College Station, Texas (KBTX) – Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMB) welcomes approximately 250 children on its third veterinary education day, practices to inspire the next generation of veterinarians It provided an experience like this.
Hosted by veterinary students in collaboration with the Reach Project, the event featured animal care, service dogs and veterinary procedures from the underrepresented population of Brian College Station. Activities include interactions with wildlife and reptile rooms, teddy bear hospital stations and small anti-minant interactions.
Kela Benton, director of Veterinary Education Day, highlighted the impact of the event.
“We invited elementary school students from key Texas A&M workers,” Benton said. “We allowed them to see what it was like to be a veterinarian, to let them know that they had teddy bear surgery, they had goats and that it was possible for them to be veterinarians. There are so many different things to do.”
Growing up under the veterinary profession, Benton emphasized the importance of expression.
“As a minority, I don’t really see a lot of people who look like me,” she said. “You can be in this position and be able to allow children from different walks of life to say, ‘I want to be like her’ and become like the different vets that are helping me here . . ”
Marian Gerada Costa, junior director of Veterinary Education Day, called the event one of her favourite days of the year.
“We have the privilege of inviting around 200 to 250 elementary school students from around Brian College Station, which allows us to give back to those who serve our community,” Da said. Costa said.
She noted that this experience helps children imagine themselves in their veterinary careers.
“My favorite on Vet Day is being able to plant that dream in someone else and see it flourishing right in front of my eyes,” Da Costa said. “Last year there was a girl who came to her birthday. She had a stethoscope, she was walking through the room, she was so excited that she wanted to be a veterinarian.”
Beyond inspiring children, the event also serves as a reminder for veterinarian students on their journey.
“It’s a really good time for us in the semester,” Da Costa said. “Maybe we’re a bit depressed, but then you turn around and see a six-year-old girl wearing the same shoes as 15 or 20 years ago. That’s why you’re here to come It reminds us how hard you have to work and how we are inspiring the next generation to follow in your footsteps.”
Da Costa said the event also plays a role in addressing veterinary gaps, including language barriers.
“There are certain areas where veterinary care is not very accessible,” she said. “What’s really important to me is to fill in the gap between education and language barriers. If you look like me and speak another language, it’s a bonus. It’s just that you can help your community. It’s something you can do.”
Da Costa says the event requires almost a year of planning.
“We spend at least six to ten months preparing,” says Da Costa. “Literally, from today onwards, I will start sending emails to start organizing next year’s events. It’s a big job, but it’s very close to our hearts and is important.”
With the veterinary industry facing a labor shortage, Da Costa said early exposure to the profession is essential.
“We always hear people say, ‘I wanted to be a vet since I was a kid,’ but unfortunately, that’s not common in some communities,” she said. . “Being able to expose a child at a young age not only instills positive interactions with animals, it also turns to career paths that you didn’t think about before. Hey, there’s a shortage of veterinarians. I need more veterinarians.”
Organizers aim to continue growing on Veterinary Education Day, expanding outreach and inspire more future veterinarians.
And without a visit from Miss Reveil, the Texas A&M event will not be completed. The college’s beloved mascot made a special appearance, giving the kids the opportunity to meet the First Lady of Aggieland.
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