My name is Alexis Hickman, and my dream is to become an RN, BSN. As a child with many chronic health issues including epilepsy and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, I was frequently in and out of hospitals. To me, the most comforting part of my visits to the hospital wasn’t when a doctor would come in and try to explain what was “wrong” with me. The most comforting thing I had in these times was a nurse that would come in and treat me like a human being, listen to my fears and assure me as well as calm my nerves before scary procedures. I truly believe that nurses are angles on earth, and would love to work in pediatrics to provide the same level of comfort and reassurance to children and their parents that was provided to me. Becoming a nurse is a profound aspiration driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities. The nursing profession embodies compassion, dedication, and a commitment to improving the health and well-being of others, values that resonate deeply with my personal and professional goals. In my opinion, nursing offers a diverse and challenging career that requires both critical thinking and adaptability. The healthcare field is constantly evolving, presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth. I am drawn to the idea of being at the forefront of patient care, utilizing evidence-based practices to make informed decisions. The prospect of continuous learning and professional development in nursing excites me, as I am eager to stay updated on advancements in medical science and technology. Additionally, I appreciate the diverse opportunities within the nursing field. From pediatrics to geriatrics, from acute care to community health, nursing encompasses a wide range of specialties. This variety not only allows for personal exploration but also enables nurses to tailor their careers to align with their interests and passions. I envision myself thriving in an environment where I can engage with patients from different backgrounds and experiences, enriching my understanding of healthcare’s multifaceted nature. Furthermore, the sense of community and collaboration within the nursing profession is incredibly appealing. Nurses work closely with other healthcare professionals, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere focused on patient-centered care. This collaborative environment enhances the quality of care provided and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in the treatment process. Ultimately, my aspiration to become a nurse is fueled by a deep-seated desire to contribute positively to society. By advocating for patients, promoting health education, and providing compassionate care, I hope to empower individuals to take charge of their health. In this role, I would not only fulfill my professional ambitions but also fulfill my personal calling to serve others, making a difference in their lives one patient at a time.

From a young age, I have always been invested in the health of my own family animals as well as friend's (and stranger's) animals. I feel as though animals have a way of helping heal us and bring people together, which makes them so special to have the privilege of having as life long companions. I have always been drawn to the idea of being able to help animals (and their owners) in need, and growing up have had all kind of experiences in which I've been fortunate enough to help do so. From administering my own horse's intramuscular injections to working as a kennel technichian, I have seen it all. One of the most unique and special experiences that I have had with an animal encounter is being able to spend time and gain the trust of three Corsican rams on my family's recently purchased property. We noticed them shortly after starting to clear the area where we plan on building our home, and initially the rams were very timid and wouldn't let us get within 100 feet of them. Now that we're out working on the property almost daily and have gained their trust, they will freely walk up to us without hesitation. I consider this to be one of the most amazing things I've gotten the blessing to experience in my lifetime, and have even given my new friends names (Alex, Melvin, and Marty from the Madagascar movie!!) Growing up in an animal-loving family, I have always had the privilege of having a pet around. When I was born, my parents had each aqquired two dogs from their grandmothers so I was raised around four older, loving dogs. Now that those dogs have passed on, I have two dogs and three horses. As they near their older days, I wish that I could keep them around forever...but I also know that if my pets could speak, they would be cheering me on in my journey to veterinary medicine. My goal is to eventually go to the University of Florida or University of Georgia for large animal medicine. Although my previous experience working for a vet was in the small animal field (and I still loved that experience), my passion lies in working with equine athletes and their owners. A dream job would be to one day work at the University of Florida's newly established clinic at the World Equestrian Center, and I believe that one day my dream will be a reality with the continued support of my family and mentors.

For many people, owning a pet or pets provides a sense of love. For me, I own three horses and two dogs that I love dearly. Even on days in which it feels like I'm all alone, I can count on my pets to give love and love me back in return. During this summer, I went through a traumatic experience of sexual assault. Through this experience, being around my animals has given me peace and an opportunity to express my emotions without judgement. I love my pets because I know that they will listen to me and love me unconditionally.

For many people, pets and even wild animals provide a sense of love and passion. For me, the specific animal that holds a special place in my heart are horses. For over 10 years, I have ridden and worked around horses. They have always been therapeutic to me, in a sense. In 2019, I finally had the opportunity to buy my own horse via rescuing a four year old paint mare who I named Sunny. She was severely underweight, and was understandably untrusting of humans. Sunny and I worked almost every day and I slowly gained her trust. Eventually with the help of a trainer, Sunny and I got into three-phase eventing. About 11 months later, my family and I realized that most of the weight that Sunny had been suddenly putting on was from being pregnant, and she must have just gotten pregnant when I bought her. Two weeks later, Sunny had a foal who I named Roo. Roo is now a little over a year old and, along with Sunny, bring so much joy to my life. After going through a traumatic experience of sexual assault, my horses have been a therapy to me and helped me to process my emotions and have a purpose. In addition, my horses have also taught me a sense of responsibility and ownership. Owning Roo and Sunny (as well as my parent's retired thoroughbred, Mac) has helped me realize that I am extremely passionate about the health and wellbeing of animals, and want to focus my career in some aspect of animal science.

One thing that all of us can agree on enjoying is a day at the beach or in the ocean. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my career in Animal Sciences/Marine Biology. In order to obtain this goal, I will do research and study marine life and the ecosystems in the oceans, as well as how humans affect those ecosystems. Living by the ocean, I see on the daily the toll that tourism and human life takes on our oceans as well as beaches. Litter and pollution from people enjoying the beach goes straight into our oceans and can directly harm marine life. I want to be able to assist in studying how to keep our oceans and beaches clean and enjoyable, as well as how to keep marine life safe. I also would like to study the history of our oceans and world, in order to better understand our current oceans. My current plan is to take undergraduate courses such as Biology 1 with a lab, Analytic Trigonometry, Chemistry 1 with a lab, etc. In order to get a feel for the career that I would be joining, I also plan to take opportunities to volunteer and research in the marine biology field. This includes going out on research trips with local marine biologists, volunteering at my local Gulf World marine rescue, and so forth.