Finding her path: How Purdue helped a transfer student become a mentor and leader
From the time she was in high school in Hebron, Indiana, Gwen Weaver knew she wanted to become a veterinarian. She started her college career at Vincennes University, where she earned an associate degree in chemical sciences with a pre-veterinary concentration. After two years, she transferred to Purdue as an animal sciences major with a pre-veterinary concentration.
Purdue’s reputation for hands-on learning persuaded her to make the move.
“My department is committed to giving students real-world opportunities,” she said. “Coming from a nonfarm background, the hands-on labs at the Animal Sciences Research and Education Center have been so impactful. I have gained confidence and learned how to care for animals like cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry. It has helped me grow while also showing me the importance of animal agriculture.”
Outside the classroom, she found her community on the 2025 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) National Champion Purdue Equestrian Team (PET). Weekly lessons, caring for team horses and traveling to shows allows her to enjoy horsemanship while being part of a competitive, supportive environment.
2025 Purdue Equine Team
“The friendships and mentorship I have found on the team have been such a big part of my Purdue experience,” she said. “Joining PET made a big campus feel small and gave me an immediate family of people who share similar goals.”
This past summer, she gained additional career preparation by job shadowing at Coyne Veterinary Center in Portage, Indiana. She learned how to draw blood, administer vaccines and assist with checkups while working alongside veterinarians and their clients.
I realized that veterinary medicine is more than science. It is about teamwork, communication and empathy,” she said. “That experience confirmed my passion for becoming a veterinarian.”
Because of her own journey as a transfer student, she now serves as a Purdue Agriculture transfer mentor, supporting other students who are navigating the transition to campus life. She said the role allows her to give back while encouraging others to take advantage of the same opportunities that helped her succeed.
Her long-term goal is to attend veterinary school.
“Every class, lab and assignment is a step toward that dream. I want to combine strong scientific knowledge with compassionate care, and that motivates me to keep going.”
Her advice for prospective students is to get involved and find a sense of community.
“Purdue might feel big at first, but joining clubs, getting hands-on experience and connecting with your department makes it feel smaller really quickly,” Weaver said. “There are so many opportunities here. You just have to jump in.”
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