Shanelle's Vet School send off

My name is Shanelle and a few weeks ago I was accepted to attend Ross University this May! Since I was a little girl I've always wanted to become a veterinarian but it wasn't until after I graduated Oakwood University a few years ago that I actually got a taste of what the profession entails.
It started with volunteering as a technician assistant at the Flint River Animal Hospital, then becoming a full time employee in the daycare/boarding to now where I'm working for Banfield Pet Hospital as a veterinary assistant.

Back story:

Last year I made the decision to taking a step towards fulfilling my goal and took the GRE that summer as my first order of business. Towards the beginning of fall I figured I would begin applying to vet schools but I found out predominantly most of the schools use VMCAS for their application process which opened in May and closed mid-September. I was so disappointed in myself for missing the deadline (especially that close!) but I was determined to start the process for May. That’s when I received an email about a seminar about a vet school named Ross University which had open enrollment for January, May and September. I registered for a seminar and inquired about the “vet school in St. Kitts” I heard so much about in the past. Studying abroad always sounded exciting but I wasn’t confident I had what it took to get in. After speaking to a recruiter and expressing my lack of funds was the only thing keeping me from applying he reassured me the application fee would be waived in the near future and to get started. Within a few days I received an email the application fee would be waived for those who apply within a few days. I quickly got my documents together and applied. While that process in itself had a few hiccups I received a call January 19, 2016 that Ross University of Veterinary Medicine wanted to interview me. I was ecstatic, I couldn’t believe this was happening. February 19, 2016 I drove from Washington, D.C. to New Jersey praying and singing, excited to get this far and hoping to secure my seat in the upcoming class May 2016, but mostly get the experience needed to reapply for September 2016. My interview finished around 1:50 p and I drove to my mother’s home in New York and by the time I parked the car 3:45 p Ross University was calling me to congratulate me on my acceptance. I screamed so loud and cried as I called my family, my friends and my beloved supervisor to share the incredible news.

 Every step has brought me closer to my dreams and I am incredibly grateful for my support system consisting my parents first and foremost, my family, my church family (Ephesus SDA whoot! whoot!), my academic family (from my teachers and staff members at elementary school RT Hudson, high school Northeastern Academy, my Alma Mater Oakwood University) as well as my work family (TEAM WALDORF stand up!!) and so many others.
One person I can say has impacted this stage in my life tremendously is my dearest mentor Dr. Braxton. Her confidence in me brings me to tears and she has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help get me to where I am. Thank you for everything Kim. 

The cause:

Even with all my loved ones mentioned collectively, I'm in need of assistance of addressing some concerns prior to my enrollment in a few weeks. One incredible burden is my car, Kai, my 2005 Toyota Corolla. It's not much but it's my baby. I bought it from CarMax August 2014 and still owe about 9k on my car note. With school fees as well as fees associated with relocating to St. Kitts I have exhausted my funds and while I have friends and loved ones contributing what they can, I'm afraid I will default on my car note as well as my major credit card which I've been using to help me stay afloat. 
My consolidated debt as of today is 2.5 k and my hope is to have all my finances in order prior to my departure so that I can focus on becoming the great veterinarian those who support me are investing in. Anyone who knows me knows I work very very hard and I am always making my dollar stretch (It's probably the New Yorker in me).  Please help me eliminate my debt. I'm asking to pay off my car because it's only worth 3k if I take it back to CarMax and I would need the outstanding balance (6k) on the spot to return it. I bought that car with the intention of owning something dependable and having mode of transportation to and from home (NY), home away from home (DC) and work (Waldorf, MD). I don’t have much time and while I’m working as long as I can to get things in order for school and earn as much as I can to pay my rent, car note, insurance and make credit card payments; it’s not going to be enough, especially once I’m enrolled as a full time veterinary medical student. I don’t have a great, compelling story but I have a dream, please help if you can and thank you so so so much for taking the time to read my story. I didn’t think I would make it this far, but God has been using so many different people in my life to help me along the way. I am eternally grateful. Thank you in advance for helping me reach this next goal.

God Bless,

Shanelle Frett, future DVM