I agree wholeheartedly with Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated,” because I believe an empathic connection with animals will benefit not only the animals but humanity as well. As a new chapter of my life unfolds, I will connect with animals by using what I learn throughout my extensive university studies and continued, life-long learning to become a compassionate veterinarian. Having always been surrounded by animal aficionados, loving animals is a huge part of who I am. I not only care for numerous family pets but have also had countless opportunities to save other creatures. Living near a park where dogs and cats are often thoughtlessly abandoned has given me plenty of “rescue” experiences. Rather than using overcrowded shelters, I nurture them, have them spayed/neutered, and then find them forever homes. Additionally, I regularly relocate wild creatures that stray into our yard and are at risk from our large dogs. Although these home experiences guided my compassion toward animals, it was a love of science and a job at a veterinary clinic that gave me absolute clarity regarding my career path. Although I have always enjoyed studying, my AP biology and anatomy classes are my favorites. They fascinated and challenged me and opened my eyes to the wonders of scientific inquiry. My journey toward a medical degree was inspired by these classes. A job at a veterinary clinic was also a galvanizing force for my desire to become a veterinarian. Working at the clinic has provided me with opportunities to acquire skills and learn first-hand the demands of veterinary medicine. These home, school, and work experiences convinced me that a career in veterinary medicine is ideal for me. Lovingly attending to animals gives me purpose and self-fulfillment in addition to presenting opportunities to positively impact my world. Once established in my career, I not only will provide exceptional services to my clients but will also passionately devote time and energy to causes that improve animal welfare by using my Veterinary degree to become a force in my community for positive changes. It is reprehensible that over 1M healthy, adoptable pets are euthanized annually and I will fight to improve this situation. I will join campaigns and volunteer with organizations to educate the public about the importance of spaying/neutering. Additionally, I will devote a portion of my practice to providing services to shelters and rescue organizations for little-to-no cost. Because I believe one’s socio-economic status should not be a deterrent to enjoying the love of a pet, I will strive to establish funds to subsidize affordable pet care for low-income and underserved communities. To assist people with disabilities, I will support efforts by organizations that train service/therapy animals adopted from shelters. Lastly, I will become an avid advocate for 100% no-kill shelters. I will accomplish these dreams because of my tenacity, strong work ethic, and sheer grit. I feel certain of my success because of the many challenges I have overcome, which, rather than defeating me, provided me the strength to become a high-achieving, self-assured, compassionate survivor with an immense capacity for empathy. The compassionate treatment of animals is important to me not only because of my intense affinity for animals but also because I believe the humane treatment of animals enriches all of humanity. Caring for animals and improving their condition are goals for which I can and will positively impact the world. Being a recipient of the Holt Scholarship would be a formidable and extremely appreciated investment toward fulfilling my dreams.

My uniqueness comes from the fact that my affinity for animals goes beyond what many may consider to be “normal.” Being surrounded by animal aficionados, there has never been a time when animals were not part of my family. I not only care for family pets but also have had countless opportunities to “save” other creatures. Living near a park where dogs and cats are often thoughtlessly abandoned has given me plenty of “rescue” experiences. Rather than using overcrowded shelters, I have them spayed/neutered, and then find them forever homes. Additionally, I have relocated a variety of wild creatures that strayed into our yard and were at risk from our large dogs. Simply put, compassion for animals is part of my DNA. Although innumerable home experiences guided my compassion toward animals, a penchant for studying science and a job at a veterinary clinic gave me absolute clarity regarding my career path. I love to learn, and I have always enjoyed studying, but my AP biology and anatomy classes were my favorites. They fascinated and challenged me and opened my eyes to the wonders of scientific inquiry. My journey toward a medical degree was inspired by these classes. Working at a veterinary clinic was also highly influential in my career choice. My job has provided me with opportunities to acquire skills and learn first-hand the demands of veterinary medicine. These specific home, school, and work experiences convinced me that a career in veterinary medicine is a perfect fit. Lovingly attending to the needs of animals will give me purpose and self-fulfillment in addition to presenting me with opportunities to positively impact my world. Once established in my practice, I will commit myself to serving the animals and their human families in my care, but I am driven to do much more. I dream of a better world for animals and realize it is my responsibility to make this happen. I will use my Veterinary degree to become a positive force in my community to improve animal welfare. It is reprehensible that over 1M healthy, adoptable pets are euthanized each year and I am passionate about improving this situation. To do so I will join campaigns and volunteer with organizations to educate the public about the importance of spaying/neutering. Additionally, I will devote a portion of my practice to providing services to shelters and animal rescue organizations for little-to-no cost. Because I believe one’s socio-economic status should not be a deterrent to enjoying the love of a pet, I will strive to establish funds to subsidize affordable pet care for low-income and underserved communities. To assist people with disabilities, I will support efforts by organizations that train service/therapy animals adopted from shelters. Lastly, I will become an avid advocate for 100% no-kill shelters. I will accomplish these dreams because of my tenacity, strong work ethic, and sheer grit. I feel certain of my success because of the many challenges I have overcome, which, rather than defeat me, provided me with the strength to become a high-achieving, self-assured, compassionate survivor with an immense capacity for empathy. Although not the most pressing issue facing society today (unless you are an animal), animal welfare is nevertheless extremely important and there are few well-deserving candidates, if any, as passionate as I when it comes to serving our four-legged members of society. Caring for animals and improving their condition are goals for which I know I can and will positively impact the world. Being a recipient of the Maverick Grill and Saloon Scholarship would be a formidable and extremely appreciated investment toward achieving my dreams.

