Ksina Valdes, University of Florida
Hometown: Alachua, Florida. USA
Meet Ksina Valdes from the University of Florida! This summer, Ksina will be joining our Summer Internship in Spain program! We look forward to welcoming her in La Coruña!
Tell us more about you. “I have always wanted to pursue veterinary medicine; and, I am passionate about diversifying the field of vet med and better representing our clients while providing high-quality patient care. In my free time, I love to spend time in nature, garden, dance, and sing.”
What motivated you to apply for this program? “I am fluent in Spanish and English; but, my goal with this program is to experience learning Spanish more professionally and being truly immersed in the language and culture.”
What motivated you to choose Spain? “I traveled around Europe in 2018; and, I fell in love with Spain. I loved the people, the culture, the food, and the country itself. For my study abroad program I was looking for a place where I could work at a veterinary clinic where everyone spoke Spanish to improve my professional Spanish and medical terminology; so, when I came across this option in Spain it was the best of both worlds.”
What organizations are you involved in on campus? “I was the Service Director for the Minority Pre-Vet club and have been elected as club President for Fall 2023 at the University of Florida. Before I transferred to UF, I worked with the Disabilities and Resource Center as a note-taker for a semester at my college. Overall, I am very passionate about supporting and empowering minority pre-professionals.”
What are your future career goals? “My future career goals are to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, work as a professor at a vet school, and potentially own my own clinic!”
What are some of the places/things on your bucket list?
“El Camino de Santiago is something on my bucket list; so, I look forward to crossing that off with you all this trip! A few others include:
- Becoming scuba certified
- Skydiving and cliff bungee jumping
- Visiting Australia
- Becoming certified as a medical interpreter.”
What is your proudest accomplishment? “My proudest accomplishment is being accepted to pursue my bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida and then also being hired as a Technician Assistant at the UF Small Animal Hospital Emergency and Critical Care department. I grew up in the area and UF was always my dream school. It was the only University I applied to. Almost every year I also attended the UF College of Vet Med open house so getting to walk the halls as an employee was, and sometimes still is, a surreal experience. I am honored to get to learn from the technicians and doctors here; and, I hope to go to vet school at UF as well!”
What is your favorite quote? “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” — George Eliot
“This quote reminds me that I have the power to make my life whatever I want it to be; and, it is never too late to pivot or restart.”
