The path to veterinary medicine is not just a career choice for me—it is a calling, shaped by my experiences in animal rescue and my firsthand exposure to the challenges faced by underserved communities. My passion for veterinary dermatology has been ignited through my work in Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, where I have seen the profound impact that skin disorders have on animals with limited access to veterinary care. These experiences have driven me to pursue a specialization that will allow me to make a tangible difference in both individual animal welfare and the broader field of veterinary medicine. From an early age, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to helping animals. I immersed myself in rescue work, which exposed me to the harsh realities faced by neglected and stray animals. While assisting in animal care, I frequently encountered cases of severe skin infections, mange, allergies, and other dermatological conditions that, if left untreated, led to immense suffering. In many of these cases, access to veterinary specialists was nearly nonexistent, and local resources were stretched thin. This fueled my desire to understand the underlying causes of these conditions and to seek effective treatment options. My time working with rescue organizations in Texas and the Rio Grande Valley further deepened my passion for veterinary dermatology. In these regions, where veterinary resources are scarce, I encountered countless dogs suffering from advanced dermatological diseases that could have been easily managed with proper medical intervention. I took it upon myself to learn as much as possible about diagnosing and treating common dermatological conditions, researching various skin disorders, and working alongside veterinarians to administer care. Through this hands-on experience, I gained valuable insights into the importance of specialized dermatological treatments and the critical role they play in improving animal health and quality of life. Beyond clinical experience, my research interests have also played a significant role in shaping my dedication to veterinary dermatology. I have spent time studying the environmental and genetic factors that contribute to dermatological conditions, particularly in stray and rescue populations. By analyzing patterns in skin disease prevalence and treatment outcomes, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the need for innovative solutions and accessible care. My ambition is to become a veterinary dermatologist who not only treats patients but also contributes to the advancement of dermatological care in underserved areas. I am committed to finding ways to bridge the gap in access to veterinary specialty care, whether through outreach programs, telemedicine initiatives, or partnerships with rescue organizations. My goal is to ensure that no animal suffers from preventable dermatological conditions simply due to a lack of resources or awareness. This scholarship represents an opportunity for me to continue on my path toward specialty veterinary medicine, enabling me to gain the education and training necessary to make a lasting impact. Through my studies, I will further develop the skills and expertise needed to provide high-quality dermatological care, conduct research that advances treatment methodologies, and advocate for the well-being of animals in need. I am eager to take the next steps in my veterinary journey and am deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion for dermatology with the support of this scholarship.

October 22nd, 2024, at 7 AM, I woke up to find Marvel had passed in his sleep. From the moment I can remember, I always wanted to be a veterinarian. The desire to heal, to nurture, and to be a voice for animals who have none was ingrained in me. However, my path toward veterinary medicine became profoundly personal and unwavering when I met Marvel—my first medical foster. His story changed my life, solidifying my commitment to not just veterinary medicine, but specifically to shelter and rescue care. Marvel arrived at my practice in a condition no animal should endure—emaciated, sick, and on the verge of death. His owner, unable to afford the cost of hospitalization and surgery, had made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize him. But when I looked into Marvel’s eyes, I saw a fighter. He wasn’t ready to give up, and neither was I. In a desperate attempt to save him, I reached out to a local rescue, Compassion Animal Rescue (CARE), an organization I had never worked with before. The owner, Maddie Maitland, agreed to help on one condition—I would foster him through his recovery. Marvel underwent major abdominal surgery to remove a foreign body, and when he came home with me, I saw firsthand the resilience of a creature who had every reason to give up, yet choose love instead. He was gentle, affectionate, and full of gratitude despite his past. For six days, he made strides toward recovery, and I allowed myself to believe he would make it. But on the seventh morning, I found that Marvel had passed in his sleep. The devastation was indescribable. I replayed every moment in my head, wondering what went wrong, what I could have done differently, and how I could have saved him. Marvel’s loss was a pivotal moment in my life. It did not break me—it fueled me. It cemented my resolve to dedicate my veterinary career to shelter and rescue medicine. Too often, animals like Marvel are discarded due to financial constraints, and I refuse to accept that as an inevitable reality. My experiences volunteering with CARE have reinforced my belief in the power of veterinary intervention in rescue settings. I have witnessed firsthand how proper medical care can transform the lives of neglected and abandoned animals, and I am determined to be a part of that change. Through my veterinary education, I hope to provide life-saving care to shelter animals, advocate for affordable veterinary services, and develop initiatives that bridge the gap between rescues and medical providers. My goal is not just to treat these animals but to give them a chance at a future they never knew was possible. Marvel may not have survived, but his impact on me is eternal. He is my reason, my driving force, and my reminder that every animal deserves a chance. The Team Crosby Forever Veterinary Medicine Scholarship would allow me to continue this mission—to honor the lives of animals like Marvel and Crosby by dedicating my career to those who have no one else fighting for them. With this education, I will ensure that every Marvel who comes through my doors will receive not just medical care, but unwavering advocacy and compassion. Because they are worth it, every single one of them.