Jessi Thompson

I am majoring in Biology with minors in Chemistry, Classics with an emphasis in Latin, and General Business. I chose to major in Biology because I looked at the classes required for this degree and they seemed interesting to me and I felt like they are classes that I would love to learn more about. I knew going in that Biology was not the only major that pre-vet student could take, but it seemed like the best fit for me. I also added a classics minor with a Latin emphasis because I took one Latin class and instantly fell in love with this area of study. The business minor was a recent addition because I think that it would be a great asset to have if I want to open my own practice one day. I think that it is really important to pursue your interests in college and find what you love!

I have always been interested in working with animals since I was young, but I didn’t think of vet med as a real option for a career until my senior year of high school. I ultimately chose to pursue a pre-vet health profession after getting a job at a veterinary hospital back home. For me, getting those experiences in the field allowed me to solidify my decision to pursue veterinary medicine as well as the advice that I have gotten from HPAO that helped me realize that this was an attainable career. I cannot imagine a better way to spend my days other than helping the helpless and giving them a voice.

HPAO has helped me in countless ways. I always walk out of my appointment with Ms. Carmen Kennedy feeling much more relaxed than I did going in. She has provided me with help scheduling classes to make sure that I am on the right track for my degree requirements as well as my professional school requirements. She also is the best at giving advice, always recommending places that I can volunteer, shadow, or work so that I can have the most competitive application whenever it comes time to apply to professional school. She's always willing to answer any questions that I have about the vet school application and if she doesn't know the answer, she will stop at nothing to find the answer!

My most memorable experience working with HPAO was working as an ambassador at Mississippi Day this past year. I got to meet so many prospective students and interact with them in a fun way as well as inform the public about all that HPAO has to offer.

I hope to be a veterinarian working with small animals and maybe open my own clinic one day. I would also love to travel abroad and work with veterinarians around the world!

Most definitely the P-5 at El Agave.

When I am not studying, I love being around animals, watching sunsets, traveling to new places, and laying in my hammock.

My favorite spot to study is anywhere outside! I love getting to enjoy nature, get some fresh air, and have a change of scenery when I am studying.