Veterinary CareersPre-Vet/Career ForumVeterinary Medicine Forum
I recently came back from 2 weeks NSLC leadership conference in Washington,D.C. My attendance at the leadership conference taught me independence and responsibility. I flew to Washington, D.C. without adult supervision, lived in a dormitory on the campus of the University of Maryland, and adjusted to the inconveniences of living away from home. The conference further simulated the college experience with a roommate and the highs and lows of dormitory food. Friendship with many of the other students eased my homesickness and I learned to depend on my peers for advice and companionship. This taste of college life helps me prepare for college away from home. This leadership conference on Medicine and Health Care introduced me to college academics.
I attended lectures at Georgetown University and National Institute of Health. I also participated in group discussions and learned to use the college library to research the topic, "Should doctors refuse futile treatments?" On the debate team, I contributed ideas, cooperated with other team members and voiced my opinions on medical ethics. Our tour of the Walter Reed Museum focused on the history of medicine and was one of the conference highlights. During the mock clinical rounds we learned to take blood pressure measurements and test reflexes and I successfully sutured a pig's foot.The conference also taught skills in leadership and communications. A program guest, who spoke on effective communication, said that we can think of our personality traits as lions, peacocks, koalas, or owls. Each of the traits has strengths and weaknesses. I am a koala because I am accepting, cooperative, and friendly. As leaders, we need to understand each person's strengths and weaknesses so that we can develop and support each team member's potential. I also learned how leaders resolve conflicts with compassion, work with the team to search for solutions, make decisions together, and implement plans to meet the needs of the team. At the end of the session, I went to the front of the conference room and shared how the meeting had helped me be more assertive and decisive.
During the conference, I had one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Based on an essay I submitted on reasons why we should remember the Unknown Soldiers, I was selected as one of the students to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. This was a privilege for me as an American citizen, and it was an honor to be chosen. This experience showed me how to behave in public with dignity and respect.
This summer conference has enriched my life in so many ways. I now feel prepared to meet the challenges of college. I know that I will do well in college, not just academically but also as a well-rounded student.
Grace
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