July 2023 MentorVet Tech Mentor of the Month: Jennifer Serling CVT, RVT, BVSc, AAS, VTES
This month we are highlighting a new MentorVet Tech Mentor in our community, Jennifer Serling!
Jennifer Serling CVT, RVT, BVSc, AAS, VTES
MentorVet Tech Mentor
MentorVet Tech is almost through the pilot and as we approach the official launch this fall, we want to continue to highlight our amazing mentors in this community. These individuals create safe, welcoming spaces for our mentees to learn and grow.
Jennifer Serling CVT, RVT, BVSc, AAS, VTES is the current President for the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE). She is also a founding member of the Academy of Veterinary Technician Specialists in Education (AVTSE) and holds the advanced certification of Veterinary Technician Education Specialist (VTES). We are fortunate to have her in our MentorVet Family!
Her current mentee recently shared, “My one-on-one mentor is amazing! I feel like I was paired with the perfect individual. She has offered me much advice that I am implementing in my career. She is so kind and always makes me feel validated in my feelings.”
Check out our interview with Jennifer below about her journey and why she values being a mentor
Jennifer, tell us a little bit about your career journey. What do you currently do in veterinary medicine and how did you end up here?
I started back in veterinary medicine in the dawn of time or 1992. I initially thought I wanted to go to vet school, but life had other plans. I worked in a variety of areas including both large and small animal practices. I also was a competitive equestrian show jumper with my horse. I took a brief break from working in the field to raise my two boys and finish my bachelors degree. I was a single mom and applied on a whim for a teaching position at a veterinary assistant program and my teaching career started from there 16 years ago and I have never looked back. I now work at Appalachian State University for our new Bachelor of Veterinary Technology Program. I love teaching and showing students what an incredible profession we have and how it can be an amazing career path.
Why did you choose to be involved with MentorVet?
I have always mentored informally and nothing fills my cup more than to help others like I have been helped in my life. Being kind and supporting colleagues costs nothing but results in rewards for everyone.
Will you share an example of something you and your mentee have discussed?
We have talked about setting boundaries, developing mentor programs in their own academic programs, and establishing well-being habits.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of being a mentor?
Everything!! I love meeting new people and sharing ideas with each other. I learn as much from them as they can from me.
What is one thing that you have learned through your time mentoring for MentorVet Tech?
Many of our struggles are not unique. Experiences that I had when I first started are the same for my mentees.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received from a mentor or the best piece of advice that you have ever given?
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. When you let that happen, amazing things can result. I would not be where I was today had I not done this.
Would you recommend volunteering as a mentor for MentorVet to other veterinarians?
Every single one of us has had a mentor at some point in our lives and it made a difference. What is more remarkable and rewarding than paying it forward??? It's just simply wonderful.
What is your favorite self-care activity?
Playing with my dog Daffy.
Fun Fact:
I come from a family of writers. My dad wrote many fiction and nonfiction aviation books. My uncle wrote novels and television shows. I also love to write but in a completely different genre of textbooks lol. I would love to be more creative!!!
Thank you for sharing with us, Jennifer!
How wonderful is Jennifer!? We are so thankful for her!!
We are on-boarding new mentors all the time! — Check out some next steps to be a MentorVet Tech here.