Within the twisting, knotted roots of Flaxenwood, where the shadows of the ancient trees intertwined, there lived a gnome woman named Brielle. Brielle had skin as dark and rich as the forest soil after a summer rain. Her eyes, a bright amber, twinkled with a mix of mischief and curiosity, qualities that often got her into trouble. However, where tradition and routine ruled, Brielle welcomed trouble with open arms. On this day, Brielle was wandering through the dense underbrush, her hands clutching a satchel filled with all manner of oddities she’d found during her morning foraging: a rare blue mushroom, an old silver spoon, and a pebble that hummed when she held it close to her ear. Her wild hair, a mass of curls that defied any attempt at taming, bounced as she skipped along, humming a tune that only she seemed to know. As she ventured deeper into the woods, the light dimmed, and the air grew thick with the scent of moss and earth. Brielle’s footsteps slowed as she approached a peculiar clearing she’d never seen before. At the center stood a ancient oak, its bark gnarled and twisted with age. But it wasn’t the tree that caught Brielle’s attention; it was the small, ornately carved door embedded in its trunk. “What could go wrong?” she whispered to herself, her curiosity outweighing any sense of caution. Without a second thought, Brielle knocked on the door. The sound echoed through the clearing, louder than possible, and the door creaked open before she could even pull her hand away. Inside was not the hollowed-out tree trunk she expected, but a narrow staircase spiraling downward into darkness. Down, down she went, the staircase winding deeper into the earth until she emerged into a vast underground cavern. The walls glistened with bioluminescent fungi, casting an eerie glow over the space. In the center of the cavern was a large pool, its water as dark as the night sky. Brielle approached the edge of the pool, peering into its depths. She could see her reflection in the water, her eyes glowing like twin lanterns in the gloom. But as she watched, the reflection began to change. Her features twisted and morphed until she was staring at a different face altogether—one that was not her own. The face belonged to an ancient gnome, her skin wrinkled and pale, her eyes sunken and hollow. Brielle gasped and stumbled back, but the reflection only grew clearer, as if the water was trying to pull her in. “Who are you?” Brielle demanded, her voice trembling slightly. The reflection didn’t answer, but Brielle felt a cold, creeping sensation wash over her like icy fingers trailing down her spine. The water began to bubble and churn, and from its depths emerged a figure, the same gnarled and twisted form as in the reflection. A gnome woman, now standing before Brielle, ancient beyond years, her eyes glowing with a malevolent light. “You dared to summon me, child?” she rasped, her voice like the rustling of dead leaves. “What could go wrong, you ask? Everything.” Brielle’s heart pounded in her chest, but she stood her ground, her curiosity mingling with a newfound determination. “What do you want?” she asked, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her. The ancient gnome smiled a cruel expression that sent shivers down Brielle’s spine. “I am the guardian of this place, the keeper of old ways,” she said. “And you, little one, have disrupted the balance.” Brielle’s mind raced. She had heard tales of guardians—ancient spirits bound to protect sacred places—but she had never believed them to be real. Yet here she was, standing before one, and it was very real. “What balance?” Brielle asked, trying to keep her voice calm.“The balance between the old and new, the dark and the light,” the guardian hissed. “By entering this place, you have tipped the scales.” Brielle’s eyes narrowed. “Then how do I fix it?” The guardian tilted her head as if considering Brielle’s question. “There is a way,” she said slowly, “but it is not without risk.” Brielle’s curiosity flared again, and she nodded. “Tell me.” The guardian gestured to the pool. “You must retrieve the heart of the forest,” she said. “It lies at the bottom of this pool, guarded by ancient forces. If you can bring it to me, the balance will be restored.” Brielle hesitated. The pool’s dark waters seemed to ripple with unseen dangers, but she couldn’t turn back now. Taking a deep breath, she nodded and stepped to the edge of the pool. Brielle dove in, the water was freezing, and as she descended deeper, the light from the fungi above faded until she was surrounded by darkness. But she didn’t stop. She swam down, down, until she could feel a pulsating energy beneath her. Finally, her fingers brushed against something solid, she grasped it pulling it free from the muck at the bottom of the pool. As she did, a blinding light erupted from the object, illuminating the entire cavern. Brielle kicked upwards, the heart of the forest clutched tightly in her hand. As she broke the surface, gasping for air, the guardian was waiting for her, a look of surprise on her twisted face. “You did it,” the guardian whispered, her voice filled with a strange mix of emotions. Brielle climbed out of the pool, holding the heart of the forest—a glowing, crystalline orb that pulsed with life. “Now what?” she asked, voice steady. The Guardian reached out, her gnarled fingers trembling as she took the orb from Brielle. As soon as she touched it, the cavern began to tremble, and the walls seemed to come alive with a vibrant, green light. “You have restored the balance,” the guardian said, her voice now soft and gentle. “But know this, child: with every choice comes consequence. The forest will remember what you have done today." Brielle left the tree unsure if her choice was a good one or bad

