Why we are obsessed with Shannon Gregoire
For students of all ages, the recent pandemic was to say the least, a shock. Learning was interrupted, students sent home to learn from zoom calls instead, and rites of passage such as prom and even graduation ceremonies were canceled.
Many people failed to thrive in this situation, understandably, but one vet student is learning to shine instead. Meet Shannon Gregoire, a Western University Health vet student determined to rock the world of veterinary medicine and leave an impact no one will forget.
Focusing on health
After the pandemic began, Shannon Gregoire realized, like many people around the world, that health came first. She has made health her priority ever since. Her health routine includes meditation when she first wakes up in the morning, taking spin-classes to work off stressful days, and hiking for exercise and as stress relief.
The area she currently resides in is amazingly beautiful, and spending time at the beach, hiking, or just drinking in the natural beauty of the world is like it’s own healing balm. She also loves horses and horseback riding, and owns 2 horses, Bella and Simba. They are waiting for her on the East Coast, and she hopes to ride them again the next time she goes back home to them.
Debt Problems for Veterinarians
One of the biggest problems that veterinary students face is the serious debt involved with becoming a vet student.
“We need help with student debt. Student debt is a major problem with most veterinary students . Students are paying an average of $31,979 for in-state and $52,613 for out-of-state tuition and about 80% will graduate with debt that averages $169,046,” she said in an interview with Vet candy.
Debt is a serious problem for veterinarians, and it carries a ripple effect through the rest of the community. Large debts means higher prices for customers in order to help pay it off, and often means veterinarians struggle despite what seem like large salaries.
Resolving student debt could have big impacts not just for the students themselves, but for everyone involved.
A big future for this vet student
Shannon has a passion for journalism and between classes and rotations, she hosts two podcast shows, one for veterinary students, Vet Candy IRL and the other for pet owners, Simply Pets. She is also the host of a veterinary news show, Catching up with Shannon, on Vet Candy TV and the editor of Pet Candy Magazine, a digital magazine for pet lovers.
Shannon will officially become Dr. Shannon Gregoire in May. She advises new vet students just started on the path to take leadership roles, look for a great mentor, and negotiate the best possible pay.
All of these things can help a new student thrive in a changing world, and help address some of the more common issues of veterinary medicine. She also reminds those in the vet industry that some days are tough, and sometimes it’s the small wins that are important.