Kendra Elliott

What education have you taken?

I completed my elementary and secondary schooling in Virden, Manitoba.  I graduated with honours and received my High School Gold Diploma from Virden Collegiate Institute in 2011. I am currently in my third year of pre-vet studies here at BU, and am working towards a Bachelor of Science, with a biomedical major and chemistry minor.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I’m proud of my long time involvement with 4-H, and thankful for the skills it has taught me and the opportunities it has provided me with. I travelled to Japan this past summer, have won multiple scholarships, and have developed strong public speaking skills.  I won the Adult speech category at the Provincial level last year and also won a Lions’ speaking competition in 2011 which allowed me to travel to Australia with their International Youth Exchange.

I am also proud of my volunteer work with various organizations.  I have been a member of the St. John Ambulance Volunteer Brigade 025 here in Brandon since the fall of 2013.  I am now a certified Medical First Responder and the coordinator for the university club – SJABU.  I have been involved with the Coop Youth Leadership Seminar program since 2010. I have been a camper, junior leader, leader, and assistant coordinator, helping students from around Manitoba develop leadership skills while also developing such skills for myself. Last but not least, I am an executive member of the Biological Society on Campus (B.Sc.). I am proud of how active we have been this year and how much we have done for the students and faculty of BU.

Over the years, I have won various scholarships and awards due to 4-H, volunteering, and academics.  One I am very proud of is winning first place in the 2011 Caring for Our Watersheds competition with my ‘Riffle Crossings’ proposal.  Thanks to the funding from Agrium and the work of the West Souris River Conservation District, we were able to build a riffle structure in the Pipestone Creek by my family’s farm.

Tell me about yourself/ background/ history.

I was raised on Butler Hill Farm – my family’s commercial cattle farm – in the Pipestone Valley, north of Cromer and west of Virden.  I have two sisters who are six and four years older than me.  My dad is a farmer and my mom is a substitute teacher/farmer.

I am a long time member of the Pipestone 4-H Beef Club.  I am currently in my thirteenth year, plus I was a PeeWee member for three years before that.  I am also this year’s Manitoba Representative for the 4-H Canada Youth Advisory Council.

I have completed Grade 7 piano with the Royal Conservatory of Music and played clarinet in the school bands from Grade 6 to 12. I was also a member of the Westman Honour Band during high school.

My hobbies include snowboarding, baking, and travelling.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

Growing up on a farm, I have always been involved with cattle, horses, cats, and dogs.  Whenever we had a sick animal, I wanted to be able to do something for them.  If the vet had to come out to the farm, I was enthralled by what they could do.  I’ve known that I’ve wanted to be a vet since about the age of eight, so with two older sisters who were at the age to be asked the “what do you want to be when you grow up” question, I tended to be a little bit disappointed that no one would ever ask me! During high school I spent some time volunteering at the Virden Animal Hospital, which further confirmed that veterinary medicine was my career goal.

What is your philosophy in life?

Dream big and work hard to get the job done, but also know when to let go and relax. It’s good to achieve, but the path shouldn’t be too treacherous. Always be empathetic and try to find the positive in every situation.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

After graduating from Western College of Veterinary Medicine, I hope to work at a rural mixed practice, possibly in the Westman area.  I’d also like to do some more travelling and volunteering, perhaps with Veterinarians without Borders. Someday I’ll also hopefully have a family, but for now I’m happy to be a very proud auntie.

Nominator’s Comments

Kendra is a solid biomedical student, active on the executive of the Biology club ‘BSc On Campus’ and recruiter/member of the St. Johns Ambulance Brigade.  She will be an excellent veterinarian one day very soon, or in whatever path she follows. Kendra is accomplished, kind and compassionate.  She is a natural leader and a sought-after team member.  I support Kendra without hesitation.