Passionate about teaching people how to provide the best care possible for their animals.
Victoria Villanueva was born and raised in McAllen, Texas. She credits three influences in her life that formed the person she is today – her mother, father and grandparents.
“My core values and determination came from my father, he was raised with his priorities set on taking over his father's grain, corn, cotton and vegetable farm operation on about 7,000 acres in the Rio Grande Valley,” Villanueva said. “I see my father's work ethic implemented in my daily life.”
Villanueva's mother was a huge inspiration in her continuing her education. She was able to see how her mother pushed herself to further her education.
“My mother obtained her Master of Education, where she found passion as a special education diagnostician,” Villanueva said. “My mother continues to influence me every day and taught me how important furthering my education is. I saw how my mother melded her passion and education at her job and it inspired my passion for showing cattle and pursuing veterinary medicine.”
Then, it was her grandparents who were the main reasons for her coming to Texas Tech University's School of Veterinary Medicine. This came about because they were very involved with their grandchildren and helped them succeed in various National FFA Organization projects.
“I showed market swine for three years, then transitioned into showing market steers and heifers that were selected from and raised on my grandfather's farm,” Villanueva said. “Showing FFA projects over the course of 10 years contributed to my grit, sense of responsibility and overall passion for animal care.”
She has a fascinating story fueled by inspiration from family, a passion for people and a heart for animals. Let's get to know Victoria Villanueva through a series of questions.
What are you passionate about in veterinary medicine?
My passion comes from my experience working in a rural veterinary clinic in Falfurrias,
Texas and seeing the importance of having to educate clients on difficult topics relating
to their pets. No matter where my veterinary career takes me, my passion is educating
my future clientele on how to best care for their animals. Currently, I am planning
on working as a mixed animal veterinarian, but recently I have found interest in gaining
experience on small animal orthopedic surgeries.
What are some life experiences that led you to that passion?
Before showing cattle, I competed in dressage and show jumping with my horse, Romeo. We grew a bond together but unfortunately, he scummed to illness that took him quickly while my family and I were on vacation. The veterinarian noted Romeo had consumed a toxic plant. This event, along with showing FFA projects for 10 years, sparked my interest in pursuing veterinary medicine. There is no specific moment in time that led to my passion, it's been collectively growing through my childhood and into my current experience working in veterinary clinics.
What inspires you to pursue what you love to do every day?
The people in my life are the ones who continually inspire me to pursue what I love to do. My mom loves to send me inspirational quotes every morning before school, and my grandparents have given me the opportunity to pursue what I love. I've met amazing people with unique backgrounds through the School of Veterinary Medicine that I am honored to call my friends. I definitely learn something new every day from them and they inspire me to continue to crave new knowledge.
How do you plan to go back and help your community?
I'm not entirely sure yet and I think that's okay. I do, however, enjoy the environment of a rural mixed animal practice. The Rio Grande Valley has a need for mixed animal veterinarians, and I would love to return and give back to my community.
Why did you choose Texas Tech? 
I chose Texas Tech because their purpose resonates with my interests, which is supporting veterinary education and attending to rural and regional communities. During interviews, I felt a warm welcoming from the school and was fond of how tight knit the community was.
What was your reaction when you got the call that you were accepted to Texas Tech University's School of Veterinary Medicine?
I was at work in Falfurrias, Texas. It was a slow day, so I was cleaning pens outside and got the call early from John Dascanio, senior associate dean for academic and student affairs. I was beyond excited and relieved to hear I had been accepted. He asked if I had been accepted to other schools and I replied, “I had been accepted to Ross but was concerned of packing my belongings in a barrel and am so glad I don't have to worry about that anymore”.
What are your favorite things to do outside of school?
Outside of school, I'm passionate for anything competitive. I played competitive tennis growing up and in college for the Texas State Club Tennis Team. This past summer, I taught tennis lessons to a variety of age groups at the Amarillo Tennis Club and started playing pickleball. I played my first open pickleball tournament during the summer and happened to be the only girl signed up out of about 30 men. I also play quite a few video games and can get quite passionate about them!