Meet Kiarra Tarver
Kiarra is a second-year Veterinary Medicine student on the Glendale, AZ campus. One of her favorite parts of her education has been the chance to tackle real-world healthcare issues by volunteering with experiential programs benefiting underserved populations.
"As a first-generation student with much of my family in Germany and Bosnia, finding the right University meant more than just academics. It was about discovering a supportive community where I could truly thrive."
Community Involvement (AZ) at Midwestern University
Midwestern University gives students many opportunities to take what they have learned and use it to help people in the community. Whether it is through volunteer work for underserved communities or by offering patient care in the University’s Clinics, you will always have the chance to see first-hand how your skills and learning benefit those who need healthcare.
Transcript
Second-year Veterinary Medicine student Kiarra fell in love with animals when traveling to Bosnia as a young child. She has taken that love and turned it into a career path at Midwestern University. Kiarra, we can't wait to hear your story. Take it away.
Thanks, Alex. As a first-generation student with much of my family in Germany and Bosnia, finding the right university meant more than just academics. It was about discovering a supportive community where I could truly thrive. Midwestern University proved to be the perfect fit with club involvement central to the student experience. I fostered a deep sense of belonging. Serving as President of the Shelter Club and the veterinary team of Health Outreach through Medicine and Education, or H.O.M.E., along with being a member of Black Student Alliance have deeply connected me with both my studies and peers. H.O.M.E. also fosters One Health interdisciplinary connections between human medicine and vet students through collaboration at monthly wellness clinics at a local homeless shelter. Through the collaboration between Shelter Club and MWU's Mobile Clinic, I've gained real-world experience performing neuters on stray cats within my first year of vet school. With over a hundred specialized clubs, students have opportunities to translate classroom learning into practical experiences fostering both personal and academic growth.
Midwestern's commitment to academic excellence is evident in its cutting-edge facilities like the Animal Health Institute, offering immersive learning experiences through live animal and simulation labs. My favorite has been our large animal labs where I get experience with both horses and cows. These labs mimic real-world settings and have helped sharpen my clinical skills, engaging with diverse communities, participating in practical labs, and tackling real-world healthcare challenges have equipped me to navigate the complexities of the field, ensuring that I'm well-prepared to make a meaningful impact as a veterinarian. So there you have it, a glimpse into my journey at MWU where passion, purpose, and community come together to shape the veterinarians up tomorrow. Back to you, Alex. Auf Wiedersehen. Goodbye.
That is such a great story, Kiarra. Midwestern University, home to Arizona's first veterinary college, is helping students like Kiarra turn their passion for animals into a career that provides animals with care. Thanks again for sharing.