I grew up in a single-parent household where resilience wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. At 25, I became my family’s primary provider, helping my younger sister through veterinary school while supporting my mother during her battle with cancer. For years, I juggled full-time work in finance, family caregiving, and the weight of uncertainty, but I never let go of the idea that something more purposeful was waiting for me. That "something" turned out to be veterinary medicine. It wasn’t a path I imagined at first, but caring for our family dogs—especially a Maltese named Sprite who became my constant companion—changed my life. As I nursed Sprite through cancer and watched her respond to treatments, I began to realize how healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and spiritual, too. That experience planted a seed I couldn’t ignore. Now, at 50, I’m a veterinary student at the University of Minnesota, pursuing a dream that was decades in the making. I’m a nontraditional student, a woman of color, and someone who took a winding road to medicine. But I don’t see that as a disadvantage. I’ve lived a lot of life. I’ve learned how to lead with empathy, how to navigate setbacks, and how to serve others with compassion and clarity. Those experiences are now my greatest assets in this new career. My goal is to open a nonprofit veterinary clinic that provides affordable, accessible care to underserved communities. I want to create a space where no pet is turned away due to financial hardship, where education is prioritized, and where diversity in staff and clients is celebrated. I hope to mentor students from similar backgrounds and advocate for equity in veterinary medicine at both the policy and practice level. This scholarship would ease the financial strain of school and help me focus more fully on the hands-on work I want to do—whether that's externships in community medicine, conference travel, or developing bilingual client education materials. More than that, receiving this scholarship would be a reminder that my story, though nontraditional, matters. It would tell me that there’s room in this profession for people like me—people who rise through adversity and are determined to uplift others. My journey hasn’t been linear, but it’s been filled with purpose. And I’m just getting started. I carry with me every lesson from my past—discipline, faith, perseverance—and I’m committed to building a future where veterinary care is defined not just by science, but by love, equity, and connection.

Growing up in a single-parent household taught me resilience, responsibility, and the value of showing up for the people you love. I became the primary financial provider for my family when I was 25. I helped put my younger sister through veterinary school while supporting my mother through her battle with cancer. These challenges didn’t just test me—they shaped me into someone who can persevere under pressure, adapt quickly, and care deeply. Even while working full time in finance, I was the one organizing my family’s doctor appointments, filling prescriptions, and creating stability in a world that often felt unpredictable. These experiences made me realize how essential access to healthcare—both for people and animals—really is. That’s what drew me to veterinary medicine. Now, at 50, I’m a veterinary student at the University of Minnesota. My life experience gives me a unique perspective: I know what it means to struggle, to sacrifice, and to keep going. I carry that into every classroom and clinic I enter. I plan to use my veterinary degree to open a nonprofit clinic where cost is never a barrier to care. I want to serve underserved communities, offer education to clients and staff, and keep pets with the families who love them. I also hope to mentor future students from similar backgrounds to show them that second chances are powerful. I believe that uplifting others can have a ripple effect, building a more inclusive and supportive veterinary community. I want to be a veterinarian who brings knowledge, empathy, and equity into every exam room. Because of where I came from, I know how much that kind of care can mean. I hope to be a source of hope and healing for families who might otherwise be left behind. My mission is to make care accessible and compassionate. Faith has also played a steady role in guiding my path. As a Catholic, I believe in serving others with humility and purpose. My faith reminds me that every act of care—no matter how small—can be an extension of grace. I’ve carried that belief into my work with my sister’s home pet euthanasia service, where we often offer prayers for the pets and the families saying goodbye. These moments of spiritual connection have reaffirmed my commitment to lead with love, compassion, and reverence for life. I hope to carry that same heart-centered leadership into my future clinic, where care isn’t just medical—it’s deeply personal and healing. My journey into Christianity began in childhood, but it deepened during some of the most difficult seasons of my life. During my mother's cancer treatments and the loss of our family dogs, my faith became an anchor. It taught me to look for purpose in pain and strength in surrender. Faith helped me rise each day and continue supporting my family, even when I felt depleted. I learned that God equips us not only for survival but for service. Through prayer, community, and reflection, I grew closer to Christ and began to see how my life could be used for good. By leaning on faith, resilience, and service, I hope to make a lasting difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them. I see my veterinary career not only as a profession but as a calling—one that lets me honor my past while building a better, more compassionate future for my community. I believe that science and empathy must go hand in hand. As a BIPOC veterinary student pursuing a STEM field, I want to push for innovation in