Finding Her Voice: How Orli Algranatti Is Redefining Veterinary Mentorship

The first-year CSU vet student shares how stepping into discomfort, traveling the world, and starting a podcast transformed her path—and how she's helping others do the same

When Orli Algranatti accepted a veterinary internship in a country where she didn't speak the language, she was terrified. The barriers felt insurmountable, the risk enormous. But something inside her knew that the opportunities that scare us the most are often the ones we need to pursue.

That leap of faith didn't just expand her clinical skills, it fundamentally changed who she is. "It taught me that discomfort often means growth," she reflects. "And the best opportunities are usually the ones that feel the most intimidating at first."

That philosophy has become a throughline in Orli's journey. Now a first-year veterinary student at Colorado State University, she's built a path defined by saying yes to the things that push her beyond her comfort zone, and then turning around to help others do the same.

A Passport to Perspective

Long before that pivotal internship, Orli discovered the transformative power of stepping outside her routine. She's traveled to over 30 countries, immersing herself in different cultures and ways of life that taught her lessons no classroom ever could. "It gave me a sense of perspective and independence I could never have gained otherwise," she says.

That global mindset shaped how she approaches veterinary medicine, not as a siloed profession, but as a field enriched by diverse perspectives, experiences, and voices. It's a perspective she now actively cultivates through her work as a mentor and advocate.

Building While Learning

While developing an extensive research background in oncology and gaining hands-on clinical experience in surgery, oncology, and ophthalmology, Orli identified a gap: pre-veterinary and veterinary students needed honest guidance, real conversations, and a community that would help them navigate the often overwhelming path to becoming a veterinarian.

So she took another risk and launched Vet Inspo Talks, a podcast dedicated to exactly that mission. What started as a way to speak with experts and address common misconceptions became something much bigger, a platform that helps students find their footing while amplifying diverse voices within the profession.

"I try to help others achieve their goals and navigate this complex path," she explains. Through her podcast and online platforms, she shares resources, guidance, and real talk about what it takes to succeed in veterinary medicine—not just academically, but emotionally and professionally.

The Power of Small Gestures

Ask Orli what human qualities she most admires, and she doesn't hesitate: kindness and respect. "Small gestures can have a lasting impact, especially in demanding environments like veterinary medicine," she says. It's not just philosophy—it's practice. She carries positivity and empathy with her daily because she's seen firsthand how they can completely change someone's experience.

That commitment to kindness informs her vision for the future. Orli hopes to complete advanced clinical training and eventually open her own practice—but not just any practice. She envisions an environment that prioritizes collaboration, education, and genuine support for both clients and veterinary teams. A place where the values she holds dear aren't just talked about, but built into the foundation.

Advice She'd Give Herself

Looking back at the nervous student who almost didn't pursue that international internship, Orli's advice to her younger self is simple: "Don't be afraid to pursue something that feels out of reach. You never know where it may lead."

It's advice born from experience. She stayed true to herself and her values. She built resilience and didn't give up when things felt uncertain. She put herself out there and said yes to opportunities that terrified her. And those three qualities—authenticity, resilience, and courage—got her exactly where she is today.

For the pre-vet student scrolling through Orli's podcast, or the first-year vet student feeling overwhelmed, her story offers something more valuable than a roadmap: permission to take the scary leap, trust the uncomfortable growth, and believe that the person they'll become is worth the risk.

Because sometimes the best thing we can do is pursue what feels out of reach—and then turn around and help someone else do the same. It is no wonder why she’s a Vet Candy Rising Star for 2026! Check out her podcast on youtube, https://www.youtube.com/@VetInspoTalks