The path to a dream career is rarely a straight line; more often, it is a winding road paved with persistence, unexpected pivots and a healthy dose of grit. For Roberta Testori, that journey began over a decade ago at Bede’s School, fueled by a childhood passion for animal welfare in the Cayman Islands. Today, as she prepares to sit her final board exams and graduate as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Roberta reflects on her experiences; from cleaning kennels to treating koalas in the Australian bushfires that transformed a 13-year-old’s dream into a professional reality.

Roberta’s journey is a testament to the power of specialised education. "The whole reason I even went to Bede’s in the first place was because of the Animal Management unit," she recalls. Having spent her afternoons after school in the Cayman Islands cleaning kennels and volunteering at the local humane society, her parents sought out a program that could nurture her ambition.

What she found at Bede’s exceeded her wildest expectations. Guided by teachers like Mr. Juniper and Mr. Jones, Roberta was immersed in a world of hands-on husbandry. Whether it was meticulously setting up a neon tetra aquarium or learning the specific dietary needs of guinea pigs, the lessons were practical and permanent. "I remember Mr Juniper telling me, 'Don’t give them that orange, Roberta!” she laughs, noting that the risk of scurvy in guinea pigs; a detail highlighted to her years ago is now a critical point on her veterinary board exams.

While Roberta always aimed to be a vet, her academic path took an important detour. When her initial grades didn't meet the requirements for veterinary medicine, she chose to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse first, completing a four-year degree and then a Post graduate in Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia at the University of Edinburgh.  

"I’m actually so glad that I did that," Roberta says, "because it helped me understand so much more." This period gave her a significant advantage; while others were learning the basics of animal care, Roberta was already an expert in husbandry and patient handling. This resilience was bolstered by the support of the Bede's community, including former tutors like Mr Bill Richards, who helped her conquer her struggles with math to ensure she could keep moving forward. But the support wasn’t just academic; it was deeply personal. Roberta fondly remembers her close-knit class, particularly her dear friend Daisy Strange. “Daisy was a beautiful human being, inside and out” Roberta reflects. “She always made us laugh and brought so much warmth to the group”. Though Daisy tragically lost her battle with cancer in her 20’s, her memory remains a vital part of Roberta’s journey. “She, along with the entire class, made my time at Bede’s incredibly special. We shared a love for the animals and some of the best times of our lives”. 

The road wasn't without its moments of doubt. To "re-ignite" her passion for the profession, Roberta traveled to Australia during the 2019 bushfire crisis. Working on the front lines of wildlife relief with koalas and kangaroos brought her back to her roots.

"I saw a lot of things. I helped a lot of animals," she says. "Ultimately, that made me think: if I can do this, I can go and be a vet. I want to do more with my life." This realisation led her back to the Cayman Islands to attend St. Matthew’s University, and finally to her clinical rotations at Washington State University in the U.S.

Now 30, Roberta is on the cusp of qualifying as a board-certified veterinarian. She has already accepted a position with the Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), a revolutionary concept in Florida where owners stay with their pets throughout the entire treatment and even surgery.

"I want to be able to treat everything that comes through the door," she explains. Her goal is to be a "mixed practice" vet, comfortable with everything from bearded dragons to domestic dogs, a versatility she credits to her early days at Bede’s.

Looking toward the future, Roberta’s heart remains tied to her home and her school. Within the next five years, she hopes to open her own practice in the Cayman Islands and establish a program where current Bede’s pupils can gain international work experience.

Her advice to current pupils is simple: "Just jump. Do it even if you're scared." She believes that pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, much like she did by moving across the globe at 15, is what builds the resilience necessary for a career in medicine.

As Roberta prepares for her grueling North American Licensing Exam, she carries with her the lessons of the Bede's animal unit. From the water temperature of a fish tank to the Ultra Violet requirements of an iguana, the "basic husbandry" she learned as a teenager has become the foundation of a life dedicated to saving animals. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that while the route may change, the destination remains within reach for those willing to work for it.