Making a Difference: Leadership roles helped first-generation AVS student support others

Since Christian Wilhelm’s first day at Clemson University, all she wanted to do was make a difference in whatever she did.

Whether it was being a College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences Ambassador, or secretary and later president of the Block and Bridle club, or on the dean’s student advisory board, Wilhelm looked to be supportive and uplifting to others.

As she prepares to receive her bachelor’s degree in animal and veterinary sciences with a minor in biological sciences in December, the first-generation college student looks to carry that same approach with her into veterinary school.

“It’s honestly humbling because I get to experience something my family never has,” Wilhelm said. “Not only am I going to complete my B.S., but also potentially a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) degree. I know that my family is proud. I hope to continue to make a difference along the way as far as encouragement of people that may not have been supported completely. I think anything is attainable with the right community and support.”

Coming to Clemson from Enoree, South Carolina, Wilhelm sought out various leadership positions.

“I knew as I was looking into undergrad schools that Clemson had a lot of clubs that I was interested in,” Wilhelm said. “There were things I wanted to be a part of. I feel like I’ve gotten to grow not only in my academic realm of educational stuff that’s going to help me in the future, but also in leadership roles as well.”

The Block and Bridle club, a Clemson club founded in 1937 that holds a rich tradition of livestock appreciation and fellowship, had a big influence on Wilhelm.

“They are very involved in our agricultural community,” Wilhelm said. “I helped facilitate opportunities for community service, serving at the T. Ed Garrison Arena and Expo Center, and helping in our community as far as fundraisers and livestock events. I think that has provided me with lots of leadership capabilities such as organizing public communication and getting more involved with our land grant university.”

As a CAFLS Ambassador, Wilhelm saw an opportunity to not only be an avid spokesperson for CAFLS, but she felt a calling to be a conduit for first-generation students and their parents.

“Coming in, I didn’t really have parents that knew about going to orientation and going to talk to people,” Wilhelm said. “I just knew that Clemson was a place that I wanted to be. Once I got here and had to figure things out on my own – from accepting what school I wanted to go to, to moving in – I felt like I had a different perspective as far as first-generation students go. I wanted to be able to share that with parents, prospective students, as well as the CAFLS community and Clemson University. I wanted to share my story and help others to attend Clemson. No matter your background or where you’re coming from, we can accommodate and support your academic journey.”

Wilhelm’s career aspirations began to take shape in high school as a participant in the 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America where she was involved with livestock showings of cattle and swine.

Working in an animal clinic helped her realize she wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, focusing on large animal production medicine. Clemson put her on the path to achieving that goal.

“The AVS department had a lot that I knew I could take away from the undergraduate studies besides your typical chemistry and biology, but really focusing in on field work and research,” she said. “I got the opportunity to be part of a publication through the International Embryo Transfer Society, bovine in vitro fertilization, which is something that I wasn’t expecting coming into undergrad. It was an amazing experience.”

So was her internship with the Clemson Cooperative Extension Service which allowed her to see firsthand Clemson’s role as a land grant university and how that benefits South Carolina. “It was great to see the intricacies of the extension service realm and how that’s applicable to the community,” Wilhelm said.

Wilhelm is currently waiting to learn which veterinary medical school she will be attending. One thing is for certain – she will look to make a difference there, too.

“Christian is everything right about the students in the AVS department,” said Matt Hersom, acting chair of Clemson’s Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. “She is engaged, passionate and high achieving. Christian saw the numerous opportunities available in the department and made the most of them. Every one of our students brings a unique experience to the department and we are better for having Christian Wilhelm as a graduate.”