Dr. Jordana’s Reflection: Returning to St. Kitts 20 Years After Vet School Began

Dr. Jordana visiting Ross University

Last week, I had the incredible honor of being invited back to St. Kitts by Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine to represent the alumni during their AVMA site accreditation visit.

It had been nearly 20 years since I last set foot on the island! So much has changed since I first arrived as a young veterinary student. I vividly remember landing in St. Kitts on New Year’s Day in 2002, just 19 years old and full of ambition. To give you an idea of how young I was—I had wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I could remember. So, when the opportunity arose to graduate high school early and begin my veterinary school prerequisites, I jumped at the chance. After completing my college courses in just two and a half years, I was off to St. Kitts to pursue my dream. Living in such a breathtakingly beautiful place felt surreal—until the realities of veterinary school set in!

Vet school was rigorous. We attended classes year-round, with seven semesters on the island, each lasting 15 weeks, followed by short breaks. While I wish I could say I spent my time exploring every inch of St. Kitts—scuba diving, hiking Mount Liamuiga (the island’s dormant volcano), and immersing myself in its rich history—the truth is, I spent most of my time studying. Sure, I studied at the pool and the beach, soaking up the Caribbean sun, but the island often felt more like a picturesque backdrop than a playground.

Dr. Jordana and her classmates at Ross University

Fast forward to this trip, and I finally had the chance to experience St. Kitts as a visitor rather than a student. What surprised me most was how familiar it still felt. Despite nearly two decades away, stepping off the plane felt like coming home. Unlike many airports, St. Kitts doesn’t have jet bridges, so passengers descend directly onto the tarmac, immediately embraced by the island’s warmth. The dazzling blue sky and the lush green mountains create an almost surreal contrast. Walking down the steps from the plane, I felt like royalty! The airport itself has evolved—now much more modern and air-conditioned, which was a welcome improvement.

St. Kitts has undergone a significant transformation since my student days. Once dependent on sugar cane farming, the island has now embraced tourism, with sprawling resorts and a bustling cruise port welcoming multiple large ships each day. On some days, the number of cruise passengers even exceeds the island’s population!

Returning to Ross University was equally awe-inspiring. The campus has tripled in size, integrating state-of-the-art technology, advanced skills labs, surgical suites, and cutting-edge research facilities. It was a proud moment to witness how the school has flourished while remaining true to its mission: providing the highest quality education to aspiring veterinarians.

Walking through my old stomping grounds—where I studied, shopped, and ate—as a fully realized veterinarian was nothing short of an out-of-body experience. St. Kitts will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to return, not just as an alumna, but as someone who has lived out the very dream that first brought me there.