WCVM student leader earns national award for dedication to leadership

Jenkins, who will graduate from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in June 2025, received the award for her outstanding leadership, community service and advocacy work in student affairs.

Each year, the SCVMA presents this award to one senior veterinary student from each of Canada’s five veterinary colleges. The leadership award holds a special meaning for Jenkins, who was nominated for the honour by her classmates.

“I’m really grateful for this recognition,” says Jenkins. “It’s nice to be recognized by the people who are directly affected by the volunteerism and work that I’ve put in.”

As a child, Jenkins first became involved in caring for animals when she helped to clean stalls at the local stables. In high school, she began working at the Thompson Veterinary Clinic and soon realized that a career in veterinary medicine was her true calling.

“I saw the deep connections between people and their animals at the clinic and that really gave me a true sense of how important veterinary medicine is for everyone,” she says.

After finishing high school, Jenkins completed three years of a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in animal systems at the University of Manitoba. Since Jenkins was accepted into the WCVM’s veterinary program in 2021, she has established a strong presence as a student leader.

As the WCVM Class of 2025 president over the past four years, Jenkins has worked hard to represent her classmates and foster an inclusive learning environment. She led the fundraising and graduation committees, and Jenkins was one of the co-ordinators for the WCVM’s annual VIP Day, an event designed to celebrate the college's industry stakeholders and strengthen its bond with the veterinary community.

“One thing I really enjoy about being a leader is being able to collaborate with people on these types of projects. It’s really satisfying to work together to complete a goal and be able to celebrate the accomplishments that we’ve made as a team,” she says.

Jenkins’ commitment to advocating for her peers extends beyond the WCVM community: Jenkins was also elected to the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union (USSU) University Students’ Council. In this role, she represented the interests of WCVM students at a university level for two years. During her time with the USSU, Jenkins helped to maintain rabies vaccine insurance coverage for veterinary students and was also behind an initiative to ensure the continued distribution of menstrual products in all WCVM bathrooms.

Jenkins’ dedication to leadership was also evident in her role as the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) student representative for two years. In this capacity, she worked as a bridge between WCVM students and the MVMA. Her focus was on improving veterinary student retention and relationship building between the provincial veterinary medical association and the college.

Jenkins acknowledges that leadership roles demand time and effort in addition to balancing hours of course work and study. However, she encourages students who are considering these roles to understand the importance of the work and to find real meaning and joy in helping others.

“You’re not always going to get recognition for the work you do because there are lots of things that go under the radar,” she says. “I find satisfaction in giving my classmates a voice and helping them get the support they need.”

After graduation Jenkins will practise as a mixed animal veterinarian at the St. Claude Veterinary Clinic, a small farming community about an hour southwest of Winnipeg, Man. She also intends to become an animal protection officer for the Government of Manitoba and plans to volunteer in northern communities — such as her hometown of Thompson — where veterinary resources are extremely limited.

“Currently, there is no consistent vet service in Thompson, but there is a definite need for one,” says Jenkins. “The Thompson Humane Society and the Winnipeg Humane Society have partnered up to provide spay and neuter clinics and appointments for northern communities, which I have volunteered with in the past. It’s a very rewarding experience and I plan to continue helping with these clinics.”

Jenkins is grateful for the support of her friends and family in helping make her veterinary dreams come true. They have been a driving force in her desire to give back to others through service.

“This award is not just mine, but a reflection of all the amazing individuals who have shaped my education and my life,” says Jenkins. “It’s been inspiring to be around people who have the same passions and goals as me.”