Why Jade Velasquez is our Mother of the Year

Jade is unquestionably one of the most outspoken veterinary professionals in the world.  And with good reason, as a veterinary technician, practice manager, and creator of Veterinary Support Staff Unleashed Facebook group, she’s distinguished herself as one of the most interesting personalities of our field.  Learn more about this cool mom and find out why she’s a little obsessed with Stephen King:

If I wasn’t a veterinary technician what would I be?                                                                                   I would likely have become a psychologist. I find the human mind fascinating.

Best career advice I received

Not everyone you work with will be your friend. And that's ok. Do your job to the best of your ability anyways. 

Three qualities that got me where I am today.

1.     I am a hard worker. Work ethic is important to me. 

2.     Perseverance. I always got back up and pushed on despite mistakes, plot twists or failures.

3.     Empathy. I genuinely care about people and am an advocate for support staff.

Moment I felt I made it.

First time I got paid for writing a veterinary blog. I have my check framed with Stephen King's quote "You learn best by reading a lot and writing a lot, and the most valuable lessons of all are the ones you teach yourself."

Who do you admire and why

I admire so many people in our industry. But I truly believe Dr. Andy Roark has brought a breath of fresh air to our profession. Not only does he infuse positivity in everything he creates, he is a very kind and humble person.

Relationship advice for my younger self

You don't have to take care of everyone. I am a nurtured and relationships based on selflessly providing for someone don't last. Love requires two people who support and believe in each other. It requires the ability to care enough to call the other person out on their crap. 

Song that always makes me cry

Death Cab for Cutie's "I Will Follow You Into The Dark." Emo forever!

Three qualities that matter with my friends Honesty, integrity and kindness. 

Books that left a last impression on me

I have two. At 11 years old I read Stephen King's "It" and it inspired my love of reading. Robert Suttons "The No Asshole Rule" really resonated with me. Showed me that kindness and boundaries are huge in our professional and personal lives. 

Change I would like to see in my industry

I would love to see more cohesion and support amongst veterinary professionals. We all are in this together. We all have the same struggles and by supporting each other we can start finding solutions. I invite you to join Veterinary Support Staff Unleashed Facebook group and start connecting with others in our profession.