Leslie Neihart Memorial Scholarship

One of my core beliefs is that the connection between a person and their pet is a bond that transcends the typical boundaries of ownership. The love you feel from a single look in your companion's soft, sweet eyes is an incomparable feeling. Little is asked in return besides ensuring basic needs are met. I have a strong curiosity for the biological and zoological sciences, and a persistent attitude instilled in me by my loving family that helps me accomplish what I set my mind to. I plan to enroll in an accredited school of Veterinary Medicine after I graduate with my Bachelor's degree in Zoology in order to obtain a doctoral degree to practice what I'm passionate about. I choose to embark on the uphill path of pursuing a career in veterinary medicine because like many, my life has been touched by a special animal. This was a deeply personal choice for me, which originally stemmed from the loss of irreplaceable companions in my childhood due to preventable causes. I believe that good pet health has a direct correlation with the owner's mental health, and by helping creatures large and small, we help their connected humans live happier lives. Because of this, I want to share important information with those who consider pets their family regarding how to ensure happiness, health, and safety. Part of what makes our furry freeloaders so lovable is their helplessness to the driving force of their instincts. Antics such as that head tilt at an unfamiliar sound, persistence to figure out a toy, a trick done for a savory reward, and other silly habits never fail to make us laugh and smile. Following these instincts, albeit adorable and sometimes a little frustrating in cases, can also lead to harm if the owner isn't properly educated on risk mitigation. For example, many of us (myself included) love to offer table scraps and lots of treats to the sad eyes that follow us around or watch the table. It's important to reward good behavior, it helps your animal learn expectations and makes you feel good to oblige their desires. Problems arise when human food becomes routine or there is over-consumption of balanced food and treats. Although intentions were pure, eating a toxic food can lead to negative symptoms quickly, and overweight dogs and cats live lives two years shorter on average than their fitter counterparts. I know in my heart, we all would rather have more time with our best buddies than we are given, and not complicate that time with conditions that occurred due to misinformation or lack of knowledge. That's why it's my life's goal to be a trusted resource for animal-lovers, in order to empower owners to do right by their best furry friends. As I close this application, I want to restate that my passion is to promote and encourage responsible pet ownership. It should be simple and accessible to have a veterinarian in your corner helping you make decisions confidently. I am beyond excited to dive into the complexities of veterinary field, while practicing a holistic commitment to compassionate, empathetic, and ethical care.