My annotated stack of bright pink feminist books seemed to directly oppose my collection of scientific references on animal behavior and biology, bound in earthy greens and understated neutrals. Since its inception, biology has been used as a tool to justify the subjugation of women. Charles Darwin, described female animals as ‘coy’ and passive in the process of evolution, projecting Victorian Era ideals of chastity and submission onto female animals. Additionally, he described females as intellectually inferior to their male counterparts, and extended this thesis to human women. Richard Dawkins pointed to costly gametes as the reason for female oppression. Many renowned biologists have reasoned that female anatomy and biology are the causes of oppression, a theory that is echoed in modern scientific discussions, from the arguments of trans-exclusionary feminists to published scientific literature. However, scientists have begun to untangle the decades of sexist biases permeating the field, instead revealing a strong connection between biology and feminist principles. Patriarchy is not necessarily ingrained in our biology. Contrary to popular belief, the male dominated chimpanzee is not our closest relatives; we share an equal amount of DNA with another great ape, the matriarchal bonobo, often referred to as ‘the hippie ape’ for their distinctively peaceful groups that resolve conflict with sex. Bonobos are smaller, more slender apes whose egalitarian societies are female-led and saturated with sexual activity between individuals regardless of gender. While matriarchy is not in line with feminism, which calls for equality, bonobos express several traits that are objectives of feminism. For example, bonobo societies are free from sexual violence. Additionally, females harness their collective power by utilizing a distinct cry upon aggression from males, which prompts the other females to fend off the aggressor. The female bonobo’s cooperation is a reasonable facsimile to the feminist ideal of sisterhood against patriarchy. The bonobo’s comparatively egalitarian power structure promoted the formation of more peaceful societies, which reflects feminism’s idea that promotion of equality is beneficial for all, regardless of gender. Throughout the animal kingdom, there are examples of sex-equal and matriarchal societies, from close relatives like bonobos to dolphins. Feminism is not a dissent from biology, in truth, biology consistently validates female power and dismantles the idea that patriarchy is a naturally occurring, inevitable institution in human society. By learning more about wildlife biology, I have realized that my identity as both a feminist and a scientist is not contradictory. I am passionate about feminist biology and am excited to bring my perspective as a woman and unabashed feminist in STEM to Oregon State University. I thank the accomplished female scientists, including Sarah Hrdy, Lucy Cooke, Ruth Bleier, and Jennifer Graves for their pioneering work in the field of feminist biology which helped me understand the connection between feminism and biology. I hope to follow in their footsteps and contribute research of my own to this groundbreaking field.

My passion for community service began with an empty peanut butter jar. My mom was inspired by one of her many parenting books to repurpose an Adam’s peanut butter container, dubbed ‘The Animal Jar’ , to collect both coins and good deeds. Every time I did something good, noticed something beautiful, or helped someone else, she would smile and say, “That’s a coin in the jar!” and fish out a loose quarter or penny. Once it was full, we would exchange the coins at the bank and bring the donation to Bonnie L. Hays, our local animal shelter. They were always more than happy to give a five year old philanthropist and her mother a tour of the shelter. I loved seeing the dogs and cats, and I would impatiently await our next visit. I wanted to be more involved with the shelter, so I began to look into volunteer opportunities in elementary school. I was giddy when I saw that Bonnie L. Hays was looking for shelter volunteers, but dismayed when I read that only individuals over the age of 16 could apply. I kept that age in the back of my mind and with each birthday I was excited to be closer to my childhood dream. No volunteer positions were listed in July of 2023, when I turned 16. Initially, I was disappointed, but instead of giving up, I decided to send an email to the shelter volunteer director, Karrie Johnson, to see if there were any opportunities to help on-site. She responded quickly, informing me that a Saturday morning shelter assistant position was available. After dancing around my room for a few seconds in celebration, I sent her an email back and we scheduled an interview. I knew I would have to drive myself in order to volunteer there. With my learner’s permit and my mom in the passenger seat, I ventured onto the highway and braved the city streets to my interview. I was running off of the adrenaline from my drive, but despite my nerves, Karrie thought I would be an excellent volunteer and she gave me a tour of the facility. I recognized many features that reminded me of my early childhood walk-throughs. Bonnie L. Hays has been an instrumental component of my life for years. While I’m struggling with finding balance with school, work, and college applications, my weekly volunteering sessions at Bonnie L. Hays ground me and inspire me to keep working towards my goals. I especially enjoy watching difficult or anxious dogs transform into lovable companions during their stay at Bonnie L. Hays, and I am incredibly grateful to play a small part in helping these incredible (and adorable!) animals in their time of need. Volunteering has also enabled me to step outside of my comfort zone. By attending the interview with Karrie, I was able to approach my future job applications with confidence. My experience as a volunteer helped me get my first job as a kennel assistant where I have been able to learn important skills, such as administering medications and handling aggressive animals. Additionally, driving to my volunteer sessions was integral towards building my confidence as a new driver. Bonnie L. Hays wasn’t just the place I made my first donations; it is where I formed my core personal philosophy of service, stretched my comfort zone, and developed my passion for veterinary medicine.

