OSU and other DVM students at the VLE in Idaho
In the hubbub of dead week for first- and second-year students and finals for third-year students, three students and one faculty headed to Post Falls, Idaho to attend the 2010 Veterinary Leadership Experience (VLE). The Oregon State University contingent, consisting of Sandra Lloyd (2012), Julie Stafford (2013), Brian Zulauf (2011), and faculty Dr. Karyn Bird got off the plane in Spokane to join about 195 other students, faculty, corporate partners, friends of veterinary medicine, and one new MD to spend five intensive days of learning and having fun together. Everyone was on a first name basis, and most of the OSU contingent went off to join separate groups. While there were some large group activities, most of the week’s work was done in small groups of 13-15 people and one to several facilitators. Each person was there to learn about how to be a leader but in the process each got to know him- or herself better. Some of what they learned was how to come together as a team to accomplish a project, that you can depend on others, how to deal with frustration, how to communicate, and about the gremlin on our shoulders that keep us from accomplishing great things. They also learned to take joy in all accomplishments, and much, too much more to innumerate here.
Since it was at the end of school, the students finished finals and headed off to summer externships, vacations, other fun things, and, for Brian, Senior Rotations. However, Dr. Bird was able to track some of them down to get feedback about their experiences:
“VLE is something that everyone, not just vets and vet students should experience. Group dynamics and communication are just the beginning. Oh, and rule #6: Don’t take yourself so seriously!” Brian Zulauf
“The VLE gave me a chance to reflect on my personality, how I communicate with others, and I learned that I need to be less of a perfectionist and stop being so hard on myself. They pointed out that as veterinarians and veterinary students, we are hard-workers and are constantly trying to achieve, but we need to step off the treadmill now and then to reassess where we are going and to make sure we are good to ourselves, too.
I would recommend attending VLE to anyone. They really give you the communication and leadership skills necessary to be successful as a veterinarian and in the other relationships in your life. Even though the VLE was the week before finals, I found myself stressing less and less about finals as the week went on as I realized that what I was learning at VLE was so important.” Sandra Lloyd
The comments from the students say it all – what a great experience! The choice is ours to make a difference. In the midst of tests, stress, and inevitable personal and group mishaps, the choice is ours to be happy or not. Choose Happy!!
