Name: Libbey Rash
Major: Biology/Pre-Veterinary Medicine; Minor: Animal Science
Classification: Junior

Why do you think you are a good candidate for this position?

I have been a member of PVC since my freshman year. In that time I have served on the executive committee as both the Public Relations Chair and Treasurer. I am also currently a Co-chair for the Josh Project. I was also the coordinator for registration for the Midwest Symposium this year. All of these roles have given me the opportunity to prove my ability to be a well-organized leader. I feel entirely capable taking on the role of president. I would look at is both a challenge and an opportunity to give back to a club that has given me so much.

What ideas will you bring to the Pre-Vet Club?

I have a ton of ideas for next year! I have had the benefit of seeing this club come from being a club where barely anyone came to the meetings to one with 143 due paying members a majority of which attend regular meetings and interest group events. I want to continue the progress the club has made. I believe we need to take the PVC test bank one step farther and set up study groups for PVC members. Studying with people that have the common goal in mind will make studying more productive. I think we should have GRE prep nights where people who have taken the GRE can help people that haven’t. To go along with these ideas I feel like the peer mentor program was not used to its fullest potential. This idea would be a great service to all under classmen that have concerns about what is the best way to approach their undergraduate career.
I think we need to have more interesting speakers talking about more interesting topics at the general meetings so that all club members are getting something from attending the regular meetings besides dates and times of interest group events. Just one speaker in any field of veterinary medicine at every meeting would give members more of a reason to attend general club meetings. The topics for these talks would be up to any club members that wish to contribute their ideas. I have a made a lot of connections with doctors at CVM and other various veterinary hospitals because I have been working and interning for veterinary hospitals for the last seven years. I would potentially be able to provide through these connections, some great speakers.

What is the primary goal of this position for the 2008-2009 academic year?

To continue the progress that the club has made by increasing member attendance at general club meetings and interest group events. This can be done by making sure members have the opportunity to participate in events that will give them that competitive edge to get into veterinary school. The main goal of the president next year should be to make the Pre-Vet Club as much of an asset to its members as possible. All members of the club are at different stages of their plan but share the ultimate goal of getting into veterinary school. It should be the president’s responsibility to make sure all the club members, no matter what stage, are getting the help they need through these stages. This would involve personally helping them or getting them in contact with people who can help them.

If not elected, how would you contribute to the club?

The Pre-Veterinary Club is the only club I am involved in. I have made a lot of friends and had so many wonderful experiences through this club that I cannot imagine not being a part of it. If not elected as president I would run for another executive position or stay on as Josh Project Co-Chair and make sure the members of the club stay connected with the executive committee. I will still attend meetings and participate in as many interest group functions as possible. I would also encourage younger members to participate in everything the club offers.