Cats are wonderful companions, bringing joy and companionship to the lives of many, but as an invasive species, they also pose one of the largest ecological threats facing wildlife around the world. As a result, animal shelters and high volume spay and neuter clinics are crucial to environmental efforts to protect native flora and fauna. As a volunteer at Bonnie L. Hays Animal Shelter and cat adopter, I have seen firsthand the impacts of quality shelter care on animals. Helping socialize nervous animals, transforming them into loving, adoptable pets, is an incredible experience that inspires me on my animal science journey. Animal shelters provide medical care, exercise, food, and mental stimulation for animals that would otherwise be on the street or in abusive situations while they wait for placement in loving homes. This is an invaluable service for animal welfare and improves the lives of millions of adoptable animals every year. The environmental benefits of animal shelters and their practices may not be as obvious as the services they provide directly to animals, but they are just as vital. Domestic cats are extraordinary hunters, as many cat owners have witnessed. Outdoor cats kill an estimated 2 billion birds yearly in the United States! As invasive, apex predators, cats cause dramatic disruptions in local food chains when their population is uncontrolled. Domestic cats can decimate bird and small mammal populations, threatening native and endangered species. The effects of large feral cat populations are also seen at the top of the food chain: cats are harming native predators by competing for limited prey resources. Animal shelters are working on the front lines to combat this crisis. For example, Trap Neuter Release (TNR) programs humanely sterilize and vaccinate feral cats before returning them to the field. This prevents future litters, gradually reducing feral cat populations in an ethical, sustainable manner, since not all cats will thrive in homes. Ideally, when stray and feral cats are socialized or able to be tamed, they can be adopted into loving homes, which improves their welfare significantly while taking pressure off of local wildlife populations. The marriage between animal welfare and wildlife conservation that I have observed in animal shelters has drawn me to shelter medicine as a potential specialty. I plan to become a veterinarian in the future and I hope to work with animal shelters throughout my career, regardless of the specialty I choose. Animal shelters are crucial to both environmental health and animal welfare, and a quality veterinary team is the foundation for an effective shelter.

Animal welfare is my greatest passion, and I believe that it is inextricably intertwined with human quality of life. Through studying animal sciences and veterinary medicine, I hope to gain the necessary tools to make meaningful contributions to underserved communities and their livestock and pets. I developed my love for community service through volunteering at Bonnie L. Hays as a shelter assistant where I provide animal enrichment, assist with kennel cleaning, and perform general shelter duties. I have been donating to Bonnie L. Hays for years, and I am honored to work there with talented staff and volunteers. At Bonnie L. hays, I have learned that about animal shelters and the incredibly important services they provide to improve many aspects of the community. Public health is improved by fighting against the spread of zoonotic diseases and performing necessary behavioral euthanasia on dogs with bite histories or aggression issues. Neutering and spaying feral cats helps protect native fauna from predation. Providing lovable pets to families can help improve mental health, which I witnessed firsthand when my younger sister adopted a cat who subsequently helped her with her mental health struggles. I have considered shelter medicine as a potential specialty, especially in areas with large stray dog and feral cat populations that require extra veterinary support and high volume spay/neuter services. I am going to attend Oregon State University to get my Bachelor's in animal science. Then, I plan to apply to veterinary schools. After graduating, I hope to join the USDA’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment program. Graduates who enroll in the program provide their services in designated areas with veterinary shortages. The USDA program helps bolster rural economies who depend on food animals and improves quality of life for livestock. Both my financial need and my desire to provide care in under-resourced communities have influenced me to pursue this path. Regardless of where I end up practicing, I am confident that I will continue to volunteer in my community, especially with animals in need. I believe that individual veterinarians have the opportunity to make significant changes for animals, communities and society at large. The ripple effect of quality veterinary care is large and addresses important humanitarian crises, such as environmental health, public safety, economy, mental health, and more. I am excited to use my education to tackle these issues and provide excellent care to animals and the people that depend on them.

