How a Laurentian Alumna made her veterinary dream come true

(September 19, 2025) - Mark Twain is credited with a line we hear a lot in education circles. “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Perhaps in the second sentence of that quote he could have added something about just how much work it might be to become qualified for that job? 

For Emma Jessop, Zoology graduate of Laurentian University who is now beginning her first year at the Ontario Veterinary College, the dream of becoming a veterinarian began early in life and to this day, she can’t imagine herself doing anything else. “At our family camp, I would always pick up any frogs, snakes, turtles, it sparked my passion for animals. Then in grade 8 I was able to visit the LaSalle Animal Clinic, I remember that morning I was able to sit in on a procedure. I remember the way the veterinarian spoke to the family, connecting with them and supporting them. I wanted to be able to do that for people and animals.” 

With a clear goal in mind, Emma asked herself the next big question: how do I make this dream come true?

The answer began at Laurentian University, where she pursued her undergraduate degree in Zoology. She found mentors, including Dr. Mery Martinez, who taught her critical analysis skills and prepared her for her master's degree, Dr. Jackie Litzgus, who inspired her interest in herpetology, and Dr. David Pearson who influenced her science communication skills, which were crucial for her master's thesis presentation. 

Emma dedicated herself to her studies and did everything possible to increase her odds of being accepted into one of the most selective graduate programs in Canada. While others would go home after class, she knocked on clinic doors and created opportunities. She spent her time volunteering and working  for multiple animal clinics; LaSalle Animal Clinic, Baxter Animal Hospital, and eventually Barrydowne Animal Hospital.

But the path to veterinary school is highly competitive. Her first three applications to the Ontario Veterinary College weren't successful, but that didn’t deter her, this was her calling. She enrolled in a Master’s of Science program at the University of Guelph to strengthen her academic foundation. From there, she earned more experiences in local veterinary offices, gaining the practical, real-world experience that would prepare her for the next step.

After years of perseverance—four beyond her undergraduate degree—Emma achieved her dream: admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the Ontario Veterinary College.

When asked about advice for people seeking to become veterinarians, she encouraged them to step out of their comfort zone and persevere. 

“Challenge yourself to volunteer at clinics, there are so many places that are accepting volunteers. My journey wasn’t linear, I used the support services available to me like tutoring and time with teaching assistants. Using support services is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of success. It might feel discouraging before reaching out, but it’s definitely going to help you. I worked hard for my grades and studied a lot. If this is your passion and your dream, don’t give up. You can absolutely do it!”

She won’t be walking this path alone. Seven other Laurentian alumni also earned spots in the very first Northern Cohort of the Ontario Veterinary College, a new cohort with just 20 available spaces. 

For Emma, the hard work it took to get here means that when she begins her career as a veterinarian, it may no longer feel like work at all.