Hi, my name is Megan Williams, and I’ve recently been offered a place at Surrey Vet School and two additional interviews so far — a moment I’ve worked toward for years, despite being told again and again that I would never make it.

Throughout school and even into university, I was discouraged at almost every stage. Teachers, advisers, and people around me often repeated the same phrases:

“Veterinary medicine is too competitive.”

“You’re not the right type of student.”

“Choose something easier.”

This was especially shocking for me, because at home I had always been raised to believe the opposite.

My parents taught me that I could achieve anything I put my mind to, no matter where I came from or what obstacles were in my way. So hearing “you can’t” from people who were supposed to support me was disheartening — especially when I don’t come from a privileged background and have had to work hard for every opportunity I’ve had.

But instead of letting it stop me, it made me more determined.

And now I’ve earned a place at one of the UK’s leading vet schools.

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Why I need your help

Because this is my second degree, I am NOT eligible for ANY maintenance funding at all — despite not coming from a privileged background, and despite working as hard as I possibly can.

This means:

• No support for accommodation

• No support for food or transport

• No support for basic living costs

• No guaranteed tuition support unless accepted onto a very specific postgraduate route

I’ve worked part-time throughout university, saved everything I can, and applied for every scholarship, bursary, and charity scheme available. But the financial gap is still too large to bridge alone.

I don’t want to lose the opportunity I’ve fought so hard for because of a funding rule I can’t change.

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A Note About Asking for Help

I’m not someone who usually shares my financial situation or asks others for support. I’ve always been independent and tried to handle everything on my own, so creating this fundraiser feels very out of my comfort zone. But without any maintenance funding as a second-degree student, I simply can’t make this dream possible alone. I wouldn’t be asking if I had any other option. Your support doesn’t just help me financially — it gives me the chance to continue the journey I’ve worked so hard for.

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Why becoming a vet means everything to me

My passion for animals began when I was young, and it’s only grown stronger over the years. I’ve gained a wide range of experience, including:

• Volunteering at animal shelters, caring for rescue dogs and cats

• Working at stables, supporting horse care and yard management

• Shadowing vets and completing placements in veterinary practices

• Volunteering with Greyhound Rescue Wales, supporting retired racing dogs

• Participating in lambing, where I brought new life into the world — an experience just as magical and emotional as everyone says

• Gaining hands-on experience with livestock and husbandry

• Building strong scientific skills through my forensic science degree, including pathology, anatomy, welfare assessment, and investigation

But my motivation to become a vet goes beyond experience.

Through my forensic degree, I’ve learned how to handle pressure, think analytically, communicate clearly, and advocate for living beings who cannot speak for themselves. In veterinary practice, these are essential skills.

I want to be a vet who:

• Champions animal welfare, especially for vulnerable or mistreated animals

• Supports owners through difficult moments with empathy and honesty

• Makes evidence-based decisions rooted in science

• Contributes to welfare investigations, pathology, and complex cases

• Creates a compassionate environment for every animal, no matter their background

Helping animals has shaped my life. Becoming a vet isn’t just a career goal — it’s the purpose I’ve been working toward for as long as I can remember.

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Where your support will go

Every donation — big or small — will help cover essential costs I receive no funding for, such as:

• Travel or accommodation to attend vet school

• Required equipment, placements, and study materials

• Basic living expenses during an extremely intensive degree

Your support could be the reason I’m able to accept my place and continue this journey.

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❤️ Thank you for believing in me

Every time someone said “you’ll never make it,” I pushed harder.

Getting into vet school is proof that resilience matters — but I can’t take the final step alone.

If you can donate or share my story, you’re helping me turn “you’ll never make it” into “I did it.”

Thank you so much for reading and supporting my journey.

Meg