4-H background inspires students to pursue veterinary careers

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Media Contact: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu

Green jackets to white coats, pets to patients, childhood dreams turned into reality.

The world’s largest youth organization paved a pathway to the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. For first-year students Ashlynn Arnold and Jaycee Watkins, as well as fourth-year student Olivia Ary, their early 4-H experiences transformed into a passion for veterinary medicine.

For the trio, there was no question they would be a part of 4-H. Enrolled as a 4-H Cloverbud from Madill, Oklahoma, Arnold was drawn to her local club to follow in her parents’ footsteps.

“They wanted me to be a part of something that would make a huge impact on my life,” Arnold said.

Originally from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Ary’s 4-H journey began with a love for horses and grew as she discovered new projects.

“A lot of people at the barn I rode horses at were involved in 4-H,” Ary said. “I was first drawn in with the horses but then got super excited when I learned about all of the other projects available.”

For Watkins, 4-H was woven into her family history while growing up in Allen, Oklahoma. Encouraged by her grandfather, an agricultural education teacher for over 30 years, Watkins began her 4-H journey at a young age.

“It was something I had always admired and knew I wanted to be a part of,” Watkins said.

From showing livestock and embracing the responsibilities that come with animal care, 4-H instilled invaluable life skills in each of them, preparing them for future careers in veterinary medicine. The discipline of daily feeding, grooming and training became second nature, teaching them patience, dedication and compassion.

“It is hard to narrow it down to just one skill, considering 4-H was such a huge part of my life and journey through my childhood,” Arnold said. “However, if I must narrow it down to one of the most important skills to me, it would be time management.”

As an active 4-H member involved in other school activities, Arnold developed strong organization and time management skills that enabled her to thrive through the busy season.

Now, in veterinary school, these skills are even more crucial.

“Being a veterinary student is different from an undergraduate, there is a lot more that you are expected to know, and trying to find a balance between school and home life can be a real challenge,” Arnold said.

She often needs to calculate study time carefully, prioritizing her weekly workload while still taking time for herself and her family.

Along with time management and organization, Ary attributes her work ethic, public speaking, professionalism and adaptability to 4-H.

“As for practice skills, the ability to communicate effectively, dress and act professionally, delegate tasks and manage my time has been invaluable,” Ary said.

Watkins discussed how her time management skills, responsibility, resilience, compassion and working with others in 4-H positively impacted her journey to vet school.

“I must admit my journey through 4-H prepared me in more ways than I realized,” Arnold said. “It gave me confidence, pushed me outside my comfort zone, encouraged me to engage with others, and showed me the impact serving others can have on people’s lives.”

She explained how these skills helped her through the interview process, networking with others and communicating with clients.

“I have discovered while working in a clinic and since being involved in the program that communication with others and networking are huge assets in the veterinary medical field. I plan to use the skills I have acquired throughout my career and life,” Arnold said.

Engaging with peers, mentors and community members helped the students build the confidence and empathy required for veterinary practice.

“I think the most rewarding thing I am starting to see now is the impact that veterinarians have on the community around them,” Ary said. “I have spent a lot of time in clinics over the past 10 years and have seen some truly incredible relationships formed.”

Ary said she has spent most of her time in equine practices, with a heavy emphasis on reproduction and sports medicine. She witnessed a horse’s journey from an embryo to showing at a futurity show and winning its first race.

“You get to see horses return from heartbreaking injuries and keep doing their job with the little kids that love them. You get to see clients who started tagging along with their parents to appointments as little kids go onto their college or professional careers in the industry,” she said.

To Ary, the 4-H motto, “to make the best better,” aligns perfectly with every aspect of veterinary practice, where fostering relationships and promoting quality takes the spotlight. She said clear thinking, greater loyalty, larger service and better living for those around you are not just words but a recipe for success in any endeavor.

While veterinary school can be grueling at times and the workdays long, these relationships and impacts make it all worthwhile. Through her experiences, Ary has seen firsthand how the foundation laid in 4-H continues to shape her approach to veterinary medicine, where the commitment to making a difference is as rewarding as it is challenging.

As Arnold, Watkins and Ary reflect on their 4-H journey, they want to inspire other students to take a leap and dream big.

“Never be so comfortable that you stop learning or are too afraid to fail,” Ary said. “Life is all about continuing to experience new things and growing into new skills. Things won’t always go your way, and that is OK. No one in this field is expecting you to be perfect. Show up, work hard, and enjoy where you are.”

Arnold shared this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.

“The journey may consist of early mornings, late nights and things you don’t really want to do, but don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it,” Arnold said. “During school, keep your head down and continue to work hard because if you work hard enough, your hard work will eventually pay off. Even on the hard days, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it isn’t a train coming after you.”

Watkins shared her belief in taking the leap of faith and simply starting your journey.

“Immerse yourself in every opportunity that arises, find a mentor and soak up every bit of knowledge you can,” Watkins said. “Everyone must start somewhere, and there is no better place than the 4-H program.”

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Photos By: Elizabeth Perdue

Story By: Elizabeth Perdue | Vet Cetera Magazine