The way one chooses to respond to life’s challenges shapes one’s life. I was raised by my grandparents and living with a grandfather struggling with alcoholism his entire life has taught me a lot about how I choose to live my own life. I have learned that alcoholism affects not only the person with addiction but significantly impacts the lives of every single person that is involved in the addict’s life. My grandfather, having come from a family of alcoholics himself, regularly chooses to face challenges with alcohol. Doing so inevitably makes situations worse and has caused him to sacrifice almost all meaningful relationships because of his inability to respond in a healthy way to difficulties in his life. My whole life I have witnessed my grandfather struggle with his addiction. Going “cold turkey” was never effective because the underlying causes of wanting to drink were never addressed. He has done outpatient and inpatient treatment, only to relapse again and again. For the last few months, his daily AA meetings seem to be having a positive effect on his sobriety, but I no longer expect it to last. I sincerely hope it does, but do not live in anticipation that it will. Fortunately, I have learned that, regardless of the choices he makes, I am the one in control of how I will respond to those choices. My response has been to look into myself and become the best “me” I can be. I have worked hard in school and at my part-time jobs to always do my very best. I have opened up to counselors, therapists, teachers, other adult family members, and friends who have guided me in focusing my attention on what I CAN control, myself, and what I can do to become a kind, successful, empathic human. In August I will head to a college fairly distant from my home and look forward to breathing free of the toxic atmosphere that often surrounds my grandfather. I will wholeheartedly pursue a course that will lead me to become a veterinarian, a dream I have had since childhood. I love my grandfather. He has taught me so much more than what not to become in life. However, one of the most important lessons I have learned from him is that, regardless of what obstacles I face in my life, it is MY responsibility to choose to respond in a positive way to those challenges. It is I, and not the specter of addiction, that will shape my future.

I have a compassionate spirit not only toward my fellow humans but also towards nature, particularly animals. I am convinced that an empathic connection with animals will benefit not only the animals, but humanity as well. As a new chapter of my life unfolds, I will connect with animals (and humanity) by using what I learn throughout extensive university studies and continued, life-long learning to become an exceptional veterinarian. Home, school, and work experiences guided my career goals. Having always been surrounded by animal aficionados, compassion for animals is part of my DNA. In school, I enjoy learning and I work hard, excelling in all of my classes, but I consider AP biology and anatomy my favorites. They opened my eyes to the wonders of scientific inquiry and inspired me to pursue a degree in the field of medicine. Working at a veterinary clinic galvanized my career aspirations. Under the tutelage of amazing veterinarians, I acquire skills daily and learn both the compassionate and professional demands of veterinary medicine. I was raised by my grandmother who taught me valuable lessons in financial responsibility. Upon turning sixteen, I got a job and use my income to provide many necessities and home expenses. Without jeopardizing my studies, I work six days a week and save money. In school, I have taken AP and concurrent courses and will begin college with 24 university credits already accumulated. Additionally, although I was accepted at larger universities, I will complete my undergraduate work at a regional university where the quality of the program is high, yet the cost of an undergraduate degree is significantly lower. Finally, I remain hopeful for scholarships that recognize and affirm my tenacity and hard work. Once established in my career, in addition to providing exceptional services for my clients, I also will fervently dedicate time and energy to causes that improve animal welfare by using my degree in Veterinary Medicine to become a force in my community for positive changes. I will join campaigns and volunteer with organizations to educate the public about the importance of spaying/neutering and adopting pets from shelters and rescue organizations and will devote a portion of my practice to these entities for little-to-no cost. Additionally, I will become an avid advocate for 100% no-kill shelters throughout my State. I am passionate about improving animal welfare because I believe how our society treats animals is a reflection of our humanity. Rather than defeat me, conflict and challenges made me resilient. I learned that although I cannot control other people or certain situations, I can control how I react to them. I have endured several hardships, among them sexual abuse as a young child, familial alcoholism, and the heartache of parental abandonment. The road to recovery was traveled with the support of family, friends, teachers, and a wonderful therapist. What once posed a threat to my emotional well-being and academic growth became sources of strength. I have matured into a strong, self-assured survivor with an immense capacity for empathy. The lessons learned through these ordeals will undoubtedly guide me in coping with and overcoming inevitable future obstacles and adversity during my life’s voyage. They have given me grit; when faced with difficulties in life, I move forward, never backward. A career in veterinary medicine is demanding, eight years of study daunting, and the financial burden immense, but as passionate as I am about animals and science, I cannot imagine a more fulfilling career. I am extremely excited to begin my journey toward becoming a devoted veterinarian. Any assistance I receive toward achieving my dreams is profoundly appreciated.

