Hey there! I'm Aiysha Hemmings, and my love for veterinary medicine has never wavered. As a wide-eyed six-year-old, I proudly wore a handmade 'vetarian' tag to Career Day, proclaiming my passion to the world. Though my spelling may have been uncertain, my conviction was clear.

From this young age, I’ve been deeply fascinated by how the body works. My curiosity about bodily functions, medicine, and healing led me to pursue a Bachelor of Basic Medical Sciences in Physiology from the University of the West Indies. While my education gave me a solid foundation in human health, I’ve always had a deep and personal interest in the well-being and care of animals. This passion has now brought me to a life-changing opportunity: I’ve been accepted into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at St. Matthew’s University in the Cayman Islands.

This is a huge step toward my dream, but it comes with a significant financial challenge. Tuition for the program is approximately $15,000 USD per semester, and when you include additional fees, books, insurance, and living expenses, the total cost exceeds $40,000 USD per year. As an international student, access to scholarships and grants is extremely limited, and most government financial aid programs are unavailable to me.

Throughout 2024, I have been working full-time as a medical representative while also volunteering at a veterinary clinic and with racehorses. Balancing both my career and volunteer work has been demanding, but incredibly rewarding. These hands-on experiences with animals have only strengthened my commitment to veterinary medicine and reassured me that this is the path I am truly meant to follow.

I have launched this GoFundMe campaign because I need to raise the necessary funds to begin the program this fall. In order to secure my place, I must pay my tuition in full by mid-July 2025. This deadline is approaching quickly, and I cannot reach it without your help. Every contribution, no matter the size, will bring me closer to making this dream a reality.

Your support would not only help me pursue my passion, but also allow me to serve animals and communities in need. Thank you for believing in me and for being part of this journey.