care delivery while also making sure that compassion and accessibility remain at the forefront of our work. In my future clinic, I plan to host wellness workshops, offer affordable vaccinations and parasite control, and collaborate with local shelters to help at-risk animals find forever homes. I also want to advocate for legislation that supports low-income pet owners and ensures veterinary care is seen as a public good, not a luxury. Through small actions and systemic change, I hope to honor my community, my faith, and the many animals who have shaped my journey. Along the way, I hope to publish outreach materials in multiple languages to increase accessibility for non-English-speaking pet owners. I’m also exploring how mobile clinics can reach people in remote or underserved areas. My ultimate goal is to make veterinary care a right, not a privilege. This means addressing not just individual patient needs, but the structural barriers that prevent entire communities from receiving care. I want to equip clients with knowledge and empower them to care for their animals confidently. Whether it's through free spay/neuter services, partnerships with food pantries, or continuing education for veterinary technicians, my mission is comprehensive. I want my clinic to be a hub of hope—where science meets compassion, and where every client knows they are seen, heard, and valued. This vision drives everything I do, and I am grateful for the support that makes this work possible. This scholarship would be a critical step in helping me realize my goals. It would allow me to focus more fully on my education and community initiatives without the constant burden of financial stress. I also hope to use part of the scholarship to attend conferences on community medicine and access to care. These opportunities would expand my knowledge and help me implement more effective programs in my clinic. The financial relief would also make it easier to dedicate time to mentoring other students and continuing my involvement in outreach projects. Each of these efforts brings me closer to building the kind of practice that reflects my values—where healing is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and rooted in faith and equity. Moreover, this scholarship symbolizes belief in my journey. To be supported in such a meaningful way reinforces my sense of purpose and belonging in the veterinary field. It affirms that nontraditional students, students of color, and those shaped by hardship have something vital to contribute. With the help of this scholarship, I’ll be better positioned to give back in ways that are thoughtful, impactful, and enduring.

Growing up in a single-parent household taught me resilience, responsibility, and the value of showing up for the people you love. I became the primary financial provider for my family when I was 25. I helped put my younger sister through veterinary school while supporting my mother through her battle with cancer. These challenges didn’t just test me—they shaped me into someone who can persevere under pressure, adapt quickly, and care deeply. Even while working full time in finance, I was the one organizing my family’s doctor appointments, filling prescriptions, and creating stability in a world that often felt unpredictable. These experiences made me realize how essential access to healthcare—both for people and animals—really is. That’s what drew me to veterinary medicine. Now, at 50, I’m a veterinary student at the University of Minnesota. My life experience gives me a unique perspective: I know what it means to struggle, to sacrifice, and to keep going. I carry that into every classroom and clinic I enter. I plan to use my veterinary degree to open a nonprofit clinic where cost is never a barrier to care. I want to serve underserved communities, offer education to clients and staff, and keep pets with the families who love them. I also hope to mentor future students from similar backgrounds to show them that second chances are powerful. I believe that uplifting others can have a ripple effect, building a more inclusive and supportive veterinary community. I am actively working toward this goal by pursuing training opportunities in general practice and community medicine, seeking mentors who understand the financial realities of clients, and developing my business plan. This scholarship would ease the burden of travel and housing for externships that align with my mission, allowing me to learn from clinics that exemplify the values I want to bring to my own practice. I want to be a veterinarian who brings knowledge, empathy, and equity into every exam room. Because of where I came from, I know how much that kind of care can mean. I hope to be a source of hope and healing for families who might otherwise be left behind. My mission is to make care accessible and compassionate. Faith has also played a steady role in guiding my path. My faith reminds me that every act of care—no matter how small—can be an extension of grace. I’ve carried that belief into my work with my sister’s home pet euthanasia service, where we often offer prayers for the pets and the families saying goodbye. These moments of spiritual connection have reaffirmed my commitment to lead with love, compassion, and reverence for life. I hope to carry that same heart-centered leadership into my future clinic, where care isn’t just medical—it’s deeply personal and healing. By leaning on faith, resilience, and service, I hope to make a lasting difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them. I see my veterinary career not only as a profession but as a calling—one that lets me honor my past while building a better, more compassionate future for my community. I believe that science and empathy must go hand in hand. As a BIPOC veterinary student pursuing a STEM field, I want to push for innovation in care delivery while also making sure that compassion and accessibility remain at the forefront of our work.