Winnie the Pooh said, “Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.” I am someone who listens to animals because I believe an empathic connection with animals benefits not only the animals but humanity as well. As an adult, I will connect with animals by using what I learn throughout my university studies and continued, life-long learning to become a veterinarian, first by achieving a B.S. in Biology/Zoology followed by completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Coming from a family of animal aficionados, loving animals is a huge part of who I am. I not only care for our family’s numerous pets but have also rescued countless abandoned animals. Because shelters are overcrowded, I nurture them myself, have them spayed/neutered, and then find them forever homes. Additionally, I relocate wild creatures that stray into our yard and are at risk from our large dogs. Although innumerable home experiences have guided my compassion toward animals, it was a penchant for science and working at a veterinary clinic that provided absolute clarity and focus regarding my career path. I have always enjoyed most of my classes, but my AP biology and anatomy classes are my favorites. They fascinated and challenged me and opened my eyes to the wonders of scientific inquiry, inspiring my journey toward a degree in medicine. A job at a veterinary clinic has also been a galvanizing force in my desire to become a veterinarian. Working under the tutelage of wonderful veterinarians, I have been provided opportunities to acquire skills and learn first-hand the demands of veterinary medicine. These home, school, and work experiences convinced me that a career in veterinary medicine is a perfect fit for me. Lovingly attending animals will give me both purpose and self-fulfillment and present me with opportunities to positively impact my world. I dream of a better world for animals and realize it is my responsibility to make that happen. During my college years and more decisively upon establishing my career, I will be a force in my community for positive changes. There is much I plan to accomplish in this regard. For example, annually euthanizing over 1M healthy, adoptable pets is morally wrong, and I am passionate about improving this situation. To do so, I will join campaigns and volunteer with humane organizations to educate the public about the importance of spaying/neutering. Additionally, I will support efforts to transport healthy animals to areas in the country in which there is a need. Another way that I will promote animal welfare is by devoting a portion of my veterinarian practice to providing services to shelters and animal rescue organizations for little-to-no cost. Because I believe one’s socio-economic status should not be a deterrent to enjoying the love of a pet, I will also strive to establish funds that provide underserved communities with affordable pet care. Lastly, I will follow the model established in Delaware and become an avid advocate for 100% no-kill shelters throughout the country. Although animal welfare is not the most pressing issue facing society today (unless you are an animal), it is one issue about which I am exceedingly passionate. A career caring for and supporting animals is my life’s ambition, not only because of my intense affinity for animals, but also because I believe to be genuinely human is to treat all God’s creatures humanely.

