Why vet student, Shannon Gregoire, is all about the next challenge

With the chaos that is our new normal, vet student, Shannon Gregoire, has a goal to stay centered.  She plans to achieve this by committing to a healthy lifestyle during times of self-isolation and beyond.

This third year Western University Health Sciences’ student is feeling happy, strong, and psyched for the future.

Shannon tells us all about how she’s built up her confidence, how she makes time to explore her new home state, and how she finds time to keep fit in between class.

If I wasn’t a vet: I have always wanted to be a veterinarian, but, it I wasn’t, I would probably go into marketing because I’m fascinated by the marketing strategies used today, especially in social media.

Best career advice I received: Someone once told me that failure is the best teacher. That’s why I have the tendency to take more risks.

Moment I felt I made it: The moment that I finally felt that I had made it was when I received my vet school acceptance letter from Western University. I was full of mixed emotion, first I cried on the couch then ate half a pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.

How I made my first dollar: I grew up on a farm in Massachusetts and made my first dollar selling farm fresh eggs. My parents encouraged me to raise chickens to build responsibility and I was able to keep the money I made.

Super power I would love to have: I would love to be “Super Vet” and have the super power to just look at a patient and instantly know what was wrong. No need for a stethoscope, ultra sound or a blood analyzer!

Stores I can’t leave without buying something: I absolutely love Dollar Stores.

How I clear my head after a crappy day: When I have a bad day, I take myself straight to the gym for a spin class. My favorite class is led by Yvette, who always keeps me motivated with her encouraging words and excellent music track. When I am in her class I completely forget the rest of the world.

If I could compete in an Olympic sport it would be: If I could complete in any Olympic sport it would definitely be equestrian eventing. I grew up with horses and love riding.

The beauty essential I must have: The most beautiful skin is healthy skin and moisturizers are very important. My favorite is neutrogena hydroboost moisturizer.

Three qualities that matter with my friends: The three most important charactieristics of my friends are empathy, honesty, and humor.

Advice to a woman with a broken heart: At one time in our life, we have always dealt with a break up. My advice is to focus on bettering yourself and not worrying about the past, what’s meant to be yours always will be, and what isn’t yours wasn’t meant for you

The moment I knew I was in love: The moment that I knew it was love was when I realized I was so connected with him that I could sense his emotions.

Kind of work I’d do for free: A puppy cuddler of course!

Change I would like to see in my industry: 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.

Who I most admire: I am my mom’s number one fan. She is a badass and she can do anything. She is someone you want on your team during the zombie apocalypse.

What I do on my free days: When I have some free time, I enjoy exploring Southern California. I go hiking, visit the beach, and just bum around. California is amazingly beautiful. My perfect day would begin at the beach with a mimosa and a veggie omelet.

If I could live in a foreign country: I would live in Ireland. I am half-Irish and some of my distant relatives live there. There is nothing better than an Irish accent.

You can follow Shannon’s journey on Instagram @shansince96