Yes, she’s an Illinois State Scholar—an impressive accomplishment for sure—but Ella Radke has other things on her mind. She’s always known she wanted to work with animals. But for years, people told her all the reasons why she shouldn’t. The long hours, the emotional toll, the physical demands of the job—none of it ever deterred her for long. Because for Ella, veterinary medicine is not just a career choice; it’s a calling.

“I’ve always had animals at my house,” she says. “Since we moved back to Jasper County, caring for them has been second nature. But for a long time, I let other people’s opinions get in my head. They’d tell me, ‘Vets are underpaid, it’s exhausting, it’s a tough field.’ And that’s true, but none of that ever mattered to me as much as my love for animals and for medicine itself.”

It wasn’t until she started career shadowing at the Newton Veterinary Clinic that her path became crystal clear. “That experience solidified everything for me,” she says. “The first day I walked in, I thought I’d just be introducing myself. Instead, they handed me scrubs and took me straight into a surgery, in–process. That’s when I knew—I could do this.”

Ella’s love for veterinary medicine isn’t just about treating injuries or diagnosing illnesses; it’s about giving a voice to creatures who can’t explain what’s wrong. “Animals can’t tell you where it hurts,” she says. “They can’t tell you what they’re feeling. You have to figure it out. And that’s why I love this field—it’s about problem-solving, about truly listening to an animal’s behavior, about being the voice for the voiceless.”

Though she’s open to exploring all aspects of the field, Ella envisions her future in small animal care, possibly with some exposure to exotic pets. “I’d like to work with different species just to get a feel for everything,” she says. “But at the end of the day, I see myself working mostly with pets—cats, dogs, maybe some birds. I want to be the person families trust with their beloved animals.”

Her hands-on experience with veterinary care has given her a deeper understanding of both the triumphs and heartbreaks of the profession. Dissecting a cat in anatomy class was a particularly defining moment for her—not because of the challenge, but because it reinforced her sense of purpose. “It was different from dissecting a pig or a frog,” she admits. “I have cats at home, and the idea of working with an animal so familiar to me was tough. But then I realized—this animal’s life wasn’t wasted. It was teaching me something. It was preparing me to help others.”

That perspective has only strengthened her resolve. “When you see the reality of veterinary medicine—the good and the hard parts—you realize that it’s not about how easy or comfortable the job is. It’s about whether or not you can do it, whether or not you’re willing to keep showing up, even when it’s difficult. And I know that I am.”

Ella’s commitment to her goals is reflected in everything she does, from her rigorous academic schedule to her extracurricular activities. A dedicated cross-country runner, she credits the sport with instilling in her a sense of grit and determination that she’ll carry into veterinary school. “Running three miles in the August heat isn’t easy,” she laughs.

 

“But it teaches you something about endurance, about pushing through even when you don’t want to. That’s exactly what I’ll need when I get to vet school.”

Next fall, she plans to attend Eastern Illinois University for her undergraduate studies before applying to veterinary school. While she’s considered multiple options, she’s keeping an open mind about where her path might take her. “Vet school is four years after undergrad, and I know it’s going to be intense,” she says. “But I’m not afraid of the work. I know it’ll be worth it.”

In addition to her academic and career aspirations, Ella has also been a dedicated member of her school’s musical theater program, participating in productions since she was 12 years old. “Music has been such a huge part of my life,” she says. “It’s taught me discipline, teamwork, and confidence. And in a weird way, it’s connected to veterinary medicine too—you have to be prepared, you have to trust yourself, and you have to perform under pressure.”

Looking ahead, she envisions herself returning to a place much like Newton, giving back to a community that has shaped her. “I hope to come back home after vet school,” she says. “This place has given me so much, and I want to give back.”

For now, Ella Radke is stepping forward with confidence—ready to study, ready to serve, and most of all, ready to listen to the voices that can’t speak for themselves. And in doing so, she’s proving that when you follow your passion, no obstacle is too great, and no dream is out of reach.