VLE - 2006

Dean of Student Life: Dr. Sean Fox

Counselor: Ms. Elpida Artemiou

Professor, Department of Structure and Function: Dr. Danny Liswaniso

4th Semester Student: Ms. Kia Gray

4th Semester Student: Mr. Chad Davis

 

Comments

"The VLE is not only an opportunity to learn how to interact with and understand others, it is also an incredible journey of self discovery. This experience provides the tools and skills necessary for personal growth and a strong knowledge of what a good leader truly is. It has a strong focus on service as the basis of leadership and daily experiences. Everything I learned has become an invaluable and integrated part of my life. My mission now is to pass on these words of wisdom to others in hopes that I can make a difference in how each and every one of us sees the world around us. Hopefully this will lead to the maintenance of an environment of mutual respect and compassion for our colleagues in veterinary medicine." - Kia Gray

"For the past ten years, I have prided myself in my ability to lead by example and work daily to develop my leadership aptitude. Yet I remind myself that these tools and traits must always be refreshed and fine tuned. Before departing for Washington and the VLE 2006, a decided to consult Webster’s Dictionary to get a clear focus of how leadership is defined by our society. According to Webster, leadership is “The function of directing or controlling the actions or attitudes of an individual or group with more or less willing acquiescence of the followers.” This definition lead me to further examine my own actions to determine whom those “followers” might be and if I was “directing or controlling” in the right direction. The opportunity to attend the VLE was the outlook I needed to refresh my current state of mind and develop a stronger understanding of the people I interact with and how to further a more positive interaction regardless of the situation. The VLE took on the role of a “challenge” that required "outside the box thinking and theory,” as well as the role ascent ion to this concept of Servant Leadership. People form different walks of lives and backgrounds as diverse as the backdrop of the beautiful Spokane River. Professors, faculty, students and associated individuals from within the veterinary community came together in what seemed a VERY short period of time. Walls were revealed and with permission were slowly taken down so as to help expose each others strengths and weakness in an effort to further develop ourselves and the communities we served. My VLE alumni still keep in contact weekly, as if a bond was formed that will forever be a “grounding rod” from which we challenge ourselves and also come back to in time of need. I recently attended the AVMA Convention in Hawaii, to find that traveling over six thousand miles from home only ked me to the opportunity to reconnect with the strength of Servant Leadership that Dr. Richard DeBowes and the VLE offered. I was subjected to another fantastic, motivating and inspiring discussion by Dr. DeBowes, to a group of recognized student leaders. The VLE has become an identity that encompasses my daily interactions. As student body president at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, I challenge my cabinet to lead by example, live a professional life built upon Servant Leadership and look within so that you may guide the community you serve. An opportunity to attend the VLE is not an option but more of a life choice. Take the time to embrace the challenges and the movements from your center were just a few of the “life skills” that I took home. I wish to thank each of the sponsors for allowing me to develop further as a veterinary student and a servant leader!" - Chad Davis

 

Photos

Photos from the event will be available soon.