Student Spotlight: Ashley Peacock

Ashley's Story

Ashley Peacock, a fourth-year student from Conyers, Georgia, is currently majoring in Animal Health at the University of Georgia and is completing her first year of veterinary school as part of the Animal Health fast-track program. The Animal Health major is a three-year program designed to fast-track students into the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. Students take the prerequisite courses and apply for vet school during the fall semester of their third year, and if accepted, they begin vet school in their fourth year while finishing their undergraduate degree. Ashley will receive her BSA in Animal Health this May, after completing her first year of vet school.

Ashley’s journey into veterinary medicine and poultry science began with her involvement in poultry judging with her FFA team and completing a 4-H project in veterinary science. These experiences sparked her passion for poultry and led her to explore the poultry science department at UGA. Since a young age, Ashley has known she wanted to become a veterinarian, and she chose the Animal Health major to challenge herself and further prepare for her career.

While Ashley is keeping an open mind about her specific field of interest, she enjoys working with poultry, small animals, general practice, and surgery. One of her long-term goals is to open her own veterinary practice. Her experiences in POUL 2020 (Introduction to Poultry Science) and POUL 3000 (Avian Surgical Techniques) were invaluable in preparing her for the demands of veterinary school. These courses provided her with a strong foundation in understanding the digestive tract, and she’s confident in her suture techniques, both of which have proven useful as she navigates her vet school curriculum.

For prospective students aspiring to attend veterinary school and major in Animal Health, Ashley offers the following advice: “You have to be 110% sure that you want to go to vet school. Go for it and face the challenge head on, but remember to stay committed through the hard classes and never give up! It’s also critical to stay focused on the end goal and maintain self-confidence in your studies.”

Ashley’s dedication to her education and passion for veterinary medicine are inspiring, and we look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish as she continues her journey toward becoming a veterinarian and pursuing her dreams in the animal health field.