Pursuing a Clinical Psychology major and aspiring to a career in social work and behavior analysis is deeply rooted in my passion for understanding and helping others. This path represents a confluence of my academic interests and personal experiences, all of which have shaped my commitment to making a positive impact on individuals and communities. From a young age, I have been fascinated by human behavior and the intricacies of the mind. This curiosity led me to delve into psychology, where I discovered a profound interest in how mental health issues affect individuals' lives. Studying clinical psychology has provided me with a solid foundation in understanding psychological disorders, therapeutic techniques, and the complex interplay between mental health and everyday functioning. This academic journey has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions, enabling me to support those in need effectively. My passion for clinical psychology is not solely academic; it is also deeply personal. Growing up, I witnessed friends and family members struggle with mental health challenges, often without adequate support or understanding. These experiences ignited a desire within me to be a source of help and healing for others. I realized that by pursuing a career in clinical psychology, I could offer the empathy, support, and professional guidance that many individuals desperately need but often lack. In addition to my interest in clinical psychology, I am equally passionate about social work and behavior analysis. Social work appeals to me because of its holistic approach to helping individuals and communities. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence people's lives. Through social work, I can advocate for systemic change, work with diverse populations, and address the root causes of social issues. This aligns with my belief that mental health cannot be fully understood or treated in isolation but must be considered within the broader context of individuals' lives and communities. Behavior analysis, on the other hand, offers a scientific and systematic approach to understanding and modifying behavior. I am particularly drawn to its applications in working with individuals with developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder. By employing evidence-based techniques, I can help individuals develop essential life skills, improve their quality of life, and achieve greater independence. The tangible and measurable outcomes of behavior analysis are incredibly rewarding, as they demonstrate the direct impact of my work on individuals' lives. Combining these fields allows me to adopt a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to mental health and well-being. My goal is to integrate clinical psychology's therapeutic techniques with social work's advocacy and support systems, and behavior analysis's evidence-based interventions. This approach will enable me to address the diverse needs of individuals and communities, providing holistic and effective care. In conclusion, my passion for a Clinical Psychology major and a future career in social work and behavior analysis is driven by a profound desire to understand, support, and empower individuals facing mental health challenges. Through my academic studies and personal experiences, I have developed a deep empathy for those in need and a commitment to making a positive difference. By combining the strengths of clinical psychology, social work, and behavior analysis, I aspire to create meaningful change in the lives of individuals and communities, fostering resilience, well-being, and a brighter future for all.

Travel can profoundly transform individuals by immersing them in diverse cultures, perspectives, and environments, which fosters significant personal growth. Encountering new ways of life and challenges existing assumptions, broadens horizons, and cultivates a deeper empathy for others. Imagine someone who travels from a small town in the United States to a large intricate city in Japan. Upon arrival, they are immediately immersed in a culture vastly different from their own the moment they step out of their plane. They experience the intricate traditions of tea ceremonies, the communal aspect of dining at a sushi bar, and the disciplined nature of public behavior, such as the etiquette of bowing and the importance of punctuality. This immersion requires them to adapt to a new set of social norms and practices, challenging their preconceived notions and expanding their understanding of social interactions. They may struggle initially with the language barrier, but as they navigate daily tasks—ordering food, asking for directions, or using public transportation—they build confidence and problem-solving skills. Through this immersive experience, you gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture, develop empathy for people living in different social contexts, and acquire practical skills like basic Japanese phrases. This exposure fosters personal growth by enhancing cultural sensitivity, broadening perspectives, and making yourself more adaptable and resilient in the face of unfamiliar situations. This exposure often also enhances problem-solving skills and adaptability, as navigating unfamiliar territories requires flexibility and resilience. Additionally, traveling encourages self-discovery and introspection, leading to increased confidence and independence. By engaging with different lifestyles and practices, individuals can develop a greater appreciation for global diversity and gain insights that inspire positive changes in their own lives and communities A key advantage of exploring other cultures is the enhancement of empathy and comprehension. When you immerse yourself in various cultural settings it allows you to value diverse lifestyles and viewpoints, promoting a more open-minded and considerate outlook in a way you can only gain from interacting with others who’s outlook and ways of life contrast yours greatly. In this you will naturally find ways you are similar and in that search you begin to learn and concepts become less foreign to you. This can also strengthen interpersonal connections and diminish learned biases, as you learn to understand and appreciate different perspectives.

