Pinned to the bulletin board next to my desk is an old photo that I just rediscovered in a dusty shoe box at the bottom of the closet. The photo is a portrait of my entire veterinary technology class back in the mid 90s. We all look full of drive and enthusiasm, excited to go out and make our mark on the profession. If you'd asked me back then where I saw myself in 20 years, I'd never have guessed I'd be here now. Time really does fly and it's interesting to look back on how my career has adapted and changed over the years.
In my own little corner of the world, I have recently been privileged to be a part of making history in New Zealand as we are forging ahead on the path toward full regulation of veterinary nursing. It's almost surreal to be a part of something so important and I can't help but think back on my humble beginnings and consider how I got here.
Back when I was a veterinary technology student, I joined the student branch of our national representative body. I remember thinking that I wanted to be involved in my professional community, but I didn't fully grasp what it meant to make a difference for my profession. Nonetheless, that involvement gave me insight into how committees work and later would serve me well, giving me confidence to volunteer for other committees, and the skill to be effective as a committee member. Now, as a member of six different committees, being involved is a part of life and I see it as a way to give back to the profession that has supported me and helped me develop over the last two decades.
As a student, I remember looking at many well-respected VNs and feeling quite detached from them, as if they were celebrities and I could never hope to know them or achieve that status. Now I know that there is no difference between how I was then and how I am now. It's not about obtaining status, it's about giving. Being willing to dedicate my time and use my enthusiasm to encourage others has granted me numerous opportunities to know others who are making change in my community.
For every step that we take here in New Zealand toward regulation, I realise how much easier it is for us as we are able to follow the path of those countries that have gone before us. Indeed, I am so privileged and grateful to have virtually instant access around the world via email and Skype to some of the greatest minds in veterinary nursing today. These people have so generously given their time and advice, not just to me now, but for years over the course of their professional careers, giving their time to help drive our profession forward. It is this dedication that has been essential in the success of our profession.
Progress begins at a grassroots level. It begins with individuals. It begins with a spark of pride and a determination to put solutions in place of problems. It begins with generosity of spirit, building enthusiasm, and maintaining a commitment to our profession. It begins and continues through teamwork with a view to working together to improve the wider veterinary community. It also begins with courage, to step forward and volunteer, even if experience is lacking. Progress begins with every one of us. We are all part of this community, and every single one of us has the power to make change, if only we take a moment to give back.
At this year's BVNA congress, it will be 5 years since we launched The Veterinary Nurse and we couldn't be more delighted with how the journal represents our professional international community. We hope you enjoy this issue.