Faith has always been the foundation of my values and the compass guiding my decisions. As a Catholic, I believe in serving others with humility, compassion, and courage, even when the path is difficult. My leadership style is rooted in these principles, blending quiet strength with a willingness to stand up for those who need support. One of the most profound ways my faith has shaped my leadership is through my work with my sister's in-home pet euthanasia service. We provide families with a peaceful goodbye, and we always offer to say a prayer over the pets we help cross the rainbow bridge. For many grieving pet parents, this small act of faith offers comfort and dignity. It reminds them they are not alone in their sorrow, and that their love for their pet is honored and seen. In these moments, I lead by being present, by listening, and by holding space for grace and healing. This experience has deepened my sense of purpose as a future veterinarian. It has taught me that leadership doesn't always come from having all the answers or being the loudest voice. Sometimes, it comes from quiet acts of kindness that reflect God’s love. When I entered veterinary school at age 48, I carried with me a career in finance and years of caring for my family. I had already helped my sister through veterinary school and supported my mother through cancer. Returning to school was daunting, but I knew I had been called to this path. My faith gave me the courage to begin again and to trust that every challenge had meaning. In vet school, I continue to lead by encouraging others, especially nontraditional students and those from underrepresented backgrounds. I share my story to inspire them not to give up. I believe God places us where we can serve best, and for me, that means becoming a veterinarian who offers both medical care and spiritual support. I want to be a veterinarian who brings knowledge, empathy, and equity into every exam room. Because of where I came from, I know how much that kind of care can mean. I hope to be a source of hope and healing for families who might otherwise be left behind. My mission is to make care accessible and compassionate. In the future, I hope to open a nonprofit clinic that welcomes all clients and their beloved pets. Through my work and my faith, I want to show that veterinary medicine is not only about healing animals but also about uplifting the people who love them. My vision for leadership is simple: serve with faith, lead with love.

Growing up in a single-parent household taught me resilience, responsibility, and the value of showing up for the people you love. I became the primary financial provider for my family when I was 25. I helped put my younger sister through veterinary school while supporting my mother through her battle with cancer. These challenges didn’t just test me—they shaped me into someone who can persevere under pressure, adapt quickly, and care deeply. Even while working full time in finance, I was the one organizing my family’s doctor appointments, filling prescriptions, and creating stability in a world that often felt unpredictable. These experiences made me realize how essential access to healthcare—both for people and animals—really is. That’s what drew me to veterinary medicine. Now, at 50, I’m a veterinary student at the University of Minnesota. My life experience gives me a unique perspective: I know what it means to struggle, to sacrifice, and to keep going. I carry that into every classroom and clinic I enter. I plan to use my veterinary degree to open a nonprofit clinic where cost is never a barrier to care. I want to serve underserved communities, offer education to clients and staff, and keep pets with the families who love them. I am actively working toward this goal by pursuing training opportunities in nonprofit general practice, seeking mentors who understand the financial realities many clients face, and continuing to develop my business plan. This scholarship would help cover essential but often overlooked expenses—like hotel stays and airfare for externships—that are critical to making these opportunities possible I want to be a veterinarian who brings knowledge, empathy, and equity into every exam room. Because of where I came from, I know how much that kind of care can mean.