My experience with mental health has profoundly influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations, shaping me in ways that extend beyond the personal and into the professional and relational realms. Firstly, my beliefs have been deeply influenced by my mental health journey. I have come to understand the importance of self-awareness and self-care. Before I was about to attend college, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and left the state we lived in, to receive better care. Up until then, my grandmother was my rock in every hard time as she was the one who raised me ever since I was young. To ignore the feelings the news put me in, I overworked myself and studied from night to morning without taking time to sleep unless necessary, with my job starting right after a class or vice versa. Ultimately, that choice was my greatest detriment as it caused the quality of my work to go down, causing lower grades, and my lack of sleep caused me to wake up late and get infractions at work due to tardiness. I was falling behind and abandoning the relationships in my life to hide how my closest relationship being changed had affected me. Luckily those around me noticed and they helped me, through on-campus therapy and forced me to have discussions with my job and various teachers who were all understanding, and helped me come up with a way to fit my obligations into a more manageable range This journey has instilled in me a strong belief in the power of resilience and the necessity of seeking help when needed. It has taught me that mental health is as crucial as physical health, and it is something that requires ongoing attention and care. This belief has made me more empathetic towards others, understanding that everyone has their battles, and it is essential to approach people with kindness and patience. In terms of relationships, my mental health experiences have made me more conscious of the emotional and psychological states of those around me. I have learned to communicate more effectively and to listen actively. Within my romantic relationship, I struggled with communication and telling my partner when I was upset or mentally hurting whether it be something he was doing or simply the discomfort of life. This led me to carry resentment and anger towards him simply because he was so oblivious to my sadness, and I felt he should notice when I was upset even though I made a very thorough point to not let him know when I was upset. Understanding my mental health struggles has given me a deeper capacity for empathy, allowing me to support my friends and family more effectively. It has also taught me the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a healthy balance in relationships to ensure mutual respect and support. This awareness has strengthened my relationships, making them more open, honest, and supportive. Career aspirations have also been significantly influenced by my mental health journey. I have developed a strong desire to work in fields that promote mental well-being and support individuals facing mental health challenges. This has led me to pursue a career in psychology, counseling, and social work, where I can directly contribute to the mental well-being of others. My journey has influenced my approach to work and productivity. I have learned the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the dangers of burnout. This understanding has made me more mindful of my limits and the need to prioritize self-care, ensuring that I can remain effective and passionate in my professional endeavors.

I have been blessed with not just one, but two incredible individuals who have profoundly supported me throughout my life. To me, support means providing assistance and encouragement during challenges, being a reliable presence, and offering resources—whether emotional, financial, or practical—to those in need. College is not an easy road, nor is it for everyone, however, the people I am about to discuss have made my journey through college feel as easy as a softly flowing river. My grandmother played a significant role in my upbringing. She was a woman of poise and grace, who, despite having her opportunities for higher education repeatedly thwarted, became my biggest academic cheerleader. She always encouraged me to strive for the highest grades possible, yet never faulted me when I didn’t perform well on a test or during a semester. She taught me discipline and imparted financial and worldly advice long before I needed it, and somehow, every piece of knowledge she shared proved invaluable in my life. Sadly, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and moved to California for better treatment than what was available in Nevada, where I currently reside. It was heartbreaking to be away from the woman who, in many ways, was like a mother to me. However, I was fortunate to find solace and support in my fiancé. Unlike my grandmother, my fiancé does not enjoy traditional classroom education. Nonetheless, he has been my steadfast supporter, willingly participating in my college experiments and accompanying me on fieldwork. His genuine interest in my studies has allowed me to explain my coursework to him, enhancing my understanding of the material. He is my rock, and I owe him everything. This support became even more evident when, as I was moving out of my dorm, I discovered I was missing a payment that could jeopardize my approval for a new apartment. The total amount was around $2,900, but I only had $900 in my savings. I felt hopeless and upset, dreading the idea of asking for help. Despite my reluctance, my fiancé paid off the remaining balance in full, allowing me to feel a sense of peace for the first time. I will forever be grateful for these two incredible people in my life. Their unwavering support has been invaluable, and I hope to be as loving and helpful to others as they have been to me. And I hope to make them proud when I walk the stage and receive my bachelors degree in Clinical Psychology.

