Fostering Animal Understanding, Nurturing and Advocacy (F.A.U.N.A.), is the first and only pre-veterinary medicine organization on the campus of Howard University. Their purpose is to support students who desire to pursue animal-related careers.
This is the organization’s first year being recognized by the University.
Lakelle Bridges, a junior honors Biology major, Chemistry minor from Seattle, Washington, serves as the secretary and membership lead for F.A.U.N.A.
“F.A.U.N.A.’s mission is creating a space for students who are interested in pre-veterinary medicine, people who have an interest in having careers that involve animals and allowing them to explore that at Howard,” Bridges said.
She shared how the pre-veterinary track is rare at Howard University, and F.A.U.N.A. is a space to bring the small population of pre-veterinary students together.
“So I think by having this community of people all working towards this one goal, we can really divide and conquer the things that we don’t know,” Bridges said.
Their most recent event was in collaboration with the Xi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, called “Kappas and Kanines.”
During this event, students were welcomed to walk, play and feed treats to dogs, as well as put in an application to adopt them.
“It was so nice being able to share that with everyone because it goes beyond just pre-vet,” Bridges said.
Anaya Tillman is a junior Biology major, chemistry minor from Charlotte, North Carolina, on the pre-veterinary track and serves as the organization’s treasurer.
Last year, before the organization was officially established, there were three students. They have since grown to 13 members.
“We really try to create an inclusive environment where we all feel supported throughout our journey towards the veterinary field,” Tillman said.
Tillman said Howard doesn’t have many resources for pre-veterinary students that help prepare them for veterinary school.
Due to the lack of resources, F.A.U.N.A. provides students with the experience they need to prepare them for the next step.
“At F.A.U.N.A., we offer seminars and different exposure events for our members to help prepare them. It definitely helps our members feel confident in exploring different opportunities we wouldn’t normally see on campus,” Tillman said.
Through F.A.U.N.A., Tillman networked to receive her first externship at District Veterinary Hospital. With their volunteer work at Humane Rescue Alliance, she met her mentor and has been working with her for a year.
Megan Moore, a sophomore undeclared major on the biology track from Memphis, Tennessee, by way of Rayford, North Carolina, serves on the event committee.
Moore shares that although she is undeclared, F.A.U.N.A has helped her feel more secure.
She emphasizes how the organization is not only a space for pre-veterinary students but also for students who have a love for animals and want to learn the basics of taking care of them.
“F.A.U.N.A. ties together those who are not in veterinary medicine and those who are pet owners, aspiring pet owners or just want to do better for their pets,” Moore said.
As the event coordinator, she shared that one of her favorite events was the reptile show fundraiser.
There, students had the opportunity to learn about different species while supporting the organization’s initiatives.
Through social media, Moore aspires to help the organization gain more traction and visibility.
Copy edited by Daryl R. Thomas Jr.