My name is Amanda Cook. I discovered a passion for working with people and animals through a local shelter in Austin called Austin Pets Alive. Since then, I’ve followed a path filled with learning, connection, and care. I’ve had the privilege of doing things I never imagined—assisting with an enucleation on a hedgehog, monitoring vitals during a fox’s anesthesia and dental procedure, and working with animals from horses to snakes. Along the way, I’ve met people from all over the country, from Maine to California, each leaving their mark on my journey. These experiences have shaped my goal of becoming a veterinarian. I’m pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine with the hope of working with both large and small animals, especially in rural communities where care is often limited. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and finding ways to give back to the profession and the people and animals it serves.