One of the most meaningful ways I’ve contributed to my community has been through the Youth Community Action Program (YCAP) volunteer hours I completed as part of the Boy Scouts. These experiences allowed me to help people in need by gathering canned goods, sorting food, and collecting donations through fundraising events. Each act of service helped build my pride in carrying out responsibilities, as well as my compassion and teamwork—traits I believe are essential in any caring profession. Volunteering taught me that showing up consistently, even for the small tasks, can lead to real change in someone’s life.
Where I truly discovered my skill set, though, was working on the recovery team at the Homeward Bound spay and neuter clinic. Thanks to a knack and a genuine passion for working hands-on with animals, I know this is the field for me. Whether it's helping an animal come out of surgery or cleaning up after one that wet itself in fear, I feel engaged, focused, and motivated. These experiences showed me that animal care does not have to be “just a passion”—it can become a fulfilling career I can go home proud of. Even in the more difficult moments, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Helping animals in need gives me a deep sense of purpose. There is something uniquely rewarding about easing suffering and offering comfort to creatures that cannot speak for themselves. It motivates me to stay present, attentive, and empathetic in every situation. When I know that my efforts ensure that an animal can safely recover from having a life-altering operation, I’m reminded that there are ways I can apply my skill sets that make the world a slightly better place for someone.
I also see the veterinary assistant role as a practical and stable career path—one that lets me work in a field I genuinely enjoy while gaining valuable experience. It’s a stepping stone toward a future where I can continue growing and helping animals in more advanced roles, provided I receive the necessary education.
Receiving this scholarship would bring me one step closer to that goal of pursuing a career that I can apply myself too and be proud of it. It would support my training and help me begin a meaningful, rewarding career where I can make a real difference— to the animals, their people, and it would make a real difference to me too.
While I worked with Pawsitively Saved, I learned a lot about dog behavior, aggression signs, and restraint to de-escalate fights. It was often assumed that being in the field and truly doing the hard work, dealing with the harsh realities of euthanasia and how some animals just can't be saved, whether it be because of behavior or physical issues, would dispel my wish to become a veterinarian. Instead, I was spurred on to push harder to accomplish my goal. I realized how the animals that were to be euthanized often had no one by their side, no comfort in their last moments, rescue or not. I strived to become that grounding presence, and still hope to be that to this day, even if I am the one administering that final shot.
From my very first day at home after being born, I was surrounded by fluffy tails and curious noses. Our dog at the time, named Tucker, was a very sweet and laid back guy. He protected me from our cats, despite how little they cared about my presence. He lived until I was around ten, if I remember correctly. He loved to lounge on the deck and watch the birds. While he was still here, we adopted another dog from some neighbors that were moving and couldn't take her with them. Her name was Zoey. Zoey had an eating disorder. She felt like she had to eat all the time. She was lazy, and plump, but the most loving dog an owner could ask for.
Tucker passed in 2016, which made Zoey the lone dog of the household. She became depressed, and, honestly, so did I. That's when we adopted CJ. He was around six or seven months when we adopted him, but it was obvious that his previous life was filled with abuse from the moment we brought him home. I found myself wanting to heal him- he bore no physical scars, but his mind was covered in them. Even so, he's still a very sweet, very eager to please pup that I wish I could put in my pocket and bring everywhere with me.
My urge to help animals began with CJ's mental scars, but, as time went on, my interests spread to being more physical, as well. The start of Zoey's decline was what truly pushed me towards this end goal. She could barely walk some days, couldn't control when she pooped or peed. I didn't realize it then, but I know now that the look she wore was one of shame. I wanted to fix her. She was only nine. She was my best friend, and she was dying at nine. It felt cruel. Unfair.
I researched a lot following her death, and it became apparent that she most likely had something wrong with her spine; perhaps a tumor, perhaps something else. Whatever it was, I strive to make sure it never gets as bad as it did for her with any other animal I treat. She may have only been nine, but she was suffering. I wish that kind of suffering on no living thing.
I dedicate my work to both her and CJ, but also to myself, as this journey of learning animal behaviors, memorizing medicines and treatments, has been the most fulfilling part of my life to date. I look forwards to pursuing my dreams, scholarship or not. Nothing will stop me from becoming a veterinarian.
I consistently have an internal drive to help any animal I possible can. Domesticated animals only exist because of humans, therefore we as a society are obligated to assure that they are taken care of. During a time where I retained an overwhelming feeling of helplessness about these animals in need, I encountered an opportunity to volunteer at a local humane society. I immediately took up that offer, and have been working with the shelter ever since. During my time at the shelter, I assure that the dogs have been exercising throughout the day. I make sure that both the dogs and cats get time for love, because they get lonely in the isolated compounds of shelter living. I assist in the cleanliness of the shelter as well, so no animal is trapped in not only an isolated but filthy environment.
Childhood felt like a fever dream in my mind. My mother and I moved to a homestead with our extended family; and they owned many animals. It was my first experience with rural living, but I learned many valuable lessons along the way. My grandfather taught me how to raise animals which would later turn to food. Collecting eggs, honey, and milk from the goats turned into chores that brought me closer to my grandfather. Living with him sparked my interest in the field of veterinary science from the curiosity of what remained on the inside of those animals. I wanted to know what drove them to perform their instinctual rituals and how their bodies differed from a humans body. I questioned why humans had the capability of speech, whereas other animals could not obtain this skill. The interworkings of healing animals from their injuries particularly peaked my interest, as I wished I could fix things before it was too late.
My first cat, Mumu, taught me that not every veterinarian is capable of handling every animal. My mother had taken her in for a routing procedure, as she was just bc enough to handle it. A few hours goes by, and I received a message from my mom, informing me of the death of my first cat. She died in the operating room; they dosed her with an incorrect amount of anesthesia, and she died. I was determined from that day on to care for every animal with as much detail and care possible, in hopes that no other pet parent will go through the loss of a healthy baby from silly mistakes.
