From a young age, I knew I wanted to devote my life to animals and their well-being. Growing up, I was surrounded by various animals—each one unique, with their own quirks and personalities. I was constantly captivated by their resilience and loyalty, and as I grew older, I began to understand the incredible bond between animals and humans. It was this early fascination, coupled with my desire to make a positive impact in the world, that steered me toward a career in veterinary medicine.
During high school, I took every opportunity to volunteer at local shelters and veterinary clinics. Observing veterinarians’ skillful care of injured and ailing animals solidified my commitment to this path. I was deeply moved by the care, patience, and empathy they showed to each creature, and I saw firsthand the trust that animals placed in those who understood their silent language. Veterinary medicine, to me, is the perfect blend of scientific knowledge and compassion. It is a way to bring healing and relief to animals who cannot articulate their pain, while also supporting the people who love them. This realization not only confirmed my passion for veterinary medicine but ignited my dedication to studying it thoroughly.
In veterinary school, I have found a deep interest in small animal neurology and emergency medicine. I am particularly inspired by animals like Crosby, whose story embodies the profound impact that pets have on human lives. The chance to bring relief to animals suffering from neurological disorders, injuries, or illnesses has motivated me to specialize in neurology, where I hope to make a meaningful difference by helping animals live fuller, pain-free lives. I am fascinated by how veterinary neurology can enhance an animal's quality of life and bring joy to the families who love them.
I hope to use my education to serve both animals and communities in the way Crosby did—as a source of joy and healing. After completing my degree, I plan to work as a small animal neurologist and emergency veterinarian. My vision is to open a clinic that not only provides advanced care for animals with neurological issues but also partners with local shelters and rescue organizations to offer discounted care for animals in need. I want to extend the love and compassion that Crosby shared with so many, helping animals receive life-saving treatment regardless of their circumstances. Additionally, I aim to educate pet owners on preventive care, treatment options, and the importance of regular check-ups, fostering a more knowledgeable and compassionate community.
I am honored to apply for the Team Crosby Forever Veterinary Medicine Scholarship, which commemorates a dog who embodied resilience, compassion, and service. Crosby’s legacy as a therapy dog and show dog resonates deeply with my own aspirations. Like him, I hope to bring comfort, relief, and companionship to animals and people alike. Veterinary medicine is not just a career; it is a calling, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue it. With this scholarship, I will continue my studies with renewed dedication, honoring Crosby’s memory by making a difference in the lives of animals and those who care for them.
When learning a new language, your brain will draw on its current knowledge of other languages to decipher it. You compare known words to new ones and commit to memory unique sounds or spellings until it comes together to achieve fluency. Having lived in four different countries I have used this strategy throughout my life to learn English, French and Portuguese in addition to my native Spanish. I plan on utilizing this strategy to learn the language of medicine and immerse myself fully in the veterinary field.
My passion for veterinary medicine was the natural consequence of a life surrounded by animals and the people who love them. My first experiences with animals were through my father’s involvement in wildlife conservation and sustainability, learning how humans and animals interact both at home and in the wild. Later, as I became involved in competitive equine showjumping, I grew interested in the world of animal training. I have nurtured this interest through my volunteer work at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, learning about sports medicine and rehabilitation. However, it has been my clinical experience that solidified my passion to be a veterinarian. I spent two summers at El Campeon Farms – a rural ranch in California home to camels, emus, Santa Cruz Island horses and more – and was exposed to both large and exotic animal medicine. I have also worked in small animal medicine in the radiology department at the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary hospital.
As a veterinarian, I plan to consolidate my medical knowledge and my varied animal experiences to create a holistic care model that is effective while being respectful and empathetic to my patients and their caretakers. For instance, by integrating practices from the animal training world like positive reinforcement and behavioral shaping, receiving care may become less stressful for the animal and would result in increased safety for all those involved.
However, a veterinarian’s role is not only to diagnose and treat, but also to educate. My passions go beyond improving treatment and handling; I am interested in exploring the intersection between medicine and entrepreneurship by offering clients educational resources, coaching, and product development as I gain experience in my field. This will allow me to collaborate with clients on a proactive and comprehensive approach to animal health, as opposed to a purely reactive treatment plan.
Ultimately, I believe veterinary medicine is equal parts a service to animals and a service to society. By leveraging my global experiences with people and languages, I can customize my practice to the needs of my patients and their owners in a way that is uniquely suited to their beliefs, backgrounds, and cultures.
My multicultural background, interest in the incorporation of training practices, and my passion for education are the pillars upon which I will build my veterinary career and the driving force behind my endeavors to become a veterinarian.