Since childhood, attending college has been more than just a dream—it's been a calling, a beacon guiding my aspirations. Like many kids, I entertained various future careers, but becoming a veterinarian was the one that captured my heart. Upon starting college, however, I encountered the challenging reality that advanced biology and math weren't my strong suits. While I still hold a passion for animal science, I have now embraced my second calling: a career in mental health and social work. My grandmother, a woman of immense sacrifice and strength, profoundly shaped my educational journey. Despite her dreams of higher learning, she faced numerous obstacles that kept her from achieving them. As an airplane mechanic, she was also attending college but had to drop out due to pregnancy. Her responsibilities as a caretaker for her family further prevented her from returning to school. Her resilience and unfulfilled dreams have become my inspiration and motivation. I have committed myself the human mind and the potential to make significant impacts on individuals' lives. While I am still considering whether to pursue a master's degree in Psychology and obtain licensure as a therapist, I am equally passionate about exploring social work and earning a certificate as a Behavior Technician. My ultimate goal is to live comfortably in my chosen state, not just for personal contentment, but to use my influence to make a meaningful difference in others' lives. A career in social work would allow me to be part of efforts to rehabilitate children who have had difficult beginnings, ensuring they receive the care and support they need. I aspire to be a trustworthy adult presence in their lives, guiding them toward a brighter future. Through my journey, I aim to honor my grandmother's sacrifices and dreams by achieving the highest level of education possible. I look forward to the day when I can walk across that stage, a symbol of perseverance and dedication, making my grandmother proud and fulfilling both her dreams and mine. academic excellence, determined to walk across the graduation stage she never could. Currently, I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology. This field resonates deeply with me as it allows for the exploration of the human mind and the potential to make significant impacts on individuals' lives. While I am still considering whether to pursue a master's degree in Psychology and obtain licensure as a therapist, I am equally passionate about exploring social work and earning a certificate as a Behavior Technician. My ultimate goal is to live comfortably in my chosen state, not just for personal contentment, but to use my influence to make a meaningful difference in others' lives. A career in social work would allow me to be part of efforts to rehabilitate children who have had difficult beginnings, ensuring they receive the care and support they need. I aspire to be a trustworthy adult presence in their lives, guiding them toward a brighter future. Through my journey, I aim to honor my grandmother's sacrifices and dreams by achieving the highest level of education possible. I look forward to the day when I can walk across that stage, a symbol of perseverance and dedication, making my grandmother proud and fulfilling both her dreams and mine.

Children are like sculpting clay, every slight push and squeeze can shape them in ways that may not be easy to return to their original form. Childhood trauma is like a sculpting tool, with many different forms that result in many different results as the child develops. The adverse effects of early traumatic experiences reverberate across a lifespan, compromising physical and mental health. Those that experience childhood trauma often struggle with their emotional regulation which can lead to anxiety, PTSD, and depression. If it is physical childhood trauma their development can be in jeopardy manifesting physically and causing mental and physical disabilities and conditions. All these factors can affect their personal and interpersonal relationships With my career in psychology, I plan to use my learned tools to help minimize the effects of the mental strategies that childhood trauma may cause. Give my patients a voice where they otherwise feel they would not. I feel it is also important to focus on family dynamics as a family can always be your first bully or place of isolation. Children whose families are not providing safety, comfort, and protection may develop ways of coping that allow survival and function rather than completely living. Many children will grow to be sensitive to the moods of others around them and always feel or fear that someone may be upset with them. They may withhold their emotions or completely shut down whenever faced with a heavy experience or when someone shows small normal signs of being upset. Biologically, childhood trauma and by proxy, stress, can impair the brain. From as young as infants stress is important to focus on as when infants are stressed often and for long periods it can lead to behavior issues and stress-related diseases later in life, worthy case scenario being brain alterations concerning growth and shortening of lifespans. Children who are constantly stressed have trouble sleeping or staying asleep and sometimes form nightmares. They withdraw from their family and friends and it can also affect their schoolwork Trauma comes in a considerable amount of forms with many including, sexual, physical, and psychological. It also can not always be done directly towards them but can be due to witnessing traumatic things such as domestic abuse, a death in a family, or a disaster an example being the shell shock epidemic of World War 1. My goal is to break down cycles of trauma allowing children to heal and get back on track with their development despite how their lives may have affected them.

