Meet Twanda Collins | MVS, BS, CH

We had the good fortune of connecting with Twanda Collins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Twanda, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Im from the south side of Chicago, Ill born and raise by my grandmother. My grandmother was a single, hard working parent who was determine to make sure we (my sister and I) were taken care of. Growing up on the south side of Chicago had its fair share of moments that a child should never witness or have to endure, but they do. Not having my parents in my life made me form a shell at a very young age. Watching my grandmother do it all by her self while taking care of two children not biologically hers, showed me how strong a woman can be, let alone a black woman. Growing up in a place that is now known as “Chi-raq” showed me how tough I needed to be. I never thought I will have to fight for my life in school, run for my life while at family functions because of shoot outs, and see life be taken away from me. Chicago is a place to love and explore, Chi-raq is a place where only a few make it out. Im glad I was one of the few. I am Twanda H. Collins who overcame a very difficult past but knew I wanted to be the change. I’m the first out my family to go to college (Tuskegee University), the first to graduate college with a child and Im currently working on my 3rd degree.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Im in a Veterinary Science profession who specialize in Herpetology (a person that studies reptiles and amphibians). I got to where I am professionally by working hard and never giving up on what I believe in. I been turned away, torn down and been told I will never make it but even those statements is what drives me. I never cared about what other people thought of me (especially when you are use to hearing a lot of negativity) but I have always enjoyed proving people wrong. The amount of work, emotional and physical strain it took me to even get to this point in my life have definitely not been a piece of cake but because I love what I do, I’ll do it all over again. I have work with many different specials of animals but exotic animals are the ones that have my heart. It’s about taking risks and putting yourself in dangerous situations, knowing things could go wrong. But the passion comes from knowing that you’re providing medical care and promoting the potential population growth of specific species—those are the thoughts that make me love what I do every day. I have learn to always be truth to myself, live my dreams, work for what I want, fight for what I believe in and know that God will always see me through.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To my amazing grandmother, my wonderful friends, and my beloved son:

I just want to take a moment to shout out the people who have carried me through life’s storms and pushed me forward when things got tough.

Grandma, thank you for always being my rock. Your wisdom, love, and constant encouragement have shaped who I am today. You’ve always had my back, even when I doubted myself, and I wouldn’t have made it this far without your support.

To my friends, thank you for lifting me up when life felt too heavy. Your kindness, laughter, and unwavering presence have made even the hardest days feel lighter. I’m grateful for every laugh, every conversation, and every time you reminded me that I wasn’t alone.

And to my son, you are the reason I keep going. Your love, your energy, and just knowing I have the honor of being your mother make every struggle worth it. You are my constant reminder that there is always something to fight for, and I will always fight for you.

Life isn’t always easy, but with all of you in my corner, I know I can get through anything. Thank you for being my strength, my light, and my reason to keep moving forward. I love you all more than words can say.

With all my heart,
Your favorite
Twanda C.