Jessica Sheets poses with a cat on a lawn.

We're putting our student ambassadors in the limelight. Students from all four years of veterinary classes bring their expertise and experience to bear in helping you learn more about the DVM program and the student experience here at the Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. 

Jessica Sheets | About Me

Greetings y’all! My name is Jessica (also Jessie/Jess), and I am a veterinary student in the class of 2023. I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where I attended Mt. Hood Community College and transferred to Portland State University to receive my Bachelor of Science in Biology.

I am a first-generation college student from a low-income family who has aspired to become a veterinarian since the age of eight. I started out as an elementary kid rescuing strays off the streets to volunteering on the surgery team at my local animal shelter. As always emphasized by my mom, nothing is unobtainable where bigger dreams exist. So, despite the numerous obstacles, I am so pleased to be attending Oregon State University and to be representing the school as a veterinary ambassador.

I hope to become a small animal veterinarian with a focus in feline medicine and return to my hometown to serve veterinary care to the low-income Portland families like mine. I also have a passion for mentorship and teaching, so if anyone finds themselves reading this with an interest in vet med, you already have a supporter to your journey and reach out anytime at sheetsje@oregonstate.edu.

Q&A

Why did you want to become a student ambassador?
I've always had a passion for leadership, outreach and teaching. Being a first-generation college student, I remember going through the process of college with many questions and not knowing who I could ask to clarify things. I wanted to be someone who others could go to for help no matter where in their educational path they stood. I'm also very sociable and felt this would be an easy outlet to interacting with and meeting new people. 

 What tip/advice would you offer to future students?
Not a single path taken to become a vet is identical between two people. We live in a world that teaches us to compare ourselves to others. Instead, try comparing your present self to your past self and use that to build towards your desired future self. Everyone will come to vet school with different experiences and talents. Discover YOUR talents and assess yourself by those, NOT by the talents of others.

What’s your favorite experience/memory of vet school so far?
Getting to serve on the Portland Animal Welfare team during my Oregon Humane Society rotation. I've always wanted to cater veterinary care to the low-income families of my hometown. One lady in particular cried happy tears when I handed her dog back after the appointment. It brought some tears to my eyes even. She was so thankful and I felt so honored to make even a little difference in her life. I hope for many more moments like that through my career.