Today

After a short stint in regulatory and preventive medicine for the Michigan State Government, Rachel Cezar took an internship at Hagyard-Davidson-McGee Internal Medicine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. She is pursuing her strong interest in Equine medicine.

What she said then (2000)

Age: 25

Hometown:
Well, I sort of have two hometowns. I lived in Mendon/Three Rivers, Mich., until I left for college at Michigan State in 1994. In 1997, however, my parents moved back to their hometown, Oberlin, La., so I basically spend any extended free time I get down there. While I now consider Oberlin my home, I occasionally visit Mendon/Three Rivers, as I still have some family and good friends there.

Undergrad & Degree:
Michigan State University, bachelor's degree in veterinary science.

Do you have a spouse or significant other?
No significant other for now.

How did you become interested in veterinary medicine?
My dad always had a barn full of animals, especially horses, so love of animals is in my blood. But I was inspired by our vet, Dr. Suzanne Jacoby. She was very petite but was able to handle anything and anybody...and I felt that she had the best job in the world and wanted to be just like her.

When did you know you wanted to be a vet?
I believe it was around the start of junior high school.

What did it take for you to get into vet school? How did you prepare?
It took a lot of mental motivation, and talking to the right people — although talking to the wrong people, the ones who said that it would be too hard for me to get in, pushed me to work harder in college. Keeping my grades up in college and being a well-rounded student, such as participating in extracurricular activities, helped a great deal with getting into vet school.

Tell us about yourself. What do you do when you're not studying or involved in cases? What do you love to do?
I enjoy spending time laughing and having a good ole' time with friends and family. I love to go dancing when I have the energy. And of course, I love to go horseback riding.

Who are your heroes?
My heroes are my parents. I know everyone says that their parents are their heroes but mine truly are. If my father hadn't loved animals as much as he does, or hadn't pushed me not to be afraid of anything, I don't think I would have ever received the experience I did growing up, or be the person I am today. Also, my mother is a very beautiful woman with a warm heart. She's really inspired me to be a caring person toward people and animals.

Describe your pets.
I have three cats. Gracie, a spayed black-and-white female; Shotzie, a neutered gray Himalayan/Siamese male, who my nephew just shaved — poor Shotzie, he now resembles a lion; and Blackie, the mighty leader of the crazy cat pack, who is, of course, black.

What's it like working with cameras all the time?
It's CRAZY...especially when the camera guys hit you in the back of the head with the cameras. I won't mention any names...DEREK...oops! But actually, it isn't too bad after you get the hang of it and get familiar with the filming crew.

What advice do you have for those who want to go to vet school?
If it's your dream to be a veterinarian, then do everything you can to be a vet and don't let anyone stand in your way, or try to tell you it's impossible. Also, remember to stay focused and learn how to use your time wisely. It's a hard and strenuous journey, but it's well worth it!!

What are the sacrifices you make for vet school?
The biggest sacrifice I've had to make for vet school is not being able to spend as much time with my family and close friends. This also goes along with not having the money to spend on my family for gifts at holidays. I really enjoy making my family smile and letting them know I care, but given that I'm away at vet school and have to watch my budget very, very closely, I can't do that right now. Fortunately, my family and close friends are very understanding and realize how important becoming a vet is to me.

What sets you apart from the other vet students?
Well, I definitely am not the smartest of the batch...but I think I can be quite outgoing. I like to smile and have fun with everyone I meet.

What's your favorite way to spend a rainy Saturday?
Sleep, sleep and more sleep.

What's your favorite TV show?
Will and Grace (the best show ever!!!). Well, second to our new show, Vet School Confidential!

What was your favorite vacation ever?
Vacation?! When do I have time to go on vacation!?!? I'm in vet school. But really, lately, my vacations are spent going home to spend time with my mom and dad in Louisiana — and also so I can go horseback riding.

If you weren't a veterinarian, what would you be?
I would have been a horse-racing jockey. I hope I can still fit the bill of a jockey and be one after I graduate, along with being a vet. If not, then I will have just to be a vet and a barrel-racing cowgirl!!