Since I was 7 I've been living with heart disease, particularly POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and syncope, which has been a significant challenge in my life by learning how to navigate through life and maintain my symptoms. I haven't let my cardiac disease deter my purpose in life, but it shaped my perspective and fueled my determination to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Navigating the daily obstacles of managing my condition, while pursuing my dream of becoming a veterinarian, has not been easy. But it has taught me the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and the need to prioritize my health despite the demands of my education and future career. POTS is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, making it difficult for my body to regulate blood flow and heart rate when transitioning between lying down, sitting, or standing. POTS episodes often lead to dizziness, fainting, fatigue, impaired vision, and tachycardia. Usually, these episodes are triggered by exercise, temperature changes, and stress. With POTS I've had to learn how to manage my health via constant vigilance, lifestyle adjustments, and regular monitoring of my symptoms. One of the biggest challenges I face is the unpredictable nature of my episodes. A sudden episode can lead me to be unable to perform tasks that require focus and physical effort. In addition to managing my condition, I also have a family history of heart disease. My parents and grandparents have dealt with various heart issues, such as myocardial infarctions and blockages, and this history has only heightened my awareness of the importance of taking proactive steps to care for my heart and overall well-being. I know that stress is a major trigger for POTS episodes, and as I progress through veterinary school, the demands of studying, long hours, and high expectations are a constant source of stress. I often feel episodes occur during high-stakes situations such as exams and presentations during my classes; however, I've learned tactics that help to slow down my heart rate and get myself back to normal. Veterinary medicine, while fulfilling, can be intense and physically demanding, and the high level of stress it brings can trigger my condition, increasing my risk for more frequent POTS episodes and possibly even other heart-related issues. While my journey has challenges, I am committed to pursuing my dream of becoming a veterinarian. I know that by staying attentive to my health, I can continue to overcome these obstacles and achieve my goals.

I’m a compassionate and devoted person at heart; whether I’m working with clients at the veterinary clinic, spending time with my friends and family, helping educate kids, or photographing for my business. Growing up around strong women, I learned the importance of believing in myself and always being there for others when they need it most. I’m currently a first-year veterinary student at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where I’m focused on becoming a general practitioner for both companion animals and equine medicine. Ever since I was little, I knew that being a veterinarian was what I wanted to do with my life. My connection with animals has always felt natural, like we understand each other in a way that words can’t explain. The real ‘why’ behind my decision to pursue veterinary medicine goes back to my childhood dog, Barley. She was my best friend, and when I was struggling with some of the toughest days, she was there to comfort me. When it was her time to pass, the veterinarian was the one who spoke for her, helping her go peacefully. That moment was a turning point for me. It made me realize that I wanted to be the one to give animals a voice, especially when they need it most. I grew up in a small rural town and always wanted to experience more of the world. That desire led me to Michigan State University, where I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science. During my time there, I completed all the prerequisites for veterinary school, but it was my equine exercise physiology class that really sparked my interest in equine sports medicine. We dove into the way the respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems work together to support a horse’s athleticism, and I found myself fascinated by how these animals’ bodies function at such a high level. What really brought it all together for me was the chance to apply that knowledge during my pre-veterinary internship. I had the opportunity to work with a veterinarian on real equine cases, and it was there that I got to see how important it is to understand both the biology of the horse and the practical aspects of treatment. It was an eye-opening experience that further fueled my passion for veterinary medicine. Now, as a first-year veterinary student at Kansas State, I’m continuing to build on what I’ve learned and dive deeper into my studies. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me and to one day become the kind of veterinarian who can advocate for animals the way Barley’s vet did for her.

Similar to my peers, my purpose in becoming a veterinarian is to help animals; however, it is not the main reason I am pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. As a child, I grew up with many animals—pigs, dogs, and a rabbit—but there was one dog who sparked my "why." One night during my junior year of high school, I felt defeated and alone. In that moment, Barley, my dog, came to lay with me, her head on my lap, as if telling me that everything would be okay. She saved me. Barley showed me how love is unconditional and the importance of caring for one another. When her time came, I wasn’t there to be her voice; the veterinarian was the one who did that for us. That moment, and Barley’s presence in my life—her love, gentleness, and selflessness—gave me my "why": my reason to study veterinary care. I want to be their voice, learn how to analyze their signs and behaviors, and create diagnoses and treatment plans to keep the bond between humans and animals rich with life and joy. Through my experiences both inside and outside the clinic, I have witnessed firsthand how real the human-animal bond is. Barley, the dog who gave me my "why," was my brother's service dog. Their bond was one of the strongest I have ever seen. When her time came, I could see the mental and physical toll it took on my brother, similar to what I witnessed in the clinic, where owners said goodbye to their beloved pets. The human-animal bond is something I feel everyone should experience to truly understand the compassion, love, and reality of it. Working alongside many veterinarians is a fulfilling experience because we get to help preserve that bond. Although there are times in the field when we must end that bond, it is also a beautiful part of the journey. Owners share their most cherished memories with their pets, and reliving those moments provides them with comfort, knowing their pet will forever live on in their hearts, even if they are no longer physically present. Through both the light and dark moments of the veterinary field, I know this is what I am meant to do. Through my work in the clinic, doggy daycares, and volunteering with Assistance Dogs of America, I have seen a mixture of purebred dogs and mixed breeds. Each has its own benefits, but also its own challenges. When done responsibly, breeding can result in well-bred dogs with minimal health risks in the future. However, this depends on the breeder’s knowledge of genetics and the individual dogs as well. Even though an individual dogs own health risks aren't able to be predicted, if the breeders don't understand the genetics involved, it can lead to significant health and welfare issues. This applies to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs. The key factors to consider when breeding dogs are genetics, health risks, and the overall welfare of the breed. Keeping thorough documentation on both the stud and the bitch including their health history, any potential genetic disorders, and their overall behavior is considered an essential preventative measure. With these preventative measures, I believe breeding purebreds and mixed breeds can be successful and responsible.