Beckie Mossor, RVT – NAVTA President-Elect
Number of years as a Credentialed Veterinary Technician: 14
Why/how did you decide to become a Credentialed Veterinary Technician?
I had always wanted to work with animals and be a veterinary technician. I went to a job interview, and they were touring me around the clinic, showing me the operational side of things. During the interview, they said, “don’t worry, we will teach you how to use all of this,” referring to the equipment. I remember thinking to myself that I didn’t feel right learning on people’s pets and on the fly. I wanted to know what I would be doing, how, and why before I took someone’s pet and told them to trust me with them. I went home that day and searched for veterinary technology programs near me, and luckily, I was just up the road from one of the top programs in our state at the time. I applied, was accepted, and enrolled within a few months and on to becoming a credentialed veterinary technician!
Why did you volunteer to serve on the NAVTA Board of directors?
I was approached by several members of the veterinary community who felt that my professional values and goals were important additions to our current leadership. Because of my previous terms with the board, I was qualified.
I am very passionate about advocating for our profession, uniting our colleagues, and elevating our voices across the veterinary sounding boards. Working with NAVTA is one important way to support and advocate best, and I am insanely proud to do so!
What do you feel is your greatest professional/personal accomplishment to date?
By far, I think my greatest professional or personal accomplishment to date has been the founding of the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree with Lily Preston and Crystal Vaquera. The tree was “planted” in 2020 to provide holiday help to our colleagues. I am so proud of the growth and generosity. Each year, people nominate themselves or someone they know in the industry in need of a little holiday hope; while other colleagues can give to the tree and help these families when they have a little extra to share. Over three giving seasons, we have helped about 100 families and individuals and have raised nearly $21,000.
The stories submitted humble me each year, and the gratitude and generosity never cease to overwhelm me. It is the best thing I have ever been a part of, and it brings to light the struggles, strength, kindness, and compassion of our amazing veterinary team members.
How do you balance your work/volunteer/home commitments?
I don’t!!!! Seriously. I think we are all striving so hard for that place of balance and “perfection.” I embrace that my life is crazy; crazy awesome, but crazy. I am constantly putting out fires and worrying that I am forgetting something. So, when work gets busy, my house may get a little dirty. When my schooling requires extra dedication, or I have extra work travel, well, other things get a little neglected. And that’s ok!
So, here is what I do to manage the inevitable imbalance:
• Go to counseling to improve my ability to be kind to myself and reduce anxiety when I do have a lot to juggle by helping me prioritize.
• Prioritize fun because that will never get to the top of the list on its own.
• Have an AMAZING support system who are not afraid to be honest with me.
• Practice presence, and practice again and again.
• Give myself grace.
• Talk to myself like I would talk to my best friend.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
I love this question because I think it is SO important for us to continue to learn. So, my husband and I subscribe to a thing called Craftsman Crate and Date Crate. They are full of activities and crafts and other fun things to do. I do something new every month, if not more frequently! I have etched glass, made some nail/string art thing, got to know myself and my husband better, and so much more! There are so many fun crates; find one and learn to do something new!!