From Honolulu to London: How Deacon Lajala is Navigating Vet School with Gratitude, Grit, and Purpose

If you ever find yourself paddling through the turquoise waters of Hawai’i or power-walking the rainy streets of London, chances are you’re moving through two worlds that shaped Deacon Lajala. This second-year veterinary student at the Royal Veterinary College didn’t take the traditional path—but that’s what makes his story so refreshing.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Deacon grew up surrounded by sunshine, saltwater, and a deep-rooted respect for hard work. The middle child of three boys, he spent his high school days navigating outrigger canoes and chasing that perfect balance of ambition and aloha. While many students spend years deciding on a career, Deacon made his choice with enviable clarity—he applied to vet school straight out of high school and boarded a plane to the UK without looking back.

“It was the easiest decision I’ve ever made,” he says. “I didn’t think twice. I just knew.”

Now, thousands of miles from home and deep into his studies, Deacon is still paddling—but this time through anatomy lectures, clinical rotations, and building a new life far from familiar shores. He's also discovering new passions, like veterinary education and the power of sharing his journey online to inspire others.

“I haven’t had years of clinical experience yet, but I’m an open book,” he says. “The people I’ve met in this field have been incredibly kind, and I want to pay that energy forward.”

A Purpose-Driven Path

What sets Deacon apart isn’t just his ocean-crossing ambition—it’s his mindset. Gratitude, ambition, and conscientiousness are the qualities he credits for getting him where he is today. He describes his drive not as pressure, but as a way to honor those who believed in him: “I want my life to be as meaningful as the contributions of the people who supported me.”

Even when vet school gets intense (and let’s be real—it does), Deacon finds clarity in the basics: good sleep, good food, good friends, and movement. “When I’m overwhelmed, I check in with those four things. They usually tell me what I’m missing.”

And if he could go back in time and offer his younger self some advice? It’s simple but powerful: “Make the first move and talk to that stranger.” It’s a lesson he’s carried with him through the crowded hallways of RVC and one that’s made all the difference in building community far from home.

Island Roots, Global Vision

Deacon’s story is rooted in family. His admiration for his parents runs deep—his father, a military pilot, and his mother, a physician, both returned to O’ahu to serve their community. Their commitment to home and their example of resilience set the tone for Deacon’s own life mission.

That sense of possibility is something Deacon wants to share. Whether it’s through mentorship, future educational content, or simply being open about his journey, he’s carving out a space in veterinary medicine that values connection and authenticity.

He’s still exploring where exactly he’ll land within the field, but one thing’s for sure—his compass is purpose. “It’s what gets me out of bed when I want to stay under the covers,” he says. “Purpose gives you a reason to keep going, even when the path is hard.”

Follow Deacon’s journey on social media @veterinarywithdeacon, and don’t be surprised if you feel inspired to take a leap of your own. After all, as he reminds us, someone out there is waiting for a new connection—and it might just start with a simple hello.

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