A love of animals combined with a love of science equals, for me, a career in veterinary medicine. Without the knowledge gained from higher education, my dream of becoming a veterinarian would not be possible. To be a veterinarian requires extensive studies in courses such as biology, chemistry, zoology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and animal husbandry. There is so much science to learn before I can adequately care for animals to the extent I hope to be able to one day. I have come to realize this even more so while working a part-time job at a veterinary hospital. Under the tutelage of two amazing veterinarians I have learned a lot, but I am years away from ever knowing enough to be a healer of animals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the higher the level of education one achieves, generally the higher the earnings. Although many people may argue this is a primary advantage of a college graduate and postgraduate education, this is not necessarily true for veterinarians. As an example, in my state, the average plumber’s salary is higher than that of a veterinarian. Therefore, for me, a lucrative income is not a driving factor, particularly when taking into account the discrepancies in the cost of training: plumber, perhaps twenty thousand dollars at a career tech; veterinarian, over two hundred thousand dollars at a university. A higher income is not my motivation. Although achieving my career goal of becoming a compassionate veterinarian is my predominant reason for going to college, higher education will also afford me many additional benefits. These benefits have become apparent to me while studying challenging AP classes and concurrent university classes while in high school. In these advanced courses, including those unrelated to science, I have learned the value of collaborating with students equally driven as I am to excel. A "team-effort mentality" will allow me not only to better collaborate with my future university peers, but also will serve to prepare me to harmoniously work in concert with co-workers and clients at a future veterinary practice and with individuals and civic groups in my community. Another benefit of the pursuit of higher education is the opportunity to continue developing critical thinking skills on a variety of topics. In 1921, when he and Thomas Edison disagreed about the relevance of a college education, Albert Einstein said, “The value of a college education is not the learning of many facts but the training of the mind to think.” I wholeheartedly agree with Einstein. Perhaps even more crucial than a century ago, critical thinking skills constitute an essential competency in an ever-changing, volatile 21st Century. Finally, there is an additional unspoken advantage of higher education. It is what I perceive to be an attitude of open-mindedness on university campuses. In today’s polarized society it is imperative that global citizens learn how to listen to others and productively compromise when there are differences in viewpoints. The open-minded ambiance on university campuses will facilitate my path toward becoming a more empathetic individual as I join my place in local, national, and global communities. A specific career path and my personal growth as I develop and mature into an open-minded, critical-thinking individual with strong collaborative skills are the benefits I most value in my pursuit of degrees in higher education. I am eager to begin my journey.

While standing at the precipice and marveling at the vastness, exquisite beauty, and the incredible majesty of the Grand Canyon, a singular thought kept popping into my mind: I miss my dog. My vacation to Arizona this summer was an amazing one and I thoroughly enjoyed the adventures I experienced with my family. But even though I would jump at future opportunities to travel the world, ever present in my heart would be the thought of my sweet dog, Daisy, at home, without me. Even though my mid-sized, multi-breed mutt is getting up there in years (about 11 years old now), I know she is fine when I am gone. She has a cozy home, a big yard, and other loving humans to care for her. Being the matriarch of my family’s dog pack, she also has the company of two young Great Danes that she decisively controls, yet gently mothers. However, I can't help but think that when I am not home she misses me too. When she hears me approaching, what other explanation could there be for the way she runs to the door as fast as her stiff joints will permit? She is happy to see other people too, but her tail wags just a little harder and longer when I come home, and for what is almost an annoying amount of time she is reluctant to leave my side. Yes, I am certain she misses me too. Ironically, although Daisy depends upon me and my family for 100% of her needs, what she gives me in return cannot be measured. Her warmth, unconditional devotion, and sweet cuddles and licks are the best emotional support I could ever hope for. She is my steadfast friend, my quiet therapist, my loyal companion. When I am sad, she consoles me; when I am happy, she exudes joy; when I am busy, she is patient; when I am angry or worried, she calms me. My sweet Daisy is the epitome of love. The legacy of this sweet dog that has been with me since grade school will carry on in my adult life. She is my inspiration to become a veterinarian. I love animals, particularly Daisy, and I love science, so I cannot imagine a better career path for me. I will not only devote myself to serving the animals in my care, but I will also volunteer with shelters, like the one where I found Daisy, and other humane organizations to establish Oklahoma as a no-kill state. Additionally, because of the emotional support I have received from her, I would very much like to train dogs to be providers of emotional as well as physical support for others. There has never been a time in my life when dogs were not integral members of my family and I can’t imagine a scenario in which this will not continue throughout my adulthood. My grandmother, with whom I live, believes her childhood Collie, Dolly, has reincarnated over the years into a German Shepherd named Shadow, a Labrador named Smiley, and now a Great Dane named Cozzy. She says their bodies, and to some extent their personalities, are different, but their souls are the same and that this cosmic canine soul is, without a doubt, intertwined with hers. I like to think that my grandma’s philosophy is true because it is very comforting to imagine that my loving, faithful Daisy and I will be together throughout my life and all the variations of hers.