I am usually a fan of fiction when it comes to what book I prefer to read. I like ghost stories, dragons, space, and romantic thrillers. And I am usually resistant when it comes to literature that is focusing on serious tones or relating to the boring trials of the real world. However, while taking a class my eyes were opened to a world of learning that I thought I already knew. If I could have everyone in the world read just one book I would have them read the textbook I used during my summer class for Anthropology called, "Cultural Anthropology -"A Toolkit for a Global Age" by Kenneth J. Guest. It is a normal textbook, but it comes with an online add-on for test taking and I have yet to complete it as I do most non-fiction books, however, the 8 out of 15 chapters I read kept me on the edge of my seat. It discusses what an Anthropologist is, what subsections of the career field focus on, and how it is an important study to the modern scientific world. It discusses different events in the world, how they affected the local public surrounding the incident, and what lesson or cultural reaction to the situation differs from the American perspective. My favorite excerpt from the book references "The Body Ritual among the Nacirema." by Horace Miller. It is a short 3-page story discussing the Nacirema Tribe and how much attention they put behind maintaining their physical health. Towards the end of the excerpt, it is revealed that Nacirema is just "American" spelled backward, and the various "rituals" discussed were simple everyday actions we do such as brushing our teeth and going to the doctor when we don't feel well. The point of the story was to demonstrate how often when you are from the outside looking in you view things as exotic or out of this world meanwhile the people that participate and grew up around the actions find it as common as brushing their teeth. Another book I love is "The BFG" by Roahl Dahl it's a very silly book that had a relatively well-made movie adaptation.

The purpose of college is to teach you a level of understanding that the common person does not know. Its purpose is to inform you of the way the world works whether, legally, biologically, or systemically. We put our trust in our Professors and Doctors to guide our minds in the most beneficial way that will support our goals in life. However, our professors and doctors are still only people. The reason for having free speech in the lives of college students is so that although our mentors have more knowledge on certain topics than we do, there should be no reason that we should not be able to speak our truths while learning. It should be encouraged for us to speak on our experiences, share our ideas, and challenge what is known to help further develop our knowledge in our majors and personal lives. Having free speech provides the intimate connection required to make us our individuals and not a copy-and-paste version of each other after we have completed our curriculum. Freedom of speech is an essential right that has been granted to everyone so no one is silenced. The act of taking away someone's freedom of speech is the act of silencing them and unbalancing the equality required in our society to not oppress any groups in the world. As we look in history we have first hand seen the impact of repressing the freedom of speech. In countries such as China and North Korea, suppressing freedom of speech by villainizing citizens that don't agree with what's being done, and filtering any media that comes from an outside or unapproved source, shows how being able to speak your mind and opinion is something most of us take for granted. I am pursuing a Psychology Degree. Psychology in itself is one of a few degrees that specializes in freedom of speech. Listening to how others feel, giving context to how we as people act rather than a black-and-white view on a different personality, and showing the point of view of different disorders that were previously villainized or alienized in the past. Using my degree I want to give voices to people that aren't understood in the way they function, and in doing this may help advance the way the education system works. Allowing those who struggle to focus to speak on their struggle rather than being labeled as lazy, uninvolved, or rowdy in learning spaces. Help change the environment for poor test takers such as myself. And using my degree focusing on the brain to translate what our brains were demonstrating in the first place

