Charlotte Lewis: Young Farmers' Club and Veterinary Science

Recently I competed in the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs Public Speaking Day in Staffordshire. I was part of the Pembrokeshire Young Farmers Club (YFC) Intermediate Brainstrust Team competing as chairman for a panel discussion about 3 topics that we were given on the day- our team was delighted to be placed first and I was very fortunate to be awarded Best Chairman. Also, that day I competed in the Situations Vacant competition which involved undergoing a mock application process for a job of my choice, which I was pleased to be placed 4^th in.

YFC is a rural youth movement for young people ages 10-28, where members can join their local club and have access to so many amazing opportunities from club trips, to competitions, travel opportunities and social events- the movement provides something for everyone.

I have been a member of South Pembs YFC in the Pembrokeshire Federation for the last 8 years where I have been privileged to have had many amazing opportunities from being club chairman a few years ago to competing at Wales and national levels in competitions including public speaking and stock judging, all allowing me to develop invaluable skills.

Such skills have been extremely beneficial to me as a student. In particular, experiences gained whilst public speaking, giving reasons stock judging and performing in drama competitions have allowed me to develop skills in communicating effectively which have been extremely supportive right from University interviews to currently on the Veterinary Science course in oral exam situations. In addition, knowledge about the agricultural industry that I have learned in YFC from trips, talks and competitions I have been able to apply to my course. Finally, the confidence and the willingness to have a go at different things is something that the YFC movement really encourages, and I feel has really benefited me particularly starting university.

I look forward to the next 10 years that I have as a YFC member and I am excited to see how it can continue to help me in the rest of my veterinary education and into my future.

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