International experiences shape future veterinarian
Before Newman senior Joseph Luebbe set foot in London or the rainforest of Costa Rica, international travel felt like a distant dream. But in the summer of 2025, he filled his passport with three stamps and returned with a renewed belief in his path to becoming a veterinarian.
Discovering his calling
Luebbe, a biology major with a focus on pre-veterinary medicine, said he never expected to be a student who stepped outside of his comfort zone in college.
“But the more I got involved with clubs, student government and committees,” Luebbe said, “the more I believed I could do things I never imagined.”
As a child, Luebbe connected more easily with animals than people. That bond deepened over time as he volunteered with the Kansas Humane Society, one of his most meaningful experiences. By high school, his heart was set on veterinary medicine.
“Early on, I had some reservations about stepping outside of my comfort zone,” Luebbe explained. “But after these international travel experiences, I learned that the world isn’t as intimidating as I once believed. I feel confident in my ability to connect with people, navigate new situations and be a well-prepared veterinarian.”
Developing independence abroad
From May 19 to June 7, Luebbe explored Europe by train with a group of eight students and two chaperones from Newman. He remembers the group’s first stop, London, for its “distinct character; like stepping into a theme park,” and appreciated the history, architecture and waffles of Bruges, Belgium.
summer Europe by Rail trip, then immediately traveled to
Costa Rica for his internship at a wildlife sanctuary.
“I bought the tickets online, checked the hours and figured out the transportation all by myself,” Luebbe said. “That kind of independence was a huge shift for someone like me, who used to be quiet and always tried to stay within the lines.”
Caring for creatures
Less than a week after returning to the U.S., Luebbe traveled to Costa Rica for a weeklong internship at the Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary and Hospital. He cleaned enclosures, prepared food and medications, created enrichment activities and worked alongside volunteers to care for rescued primates and birds.
“Outside of work, I got to explore the nearby town of Quepos,” Luebbe said. “I walked through a national park, relaxed on the beach and visited local restaurants and bars with other interns. That was another huge confidence boost; I was spending time with people I’d only just met, which is something I never imagined I’d be comfortable doing.”
He even assisted the veterinary team for a day and observed how their medical care supports daily animal welfare.
“If there’s one key takeaway from my internship, it’s how vast and diverse the world truly is,” Luebbe said. “I was introduced to so many animals I’d never seen before and got to help improve their well-being through daily enrichment.”
Eyes fixed on the future
Luebbe’s travels gave him a new outlook on life and his future career.
“Both trips taught me important truths: As long as I keep moving forward and genuinely embrace new experiences, I will continue to grow and become the best version of myself,” he said.
He’s not done collecting stamps in his passport, either.
“I’m planning to possibly visit Ireland next summer before starting vet school to work with seals,” Luebbe added.
What began as a leap into the unknown has evolved into a passion for exploration. Each stamp in his passport is more than a memory; it’s a promise to keep challenging himself.