My journey into veterinary medicine began not in a clinic or on a farm, but in the financial sector. I was a stockbroker by age 23, supporting my mother, sister, and grandmother. My sister’s dream of becoming a veterinarian became mine by proxy, as I worked to fund her education and support our family through illness and hardship. While I was proud of my success in finance, I knew it wasn’t my true calling. Everything changed when our family dog, Sprite, was diagnosed with cancer. Caring for her—and later our other pets, Ellie and Gruffi—immersed me in the world of animal health. I administered medications, scheduled therapies, and provided end-of-life comfort. After their passing, I felt a deep void. My sister encouraged me to volunteer at her emergency veterinary hospital, and the experience confirmed what I had suspected: I needed to become a veterinarian. Now, at 50 years old, I’m a veterinary student at the University of Minnesota. My life experience—supporting my family, caring for sick pets, and building a second career—fuels my passion for making veterinary care accessible and compassionate. As I gain more clinical experience, I’ve developed a growing interest in dermatology. Skin issues are among the most common and persistent complaints in small animal medicine. I’ve seen firsthand how unresolved dermatologic conditions can erode the human-animal bond, especially when pet parents can’t afford referral to a specialist. These conditions cause discomfort, odor, and anxiety for pets, and often leave owners feeling helpless. Learning how to effectively manage these cases as a general practitioner is crucial to keeping pets comfortable and families together. While I don’t intend to specialize in dermatology, I recognize its vital role in animal health. I want to be the kind of veterinarian who can offer meaningful relief for common skin issues without adding financial burden to already stressed families. With a deeper understanding of dermatologic care, I can make a broader impact, especially in underserved communities. Ultimately, I hope to open a nonprofit clinic focused on accessible general practice where clients feel heard and pets receive comprehensive care. I believe in the value of independently owned practices where veterinarians have the freedom to innovate and prioritize patients. This scholarship would help reduce the financial burden of school and allow me to continue pursuing this goal with heart, humility, and determination. I am committed to learning as much as I can during my training so I can serve a wide range of patient needs. The more I know, the more animals I can help—and that, to me, is the greatest reward of all.

Three years from now, I see myself running a nonprofit small animal veterinary clinic focused on accessible care and client education. My sister, also a veterinarian, will be my first hire. We share a vision to make veterinary services more affordable while ensuring our staff are paid fairly and supported. We aim to build a practice centered around compassion, respect, and trust for both animals and the people who love them. My journey into veterinary medicine wasn’t straightforward. I am a 50-year-old Latina who transitioned into this field after decades in finance. For many years, I worked as a stockbroker to support my family—putting my sister through vet school, caring for my mother during her battle with cancer, and managing the daily responsibilities that came with being the primary provider. My life was full, but I always felt that something was missing. The turning point came after caring for our family dog, Sprite, during her illness. Following her death and the passing of our other two dogs, Ellie and Gruffi, I found myself lost. I had gone from scheduling their therapies and walks to having nothing dog-related in my life. At my sister's suggestion, I began volunteering at her emergency hospital. It was there that I met Spaghetti. Spaghetti was a 13-year-old female spayed Golden Retriever who had recently undergone limb amputation due to osteosarcoma. The hospital staff had labeled her aggressive and were preparing for euthanasia because she wouldn't walk. But I saw something else: not a dangerous dog, but a depressed one. I remembered the "Help ‘em Up" harnesses in the back room—tools I had used for one of my own dogs. With the vet's tentative permission, I calmly muzzled Spaghetti, fitted her with the harness, and helped her stand. Her transformation was immediate. Her posture changed. Her eyes changed. Within days, she walked out of that hospital with her overjoyed guardian. That moment cemented my decision to become a veterinarian. My experience with Spaghetti affirmed what I had felt for years—that I could make a real difference in the lives of animals and their families. This scholarship would not only help offset the financial burden of veterinary school but also honor the journey I’ve taken to reach this point. I carry the responsibility of representing my community and the dreams of every person who had to wait to pursue their passion. I’m not just working for a degree—I’m working for every animal like Spaghetti, and every family who deserves compassionate care.

