In Loving Memory of Dr. Personett Pure Love of Animals and Learning Scholarship

From the time I could talk, I knew I wanted to care for people. I recall standing in the pediatrician’s office at four years old, hearing a baby crying down the hall and saying to my mom, “I want to be a baby doctor and make them not want to cry.” As time went on, this love transferred over to animals. There was never a time as a kid when I didn't have my hands on an animal. There was one point when we had a cat who was requiring medical attention multiple times a week. This is when I met Dr. Darcy Sobel, who is still my biggest inspiration and supporter to this day. I was in awe of how she had so much compassion for animals, but also managed to be so strong for them when they needed it most. This awe has stayed with me and brought me to the next stage of my life—attending SUNY Delhi to pursue my education. For roughly eight years of my education, I was homeschooled by my mom, one of the best teachers I have ever had, but my sophomore year I made the transfer to my local school, Windsor High School, and met my current agriculture teacher, Mrs. James. At my school, we have an amazing Vet Science class where I got to work closely with cows, ferrets, chickens, and many other small animals. This experience completely solidified my decision to go into the veterinary field. I knew from the minute I took a tour of SUNY Delhi's campus that it was where I belonged for my next chapter in life. Their program is one of the best around, offering extensive hands-on experiences to prepare me for what lies ahead. Their 2+2 program was the perfect decision—I can become a technician in my first two years and have a job wherever my education takes me after my time at Delhi. Seeing how intensive the work was at Delhi was also a big interest to me. I wanted to surround myself with people who would push me to be my best while also being a support system. When visiting, it was clear to me that all the students in the vet science building had inside jokes and great relationships, but also pushed each other in the lab and while studying. They always say to get faster you have to run with people faster than you, and I believe the same goes with my education. My ultimate goal in my career is to open my own practice in my town. I want to make it a place where everyone feels comfortable and cared for, like they are understood no matter what decisions they choose to make. I want to offer good quality care that is still affordable. I also hope to inspire people just as Dr. Sobel inspired me. This scholarship would be a building block to my education and assist me in achieving my lifelong goals. I am very excited to see where the journey at Delhi takes me and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my story and to be considered for this scholarship. Thank you.

Animals have been my passion since I was a little child. Helping animals has always been a dream of mine. I’ve always wanted to help animals whether it’s just a simple vaccination or a life saving surgery. I also love to educate people along the way. I love to help families through difficult times and educate new families on a pet they just added to their family. My goal in life is to not only help the animal and make sure they are living the best life possible but also make sure the family is happy and understands the care for their animal. I started at SUNY Delhi in the fall of 2024 to start working towards my goal of becoming a veterinarian. While attending SUNY Delhi, I learned so much about how to care for an animal and the skills to educate owners on the care for their pet. The veterinarian career is always changing and there is always something new to learn. My vision for my future is always changing with the new knowledge I learn everyday. Even though my vision is changing, animals are still the main focus. Animal welfare is extremely important to me. I want to make sure that every animal is getting the care that they need. Whether it's a tiny mouse or a large elephant, they all need care. In the future, whether I become a small/exotic animal veterinarian or a zoo veterinarian, animal welfare will always be my top priority. I have had the wonderful opportunity to complete my preceptorship through Fur and Feathers Veterinary Care. I have been able to work aside with the doctors, veterinarian technicians, veterinarian assistants, and receptionists who worked alongside Dr. Personett. Everyday I get to hear wonderful stories about her and learn about the deep care she had for all the animals she saw. The more I learn about her, the more I want to follow in her footsteps. She cared so deeply for every animal who walked through her door, making sure each animal got the best care. When I continue to go through school and start my future as a veterinarian, I want to be just like her. This scholarship will help me continue to work towards my goal of becoming a veterinarian in the future. It will help me follow in Dr. Personett’s footsteps on making sure each animal's welfare is taken care of, and they are living the best life they can. To have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship means so much to me as I continue my preceptorship at Fur and Feathers. Dr. Personett’s story will forever live on through future veterinarians who get to learn about her passion for animals.