In my class, there are 6 black students and 1 other black male. Yet, one day, I hope that I see more of myself in the profession I fell in love with. To build a more inclusive veterinary profession, it is essential to focus on recruiting and retaining diverse talent. This begins with outreach and education efforts that highlight veterinary medicine as a viable and rewarding career path for underrepresented groups. Partnerships with HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions can play a significant role in these efforts. Additionally, creating scholarships, internships, and mentorship programs specifically for underrepresented students can help bridge the gap. Once these students enter the field, ongoing support and professional development opportunities are crucial for their retention and success. By fostering a supportive environment, we can ensure that diverse talent not only enters but thrives in the veterinary profession.

I believe that achieving a more diverse and inclusive veterinary profession requires a unified vision and concerted effort from all stakeholders. We're still far from being a truly diverse field, but I hold onto the hope that with a continued commitment to equity and inclusion, we can create a future where everyone belongs.