When I was 25, I became the backbone of my family. While many of my peers were still figuring out their paths, I was already working full time, supporting loved ones, and making sacrifices to ensure others had opportunities I never had. I helped put my sister through veterinary school—cheering her on through every exam and clinical rotation. Years later, I became my mother’s full-time caregiver while continuing to work when she was diagnosed with cancer. These years were difficult, but they shaped who I am: someone deeply committed to service, responsibility, and perseverance. Despite the challenges, I never gave up on my own dream of pursuing higher education. For years, it felt just out of reach. My focus had always been on everyone else. But now, at 50 years old, I am finally taking that courageous step forward. Like Debra S. Jackson, I’ve learned that it’s never too late to change your life. Education, to me, is more than a personal goal—it’s a symbol of growth, healing, and possibility. I am currently pursuing my degree in veterinary medicine. Animals have always been an important part of my life, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how veterinary care can transform not just animal health, but also the lives of families who love them. I chose this field because it allows me to combine science, compassion, and community service in a meaningful way. My goal is to become a veterinarian who not only provides excellent medical care, but also advocates for increased access to veterinary services in underserved communities. These life experiences have taught me the value of compassion, resilience, and hard work. They’ve also fueled my commitment to making veterinary care more accessible and inclusive. I want to create a practice that serves both pets and their people—offering affordable services, educational outreach, and support for pet owners facing financial hardship. My long-term dream is to open a community-based clinic where no animal is turned away because of cost. This scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my life. As a nontraditional student, I carry the financial weight of tuition while managing adult responsibilities. Winning this award would reduce some of that burden and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and long-term goals. More importantly, it would reinforce that the sacrifices I’ve made—and the decision to return to school—were worth it. I’ve spent decades giving to others. Now I’m investing in myself—not only for my own future, but so I can continue to lift others up, just as I always have. Veterinary medicine isn’t just a career for me—it’s a calling, and I’m proud of the path I’ve chosen.

Ever since I was old enough to hold a stethoscope to my childhood dog’s chest, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian. That early moment of wonder sparked a lifelong passion. I’ve spent the years since then pursuing hands-on experience—volunteering in shelters, working in clinics, and most recently helping train new staff at a nonprofit veterinary clinic. There, I’ve taught new hires how to prepare surgical packs, run basic lab tests, and read ear cytologies. These experiences have confirmed my desire to be a veterinarian who doesn’t just treat animals, but who supports clients, mentors young professionals, and strengthens the community around them. Veterinary medicine, to me, is a blend of science, service, and advocacy. I am especially passionate about creating access to care. One of my long-term goals is to open a clinic that provides affordable veterinary services, especially for clients facing financial barriers. I believe every animal deserves medical care, and every owner deserves a compassionate and informed partner in that process. In addition to clinical care, I want my clinic to offer public education events, outreach at local schools, and rotating low-cost vaccine clinics to help keep pets healthy and in their homes. I also have a strong respect for purebred dogs and responsible breeding. While I recognize that some breeds may have inherited health risks, ethical breeders are crucial in protecting and improving breed standards through careful genetic screening, health testing, and informed breeding practices. As a veterinarian, I want to be a resource for these breeders—especially those focused on canine reproduction. I hope to offer guidance on pre-breeding evaluations, whelping care, neonatal health, and puppy wellness to ensure both dam and litter receive the best outcomes possible. I’m pursuing veterinary medicine because I see it as a path where I can make a difference daily. I’ve had to overcome financial obstacles as a first-generation graduate student, but my passion for animals and commitment to community care has never wavered. These challenges have made me more determined to serve and advocate for others—especially those who may not otherwise have access to veterinary care. I want to ensure that future generations of veterinary professionals also have mentors, support systems, and opportunities to grow. Veterinary medicine isn’t just a career for me—it’s a calling. I want to be the kind of veterinarian who brings expertise, empathy, and trust to every interaction, while supporting responsible breeders and improving access to care in my community.