My passion for animals started long before I knew it could become a career. I have always been the kid who was more interested in the animals that other people avoided. While many people are fascinated by dogs, cats, or other common pets, I was drawn to reptiles and other misunderstood animals. For years, my dream was to become a herpetologist because I wanted to study and protect reptiles, especially snakes. I think snakes are some of the most misunderstood animals in the world. Many people are afraid of them without realizing how important they are to maintaining healthy ecosystems. Learning about these animals taught me that conservation is not just about protecting the animals people already love. It is also about protecting the animals that people often overlook. My interest in animals also grew through experiences with zoos and wildlife conservation. Instead of having a birthday party when I was younger, I would take my friends to the NC Zoo because I loved learning about the animals and the work being done to protect them. What interested me most was not just seeing the animals, but learning about how zoos help conserve species and protect habitats. I always appreciated that the animals were given large, natural spaces instead of being kept only for people’s entertainment. Even when visitors were disappointed that they could not see an animal up close, I understood that the animals’ well-being was more important. That passion became more personal during my three years volunteering in the animal care room at the Schiele Museum. The animals I cared for were not just animals on display. Many of them had been injured, had special needs, or could not be released back into the wild. Some were kept behind the scenes because they required specialized care and were not able to be part of the public exhibits. I helped prepare food, clean habitats, and support the daily care routines needed for these animals. I also had the opportunity to assist with educational presentations, including introducing guests to one of the museum’s snakes. Working with these animals showed me that animal care is about much more than simply liking animals. It requires patience, responsibility, and the ability to understand what each animal needs. Some animals require extra time before they trust people. Some need specialized diets or medical attention. Every animal has its own story, and proper care means taking the time to recognize those individual needs. This fall, I will attend NC State University and begin in Exploratory Studies as I continue working toward my goal of entering the Animal Science program. Although I was not initially admitted directly into my first-choice major, that has not changed my goals or my commitment to working toward a career in animal care. My goal is to become a veterinarian while continuing to pursue my passion for reptiles and wildlife conservation. I hope to make a positive impact in the animal world by combining hands-on care, education, and advocacy. Animals cannot explain when they are hurt or speak up when they need help, so they depend on people who are willing to understand and protect them. Whether I am caring for a family pet, treating an injured animal, or helping people understand species they may fear, I want my career to focus on improving the lives of animals. Animals have always been a major part of my life. They have taught me patience, responsibility, and compassion. I hope to spend my life doing something that allows me to help animals, continue learning about them, and make a difference in their lives.

Growing up, I was always the kid who liked the animals that most people avoided. For years, I wanted to become a herpetologist because I was fascinated by reptiles, especially snakes. I think snakes are some of the most misunderstood animals. A lot of people are scared of them without realizing how important they are to the environment. Learning about reptiles taught me that conservation isn't just about protecting the animals people already like. It's also about protecting the ones that people don't always understand. I was also the kid who, instead of having a birthday party, would take my friends to the North Carolina Zoo every year. I always thought it was really cool that North Carolina is home to the world's largest natural habitat zoo. Some people get frustrated because the animals aren't always close enough to see, but I always liked knowing they had the space to roam the way they naturally would. To me, seeing an animal healthy and living in an environment that felt like home was more important than getting a better view. Even as a kid, I enjoyed learning not just about the animals themselves, but also about everything the zoo does to protect habitats and support conservation. That interest grew even stronger when I volunteered in the animal care room at the Schiele Museum for three years. Unlike the animals visitors see on exhibit, many of the animals I worked with were injured or had special needs and required individualized care. I helped prepare specialized diets, clean habitats, monitor their condition, and make sure they received the daily care they needed. I also had the opportunity to assist with educational presentations, including introducing guests to one of the museum's snakes. That experience taught me that animal care is about a lot more than feeding animals. Every animal had different needs, so I had to pay attention, be patient, and make sure each one got the care it needed. Working with those animals also changed the way I think about conservation. Before volunteering, I thought conservation mostly happened in zoos, national parks, or through research. Now I know it also happens every day through rehabilitation, education, and simply giving animals the care they need. Helping one injured animal may not seem like much, but every animal matters. Because of these experiences, I plan to attend NC State University and work toward transferring into the Animal Science program after beginning in Exploratory Studies. My long-term goal is to become a veterinarian. While I still have a strong interest in reptiles and would love the opportunity to work with them professionally someday, veterinary medicine will allow me to help all kinds of animals while still giving me opportunities to work with reptiles and teach people more about them. I know I can't save every animal, but I hope I can make a difference for the ones that need me. Whether I'm treating an injured pet, helping rehabilitate wildlife, or teaching someone that snakes aren't as scary as they think, I want to spend my career helping people understand that every animal has value. If I can do that, I'll know I've chosen the right path.

