Erika's Story

My passion is animals. Ever since I was young, I have loved all species of animals. At age 5, I was always willing to help clean my mother’s tank of beautiful fish and did so with joy. As I got older, I began to ask for a variety of pets. My father, who grew up in rural El Salvador and cared for animals as well, happily complied. I owned a lizard, mice, guinea pig, cats, chickens and even helped a hawk heal its broken foot. All those experiences from childhood gave me the determination to become a veterinarian. Since 2015, I have volunteered at an animal shelter, while maintaining strong grades at school, and I am determined to get accepted into vet school. I enjoy the prospect of one day owning a veterinarian clinic and helping all kinds of animals, as well as their owners, and fighting against animal cruelty and ocean pollution.

A difficult question I have always asked myself is if I want to be a standard veterinarian or a veterinarian specializing in aquatic animals. I find both options very compelling and intriguing but I have never had the opportunity to experience any kind of program related to aquatic animals. I believe that going to SEACAMP and experiencing the activities and lessons will help me answer this question and even determine a path for my future.