President’s Letter | Q3 2024

Dear AAIV Members, 

As I write this newsletter, I can’t believe the start of school is only three weeks away for my son, who is an incoming freshman. His summer has been just as busy as the school year, filled with high school weight training, football and basketball practices, and an online summer school class. As we enter the latter half of summer, I find myself amidst the excitement and chaos of packing for a vacation. I am so looking forward to time away, but I understand all too well the busyness that surrounds preparing for and returning from a trip. Sometimes, the sheer volume of pre- and post-vacation tasks can make us reconsider the value of taking time off altogether. 

However, I want to emphasize how essential it is to push through that busyness and prioritize our well-being by stepping away from work. Recently, I heard a piece of advice that resonated deeply with me: do one thing each day to “take back your day.” This is a challenge that I’m taking on for the rest of the summer. 

In my own life, I’ve started incorporating small but meaningful activities that help me reconnect with myself and unwind: 

• Watering My Garden: Spending time (attempting to) nurture my plants not only brings me joy but also offers a peaceful break from daily stress. 

• Grounding with Bare Feet: Feeling the earth beneath my feet in my yard helps me feel centered and grounded. 

• Eating Lunch Outside: A change of scenery, fresh air and a moment of tranquility make a world of difference during a busy day. 

• Having a Glass of Wine with My Husband: This is a simple habit that helps me break away from work and shifts my focus back to my family. 

• Playing Ball with My Dogs: Just a few minutes outside with my dogs usually brings me some laughs; it’s good for my dogs and gives me a refreshing break. 

These “take back my day” moments remind me of the importance of carving out time for myself amidst my busy schedule. 

Taking a vacation is an extended version of these daily practices. It allows us to truly disconnect from work, recharge and return with renewed energy and creativity. I know it’s hard for so many of us to turn the work emails off on our phones and not take our computers with us. I struggle with this and I don’t always succeed, but I have good intentions. 

Make Vacation a Priority! 

I encourage each of you to plan and prioritize your vacations. Whether it’s an elaborate trip or a simple staycation, the key is to disconnect and focus on activities that bring you joy and relaxation. 

Upcoming Events 

While you plan your next getaway, don’t forget about the exciting events we have lined up: 

• How to Break Into Non-Clinical Veterinary Jobs: Aug. 19, 2024, 6:00 p.m. CT

• AAIV Virtual Networking Event: September 23, 2024, 5:00 p.m. CT

• Getting to the Interview and Winning It: October 28, 2024, 6:00 p.m. CT 

Taking time off is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining our well-being and effectiveness in our careers. As I prepare for my own vacation, I hope you find inspiration to prioritize your personal time and reap the many benefits that come with it. 

Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable remainder of the summer! 

Warm regards, 

Bianca Zenor, D.V.M. M.S.
President, American Association of Industry Veterinarians (AAIV)