Leadership and hands-on learning shape Chobani Scholar's journey to veterinary medicine

When Brianna Leon first arrived at the University of Idaho in 2022, she had a hard time breaking out of her shell. Naturally shy, the animal and veterinary sciences: pre-veterinary student was also intimidated by her fellow students who had grown up on farms or with animals — experience that she didn’t have. Opportunities in the U of I College of Agricultural and Life Sciences have helped push Leon outside of her comfort zone and given her the confidence to pursue her passion.

Exploring veterinary science

Leon’s first opportunity to break out of her shell came as a freshman when she learned about the U of I Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Science (MANRRS) club. She decided to join and through the support of Sharon Murdock, club advisor and CALS student services manager, Leon has taken on leadership responsibilities for the club, currently serving as co-president and treasurer.

“She saw potential in me that I didn’t, and she really pushed and advocated for me to do those scarier things that she knew would ultimately help me grow,” Leon said.

While at a MANRRS regional conference, Leon learned about the MANRRS Collegiate Animal Health and Care Academy. She was told it was a very competitive program but decided to go for it. Leon was selected as one of 12 students across the nation to participate in the 2024 program.

“I feel like, with the pre-veterinary major, a lot of the time you have to be very grounded in your decision because it’s a lot of school and commitment,” she said. “I really wanted to solidify the fact that this was something that I wanted to go into.”

The academy’s purpose is to introduce students to career options in the animal health industry while providing mentoring and professional development opportunities. Participants also attended the International Production and Processing Expo and the MANRRS National Conference and Career Expo.

The experience opened Leon’s eyes to the wide variety of careers available in veterinary medicine and helped solidify that she is on the right career path. She hopes to become a wildlife rehabilitation veterinarian with a focus on restoring populations. She was able to connect with a wildlife biologist and wildlife veterinarian during the academy to learn more about career options.

“I’m glad I had the opportunity to learn more about what all is out there because if I hadn’t, I’d still be wondering,” she said. “It really helped me a lot and solidified my career path.”

Taking chances

Leon has always known she wanted to work with animals. She was tempted to stay close to her hometown of Rupert for higher education but knew that path was the most comfortable and wouldn’t help her grow. She applied to U of I and was selected as a Chobani Scholar, a $20,000 scholarship program for students from the Magic Valley, and she knew she couldn’t turn down the opportunity out of fear.

“It was very intimidating, but this is the best ag school in Idaho, and I just took the jump and hoped for the best,” she said. “It was difficult that first year, but I don’t think I’d be where I am personally and professionally if I hadn’t come to U of I. Chobani Scholars was a huge motivator as well. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for the scholarship.”

Leon hasn’t let her initial concerns of having a limited background working with animals stop her from exploring opportunities and increasing her knowledge.

“I felt a little out of place because I didn’t have that animal background, but my professors and advisors never saw it as an issue,” she said. “I was shy because I felt like maybe I didn’t fit into that standard of pre-vet because I didn’t grow up with animals. I decided not to use that as an excuse anymore and put myself out there and became proactive.”

Leon has been able to gain the hands-on experiences she was missing through her classes, which has helped to reinforce that she is on the right path.

“I loved doing lamb watch in AVS 110 then recently I did the beef calving class in Salmon, and I loved it so much,” she said. And I can honestly say it’s something I want to do. That’s something U of I has helped me with because they gave me those opportunities to go out and figure out, oh, I love this, and I have an affinity for it.”

Leon encourages other students who may be shy or unsure of themselves to take chances and explore their options.

“It’s simple but very true, just go for it,” she said. “If I didn’t just go for it and held myself back, I wouldn’t be here. I really thank Sharon. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I’m at.”