My passion for animals has always been a part of me ever since I was a child. Helping tiny caterpillars off busses (a shockingly common occurrence in Downey California) and having a strange affinity with Butterflies down to bringing strange critters home such as raccoons and lizards. Many of my family members state my passion came from my father who also had an interest in animals when he was young, and I would have to agree as ever since I could remember, my father has always had a pet iguana, and funnily enough, their names were always Freddy. He taught me how to look after them and feed them. During the few times I wasn't afraid of their sharp talon, my dad would allow me to hold the large reptile before laughing when I became squeamish as it climbed all over me because it was used to sleeping on my dad's chest. Since then I've always gravitated towards learning more and more about animals of every size color and animal group. During my childhood, I always had a library full of books dedicated to certain animal families, and enthusiastically participated in every animal-related field trip, even briefly wanting to be a paleontologist and study the creatures of the past ie; dinosaurs. When it comes to animals my passion is, the wilder the better, go big or go home, if you're not scared you're not living. And as the results of human expansion get worse and worse, if we don't help, they won't be living either I want to help in the efforts to stop the extinction of animals. With large numbers of dwindling species or just help Working on household pets sounds fun but during the beginning of my career and when I am close to retiring I wouldn't mind being a common Veterinarian. However, when I reach my prime and have accomplished my desired education I want to be able to work with furry creatures like bears and koalas while dabbling in reptiles as well. My dream is to work at a rehabilitation center for wild animals to help wounded animals get better. With the white rhino being recently declared extinct in the wild, it makes it so much more clear that we need to be more vigilant and wake up from our ignorance. Currently, I go to Nevada State College as a Biology Major. This degree is a stepping stone into Vet school as most of them require a Bachelor's in Biology as a prerequisite. After I finish my schooling here I will either go to US Davis or Texas A&M to get my DVM.

I live in Las Vegas Nevada and the change I want to see is the homelessness rate that has been rising with in the streets of downtown Vegas and Strip area. I dont have much to give but when i can I always offer food and water to homeless people whenever I have to go near that area

At first, I never believed people that say they couldn't even get up to clean themselves. Of course, I knew that sometimes one doesn't have the strength to clean their own home. But to wash? Never, and even now I still slightly don't believe it. But as I get deeper and deeper into my college lifestyle the reality that such a depression may be true is starting to hit me. So far my life has been a blur for these last two weeks. Working back and forth and accepting all requests to cover shifts while also going to class and maintaining my family and love life. It is exhausting, to say the least. I'm not going to pretend I am the only one that has it rough but I feel like everyone's experience is valid in some way.

As a child, my favorite Disney character has always been Tiana. As an African American woman, I know that Tiana being my favorite is expected if not encouraged. However, she's not my favorite because of her movie (I had never actually watched her movie until around two years ago), that would only be a very small portion of the reason. Seeing someone on screen that looks like me is mindblowing, but seeing a PRINCESS that looks like me is show-stopping! The reason I looked up to Tiana is that, like her, I struggled to prioritize what mattered to me or what I needed rather than what I wanted. Even now I struggle with doing stuff for myself, having fun rather than overworking myself, and putting others' needs before my own. Seeing Tiana strive so hard to accomplish the dream her father saw for himself and in the process having a lack of personal life or "fun" resonated with me. Pushing that aside, as I don't want to get too morbid, I am just simply in love with the story and the song. The Princess and the frog give children a filtered version of what it was like in Louisiana in the 1920s with its brown tint throughout the beginning of Tiana's story before transferring into neon colors when magic is involved. From Ray's song about Evangeline producing a waltz-worthy ballad, to Tiana's hardworking song "Almost There" producing a soulful tune with a Cajun twist, I can see how one could NOT fall in love with the movie and its characters?!

The best way to prepare for going back to school is to set goals for yourself and be able to manage your priorities. You may forget some small assignments here and there, but you should always try to manage and turn in the large assignemnts. Doing that has saved my but many times when I was reciving low grades for my forgetfullness. @_theforgiven

The reason I am pursuing a degree in Veterinary sciences is that it is the only way I feel I can help those around me in an impactful way. I have never been good at empathizing with people but I do know how hopeless one can feel when losing a furry friend and how one will try earnestly to prevent that time from coming for as long as one can. It is my goal to become part of a solution to help people love and care for their furry little friends. However, with this being the basis of my career, this is not all I desire. With the rise of our population, poverty, and physical/biological waste, we are making it harder for our natural neighbors to continue to thrive or even exist as a whole. I want to lend a hand in conservation efforts for our most endangered species and maybe even take part in bringing species back through a genetic crossing Diversity in this field is helpful to put different aspects of pet ownership and conservation efforts into perspective. Yes, we are all the same as humans, however, it has been noted that different ethnic groups have trends in how they raise and/or train their pets. Having diversity will help Veterinarians relate more to their clients and help conservationists better understand the species they are studying by having colleagues from the locations the animal species is coming from. Seeing people that look different and come from different backgrounds is beneficial and inspiring to the future of our earth's species and will hopefully encourage younger generations to follow suit.

