Full Article in Chinese

• Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
• Junior Veterinarian, Non-Profit making Veterinary Services Society

Monica's journey exemplifies the transformative power of pursuing one's passion, even in the face of adversity. Her story is one of resilience and self-discovery, beginning as a top scorer in the HKDSE and enrolling in medical school, only to leave behind the prestigious field in search of a more fulfilling path. During a period of depression, Monica found comfort in her pet cat, which inspired her to make a difference in the world, one animal at a time. Her conviction led her to enroll in the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine programme at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and later join a nonprofit veterinary clinic, where she actively works to make veterinary care more accessible. Her unconventional path is marked by determination and a deep commitment to her cause.

Monica's affinity for animals was intertwined with her academic achievements from an early age. She recalls, "When I was eight, I wanted a dog. Initially, my family was against it, but they agreed on the condition that I would rank first in my exams. I achieved that goal, and it led me to my first pet." This experience also introduced her to the nonprofit veterinary clinic where she now works, as she took her sick dog there for treatment. This chance encounter planted the seed for her future career as a veterinarian.

Despite her cheerful demeanor, Monica faced emotional challenges during her formative years, particularly after becoming a DSE top scorer and entering medical school. "I first struggled with depression in my fourth year of secondary school, largely due to my perfectionist tendencies and magnifying negative emotions," she confides. Her class teacher noticed her struggles and encouraged her to seek professional help, which gradually improved her mental health. However, the pressure of medical school led to another emotional downturn, prompting her to take a break from her studies. During this difficult time, volunteering with animals and having pets helped Monica rediscover her self-worth. "I realised that stray animals desperately need medical support, and after much contemplation, I decided to pursue veterinary medicine at CityUHK, aiming to heal the animals that once healed my soul."

"Veterinary studies are rigorous and lengthy, with no shortcuts," Monica explains. "However, my second university experience combined my passion with a mission to help animals, making the six-year programme challenging yet fulfilling." The veterinary curriculum at CityUHK is comprehensive, covering clinical training, communication skills, animal behavior, public health, and legal practices. The University even invites lawyers to discuss the legal responsibilities and protections of veterinarians, deepening her understanding of professionalism.

Thanks to her outstanding performance in the programme, Monica frequently received recommendations for scholarship opportunities. Among her most memorable experiences was receiving the "Innovation and Technology Scholarship" from the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, which allowed her to participate in exchange activities in the UK and Africa. "I never imagined visiting a farm in South Africa, learning to care for cheetahs and meerkats, or attending a summer course on medical data analysis at the University of London," she reminisces. These experiences, particularly the cases of African wildlife medicine, enabled her to represent CityUHK at international conferences, providing invaluable experiences that benefit her professional development and advocacy for animal rights.

Monica and her peers founded the Veterinary Medicine Society, advocating for animal rights and the concept of One Health locally. Despite the pandemic disrupting their plans for hands-on activities like taking students to observe dolphins, they successfully organised the first High Table Dinner before graduation. "From securing sponsorships, designing the event flow, to inviting guests, we handled it all," she says. "The event was a success, offering the industry a chance to unite and rethink new directions for animal rights."

Reflecting on joining the nonprofit veterinary clinic she first visited, Monica describes a sense of coming full circle. "This clinic sparked my journey into veterinary medicine and provides funding support for those in need while assisting stray animals with sterilization surgeries. I vividly remember adopting a stray cat I treated as a new family member."

To promote animal rights, Monica currently shares her knowledge through public lectures, discussing daily care and animal behavior assessment. She is also eager to learn more about law and data science to contribute to the professional development of Hong Kong's veterinary industry. "To be a veterinarian, empathy is crucial. Knowledge empowers us, but empathy guides us in using that power effectively." On her seemingly unconventional path, Monica continues to carve out new possibilities for the role of a healer.

（Published at 20 November 2025）