Winnie the Pooh said, “Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.” I want to be a human who listens to animals because I believe a compassionate connection with animals will benefit not only the animals, but humanity as well. A college education is vital for me to accomplish this. As a new chapter of my life unfolds, I will use what I learn throughout my college studies and continued, life-long learning to become an exceptional veterinarian. Having grown up with a plethora of family pets, animals have always been a huge part of my life. I not only care for our family’s pets, I have had countless opportunities to “save” other creatures. Living near a park where dogs and cats are often thoughtlessly abandoned has given me plenty of “rescue” experiences. Rather than using overcrowded shelters, my grandmother and I would nurture them, have them spayed/neutered, and then find them forever homes. Additionally, I regularly relocate wild creatures, including snakes, possums, raccoons, and armadillos, that stray into our yard and are at risk from our large dogs. Finally, I have always felt a tremendous admiration toward our family veterinarian as he cared for our family pets and our visits leave me wanting more knowledge about how to nurture God’s creatures. During my high school years two things brought clarity and focus to my career path: a love of science and a part-time job at a veterinary clinic. Although I have always enjoyed the majority of my classes, the fascinating, albeit challenging, AP biology and anatomy classes are my all-time favorites. Additionally, my junior year I began working in a veterinary clinic. I love my job! Under the tutelage of two amazing veterinarians each day poses an opportunity to acquire new skills. These specific home, school, and work experiences convinced me my career path would be working with animals. To be able to have the greatest impact, I will become a veterinarian, and for that a minimum of eight years of university studies is required. Additionally, so as to better serve my community, I am determined to be bilingual. Although I have studied four years of high school Spanish and am semi-proficient, I know that to become truly bilingual, studying abroad in a Spanish-speaking country is essential. A semester abroad added to eight years of university studies seems daunting, and the financial burden of those years even more imposing, but I am determined. I am going to be a vet, a bilingual vet. Lovingly attending to the needs of animals is how I will positively impact the world because, as Gandhi stated, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” My path begins with completing a B.S. degree in Biology/Zoology, after which I will attain a postgraduate Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree. A career in veterinary medicine will be demanding, but as much as I love both animals and science, there is no better fit for me. With the support of my family, college professors, and the veterinarians I have come to know, I have no doubt of my success. A college education will serve as the spring-board for my journey toward becoming the very best veterinarian I can be.

Nationally there is a critical need for veterinarians who specialize in farm animals or large animal science. Vets who work with large animals are essential not only for the animals’ health, but also for the nation’s food safety and public health, and they are in short supply. As a new chapter of my life unfolds, I will help fill this void by becoming an exceptional veterinarian, specializing in large animals. Having grown up with a plethora of family pets, including several Great Danes, animals have always been a huge part of my life. I not only care for our family’s pets, I have had countless opportunities to “save” other creatures. Living near a park where dogs and cats are often thoughtlessly abandoned has given me plenty of “rescue” experiences. Rather than using overcrowded shelters, my grandmother and I would nurture them, have them spayed/neutered, and then find them forever homes. Additionally, I regularly relocate wild creatures, including snakes, possums, raccoons, and armadillos, that stray into our yard and are at risk from our large dogs. Finally, I have always felt a tremendous admiration toward our family veterinarian as he cared for our family pets and our visits always leave me wanting to know more. During my high school years two things brought clarity and focus to my career path: a love of science and a part-time job at a veterinary clinic. Although I have always enjoyed the majority of my classes, the fascinating, albeit challenging, AP biology and anatomy classes are my all-time favorites. Additionally, my junior year I began working in a veterinary clinic. I love my job! Under the tutelage of two amazing veterinarians each day poses an opportunity to acquire new skills. These specific home, school, and work experiences convinced me my career path would be working with animals.To be able to have the greatest impact, I will become a veterinarian, one specializing in large animals. The desire to work with large animals was born out of my experiences gained during five summers at Southern Nazarene University’s “horse camps.” Growing up in an urban setting, being involved with horses led me to an absolute fascination with these wondrous “giant” creatures. This fascination with large animals is specifically why the university I have chosen to attend is Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Although I have been accepted at several other larger universities, Southeastern holds a major appeal for me because of its location in rural Oklahoma and the opportunities offered there to work directly with farmers and ranchers in the area. I have an affinity for horses, but also am very interested in working with other livestock such as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, and even bison that are found in ranches near Durant, Oklahoma. The connection Southeastern has to farmers and ranchers in the area is one of the main reasons that, as I begin my studies toward becoming a veterinarian, Southeastern is my choice for undergraduate work. My path begins with completing a B.S. degree in Biology/Zoology from Southeastern, after which I will attain a postgraduate Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from Oklahoma State University. OSU’s publications as recent as May, 2022 point out the dire need there is for rural veterinarians. I will help fulfill that need. A career in veterinary medicine is demanding, eight years of study daunting, and the financial burden immense, but as interested as I am in animals and science, there is no better fit for me. I am excited to begin my journey toward becoming the very best large animal veterinarian I can be.