Hi! I’m Daniella Morgan-Pascualvaca, and I’m a rising third-year undergraduate at the University of Chicago. I’m currently studying biology and business economics with hopes of going to vet school and getting an MBA. My goal is to own and manage small-animal veterinary hospitals and pet hotels.
I grew up in Washington, DC, where my love for animals started as early as I can remember, along with the second love of my life: traveling. I always had at least one pet in the household, including a guinea pig that we found in the backyard. My freshman year of high school, I started volunteering at a veterinary clinic near my house. At first, I was put to work mopping the floors and cleaning the cages as I was fourteen, inexperienced, and the clinic had never taken a volunteer before. However, over the next four years, I shadowed impressive veterinarians, gained some medical experience, and eventually became a paid part-time veterinary assistant. I loved every minute of it.
Yet, I wanted to tie a business element into my love for animals. In college, I joined a business program and started pursuing a double major, but both of my passions continued to feel disconnected. My science groups were aimed towards pre-meds, while business groups focused on finance and consulting.
I was stuck with a very niche interest, and Mella Pet Care was a godsend.
I finally found a team that was as passionate about animal health and entrepreneurship as I was. It has been wonderful working with a team that aims to help pets, pet-parents, and veterinarians alike.