PVMA Keystone Veterinarian Summer 2021 - 19

sense of camaraderie. Try to come to a
constructive conclusion to the discussion
and see where things go from there. If the
conversation doesn't happen, don't stress
it; it doesn't have to be a big deal.
PVMA: How do you think veterinary
and technician schools can improve DEI
initiatives?
JJ: I actually address this in my personal
statement about how when I was growing
up I didn't see a lot of people like me on
TV or in practice, or people with similar
background or experiences as I did. One
thing schools, the DEI committee, and
committees in general in vet med should
do is partner with elementary schools
to organize field trips or programs that
promote animal care aside from the
class gerbil. Then build off that in the
middle and high schools. There are
more careers than just veterinarians and
veterinary nurses - animal lab sciences,
environmental studies, etc., so many
things that can be cultivated even through
high school where they are being exposed
to the higher sciences and careers.
Showing that to kids of that age in various
environments can definitely promote
interests and diversity in this field.
We are making changes with diversity
committees and corporate initiatives
bringing attention to diversity and
inclusion. We need to keep that
awareness up and not just having a
calendar holiday of national whatever
day. Actually putting forth prompts and
educational information for people that
really puts it at the forefront and makes
them think how this can impact their
lives and impact their work by embracing
this or learning something about this
community or these issues. Bringing that
awareness to the table is really important
too because it doesn't go by the wayside,
you can see it and you can either choose
to take this opportunity and learn or
you can move on, but at least they are
bringing that to everyone's attention
that this is what is going on, that we
are completely aware of this, we are
supportive of this, things of that nature.
I think this has been very evidenced,
especially with everything that is going
on over the past couple of years. I am
very fortunate to have found a workplace
that is a very big proponent of " We stand
for this, and this is what is going on, and
if you want to learn more about it, here
are some organizations you can reach out
to, or these are platforms you can use to
make sure that your voice is heard and
that you feel comfortable and you feel
safe. "
PVMA: It sounds like you have a
remarkable upbringing with people
who have supported you and given
you confidence and strengths, and just
the foundation to become a wonderful
person who communicates and accepts,
is open, thoughtful, and curious. I think
having that foundation is missing in so
many children's lives, so how do you
and your colleagues as adults in this
profession impact the future generations
with the foundation that you have had
and how do you think you can encourage
that in your coworkers to spread a ripple
effect?
JJ: Give opportunities to try things with
just enough to challenge them but not
so far out of their ability. If things don't
go right, be constructive with a response,
discuss the process, and offer a different
way to approach the task. Foster interests
and give opportunities to not only
visually learn but put them in positions
where they can physically learn and get
that experience themselves. Be patient,
calm, and composed if things get a little
sticky. It is crucial to have the opportunity
to actually try something and not be
dismissed for lack of experience with a
topic. Give people an opportunity and see
where it goes.
PVMA: Finally, what do you want people
to know about you?
JJ: I want them to definitely know that I
am not somebody who shies away from
hard discussion. I am very open, I'm a
big girl and can take some tough stuff.
If things were to get difficult, if I did
something that upset someone, I want
them to know that they can come to me
and that we can talk about it.
I don't want anyone who I work with to
feel like they can't approach me, that
they can't talk to me about certain things
even if we don't see eye to eye. If there is
something that is bothering them, I want
to know about it because I genuinely
don't want to be difficult. I don't want
people to feel like they can't do certain
things or can't say certain things around
me for fear of being uncomfortable,
especially if we haven't had a discussion
about it.
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There are some things that we obviously
should not talk about, but I have never
been one to sit there and want to make
people feel like, " If you tell her this, then
she is going to be whatever or if I do this
she is going to know " because 9 times
out of 10 if it is something that is the
heat of the moment, if I don't recognize
it right away in my mind, I generally will
try to follow up with my coworkers and
say, " Hey, I hope you didn't take that
as me coming across as mean or cross.
Sometimes when I am stressed out that
is how my tone is, but I admire you, I
respect you. We are all here to do a job
and I don't want you to feel like when you
come to work and I am there that we are
going to have a bad day; I don't want you
to feel uncomfortable around me. "
So I want them to know that regardless of
what is going on, that they can come and
talk with me. I might not have anything to
contribute to the conversation, but I will
be receptive and listen, and hopefully if
it is something that we come to a head
to, ultimately I like to find that common
ground so that we can work together.
We might not like each other, but if we
can figure out a way to work together
and work together well, that is fine in my
book.
Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association | 19
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PVMA Keystone Veterinarian Summer 2021

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