MOUNT OLIVE — Joanna Rackley, a veterinary bioscience major and chemistry minor at the University of Mount Olive, recently completed an internship with Dr. Martin’s Mobile Veterinary Clinic.

Through hands-on experience, Rackley deepened her knowledge of veterinary care while reaffirming her lifelong aspiration to become a veterinarian.

The internship allowed Rackley to work with a variety of animals — from horses and livestock to exotic species—while performing a range of procedures, including castrations, vaccinations, spays, and pregnancy checks.

“Every day brought new challenges, and I was able to apply what I’ve learned at UMO to real-world situations,” said Rackley. “This experience has not only strengthened my skills but has also inspired me to pursue my dream of becoming a rural veterinarian.”

Rackley’s journey to UMO reflects resilience and determination, shaped by personal challenges and a deep love for animals. Now a junior set to graduate in December 2025, she is committed to continuing her education, with hopes of attending veterinary school and one day opening her own rural clinic.

Rackley, 30, enrolled at UMO in 2023 to reignite her childhood dream of attending veterinary school.

That dream began early, inspired by her curiosity about animals and her visits to the veterinarian with her family pets.

“As a child, I would spend hours coaxing stray animals in our yard to trust me enough to let me pet them,” she recalled. “I was amazed by the idea that someone could dedicate their life to helping animals in need, and I knew from an early age that that’s how I wanted to spend my life.”

Raised in Newton Grove, Rackley graduated from Hobbton High School, where she was actively involved in the FFA.

Her participation in career and leadership development events such as land judging, veterinary science, and food science solidified her interest in agriculture and veterinary care.

However, her journey has not been without challenges. After the traumatic loss of her father in 2008, Rackley faced significant emotional struggles, even as she continued to excel academically and participate in sports and extracurricular activities.

Rackley initially pursued veterinary studies at NC State University, but the transition from her small hometown to the bustling city of Raleigh proved overwhelming.

“I spent so much time upholding my grades and helping my mom with the responsibility of being a single parent that I hadn’t considered how the change would affect me,” she said.

Struggling with depression, her grades suffered, and she ultimately decided to change her major.

Rackley graduated in 2018 with a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Technology, but she struggled to find fulfillment in her subsequent career path.

In 2022, encouraged by her mother, Rackley took a veterinary assistant course at Sampson Community College.

It was there that her passion for veterinary medicine was reignited, thanks in large part to Dr. Martin, a large animal veterinarian.

“Dr. Martin made learning fun again,” Rackley said. “By the end of the course, I decided to go back to school and pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian.”

A friend suggested UMO’s veterinary bioscience program, and Rackley took a leap of faith, applying and being accepted.

“UMO’s small class sizes and supportive faculty have made all the difference,” Rackley said. “It’s a welcoming environment where I feel more connected to my professors and classmates.” At UMO, she participated in a poultry research project, which sparked a newfound interest in raising chickens.

Rackley’s family, particularly her mother, Wendy Monk, has been a pillar of support throughout her journey.

“Without my mother’s encouragement, I might never have found the courage to pursue my dream again,” Rackley said. “She’s my biggest cheerleader, and I am incredibly grateful for her love and belief in me.”

As she prepares for the next chapter in her academic and professional life, Rackley reflects on her journey:

“Looking back, I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and working toward making a difference in the lives of animals and their owners.”