A University of Central Lancashire vet student has received a special award to recognise her dedication and professionalism.
Alexandra Laws, an undergraduate on the (BVMS) Veterinary Medicine & Surgery course, is the first recipient of the Linnaeus Professionalism Award.
The first-year student was nominated by her peers, academics and placement colleagues for “being a fantastic team player, being caring and considerate, having a fantastic work ethic, and being someone who epitomises what a University of Central Lancashire vet student should be”.
Alexandra, 27, from Newcastle, said: “I’m never lost for words but I’m absolutely speechless to know I’ve won this award.
“It’s such an honour to be chosen out of a group of so many worthy students, it means the world to me. It’s fantastic recognition for the hard work I’ve put in to pursue this wonderful career and I hope this inspires others that it is never too late to follow their dreams.”
After studying at St Thomas More RC High School, in Blaydon, and Newcastle Sixth Form, she went on to study Spanish and Italian at university. Following her graduation, Alexandra travelled to Spain to use her language skills and spent time working with horses and greyhound dogs.
"It’s such an honour to be chosen out of a group of so many worthy students, it means the world to me"
— Alexandra Laws, first recipient of the Linnaeus Professionalism Award
It was here she discovered her love of working with animals so headed back to England and undertook a biochemical sciences access course at Newcastle College. She then enrolled as one of the University of Central Lancashire’s first cohort of BVMS undergraduates.
The Linnaeus Professionalism Award was sponsored by the highly-respected UK and Ireland veterinary group.
Natasha Hetzel, Linnaeus Veterinary Education Manager, attended the ceremony on the University’s Preston Campus to present Alexandra with her certificate and £400 award.
She commented: “It’s fantastic we are working with the University of Central Lancashire to recognise the next generation of vets.
“This award recognises the wide variety of skills required to be a vet. It’s not just about clinical knowledge; it’s about being a team player and having great communication skills to engage both with clients and the whole veterinary team.
“Fundamentally though, as veterinary professionals we have to prioritise our mental wellbeing and take time for self-care to protect our physical and mental health. We are so pleased to be partnering with The University of Central Lancashire to emphasise these important elements of professionalism with vet students at the very beginning of their careers.”