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

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

Meet Deacon Lajala, a second-year veterinary student at the Royal Veterinary College in London, originally from Honolulu, Hawai‘i. In this inspiring Vet Candy feature, Deacon shares his journey from island life to international veterinary school, highlighting his passion for veterinary education, mental wellness, and finding purpose. With values rooted in gratitude, ambition, and authenticity, Deacon opens up about overcoming challenges, making bold decisions, and embracing community both in-person and online. Whether you're a future vet or just looking for motivation, his story is a refreshing reminder of the power of purpose and human connection in veterinary medicine.

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Is Your Job Hurting Your Mental Health?
Jill Lopez Jill Lopez

Is Your Job Hurting Your Mental Health?

It’s no secret—millennials are feeling the pressure. A recent survey found that 45% of millennials say their job negatively affects their mental health, and the veterinary world is no exception. Long hours, emotional cases, student debt, and the ever-present pressure to be perfect have created the perfect storm for burnout. But now, two bold voices are stepping up to challenge the silence.

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Senate Passes Sweeping Changes to Student Loans—Here’s What It Means for Future Veterinarians
Jill Lopez Jill Lopez

Senate Passes Sweeping Changes to Student Loans—Here’s What It Means for Future Veterinarians

Under the reconciliation bill passed by the Senate, veterinary students would face a lifetime cap of $100,000 on federal student loans, significantly limiting their access to financial aid. This new cap replaces the current system, where students can borrow up to $20,500 annually in unsubsidized Stafford Loans and cover the remaining cost of attendance through Graduate PLUS Loans, which have no formal cap. Importantly, the bill reserves a higher $200,000 borrowing limit only for medical and law students, excluding veterinary students from that group. With the average cost of veterinary education ranging from $250,000 to over $400,000, this change would leave a substantial funding gap that students would need to fill with private loans, which typically carry higher interest rates and fewer borrower protections. If enacted, this policy could make veterinary education significantly less accessible and financially riskier for aspiring veterinarians.

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NC State Vet Student Dasia Harris is Breaking Barriers in Veterinary Medicine—One Honest Post at a Time
Jill Lopez Jill Lopez

NC State Vet Student Dasia Harris is Breaking Barriers in Veterinary Medicine—One Honest Post at a Time

Second-year veterinary student Dasia Harris of NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is using her Southern roots, military experience, and online voice to inspire future veterinarians and make the field more inclusive. Through her leadership, resilience, and authentic storytelling, she’s redefining what success in veterinary medicine looks like.

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