Reading James Herriot's (Alf Wight was his real name) stories about being a country veterinarian at a young age cemented my desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Through reading Herriot’s semi-autobiographical tales, I fostered my passion for medicine by learning about fascinating diseases, realized the importance of the bonds between animals and humans and clients, and veterinarians, and gained an appreciation for veterinary professionals. Throughout his career, Herriot formed meaningful bonds with his human clients, which is an important, yet often overlooked, aspect of veterinary medicine. He treated all of his clients with respect. In his story, The Card Over the Bed, Herriot went to a terminally ill client’s home to check on her Irish Setter mix. After administering an injection for the dog, he spoke with his lonely client for a long time, whose greatest fear was that her beloved animals lacked a soul, and she would not be able to reunite with them. Herriot reassured her, providing her with the comfort and thoughtfulness she needed during a difficult time in her life. I hope to bring the same compassion, kindness, and patience that he showed to clients with me into my career. Many of Herriot’s stories feature the strong bonds built between animals and their owners. From livestock to family dogs, Herriot recognizes the importance of animal-human bonds. I realized that as a future veterinary professional, I will not only be helping animals, but also the humans that love them. Through my own experience working with veterinarians for my animals’ needs, I have cemented this belief. Finally, Herriot’s rural practice developed my interest in underserved areas. Herriot worked in the Yorkshire countryside, where many individuals did not have access to or could not afford veterinary care. In the US, many areas have veterinary shortages or have a strong need for reduced-cost care. As a shelter volunteer, I have strengthened my passion for community service and I hope to continue to find opportunities to give back as a veterinarian in the future. While my understanding of the field has matured with the acquisition of more practical experience shadowing veterinarians and working and volunteering in the animal care field, Herriot’s accounts continue to inspire me on my pathway. While many of the medical techniques and practices in his books may be outdated, there are countless relevant lessons about compassion that we can take from Herriot and apply in modern veterinary medicine. Personally, I plan to earn my DVM after finishing my Bachelor's of Animal Science at Oregon State University. I am passionate about community service and I hope to work in a rural or low income area to provide compassionate care for the animals who need it the most, just like Dr. Wight did years ago.

Reading James Herriot’s stories about being a country veterinarian at a young age cemented my desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Through reading Herriot’s semi-autobiographical tales, I fostered my passion for medicine by learning about fascinating diseases, realized the importance of the bonds between animals and humans and clients, and veterinarians, and gained an appreciation for veterinary professionals. Throughout his career, Herriot formed meaningful bonds with his human clients, which is an important, yet often overlooked, aspect of veterinary medicine. He treated all of his clients with respect. In his story, The Card Over the Bed, Herriot went to a terminally ill client’s home to check on her Irish Setter mix. After administering an injection for the dog, he spoke with his lonely client for a long time, whose greatest fear was that her beloved animals lacked a soul, and she would not be able to reunite with them. Herriot reassured her, providing her with the comfort and thoughtfulness she needed during a difficult time in her life. I hope to bring the same compassion, kindness, and patience that he showed to clients with me into my career. Many of Herriot’s stories feature the strong bonds built between animals and their owners. From livestock to family dogs, Herriot recognizes the importance of animal-human bonds. I realized that as a future veterinary professional, I will not only be helping animals, but also the humans that love them. Through my own experience working with veterinarians for my animals’ needs, I have cemented this belief. Finally, Herriot’s rural practice developed my interest in underserved areas. Herriot worked in the Yorkshire countryside, where many individuals did not have access to or could not afford veterinary care. In the US, many areas have veterinary shortages or have a strong need for reduced-cost care. As a shelter volunteer, I have strengthened my passion for community service and I hope to continue to find opportunities to give back as a veterinarian in the future. While my understanding of the field has matured with the acquisition of more practical experience shadowing veterinarians and working and volunteering in the animal care field, Herriot’s accounts continue to inspire me on my pathway. While many of the medical techniques and practices in his books may be outdated, there are countless relevant lessons about compassion that we can take from Herriot and apply in modern veterinary medicine. I hope that I can honor my inspiration by reflecting these values in my work.

