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Alyssa DeBerry

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Cheerleading
  • Athletic Training
  • Animals
  • Coaching
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Youth Group

Reading

  • Academic
  • Christian Fiction
  • Adult Fiction
  • Romance
  • Family

I read books multiple times a month.

Bio

As a high school senior, I'm pursuing my passion for animal welfare with a clear goal in mind. My journey started with my childhood pug, Taz, and was further fueled by my hands-on experience running a pet-sitting business during the pandemic. A summer vet camp solidified my career path, leading me to focus on swine health. I am committed to continuing my athletic journey as well. As a former gymnast and competitive cheerleader, I’m excited to bring my discipline and teamwork skills to college as a recruited member of a competitive STUNT team. My long-term goal is to serve as a military veterinarian working with K9 units and horses before opening my own swine veterinary practice. I believe that through a life of purpose and service, I can use my skills to help both animals and my community.

Education

Leesville Road High

High School

2022 – 2026

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Majors of interest:
Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs, Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other, Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians
Desired degree modality:
In-Person
Medical school interest:
Yes

Career

  • Owner/Pet Sitter

    Veterinary · BC Sitter LLC

    Jan 2020 – Present

  • Hostess

    Food & Beverages · Olive Garden Restaurant

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Coach

    Sports · Gym Carolina

    Jan 2022 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Veterinary
Dream career goals:
To embark upon a healthcare career in veterinarian medicine.
Work experience:
3 years
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Addie Lanta’s Scholarship
I have always shared my home with animals, but my Beagle, Chloe, has been the most vocal and vibrant anchor of my life. We brought Chloe home when I was just a child, and from the moment her long ears and frantic, wagging tail entered our house, she became my shadow. In the early photographs of my life, Chloe is a constant: she is curled at the foot of my stroller, "helping" me unwrap birthday gifts with her nose, and patiently sitting through the many times I dressed her in sweaters and tutus. She was the first soul I was truly responsible for, and she taught me that love often requires more than just affection; it requires a deep, attentive sense of duty. Having Chloe changed my life by teaching me the discipline of care. Beagles are notoriously energetic and determined, and Chloe was no exception. Her relentless curiosity sparked my earliest professional endeavors. Inspired by the routine of her feedings, walks, and the specialized attention she needed, I started a neighborhood pet-sitting business, BC Sitter LLC, during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a way to care for other dogs soon evolved into a business managing various species, from hamsters to reptiles. This was the first concrete expression of the work ethic Chloe instilled in me—the responsibility of prioritizing a living being's needs over my own schedule. The most profound way Chloe enhanced my life, however, was through the lessons of her later years. As she aged and began to slow down, our relationship shifted from play to advocacy. Watching a once-active Beagle struggle with the stairs was my first encounter with the weight of medical responsibility. It was through her aging process that I first truly understood the cycle of life and the difficult, selfless choices required in veterinary medicine. Making sure she was comfortable and heard—even when her loud, signature Beagle "baying" grew quiet—cemented my dream of becoming a veterinarian. Chloe’s influence even helped me navigate recent family hardships. When my mother, a single parent, faced a sudden career loss and health issues, I drew on the grit I learned from years of caring for Chloe. To support my family and my own athletic goals, I balanced three jobs—coaching, hostessing, and my pet business—all while maintaining a 4.125 GPA. Chloe taught me that even when life is loud and chaotic, or when you are tired from the "climb," you keep moving forward for those you love. Every step of my journey, from the competition mat to my future as a swine-health specialist for minority farmers, traces back to that floppy-eared Beagle. Chloe didn't just change my daily routine; she re-defined my sense of purpose, turning a childhood bond into a lifelong dedication to service and healing.
Alyssa DeBerry Student Profile | Bold.org