My name is Ava Alova, and I live in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. I have two brothers and come from a Navy family. During my free time, I like to play with my cat, Persimmon, and take care of my plants. My favorite animals are cows, more specifically, the Belted Galloway. At school, my favorite classes are ceramics, animal science, and horticulture. I would not be pursuing a degree in animal science today if it weren't for FFA. Animal Science 1 at NHS introduced me to the world of FFA and the unique poultry and livestock experiences I've treasured! After moving schools mid-year due to my parent's separation, becoming involved in the agriculture department at Northeastern was an invaluable experience. What started with walking into Animal Science 1 continued with delving into raising chickens at home, discovering my love of cows, and finally learning how my passion for bugs and beef livestock could excite me so much! Moving from the hypothetical of forensic science to the very hands-on of animal science helped redefine and shape my plans for the future. I thought I would be looking for colleges with programs in forensic science and possibly entomology. After attending the National Youth Leadership Forum: Law & CSI at George Mason University and the forensic science camp at WVU, I realized that it would be several years before the theoretical concepts and processes I was introduced to would be implemented. The excitement and passion I felt using insects to solve crime slowly dissipated when I realized how long it would be before I could actively engage in those kinds of activities. I didn't see how my current high school coursework and everyday experiences would include what I had been so excited about at the camps I had attended. Thankfully, being introduced to my ag teachers through my first animal science class at Northeastern changed that. I thrived under their caring and expert guidance. One of my first lightbulb moments occurred while writing one of my first animal science assignments. We were assigned to write about a current agricultural event. My submission was titled "Crime Is Crawling With Bugs." Incredibly, my teacher allowed me to write about bugs. Entomology is animal science, too! I soon realized that after working directly with animals through course requirements, volunteering at animal education events for the National Honor Society, FFA CDEs (Career Development Events), and spending any free time between classes taking care of the school's animals. Animal Science 1 at NHS was my introduction to the world of FFA and the educating poultry and livestock experiences I've cherished! My animal science classes, being involved with FFA, becoming our chapter's Senior Parliamentarian, and attending the animal science camp at NC State were all crucial to my realization that animal science and not forensic science is my passion. After putting my arm in a fistulated steer, measuring calves, and drawing blood from a sheep, I realized that the immediate real-world experience I've been able to have with animals sparked my curiosity about how I can combine my interests in both beef livestock and insects. A BS in Animal Science allows me to pursue these passions now!