Now as a tenth-semester veterinary student at the Ross School of Veterinary Medicine, he believes he has unlocked the secrets that almost always guarantee ones success- hard work, commitment, and unwavering faith in God and sacrifice.

Shevaun was recently awarded the MU Small Animal Surgery Award at the University of Missouri.

He said this accomplishment has validated the years of sacrifice.

As a professional in a certain field, it is a refreshing feeling to be awarded for the work that you do. I used my knowledge obtained during my preclinical years at RUSVM in anatomy and surgical procedure not to just pass my small animal surgery exam, but to ace it and impress the surgery staff.

Shevaun said his pursuit of a career in veterinary medicine did not come as a surprise to his family and closest friends.

My mom started working at Veterinary Services at the Agriculture Department in 1995 and I was born in 1996. So Ive been at the veterinary Office my entire life. I wanted to be a veterinarian most of my life but at one point I realized Im terrified of large bovids (cows) So I had switched to culinary arts for a year or two but I talked to Dr Henry about it and he explained the method of restraining to me and then I went back to vet med.The young Vet said one of the greatest challenges he's encountered to date, is his battle with low self-esteem and the fact that he really didnt like to read.

Developing a sound and positive friend group really helped me develop my confidence and I feel like I had to start liking reading or else Because of my own experiences, I am very passionate about youth empowerment and helping other young people realise that theres no reason why they cant be who and what they want to be.

Shevaun hopes to one day own a restaurant.

As a child, he said this and other dreams seemed way beyond his reach, but hes grateful to know that with consistent commitment its only a matter of time before all of his dreams are realised.

I think my passion is fuelled by remembering the days when I thought there was no way I could ever be a veterinarian. I doubted the possibility and plausibility of this ever happening because of my financial/family background. Im grateful for my aunt Evelyn who saw greatness I didnt see in myself. She definitely changed my life.

Shevaun hopes to return home in September where he will begin work as an Associate Veterinarian at the Ministry of Agricultures Veterinary Services Department.

Considering the fluidity of the COVID-19 pandemic it remains to be seen if he would be allowed to return home on schedule, even so, Shevaun remains hopeful.

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St Kitts-Nevis well represented in the field of Veterinary medicine - Loop News Cayman