For those of you considering the pre-med or pre-vet track, SWE President Andrea Garcia-D’Angeli is the person to look up to. Andrea made the decision to pursue veterinary school starting the summer of 2020. Since she was a kid, Andrea was attracted to the idea of being a veterinarian for she always favored subjects like anatomy, physiology, and biology (some engineers’ least favorite subject) over others.
“I realized I didn’t want to graduate UF without ever trying to pursue veterinary medicine and certainly, did not want to look back at my life when I was 40 years old and think ‘I wish I had tried’ or have any regrets. Ultimately, I made the decision to be brave and pursue my passion before it was too late.”
Currently, Andrea is taking pre-requisite courses and is in a foaling practicum course to get more large-animal experience; she will begin shadowing a veterinarian in Gainesville starting Spring 2021. Additionally, Andrea has become an active member of the UF Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club (UF PVMC) to gain more exposure to important information and opportunities regarding vet schools.
After finding her shadow experiences and time spent with animals very intriguing, Andrea is more than excited to learn more about this honorable profession. From discovering this passion in veterinary medicine, Andrea adds in, "I certainly would suggest everyone think about their passions seriously and not be afraid to go after them!"
In addition to the pre-vet track, Andrea has participated in quite a bit of engineering research, some of the most interesting being 3D printing PLA military horn antennas, tensile testing and analysis of muroid and human skin; her most recent senior research project involves 3D bioprinting sodium alginate hydrogels.
Lastly, with some wise words from Andrea...
“I definitely want to encourage all underclass SWEeties to pursue their passions and interests. If you love history and are thinking about getting a major or minor in it, then you should seriously consider it! To me, college is the time to truly expand your horizons and grow as a person, which includes the time to take interesting courses and nurture your mind. Don’t be afraid of having to stay strictly on track of a laid out 4-year plan that you created
when you were 18 years old. Go to advisors and talk to them to see about how you can squeeze in your interests. It’s also okay to just take a course or two in the arts or whatever you like if that’s something you want to do, as it also helps to give your mind a break from all the hard math/science classes you’re already taking! Of course, remember to be smart about your choices though and talk to advisors, financial aid, etc. to make sure you’ll have the
time and money to do so (basically don’t take a million classes that have nothing to do with your major before consulting with advisors to ensure you’ll be good to do so).”