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Getting Involved With Swine Vets

A cute piglet in a field of green grass.

By Marco R. ’25, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student

With over 25 organizations specifically available for veterinary students, there is a place for you thanks to the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) at Texas A&M University.

SAVMA is an umbrella organization that supports smaller student organizations related to all aspects of the veterinary profession, ranging from radiology to equine medicine to business and more, making it easy to get involved with all kinds of veterinary specialties. SAVMA also offers financial resources to students through awards and scholarships.

Growing up, I showed pigs through FFA. This activity ignited a passion for caring for pigs and other animals.

During my undergrad program here at Texas A&M, I continued to develop that passion through my Animal Science major and time spent working at veterinary clinics. So, when I was accepted to the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, I knew I wanted to work with pigs and other food animal species as a mixed animal veterinarian.

During my first year of vet school, I joined Swine Vets, a student chapter of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, and have held a member position and two officer positions, including secretary and vice president.

During my time in Swine Vets, I have helped organize lunch meetings on topics ranging from “Pet Pig Medicine” to “Being a Swine Veterinarian in Industry.” Additionally, Swine Vets is part of the Food Animal Wetlab in the Spring, providing students with hands-on opportunities to work with pigs.

Getting involved in student veterinary organizations provides opportunities for leadership and learning more about aspects of veterinary medicine that specifically interest you!

Fighting Hunger One Gala at a Time

Picture this: A jiving jazz band, flickering chandeliers, dancing flappers, a plethora of fedoras, strands of pearls, and clinking glasses…

 

Karly at Gala
Karly, getting “dolled” up for the 1920s-themed gala

The Brownstone Reserve in Bryan was filled with a crowd of people all coming together with the appearances of having a roaring good time but, in reality, collecting money to take action on hunger and poverty in the most selfless way.

The 5th Annual Heifer International Charity Gala was a success on many fronts. Not only did the event run ever-so-smoothly, but the guests made many contributions to our great cause. In total, we raised nearly $15,000 in tickets, silent auction items, and heartfelt donations.

We also raised awareness. Education is often a more valuable commodity because, while money remains stagnant, knowledge grows between people and between dreams.

Our keynote speaker, Ardyth Neill, the president of Heifer International, honored us with her presence and shared her passion for a cause that touches many hearts. It’s difficult to think of how many people still continue to suffer in our world, but when an organization like Heifer International develops a logical plan to alleviate the pain many communities feel, one cannot help witnessing the hope radiating from the people the organization has touched.

As a member of the planning committee, I was so grateful for the family, friends, fellow students, faculty, and staff who came to support our endeavors. When our TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine comes together in this way, I know that I am exactly where I belong. I cannot compare this community’s compassion, empathy, and unconditional love with anything else, because there is truly no comparison.

I am grateful to be surrounded by so many likeminded individuals, who are constantly giving and giving, even when they have nothing left to give. So that night we danced, and we ate, and we lite up the room, not only with our strands of pearls, but also with our loving hearts.

For more information on the gala, click here or Heifer International, click here.