Gabrielle Acquaviva, a third-year student at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, shared her journey to veterinary medicine, which began without childhood aspirations in the field or family connections to the profession. Instead, she initially chose law as a career path due to its familiarity within her family.
Acquaviva explained that majoring in Criminal Justice led her to realize she was pursuing success at the expense of personal fulfillment. “I was chasing a version of success that left no room for my passion, joy, or fulfillment,” she said. As graduation neared, she found herself drawn more to waitressing and singing than to legal studies.
Her perspective shifted when an opportunity arose at a veterinary office through an animal rescue organization with which her family fostered dogs. The position offered stability and prompted her to reconsider her career direction. She described this moment as pivotal: “Swallowing my apprehension, fear, and doubt, I stepped onto the second path — an act of bravery that makes writing this story possible.”
Working with an animal care team inspired Acquaviva to pursue veterinary medicine seriously. She began taking prerequisite science courses while continuing full-time work at the clinic. Although some colleagues perceived her growing knowledge as a threat—eventually limiting her role—she persisted in learning and sought new opportunities when necessary.
A key moment came during a job interview with a leading veterinary dermatologist after leaving her first clinic. When faced with medical math problems she could not solve on the spot, Acquaviva responded candidly: “Honestly, I don’t know how to do these. But I am a fantastic learner.” This honesty secured her the position.
Under mentorship from Dr. Andrew Rosenberg and guidance from Animal Dermatology Group, Acquaviva developed technical skills ranging from blood draws to anesthesia monitoring and expanded into surgical roles beyond dermatology.
When applying for veterinary school at age 25, Acquaviva acknowledged that many competitors had followed more traditional paths but believed in the value of her experiences. She ultimately chose LSU School of Veterinary Medicine after visiting its campus: “After touring the school, there was no hesitation. I was meant to be an LSU Tiger.”
Reflecting on both major crossroads—the decision not to pursue law and choosing LSU—Acquaviva emphasized growth through uncertainty: “Stepping into the unknown is the first stride toward becoming who you’re meant to be.”
She expressed gratitude for support from family, friends, clinicians who mentored her along the way, and LSU School of Veterinary Medicine for fostering nontraditional students like herself: “Above all, I am grateful to LSU School of Veterinary Medicine for trusting students like me and giving us the chance to shape our own extraordinary paths.”
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is one of only 33 accredited veterinary schools in the United States and is unique as Louisiana’s sole institution offering such education.
