I was probably five years old when I knew I wanted to become a veterinarian. I never had to think about what I wanted to do – I just knew. I didn't have any pets growing up, my family members weren't animal lovers, and my sibling had pet allergies. My parents always joked that I became a veterinarian to spite them.

I feel that I was at a disadvantage entering into veterinary school because other students had experiences growing up that I did not. I wasn't around livestock growing up. I didn't know husbandry or have other inherent skills when I decided to focus on large animal medicine and surgery. I am proud of the fact that I was able to follow through with my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian and felt a great sense of accomplishment when I graduated from veterinary school.

I am very proud to be an AVMA member and have been one since I graduated. The AVMA is the backbone of veterinary medicine – the glue that holds us all together. Being on the Member Services Committee has really opened my eyes to what organized veterinary medicine is all about and what it has to offer.

The first piece of advice I would give to veterinarians interested in volunteering is to not wait as long as I did to get involved. If I could go back and do it again, I would have gotten started in AVMA activities a long time ago. I feel rejuvenated because I have met the most fascinating and wonderful people. I have seen first-hand how the folks at AVMA work tirelessly to support the profession.

The AVMA has done so much for me. It's never too late to get started. My volunteer work with the Member Services Committee provides me with an additional network of colleagues and experts that I might not have met had I not volunteered. I love it.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The AVMA offers hundreds of volunteer opportunities. For Dr. Ross, volunteering expanded her network of colleagues and gave her new insight on how much the AVMA does for its members.