Carolina Baquerizo

Name: Carolina Baquerizo

Medical Title/Credentials: Veterinary Student

IG: @carolinasfieldguide

School/Program: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Favorite Hobby: I enjoy surfing, skiing, and cooking in my free time!

Why did you choose this profession? The most pivotal years of my life were spent growing up at Zoo Miami; as a teenager, I began volunteering and spreading conservation awareness messages to guests. Then during my undergraduate studies, I returned to the zoo to intern on the African ungulate team. We collaborated with many of the departments on zoo grounds, and on my first day assisted the vet staff with three zebra immobilizations. Over time, I learned that zoo veterinarians are active in survival/reintroduction programs and facilitate conservation breeding. Just a few years ago, I did not know how I was going to integrate conservation work into my career choice, but this strong correlation between zoo veterinarians and conservation work ignited my dream profession.

Biggest Inspiration: My parents continue to inspire me on my journey towards becoming a veterinarian. I am incredibly grateful for the sacrifices each of them has made to help me succeed academically and as a person in the real world. They have always encouraged me to dream bigger and to reach for goals I may have felt were impossible. They are my biggest cheerleaders, and I hope I can return the favor in the future. 

Current Passion Project: My current passion project is self-care. I find that incorporating mindful and healthy moments into my day truly makes a difference. I love trying out new skincare products, meditating, painting my nails, taking a pilates class, or even baking something new! I encourage everyone to take a few moments each week to enjoy YOU!

Fun Fact: I have performed farrier work on giraffe hooves.

Do you have any advice for others interested in entering your field? Never be afraid if you do not know the answer to something. Your time as a pre-vet or veterinary student is the time for your inquisitiveness to run wild! Take pride in not knowing and allow yourself to become a sponge; absorb anything that makes you go: WOW! Additionally, take the time to become someone’s cheerleader or mentor. When we lift each other up, we can all succeed.