Summer 2012, I am traveling to Fez, Morocco to volunteer at the American Fondouk. I have just written my letter of intent to come to Fez to help animals and the people of Morocco. I can't believe I'm really going, this will be such a unique opportunity and will greatly benefit my veterinary knowledge and skill set.
In November, I had the opportunity to attend a lecture on equine aid in third world countries by Dr. Derek Knottenbelt. He spoke of the need of helping animals, especially the workhorses in third world countries as a major contributor to helping the people whose lives depend on them. I realized the growing need to educate these people on proper nutrition, care, and management strategies as well as compassion for their animals. I realized that I wanted to do something to change the lives for the animals as well as the people. Shortly after Dr. Knottenbelt’s presentation, I attended a presentation at UC Davis put on by the International Veterinary Student Association, where I saw Kate Ferrell’s presentation on her trip to the American Fondouk. She spoke of how much she learned from the staff at the American Fondouk while helping animals in need. I was greatly moved and inspired from her presentation. I came to the conclusion that the American Fondouk would be an ideal place for me to expand my veterinary skills and help people and animals in need.
I plan on spending a month with the American Fondouk (last week of June, first 3 weeks of July) during the summer of 2012. At that time, I will be entering my third year of veterinary school at UC Davis and will have completed many of my essential core classes. Since I have only ever been as far east as Tennessee, I plan on traveling Europe after my time at the American Fondouk. I have always loved traveling and I believe that seeing the world is increasingly important in American society. Traveling gives you the chance to experience other cultures and ways of life. Americans - especially our youth - have a tendency to think that our way is the only way, and travel is a chance to find out that that is just not true. Other countries do things differently than we do - whether or not they do them better than we do is up to the individual assessing the situation.
I am greatly impressed and inspired by the work at the American Fondouk. I hope to be able to participate in such a great organization and make a difference in the lives of animals and their people in Fez.
http://www.mspca.org/americanfondouk/
http://www.mspca.org/americanfondouk/veterinary-students-traveling.html
http://www.mspca.org/americanfondouk/veterinary-students-traveling.html
2 comments:
Wow, what a wonderful way to help out a good cause and learn allot also. I saw the vid with the link you posted.
I think it must be hard to see some of these hurt animals because the people are so poor they must continue to use their sick and injured animals without a rest. That would break my heart.
On a lighter note best friends has a real sweet donkey for addoption and the video of him is real cute. He is like a big dog when they scratch his ears.
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