My name is Alazia Hill and the one thing that motivates me is leaving behind a footprint in the world. I believe that leaving a footprint or legacy does not have to be anything major. Everyone does not need to know your name and Ever since I was able to learn and read I've had a fascination and love for wildlife and all of the creatures that reside within it. For now, my goal is to attain a DVM and earn experience working in zoos and conservation parks. But in the future, I would like to buy land and open up my own wildlife reserve. Having a child-like fascination to observe and figure out what makes living organisms function, I was naturally drawn to biology. Why do cats' claws come out when you squeeze their paws? Why are fish so slick and slimy when they come out? Why do deep-sea creatures deflate when brought up on land? These are questions I would like to have answered and be able to know when asked. Through my journey studying zoology and biology, I hope to help catch, neutralize. and completely destroy deformities found in newborn animals and people. An experience I keep close to my heart is a small one, and to anyone else it would feel insignificant, butt o me it stuck. During the early years of 6th grade, a woman outside of Food4Less stood outside in the cold holding a bundle of blankets. Inside was a small little white dog. Begging my dad to buy it he agreed and we later took her home. We raised her for solid 6 months till one day, I couldn't find her anywhere in the house. I searched under all the beds and closets until finally accepting the fact that she had run away. My dad told me to give up, and that we'd "get another dog". I didn't want another dog, so I spent my nights and evenings walking up and down the neighborhood searching for her to no avail. I'd leave food all-around at night just to wake up to stray cats eating it all. As most children do I cried about it and refused to give up on her. I waited every day, starting out my windows and exploring the neighborhood. Days went by until 2 months later as I was sitting on the porch doing my homework. And a small dog, clearly white in color but so dirty it looked no more than a pale gray and brown. But even through all of it, I could tell it was my dog and rejoiced. That experience taught me a great level of patience that I feel should be applied to many things in life. So far I have applied to many scholarships on bold.org. I may not get them, I most likely will not get this one either. However, I believe that patience is key, the scholarships that I deserve and 'need' will find me when I least expect them to.

As an African American woman, college would not be my first choice of career path as like many of my peers, I come from a family that lacks the funds to support such a leap of faith that is higher education, but seeing as my passion requires me to, I have no choice but to embrace the future I have laid out for myself. Everyine tells children when they are young, that they can do anything they put their minds to, but unfortuanatily for many kids, like myself, this simply is not true. Things such as financial support, mental health, and resources can prevent the brightest of people from reaching their potentioal, drawing many to give up or go on a path thye aren’t satisfied with. However I refuse to allow my circumstances get in the way of me accomplishing my goals. Ever since I was a young girl, I have always had an affinity for the animals introduced in my life. It was silly to most of my family, they didn’t understand why I had such a deep care for all animals (except spiders lol) and would go out of my way to help them even if I risked injury. Throughout my 17 years of living you could always find me helping a small creature. A caterpillar hitching a ride on a bus or allowing a pigeon with a broken neck to use my lap as a resting place for its final moments despite risking small bugs or diseases affecting me. No matter how much I struggle in life, let it be mentally or physically, I will always dedicate my time to helping an animal. It centers me, calms me, and makes me feel like I’ve made the world a better place. I want to attend college to not only take a step forward for my family as a first-gen college student, but I also want to give myself the opportunity to make a difference for the animal kingdom. It is my dream to one day open up my own sanctuary and rehabilitation center for exotic wildlife, and perhaps bring more awareness to the poaching of african animals and the growing problem that is deforestation. Once I achieve those things, I want to go and create my own scholarship for young african american children that want to make a difference. A legacy does not have to be something large, everyone does not have to know your name, but if you can help someone, and be in there memory as something good, I believe that it makes all the difference

