FVC Time Capsule: Outreach Officers

Hey Future Vets! 
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We are continuing the summer with a new article in the Time Capsule series, this time highlighting our Outreach Officers, Carissa and Alex! Their role is to foster relationships and collaborations with other UoG students and clubs, a task that is crucial for the functioning of the FVC as a whole. Our past events such as the Animal Trivia Night, Bingo Night, and more were made possible by the efforts and expertise of our Outreach Team. They also collaborate with pre-vets outside of the University of Guelph, to promote FVC events and share helpful information about the OVC. We are always open to new ideas and collaborations, so please don't hesitate to reach out if there is something you would like to see from our club. Read on to gain some helpful advice on the difficult path to vet school, and to learn more about our Outreach officers.

                   Alex Adair, Outreach Officer                                                          Carissa Greco, Outreach Officer

Introduce yourself! How long have you been an FVC executive?
Carissa: Hi! My name is Carissa, and I’m a second-year Biomedical Science student at the University of Guelph. I’ve been an executive member of the Future Vets Club (FVC) for one year now, serving as the Outreach Officer. Outside of academics, I love anything animal-related, discovering new music, attending concerts, dancing, and spending time outdoors. I’m also super passionate about community work and mentorship, which is why Outreach felt like the perfect fit for me. My background includes experience as a peer mentor, swim instructor, and teaching assistant, all of which helped me develop strong leadership and communication skills that I’ve brought into this role. 

Alex: My name is Alex, and I have just finished my second year in Wildlife Biology and Conservation. I'm very passionate about One Health and global conservation efforts. I became an executive on the Future Vets Club in the Fall of 2023 as an Executive Assistant before becoming the Outreach Officer for this past year.

Why did you want to join the FVC executive team?
Carissa: I joined the FVC exec team because I wanted to make a meaningful impact on a club that has helped shape my own vet journey. When I first joined FVC, I felt inspired by the supportive community and wealth of opportunities — and I wanted to help offer that same experience to new members. Being Outreach Officer allows me to connect with others, promote club events, and foster a sense of belonging among members, especially those just starting to explore the vet field. I am also able to gain new connections with other pre-veterinary clubs across Canada, which has been amazing! 

Alex: I wanted to join the executive team as soon as I experienced the kindness and passion the executives had, and how well the Future Vet Club's events were being run.

What has been the most rewarding part of being on the Website and Marketing team? Is there any particular memory you love?
Carissa: The most rewarding part has definitely been seeing new members feel welcomed, included, and excited to get involved. I’ve loved helping to organize and promote events that spark genuine curiosity and connection — like our trivia nights, bingo nights, and panelist events. One memory that really stands out was seeing the turnout at Animal Trivia Night, and watching people stay behind afterward to chat and connect. It was such a great reminder of how much community matters, especially in a field as competitive and challenging as veterinary medicine. Another memory I love is when Dr. Rebecca Greenstein came to speak to the FVC members at a panel-style event about her experience running her own clinic. It was so rewarding to have planned such a wonderful event with a veterinarian I have fostered a close connection with and for it to run so smoothly! 

Alex: My favourite and most rewarding experience during my time in outreach so far was hosting the wildlife-themed Trivia Night collaboration with the Wildlife Club. I got to join my two worlds (since I am also an executive on the Wildlife Club) into an incredible event and it was extremely rewarding.

What do you think the FVC will be like in 10 years?
Carissa: In 10 years, I think FVC will continue to grow into a powerful space for aspiring vets. I envision an even more diverse set of programming — like virtual guest speakers from across Canada, hands-on learning experiences, and stronger mentorship connections between undergrads and vet school students. I also hope the club builds long-term partnerships with organizations and clinics, giving students a distinct path toward gaining experience and finding support in their vet journey. FVC has already built such a strong foundation, and I know it’ll only continue to flourish. For example, launching our very first Discord server is a great step towards fostering close-knit relationships between the FVC executive team and members.  

Alex: I am sure FVC will be very similar to what it is now, and to what it was 10 years ago. We always find ways to incorporate new ideas and trends into the club and I think future executives will be able to continue to foster the same spirit we have now, and inspire future generations of pre-vets.

