When I was little I always loved animals, science, and math, when I got to learn something new involving one of those things at school, my parents would never hear the end of it. I continue to love all of those things to this day, my love of learning plays a major part in who I am. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my interests when I was little, they all seemed so random, but after my dog, Skylar, got diagnosed with cancer. I decided I wanted to become a veterinarian, so I could help prevent things such as that in the future. I remember walking into the examination room with my dad, I was maybe eight or nine years old at the time and I was so excited because I had just got to pet a cute dog out in the lobby while waiting to be called back. Once we had gotten into the room the veterinarian came in and started talking to us while examining Skylar. After Skylar had gotten her blood drawn and examined I remember the vet coming back into the room to deliver the terrible news. I had no clue what was going on, all I knew is that one minute I was sitting on the floor next to Skylar playing and talking to her, and the next I look up to see my dad crying, it was the first time I had truly seen him cry. So naturally, I asked him what was wrong and it was his turn to tell me the bad news. I remember sitting in shock on the car ride home very silent, holding Skylar close to me with her head sticking out the window and tongue dangling out of her mouth while she enjoyed the car ride. When we got home my dad told my mom and then called my twin sister and younger brother downstairs to tell them. I remember us kids taking hundreds of pictures with her and taking her to get chocolate ice cream on the last day. After that dreadful visit to the vet where we had found out Skylar's fate, I decided I didn't want to have any other little kids see their dad cry and I would do anything I could to stop that, so I decided that I wanted to become a vet. After our first year without her and a lot of tears shed, my family and I got a cute little puppy and a year later my other brother came into the world. We named the puppy Kira and that solidified my resolve to become a veterinarian because I don't want anything to happen to her. I have wanted to become a veterinarian ever since that day because I want to help animals and their owners stay connected for as long as possible. I want to be able to put my love for math and science and animals to use and make a difference in the world. Even if it is a small difference, I want to be able to help both people and animals experience joy, friendship, and love. Because everyone loves their pets, they are a part of our families and without them, our lives would be drastically different. The idea that I can help ease an animal's pain or prevent it all together and make people happy all while doing what I love is what has inspired me to pursue a career in the STEM pathway. I feel like by pursuing this pathway I can leave my mark on the world.