My journey with the 30U30 LVS cohort began in a rather serendipitous manner. Picture this: I was casually scrolling through a group chat composed of fellow vets and nurses when I first caught wind of this idea. Everyone was buzzing about the chance to nominate standout professionals for the cohort. It struck me that I had numerous names in mind that were worthy of the honor, and I eagerly set out to nominate them.

However, as time went by and I reviewed my own accomplishments, a curious thought began to take root in my mind. Amidst my quarterly goals and reflections, it dawned on me how much I had already achieved and how far I had come. It was as if a spark had been ignited, prompting me to reconsider my initial hesitation. The internal struggle ensued – feelings of self-centeredness, perhaps even a tinge of arrogance, wrestled with my desire to embrace this opportunity wholeheartedly. Eventually, I took a deep breath, silenced those unproductive thoughts, and cast my own name into the 30U30 nominations pool. Looking back, I can confidently say that it was a pivotal moment of self-recognition and growth.

 

The moment of truth arrived in the form of an email – a notification that I had been selected to be a part of the inaugural 30U30 LVS cohort. The excitement was undeniable, but a touch of skepticism crept in. With the program being brand new, I wasn't entirely sure if this was a genuine email or just a well-crafted hoax. So, I turned to my trusty network of friends and scoured social media to find validation. Seeing posts from fellow cohort members was the reassuring sign I needed. The joy that surged within me was indescribable; I was absolutely over the moon.

 

From that point on, it was a waiting game, as the London Vet Show was scheduled for November – a couple of months away. As the days passed, emails trickled in, detailing the perks that came with our selection, including free passes and insights into the upcoming award ceremony. Yet, amidst all this excitement, there was one thing that managed to send ripples of anxiety through me – the dreaded dress code. Ah, the eternal struggle of choosing the perfect outfit for a special occasion which turned out, jeans and top was just fine!

Fast forward to the day of the London Vet Show and the award ceremony. The atmosphere was charged with energy and anticipation. As the cohort members gathered, a mix of excitement and shyness hung in the air. To break the ice and foster connections, I took the initiative of creating a WhatsApp group. Little did I know that this would be the start of something wonderful – an avenue for us to know each other, share experiences, and coordinate schedules.

 

Beyond the buzz of the award ceremony, the true essence of the 30U30 LVS cohort lies in the relationships formed and the opportunities seized. Through this program, I've had the privilege of forging meaningful friendships and establishing valuable business partnerships with both fellow members and partners associated with the initiative, particularly the incredible team at Pionner. Their unwavering support has been nothing short of remarkable, as they continue to champion our success.

 

What truly sets this journey apart is our collective contribution to the industry. Each member of the cohort brings their unique expertise and passion to the table. As a cohort, we've been part of innovation projects, engaged in discussions on sustainability, and participated in teaching initiatives. These efforts will surely have ripple effects, not only within the cohort but also within the broader veterinary community.

And the journey doesn't stop here. This year, I find myself in a new role – a judge and the 30U30 ambassador for the upcoming cohort. The prospect of being deeply involved in this wonderful journey once again fills me with immense enthusiasm. This time around, LVS and Pionner have upped the ante by providing more avenues for growth – from articles and webinars to interviews and hands-on opportunities in innovation, sustainability, and teaching.As I reflect upon my experience in the 30U30 LVS cohort, I am grateful for the courage it took to put myself forward, the connections I've made, and the growth I've undergone. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, taking a step beyond our comfort zone can lead us to places of remarkable growth and learning. So, if you ever find yourself at a crossroads of self-doubt and opportunity, remember my journey – a journey that began with a simple nomination and has unfolded into an inspiring adventure of connections, collaborations, and endless possibilities.