What do you think you personally will be like in 10 years?
Carissa: In 10 years, I hope to be a practicing veterinarian — ideally working with small animals or possibly in an exotic animal practice. I also have a strong interest in community care, so I would love to be involved in veterinary clinics or volunteer work that increases access to care for underserved communities. My goal is not only to treat animals but to educate and support their owners too. I see myself continuing to learn, grow, and give back to the vet community that has inspired me from day one. Making veterinary care more accessible is something I care deeply about — I want to be the kind of vet who not only heals animals, but also supports the people who care for them. In terms of personal growth, I imagine myself as a confident, compassionate leader in the field, mentoring future vets, continuing my education, and staying involved in advocacy for animal welfare. No matter where I end up, I know I will still be grounded in the same passion that brought me into this journey in the first place. 
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Alex: I have no idea what I'll be doing in 10 years but I'll definitely still be working on paying off my student loans.

Do you have any advice for future vets?
Carissa: My biggest piece of advice is to stay grounded in your "why." The path to becoming a vet can be intense, but remembering why you started will keep you going. Take every opportunity to learn — whether that’s through volunteering, shadowing, or even just asking questions. Don’t compare your journey to others; everyone’s timeline is different. Celebrate your wins, lean on your support system, and never be afraid to take a breath when you need it. I would also recommend fully immersing yourself in the field to gain a well-rounded understanding of veterinary medicine. Exploring different areas can help you discover your strengths, clarify your interests, and ultimately guide you toward the path that feels right for you. 

Alex: I'll share the same advice I share with all the other future vets in my life… Patience and determination will give you a path to your goals even when at times it feels like there is no path ahead.

Any advice for FVC’s future Outreach Officers?
Carissa: My advice would be to lead with determination, compassion and creativity. Outreach is about making people feel seen and welcomed — whether that’s through a DM, a social post, or a smile at an event. Every small action matters and contributes to the larger sense of community within the club. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box or take initiative when you see an opportunity to bring people together. Be proactive in listening to members’ feedback and adapting your approach to what resonates with them. Strong outreach isn’t just about promoting events — it’s about creating a space where everyone feels valued and excited to be involved. Most importantly, enjoy the experience! Outreach gives you the unique opportunity to be the bridge between the exec team and the wider club — and that role has such a lasting impact. Embrace it fully, and you’ll walk away with more than just skills — you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and the knowledge that you helped shape someone else’s FVC journey. 

Alex: Reach out the best you can and to the largest number of people you can. You represent both the club and the entire pre-vet community when you are at events, so take pride in that and represent it with grace, understanding, and a desire to uplift the people around you.

If you could put one thing in the ‘FVC Time Capsule', what would it be, and why?
Carissa: I would put a collage of photos from our events, exec meetings, and socials — moments that truly capture the energy, passion, and friendships that make FVC so special. These snapshots would serve as a visual reminder of the memories we've created, the challenges we’ve overcome together, and the impact we’ve had as a team. They reflect not only our growth as individuals but also the strength of the community we’ve helped build. I’d also include a piece of our FVC merch as a tangible symbol of our shared identity and pride in the club. It would be a meaningful token for future members to look back on and reflect just how far FVC has come, and how every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps shape the legacy we’re continuing to grow.

Alex: I would put a couple links of a chain in the time capsule to represent and remember the connections I've made within the exec team and our members, to  symbolize the support we must have to reach our goals.

Thanks so much to Carissa and Alex for their enlightening responses to our questions! We appreciate all your effort and expertise, as well as everything you do for the FVC to keep it running smoothly! Additionally, I would like to inform you all that Carissa will now be one of the FVC’s Co-Presidents in the coming school year. With that in mind, we will need someone to take her place as Outreach Officer; we are holding interviews for our 2025-2026 FVC Executive team in the fall, so if Outreach is something you are interested in, please apply! Thank you for reading, and I hope that you are all enjoying summer break!

​Sincerely, 
Sophia Di Adamo, Senior Editor