Giving back and helping others.
This is what made Manraj Sidhu from Mackenzie pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
“Whatever career path I pursue, I hope to contribute back to the profession in some way,” said Sidhu, who began his first year of classes at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in August.
He, along with 78 classmates, received an official welcome to the WCVM on Sept. 22 during a white coat ceremony in Saskatoon, Sask.
“I’ve always imagined myself as a veterinarian that treats animals while learning more about animal health to help expand the knowledge of the veterinary field.”
Sidhu’s interest in volunteering began when he was a teenage patient at the B.C. Children’s Hospital.
“My social worker at the hospital thought I was a “mature” patient and asked me to speak with another particularly reserved patient in the oncology ward,” Sidhu said.
“I ended up being an unofficial volunteer for the hospital for over seven years.”
As a result, Sidhu became a spokesperson for the Sunshine Kids Foundation where he spoke regularly with teens and their families while sponsoring trips for children with cancer.
In 2011, Sidhu was named the British Columbia Difference Maker of the Year, which led him to travel with Rick Hansen in support of his foundation.