“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is perspective, not the truth.” -Marcus Aurelis Everyone has a point in their life that changes their perspective or lifestyle. These instances can happen at any point no matter their age, race, or gender. The only question that remains is how they allow the change to shape them as a person. My shaping begins at the age of 9 years old. I was starting my first year of middle school, yes I know very young, with bright eyes and an excited smile. Going to a new school, making new friends, and learning new concepts were all things that a child my age should’ve experienced. I could never have imagined what was coming when my grandmother picked me up from school one day. I remember the drive from school, how my face became warped with curiosity as we passed the place I had come to know as home. At first, nothing came off as unusual, I had previously lived with my grandma before so I assumed we were going back to her place. We stopped at BurgerKing and I was given time to play at the park. It wasn’t until I noticed how low the sun had gotten and how we had yet to return home that I realized something wasn’t right. I’ve always been a person that sits on my questions until I was sure they wouldn’t be answered, so I waited and watched, my heart hammering in my chest as we made no move to go anywhere. In some ways, I knew what was going on before it was said, we were homeless. From then on it was me, my grandmother, and occasionally my aunt, living on our own in a 2007 Chevrolet Montecarlo that later became a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. From time to time we were able to save enough money to stay at an inn for a few nights, other times we slept in the car on dark streets, cleaning our bodies in public restrooms with wipes and water cups from your local fast-food restaurants. Looking back, my grandmother always made sure I was alright, my clothes were nice, neat, and clean and during these times I was even told I always smelled sweet like cookies. All the while my grandma smiled on like nothing was wrong as if she hadn’t eaten or slept for two days straight. As if she wasn’t left with a 9-year-old child at the age of 60 without proper eye care and a proper bed. It’s moments like these that become a make or break for many people. During our time on the streets, I’ve witnessed people break, become monsters that have no shape or form. I myself broke, contemplating taking my own life in a blind idea that she would be better off not having to take care of me. However, others like my grandmother flourished in ways I didn’t think were possible. She never begged for anything from anyone. When her siblings called to check on her well-being, she hardly brought up the fact that we were suffering. I watched different people who admired her kind words offer money despite the fact they knew she wouldn’t accept it. SHe was stubborn to a fault, and yet she gave to a fault. There were days that she ate nothing but salad and yet she carried enough kindness in her to give money to other homeless people before saying a silent prayer for them as we drove away. I remember being angry, “Why was she giving money to people when we needed it?” I’d watch from the backseat, naive and unaware of the fact that while my clothes were in pristine condition, theirs were riddled with holes and years of dust. I was unaware that although I had something to protect myself from the harsh wind and rain, the people I cursed would most likely not. I believe that this blindness is how we as human beings allow ourselves to slip into ignorance. Strangely, I believe that I would still be immature and blind had I not experienced and continued to experience these moments. I believe that I still have more to learn, I think we all do. And in the near future, I hope to use this experience to broaden my ability to connect and teach others how to sympathize with people when they go through a troubling time.

For as long as I could remember, the unignorable urge to help has always lived in my mind. It mattered not who I was trying to help, what I was trying to help with, or how I would do it. It was a mantra etched into my bones shaping me into who I am today. Ever since I was a child, I would go directly out of my way to help creatures both smaller and larger than I was. I’d watch animal documentaries and stored facts about every exotic animal I learned about, even owning a multitude of green iguanas throughout my life I was viewed strangely by my peers and family in the beginning, for my obsession with animals outside of the normal “cat” or “dog”. I always preferred the company and gave more care to animals than people. From giving squirrels my food during trips to the park to actively trying to catch pigeons after my dad jokingly said I could keep one if I succeeded, and even cried when I wasn’t allowed to save the tiny green caterpillar I saw on the bus steps. Small things that soon made my grandmother come to me with the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” A question I’ve heard many times before throughout my life but never really had an answer for it at the time, and I didn’t have an answer then. Even as I reached the end of my middle school years, I still couldn’t quite put my finger on an answer I was satisfied with. My inner turmoil thankfully concluded at the end of my sophomore year of high school. I sat alone in the lunch area of my campus. I remember hearing murmurs of excitement to the left of the bench I was sitting on as the sun beat down on my head making me feel dazed as I waited for the bell to ring. A relatively small group of kids crowded around a bush with their phones out recording something. Curiously I wandered over and was shocked at what I saw. Waddling along was a pigeon. Yes, the sight wasn’t very exciting, and while it was unusual that it was allowing so many people close to it, that wasn’t the reason for the student’s attention. The reason for the excitement was the fact that although the pigeon seemed to be moving fine, its neck was clearly broken at an unnatural angle. It was bent so far down that its eyes could touch its breast. The morbid sight was unseemly and detrimental to the weak stomachs that screeched when they caught a glimpse. I watched and stared while the crowd diminished from unstimulated pre-teen minds. I felt a deep sadness for the bird and turned away once I knew I couldn’t take it anymore should I burst into tears. I knew it was going to slowly die, but I also knew that something like this could have easily been fixed had someone with the right knowledge could have gotten to it in time. It was then that I received a moment of clarity. A dream or an obligation to become a guardian of delicate and precious life forms, a Veterinarian. While my dreams do not extend as far as becoming the next Steve Irwin, as nice as that would be, all I want to do is make the world a better place for the beings we share our planet with that have no way of asking for help.