As clinics are approaching, my days as SAVMA President are coming to an end. It’s a bittersweet feeling but looking back there isn’t anything I would have done differently. I had an incredible opportunity to serve as the voice of our students at my school, network with extraordinary students from other schools, and continually learn how to be a better leader.
Serving as president amongst a hectic academic schedule was very challenging but I found that some of the most important lessons I learned came from these experiences outside of the classroom. Being involved in extra-curricular activities doesn’t stop after you submit your VMCAS application. It’s something that I believe everyone should continue
Joining different organizations and holding leadership positions has allowed me to gain many skills that I would not have learned in the classroom that will be vital as a future veterinarian. For example, my membership in many different organizations allowed me to connect with veterinary professionals throughout the United States which has led to so many awesome opportunities. I’ve been able to travel to different conferences and network with so many individuals that I would have never met outside of my classrooms.
I encourage all students entering a veterinary school to get involved in at least one thing outside of academics! You won’t regret it.
