space, and trust your own path—even if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s.
Letting Go to Move Forward
If Emily could go back in time and talk to her younger self, she wouldn’t offer a to-do list or timeline. She’d offer a reminder:
“Be grateful for the doors that close.”
She’s learned that sometimes the most important thing that can happen is a detour. A missed opportunity. A rejection that stings in the moment but leads to something far better later on.
“There’s always another door. And sometimes, the one that opens is so much more aligned with who you’re becoming.”
Keeping the Receipts
In vet school, imposter syndrome creeps in fast. That’s why she’s a huge believer in documenting the journey. Journaling, taking photos, jotting down little moments—whatever keeps the memory of progress alive.
Because when the days get tough (and they do), she flips back and reminds herself:
Emily’s not the same person who started this journey. She’s stronger. Smarter. More sure of who she is and what she stands for.
“Documenting your growth gives you perspective. It proves to you that you’re moving forward, even when it doesn’t feel like it.”
A Mission Beyond the Degree
For her, veterinary medicine isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. But not in the romantic, all-sacrificing kind of way. Her mission is to live a life rooted in values and purpose, one that reflects who she truly is.
“I want to be proud of the person I’m becoming. Not just the veterinarian I’m becoming.”
And as much as she loves animals, she’s equally passionate about people—especially the future veterinarians who, like her, are working hard to claim their place in the profession.
Facing the Hard Truths
She’s also unafraid to name the barriers that make this path harder than it should be.
“The cost of education is one of the biggest problems in our field.”
Student debt, she says, isn’t just a personal burden—it’s a professional crisis. It limits who can afford to pursue this career and who can stay in it long-term. And it’s one of the reasons she’s so vocal about advocating for change.
“We need to make vet med more accessible. More inclusive. More sustainable. The financial barrier makes the veterinary profession inaccessible to those who have the passion and drive to make significant contributions but lack the resources to pursue their ambitions.”
Where She’s Headed
She doesn’t have it all mapped out, but she does love zoo med and dentistry—and that’s okay. What she does have is purpose. And curiosity. And a willingness to show up fully, even when the next step feels uncertain.
She’s not here to be the loudest in the room. She’s here to do the work, to support the people coming up behind her, and to build a career—and a life—that feels like hers.
And it all started with one question.
Want more Emily Chung? Follow her on instagram @mydogtorjourney