Connor Becker was just 8 when he realized what he wanted to be when he grew up.
And for years, his father, Dr. Khristian Becker (’97), was anxiously waiting to be a part of Connor’s Iowa State journey to becoming a veterinarian.
Those dreams came true last August.
Connor’s dream began when he accompanied his father, the owner of Becker Veterinary Clinic in Maquoketa, Iowa, on a farm call to vaccinate and precondition cattle. Young Connor’s “job” was to load vaccination syringes.
“I watched in awe,” Connor says. “After we finished, my dad told me he could not have done it without me. Helping my dad for the past 14 years has given me the confidence that I can make a difference in the veterinary profession.”
Connor’s first steps into the field came when he, and 130 other Iowa State first-year veterinary students, participated in the annual White Coat Ceremony. The event symbolizes the beginning of a student’s academic journey to become a veterinarian.
At the ceremony, each student is “coated” by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). In Connor’s case, that DVM was his dad, a dream come true for Khristian.
“I have had the honor of being a white coat mentor for four students who are now veterinarians, and I always hoped one day I would be at the White Coat Ceremony with Connor,” Khristian says. “Presenting my son with a white coat was one of the most special days of my life.”
Connor feels the same way.
“My dad has always been my role model, hero, and inspiration,” he says. “Having my dad ‘coat’ me was a special moment filled with mutual pride and love. I have learned from the very best and am blessed to have the opportunity to share the rewards and challenges of the veterinary profession with my dad.”
There’s a good chance that the White Coat ceremony won’t be the last time these two work together.
“I’m a solo practitioner, so the thought of having Connor join me has always been my dream,” Khristian says. “It is extremely rewarding to know that after working with me for all these years, Connor plans to follow in my footsteps.”
Connor says, “I can’t image anything but life as a rural, mixed animal practice veterinarian working alongside my dad.”