Ella Higgins always knew she wanted to become a veterinarian. Her love for animals ran deep, and she was determined to find a university that could not only prepare her for veterinary school, but also support her passions and help her grow.

At Ohio State, Ella found more than just a program — she found a place where her dreams could take root.

Coming from New Jersey, Ella didn’t know a single person on campus. It was daunting to leave behind everything familiar, but she saw it as an opportunity to start fresh and fully embrace all the university had to offer. Determined to make the most of her time, she dove headfirst into many opportunities.

“It can be scary at first, but pushing yourself to try new experiences is the best way to meet new people, and it’s how I made my closest friends here at Ohio State,” she says.

With this mindset, she quickly immersed herself in student organizations, joining the Pre-Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA), the Buckeye Dairy Club and the Biological Sciences Scholars Program. Each group gave her a new perspective, a new skill set and a new circle of people who shared her passion.

Her work also extended beyond the classroom. Through Ohio State’s equine-assisted services, Ella explored her interest in horses firsthand, engaging in their care, health and training.

It was through these hands-on experiences that Ella discovered a growing interest in research. By connecting with faculty in the Department of Animal Sciences, she began assisting with a project focused on human-animal interactions. Soon, a deeper curiosity ignited, and after a year of learning from others, she began her own project as part of her pursuit of a research distinction.

Ohio State also gave Ella access to experiences she never expected. Through the Second-Year Transformational Experience Program (STEP), she studied abroad in Ireland, where she gained new insight into animal care from a global perspective. She trained her own cow for a dairy showmanship competition with Buckeye Royal, and she visited The Wilds, a safari conservation park, with her Scholars cohort. Each of these opportunities added something meaningful to her journey, shaping both her academic path and personal growth.

Yet, the heart of Ella’s Buckeye experience isn’t just the programs, the travel or even the animals — it’s the people.

“There is an immediate sense of belonging once you are able to call yourself a Buckeye,” she says. “Because once you join this family, you will find love and support no matter where life takes you.”

For Ella, Ohio State has been more than a stepping stone to veterinary school. It’s been a place where she’s built lifelong connections, discovered new passions and found a community that feels like home.

Ella on her Ohio State experience: “I have never experienced a more supportive and loyal community other than what you’ll find here at Ohio State. … As an out-of-state student who didn’t know anyone, the Buckeye community made it easy to connect with others. Networking, whether with fellow students, professors, or even employers, has always been a welcoming and enjoyable experience.”

Her advice to students: “Making study groups within each of your classes, or at least having someone to sit next to in lectures, can make an overwhelming classroom feel small.”