VetPALs Aiding transitions through Vet School and into the Profession VetPAL Leaders: Robert Campbell & Rebecca Jones

What is PAL? PAL – Peer Assisted Learning University Wide Concept (VetPALs, EngPALs) Effective tool for both tutor and tutee Safe, social environment to meet older students VetPALS awarded best PALs Scheme 2015 at the EUSA Impact Awards

Let’s Start at the Start… September 2013 First VetPAL session Easter Bush, Wednesday Lunchtimes Part of the first ever VetPAL student cohort Attended Sessions on; Note taking in lectures Mock exam station workshop Preparing for Lab Books ©https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/

Secondary to Tertiary: The Big Jump Change in teaching methods Self study is the majority of learning Requires motivation and independence Understanding the increased demands of Vet School Volume of content Study techniques Time management Reassuring atmosphere Peers going through similar experiences Older years guide and share their advice © https://pixabay.com/en/parkúr- jumping-horse-jockey-race-996393/

Student to Leader VetPAL scheme was our ‘agony aunt’ VetPALs was our insight into Veterinary Education Desire to be a mentor Looked for inspiration from mature VetPAL leaders ©https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ commons/thumb/5/56/

VetPAL Leader - Rebecca Role within VetPALs: Transition in learning styles in first year Interest in Mentoring Edinburgh Award Meeting Princess Anne Becoming the organiser of the VetPAL Leader team Transferable Skills Inspiration for UCVME and AFHEA Programme Become President of ‘Edinburgh University Modern Dance Society’ Aim to pursue Veterinary Medicine Education in my future careers

VetPAL Leader - Robert Started University very young Lots of teaching needed to tackle a difficult first year Attended VetPALs throughout 1st year Joined as VetPAL leader in 2nd year ‘Speaker’ at sessions Grew in confidence Edinburgh Award Badminton Coaching Decided to pursue Educational Student Research Component Project

‘Captains’ to the VetPAL Team Moving up through the years Edinburgh Award involvement Development of key attributes Leadership Delegation Time management Team Player Listening Confidence

Being the Inspiration … Development of the younger leaders VetPALS strengthens vet school community Reflecting back on the value of the transition process … Inspired Ourselves !

Here and Now… Coming to the end of our own Veterinary Education Transition out of University is imminent Employability is now key ©https://www.flickr.com/photos/usdagov/16381027182

VetPALS – how far have we come? Over 60 students attend each session Enrolled 20 VetPAL leaders from all 5 years Lectures run by VetPAL leaders in Welcome Week “The Making of… a Better You!” Week launched Having surplus applicants of students wanting to become VetPAL leaders Demand for sessions to be run for other year groups 3rd Year – transition to Clinical Years 4th Year – transition to Final Year

The Beginning of the End … Use of our skills and attributes to smooth our transition out of University Encourages us to look for support systems in our future careers Continual Personal Development Once again ...

... ‘the little fish in a big pond’! ©https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23