and Dereck (veterinary students in Mexico). Diego holds a goat they had just vaccinated through the
program, which provides free veterinary preventive care in rural communities. Courtesy photo.
Diego Roque Aguayo
Growing up in rural Mexico, Diego Roque Aguayo witnessed his family—and his larger community—struggle to access veterinary care for their pets, horses and livestock.
“People couldn’t afford care or travel to seek care for their animals,” he said. “Those experiences shaped my desire to become a veterinarian, so I could help other communities in need.”
After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly Pomona, Roque joined the Class of 2027 to work toward those goals. Last summer, he participated in a UC Davis Global Programs Externship with Rural Veterinary Experience Teaching and Service (RVETS) Mexico in Queretaro, Mexico—an area similar to where he grew up. This non-profit organization provides no-cost veterinary services to rural communities in Mexico, Nicaragua, and the United States.
As the only U.S.-based student in the cohort, Roque traveled with other students from veterinary programs in Mexico, gaining experience in clinical and preventive care for different species. He also completed a research project that assessed the impact of access to care clinics on animals, owners, veterinarians, and veterinary students in Mexico.
“I will always remember when an owner said, ‘RVETS Mexico is the reason my animal is healthy, and my animal is my happiness. Therefore, I can live a happy life,’” Roque said. “Moments like this reassure me that I chose the correct career and that I can make a difference in the lives of animals and people in the future.”
I will always remember when an owner said, ‘RVETS Mexico is the reason my animal is healthy, and my animal is my happiness. Therefore, I can live a happy life.”
–Diego Roque Aguayo
The experience was also Roque’s first with horses and livestock. Although he plans to pursue small animal emergency medicine, he acknowledges that his field experience “opened the door to more.” In the future, he hopes to volunteer with RVETS Mexico again and continue learning about large animal medicine.
Roque’s dedication to his community is evident, regardless of where he finds himself. At UC Davis, he is one of three elected class presidents, a role he enjoys for the opportunities to connect with his classmates and provide guidance on a variety of issues. He is also a student ambassador for the school, representing UC Davis at events on and off campus.
In his free time, Roque works out at the Activities and Recreation Center on campus, which he says helps him manage stress. He has also recently rekindled a passion for collecting vinyl records. He loves to hang out with friends, attend the Davis Farmer’s Market, play pickleball, and spend as much time outdoors as possible.
After graduating, Roque is planning to pursue an internship in emergency medicine, and of course, volunteer with veterinary organizations. He wants to work with nonprofits so he can eventually establish one of his own.
“I know that it will take time,” he said. “But I’m excited for the full circle moment when I can see that I’m making a difference for communities like those where I grew up.”