Combined passion for public health and veterinary medicine

Being part of the Mazunte Project 2024 in Mexico was one of the greatest experiences in my professional career that combined my two passions: veterinary medicine and public health.

While taking charge of the registration list, prepping, or recovering patients, I felt resourceful using my bilingual skills, appreciating how grateful the people were to have someone who spoke their language. It was very fulfilling working alongside the community. They were so grateful for our visit and our contribution. It filled my heart with so much joy.

When I got into public health, combining it with veterinary medicine is what I pictured myself doing; traveling the world, contributing to access to care, aiding to break down those socioeconomic barriers, helping animals and their people at once, transboundary. It still blows my mind the interdisciplinarity of our work there, how with high volume spay/neuters we are also helping sea turtle populations, contributing to ecosystem wellness. It is genuinely amazing.

Furthermore, as a Latina coming from the working class, it is a great honor to give back to communities like mine. Additionally, as a first-generation college student, I can only hope to serve as a role model and inspire all the kids who were there watching us work. There is so much to do.

By the end of the program, I felt overjoyed and proud. It was incredible how much growth had happened. I am taking this experience deep into my heart. I am beyond grateful for every owner who allowed me to learn and grow as a veterinary professional with their pets. How pure their “gracias” was and how calm, collected, and understanding every doctor/mentor was, even in stressful situations. Grateful for the perfect team we had, complementing each other in every aspect. Grateful for every sunset with the warmest and brightest colors, and every delicious taco I had the pleasure to try. I wish I could have more experiences like this.

Thank you and Go Green!!!

Name: Maygan Cuevas Oquendo
Status: Graduate
Major: Veterinary Medicine
Hometown: Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Program: The Mazunte Project in Mexico