One of the most rewarding parts about being a Vet Med Ambassador
is getting to represent the Texas A&M College of Veterinary
Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at community events. This past
Saturday, we got to do just that at the first annual Paws to the
Pavement Beat the Hell Outta Cancer 3k/5k run! This event was held
to celebrate our brand new Diagnostic Imaging and Cancer Treatment
Center at the vet school, and I couldn't think of a better reason
to be out and about on a Saturday morning. I got there bright and
early at 6:45 am (coffee in hand), and was ready to help out. It
was so exciting to see hundreds of members of the community,
including some of my classmates, show up with their four-legged
friends, ready to go.
The race started with the A&M cannon, which I'd only ever
heard before at football games. It was pretty loud, and when it
went off, all the dogs in the race were definitely ready to run out
of there! And as all the runners and walkers took off, it was
really exciting to wait at the finish line, ready to congratulate
all the winners when they crossed. One by one, two-legged and
four-legged participants ran, walked, rolled, and in the case of
some very special canines, got carried across the finish line. It
was great to see so many people give up their time and energy
(literally!) to help out the cause, and I was so happy to be there
to cheer them on when they finished the race.
After the race finished we all went over to the Diagnostic
Imaging and Cancer Treatment Center, where the opening event was
being held. After remarks by Dean Green, the Chair of the Board of
Regents, and President Loftin, the center was opened up to the
public for tours. It was the first time I was able to see the
center completely finished and ready to go, and it looked amazing!
As I walked through the center, gazing at all of the equipment and
facilities, it was so exciting to think about all the animals that
are going to be helped by this facility. With a new MRI, CT, and
cancer treatment machinery, both large and small animals will be
able to get such an incredible level of care. Even though I'm still
a couple of years away from working in the clinics, I can't
wait!
As I left the event, it really hit me what a special profession
I've chosen to become a part of. So many people from the vet school
and the A&M community showed up to support such a worthy cause,
and it made me really proud to call myself a veterinary student. I
can't wait for next year's race!