My name is Andrew Rimmer, and I am a recent graduate of Ashbrook High School. One thing I think you would find noteworthy is how much being part of Ashbrook student life shaped who I am both inside and outside of the classroom. My mom started working there when I started kindergarten, and since I first saw it, I dreamed of becoming a Green Wave. Throughout high school, I tried to take advantage of every opportunity possible while also giving back to the school community that gave so much to me. At Ashbrook, I was involved in Student Council for three years and served as Student Body Vice President during my senior year. I competed in three varsity sports: soccer, cross country, and swim, even winning Swimmer of the Year during my first season on the team. Athletics taught me discipline, confidence, and perseverance, especially how to stay committed even when things were not easy. This became especially real when I suffered a concussion during my sophomore year and have continued to deal with migraines since then. Even though it was tough taking high school and college classes with the headaches, I loved every minute of being part of a team. Whether I was in the pool or on the field, I was not only improving my skills, I was also making lifelong friendships and healthy habits. Outside of sports, I participated in Choral Ensemble and earned All-County Chorus recognition all four years of high school. I was also inducted into the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, selected as a Junior Marshal, named Most Dependable, and recognized as Who’s Who among the senior class. Before Ashbrook, I didn’t feel like I was smart enough or outgoing enough, and all of these awards helped me see my own worth and gave me the confidence to pursue my goals. One experience that meant a lot to me was participating in the Ashbrook All-Star Pageant fundraiser for Cancer Services of Gaston County. After serving as an on-stage attendant for two years, I stepped outside my comfort zone and became a contestant during my senior year so I could have a direct role in our fundraising efforts. As a school, our collective efforts raised over $9,600, and I personally contributed more than $2,200 of that total. Every dime of the money we raised goes to a family in our town who is living with cancer, and can be used for treatments, wigs, food, rides, or even bills. I know I helped make a difference for someone local. I found that especially important because my grandfather is a cancer survivor, so I know how awful cancer can be. I also participated in Keep Ashbrook Beautiful events, volunteered during teacher workdays, and tried to support school spirit however I could, whether that meant helping behind the scenes or being the loudest person in the Zoo Crew, our student section at games. Whether through leadership, athletics, service, or school involvement, I always tried to contribute positively to Ashbrook and make the most of my time there. After graduation, I will be attending NC State University to major in Animal Science on a Pre-Veterinary track. My goal is to become a veterinarian because I have always loved animals and want a career where I can help care for them every day. For three years, I volunteered at the Schiele Museum in the animal care room, where I helped feed and care for animals with special needs. That experience strengthened my passion for animal care and confirmed that this is the career path I want to pursue. This scholarship would make a meaningful difference for my family and me. Over the past several years, my family has faced significant medical and financial hardships. My father suffered three strokes in 2021 and continues to deal with ongoing health complications that have created substantial medical expenses. In addition, my older brother has undergone multiple surgeries for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome while attending college. Because of these circumstances, I am working hard to make college as affordable as possible so that my parents will not have to take on additional financial stress or loans. Receiving this scholarship would help ease that burden and allow me to focus on my education and future career goals. Ashbrook gave me opportunities, friendships, and memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and shaped me into the man I am today. I am grateful for the teachers, coaches, and mentors who supported me throughout high school, and I hope to continue making them proud as I pursue my future goals.

My understanding of mental health was shaped by watching my dad go through some of the hardest years of his life. In 2020, my dad suffered three strokes. Since then, he has dealt with chronic migraines, pain, and other health problems that changed many parts of his daily life. Before all of this happened, I never really thought about how much physical health and mental health affect each other. Watching someone you love deal with constant pain and the frustration that comes with it changes the way you see things. My dad is a military veteran who was medically discharged years before his strokes for an unrelated condition. Growing up, I always saw him as someone who pushed through challenges no matter what. When his health changed so suddenly, I watched him adapt to a completely different reality. There were doctor appointments, therapies, medications, and many days when simple tasks became much harder than they used to be. It showed me that even the strongest people can struggle. What stands out to me most is that my dad never let those struggles define him. Even on days when he was hurting, he still tried to make people laugh and keep a positive attitude. Seeing that taught me that being strong does not mean pretending everything is okay. It means continuing to move forward even when things are difficult. One thing I admire about him is that he was willing to seek help when he needed it. As part of managing the effects of chronic pain and the challenges that came with such a major life change, he began seeing a therapist. Watching that helped me understand that mental health care is no different than physical health care. Just as someone would see a doctor for an injury, there should be no shame in talking to a mental health professional when life becomes overwhelming. It taught me that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Before that, I think I viewed therapy the way many teenagers do, as something people only needed when they were in a crisis. Watching my dad openly talk about his experiences with therapy changed that perspective. It showed me that mental health professionals can help people process challenges, develop coping strategies, and improve their quality of life. Because of him, I see seeking help as a responsible choice rather than something to be embarrassed about. This experience has also changed the way I interact with other people. It made me realize that you never really know what someone else may be dealing with. Because of that, I try to be more patient, understanding, and willing to listen. It has helped me see the importance of checking on people and showing compassion, even when their struggles are not obvious. I find myself offering to carry things for adults now because I know how much my dad struggles to lift certain items, but also because I know he would not always want to ask for help. However, he will usually accept help when it is offered. I also help him with yardwork because I know how much he loves taking care of the lawn. When we work together, he can use the riding mower while I handle the more physically demanding tasks. This experience has also made me more willing to be there for my friends. I am not the only person whose family has faced serious health challenges, and I know how much those situations can weigh on someone. I have learned that sometimes people do not need advice or solutions. Sometimes they just need someone willing to listen. It has also influenced my career goals. This fall, I will attend NC State University to study Animal Science on a Pre-Veterinary track. One reason I am drawn to veterinary medicine is that animals cannot advocate for themselves. They rely on people to recognize when something is wrong and provide the care they need. Watching my dad's health struggles taught me how important it is to pay attention, show compassion, and help those who cannot always speak up for themselves. My dad's experiences changed the way I understand mental health, resilience, and the world around me. More than anything, they taught me that kindness and empathy can make a difference in someone's life, even when you cannot see what they are going through.