I’m Katelynn Youatt, a third-year DVM Student at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. In June, I traveled with my classmate, Chrissie Graves, and our faculty counterpart, Dr. Marc Kinsley, to Post Falls, Idaho to represent the College at the Veterinary Leadership Experience (VLE). I was excited for the opportunity to work on a myriad of skills that would aid in my professional development, but I was not prepared for how much the VLE would enhance my personal life as well.

The VLE is a week-long intensive leadership training program that encourages participants to “think outside the box.” Students are selected by their school to attend VLE, and while away in Idaho, are given the opportunity to focus on who they are as individuals, veterinarians, and members of society.

As the bustle of travel in metros and airports took us into a quiet bus ride through the Ponderosa pines and Spokane river, I knew I was all in. From the first night at the VLE, it was clear that what I was experiencing was part of the magic that Elizabeth “Betsy” Charles, executive director of the VLE, and her team have captured—it’s rare to come across opportunities with such complete buy-in.

At the VLE, we participated in interactive classwork, small group team challenges, and, of course, karaoke. The coolest experiences for me were during group activities. We used a system of ropes and thick rubber banding to move a can of water more than 20 yards with half of the members of the team blindfolded. In another activity, we were assigned the task of having to get every member of the team over a 15-foot. sheer wall. Then we had to pass all members of the team through a rope web.

In addition to active teamwork, this experience provided moments of reflection that were subtle and unexpected. In one exercise, we were challenged to pick out people, places, events, and other key experiences in our lives and organize them to reflect on who we are today. These exercises led me (as well as many others) to astounding personal realizations.

Veterinary professionals tend to be empathetic and high-achieving individuals, but these talents also can lead to burn-out and personal discord. It was refreshing to be given a tool-set that was focused on emotional intelligence and health. The VLE helped participants recognize different aspects of their personalities and how they can use these traits to be better personally and professionally.

Perhaps the most immersive and refreshing aspect about the VLE was being surrounded by colleagues from around the world and being able to experience their passions for the profession. I am so proud of my fellow Spartans and our representation. We made connections with others that will last throughout our careers.

It was absolutely incredible to make so many friends and allies who are driven to take veterinary medicine to new and exciting places!