Author’s note: Some quotes are paraphrased or lightly edited from the original recorded interview. The recorded interview will be provided with a voice over and transcript when it becomes available. This is also reviewed and approved by the interviewee.
As Biverly completes her last two classes to graduate, she is ready to advance beyond her Laboratory Science Technology program and become a veterinarian. She has faced challenges that have helped shape her strong sense of self-advocacy, which is something that she credits to her adoptive mother who taught her to stand up for herself- whether it’s from the classroom to workplace.
Biverly’s identity is deeply rooted in her Filipina and mixed Indigenous heritage, and her experience of being raised by a Black adoptive family has helped her embrace and celebrate her unique combination of backgrounds. She encourages others to step outside of their comfort zones, ask questions, and be curious about everything.
Biverly’s interest sparked when she first volunteered at a local veterinary clinic, where she discovered her passion for working with animals. Encouraged by her high school teachers, she applied to RIT/ NTID to further pursue her dreams. While at RIT/ NTID, Biverly became involved with the community and took on a leadership role as the President of the Asian Deaf Club, where she changed outside perspectives of the club while improving inclusivity and raising cultural awareness.
During her co-op at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst, she had hands-on experience working in a biology lab. As the only Deaf individual, she faced challenges adjusting to the large lab environment and new material. When Biverly felt overwhelmed and alone, she found support in her mentor, who took the time to understand her potential and positively impacted her research experience.
Biverly achieved her internship by adapting to various challenges, for example - resorting to alternative communication methods such as writing back and forth to ensure clear understanding, and being assertive about expressing her needs. During her research on the ‘Chemical Interaction of Tomato and Fusarium’, Biverly made a mistake but was reassured by her mentor that mistakes happen and are opportunities for learning. As she wrapped up her time at UMass, she gained confidence and delivered a final presentation to Ph.D. students and professors, showcasing her hard work and research findings. The important takeaway of this mentorship taught Biverly that mistakes are part of the learning process, it’s not about avoiding them but growing from them.
Biverly’s favorite advice is this quote: “There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs.” The process may be slower and more challenging, but each step builds resilience and strength. She believes in tackling challenges head-on and learning from the setbacks as part of the journey to success. Looking ahead, Biverly is determined to continue her journey toward veterinary medicine, ready to take on each step to making a meaningful impact in veterinary medicine.
