In the fall of 2014, animal lovers and future veterinarians united and formed the Pre-Veterinary Society of USF St. Petersburg.
The Pre-Vet Society’s goal is to prepare members and those involved for the professional world, while teaching students about the wide field of veterinary medicine, an area many students are unfamiliar with.
President Bethany Porcelli, senior, spent her summer promoting the society through classroom presentations and announcements on the Facebook “Know it All’s Guide.” Their faculty advisor Dr. Norine Noonan spread the word as well and, soon enough, Bethany had a following.
“I hope the Pre-Vet Society can become a resource to assist USFSP students to get into a graduate school, and that as a pre-professional society, we can help USFSP students develop their skills and continue to have a positive impact in our community,” said Porcelli.
Last September, the pre-vet students attended Dr. Jane Goodall’s lecture at the USF Sundome, and were able to meet her and have a book signed. Porcelli, inspired by the concept of Dr. Goodall’s Roots and Shoots program, has since created a Pinellas County after school program for high school students. The idea is centered on protecting local endangered species.
“This has developed into a sub-category of Pre-Veterinary Society and is allowing our members to make a difference in the community and inspire our youth,” said Porcelli.
As a brand new group on campus, the Pre-Vet Society has plenty of growth and experience to anticipate.
In March, they will travel to Ohio to attend the national American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association Symposium. The pre-vet students will have opportunities to immerse themselves in the field of veterinary science, from working in labs to sitting in on professional and pre-professional lectures. This trip will be one of the first steps toward representing USFSP on a national level.
Haley Goshert, junior and vice president, is eager to see the Pre-Vet Society take off and eventually become “firmly rooted” once she and Bethany graduate.
“My favorite part about this club is being around people that have the same aspirations, questions, and fears as you,” she said. “We all know how hard becoming a vet is, but we’re here for each other.”
