Class of 1996 Profile: Laura Willard

As part of the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the YTI Class of 1996, YTI alumni are interviewing each other, discovering and recording what is happening in the lives of our YTI family today. If you are a member of the class of 1996, and would like to participate in this project, contact Sara Toering at sjtoering@gmail.com

Laura is interviewed here by Beth Kormanik Hubbuch:

Laura is entering her second year of veterinary school at the University of Minnesota with the goal of eventually practicing large animal medicine or wildlife medicine. This summer she represented her school at the Veterinary Leadership Experience, a week-long program to develop leadership and communication skills. She also is also leading orientation for incoming vet students at Minnesota this fall.

“I think I've settled in the right place where I can balance my desire to do good in the world and use that with my scientific knowledge,” she said. “I see veterinary medicine as a ministry. I provide a voice for animals to make sure they are cared for, respected, and treated well. Additionally, I guide people through challenging decisions and support them through hard times or bad news. This career is my calling."

YTI’s lasting impact came through the lifelong friendships she developed. “That was the first place I didn't feel like I was the odd one out,” she said. “Being in a community of people I could relate to and were so genuine and caring helped influence the way my relationships formed after YTI.”

Laura’s first exposure to meditation was YTI, and today she attends a Vipassana meditation group. She does not identify as Buddhist but finds in the practice a place where she can think through issues and look for wisdom. “The silence is an easier place for me to connect to God, or whatever you want to call it. I've gotten to a place where I feel the organization of formal church service is impeding that connection. I find quiet and stillness is the way to best connect.” She also appreciates the community of a church organization. For awhile, she tried not going to church but missed the connection to a higher power. The meditation group meets on Sunday mornings and offers supplements such as pot luck meals and a book group.

“It's that supportive community environment of a Christian church," she said, "but it's more of an open space where you bring what you want to it and it can be whatever you need it to be, whether that's Christian or Jewish or Buddhist.”