BookTok has inspired a vast number of young people to begin or continue their reading journeys. With recommendations from contemporary LGBTQ+ romance debuts to classic victorian literature, there is something for everyone in the wide world of BookTok. Through personalized reviews and recommendations on the For You Page, readers new and experienced can broaden their perspectives by delving into new worlds. Responsible for fostering a love of reading among young adults and teens, I am grateful for the BookTok community. I have read several books fervently recommended by BookTok users, including Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, Know my Name by Chanel Miller, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Educated by Tara Westover, and many more. As a reader who prefers hard-hitting memoirs and thought-provoking novels, there are a plethora of books on BookTok for me. The books I have already read have expanded my perspectives and opened my eyes to world issues, such as religious extremism and educational opportunity in Westover's memoir, foster care and the opioid crisis in Demon Copperhead, and sexual assault in Chanel Miller's book. These books have undoubtedly changed my life for the better by heightening my passion for reading and expanding my empathy for others in different situations. Although I have read many books already, my BookTok journey is far from complete! I have nearly 500 books on my Goodreads 'To Read' list, comprised of recommendations from friends, family, my own research, and many BookTok gems. Some books popular on BookTok that are in my extensive to read pile or on hold at the library are The Bell Jar, My Year of Rest and Relaxation, Mexican Gothic, and Crying in H-Mart. I am interested in these books because they are all highly acclaimed, and explore important themes, such as race, mental health, and feminism. I also can't lie about the fact that I love a good romance- I'm eagerly awaiting a chance to read Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren! BookTok has an excellent selection of silly and serious books, which helps me branch out in both directions. Overall, the BookTok community's largest impact is on young readers. By inspiring people to pick up a good novel, BookTok is increasing literacy and cultivating a generation of recreational readers. With diverse and often banned books such as The Bell Jar, Heartstopper, The Help, and Born a Crime being promoted heavily on BookTok, readers are empowered to gain perspective on social justice issues and are able to find community and acceptance within the fan-bases of different book series. Additionally, the online forum aspect of BookTok promotes creativity and discussion, which helps users think critically about the texts that they read when engaging in friendly debates or developing thoughtful reviews. BookTok is a powerful tool for both readers and creators that has inspired millions of young people to pick up reading as a hobby, which will undoubtedly have an excellent impact on my generation.

Like most children, I was intrigued by bedtime tales of princesses and dragons, but I always had one favorite request: “Herriot stories?” James Herriot’s experiences as a veterinarian in the idyllic English countryside of the 1940s enamored me more than any piece of fiction could. Read to me by my parents in the rolling Scottish accent his writing called for, I learned about large animal medicine through James’ encounters with mastitis and uterine prolapse in cows, laughed boisterously at his description of Cedric, an alarmingly flatulent dog, and somberly contemplated euthanasia. Most of all, I was touched by the bond between people and their pets, and their subsequent connection to the professionals who treated their beloved animals: veterinarians. Even with the many difficulties of the profession as illustrated by Herriot’s stories, I knew what I wanted to do. I was not the first member of my family to be struck by the 'Herriot Fever.' My grandparents read the same stories to my aunt and my father as they were growing up. Now a doctor of veterinary medicine, my aunt has fostered my passion. I have had many opportunities to shadow her at work. Everything from surgery to cytology is fascinating, but to me, the heart of the job is in client communication and bonds. As an established veterinarian, my aunt has formed many relationships with clients and their important family members; pets. In a day, she would bond with new clients bringing in a puppy for vaccinations and discuss end of life treatment with another for a dog she has worked with since it was first adopted. Through my experiences as a job shadow, I have expanded my perspective on the field of veterinary medicine and developed a meaningful relationship with my aunt. While many people believe that being a veterinarian is all about saving animals, it is equally important to work with people. I am passionate about veterinary medicine not only because I care about animals and want to provide them top-quality care, but because I want to serve the people who love them. My pets mean the world to me, and as an aspiring veterinarian, I aim to create connections with future clients based on compassion and a mutual desire to bring the highest quality of care to their pets. After all, a great deal of the magic in Herriot’s stories are within the rich relationships between himself and his clients. As a student who will likely have to take out a substantial amount of loans in order to complete vet school, I plan to apply for USDA’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program in which $25,000 possible dollars will be paid to student loan balances each year for new veterinarians who work in a designated veterinary shortage area. As an animal shelter volunteer and active community member, I believe in the importance of service, especially in places without the resources they require. As a future member of the veterinary profession, I aspire to be an active volunteer throughout my career in addition to providing community service via working as a veterinarian, a job that has notable shortages throughout the United States. In conclusion, if I win this scholarship, I would like to put it towards my pursuit of a veterinary career in which I emphasize client communication, relationship building, and excellent quality of care. As a lover of books, I aim to be a life-long learner and reader. I love books that explore different perspectives from my own, which improves my ability to understand others and work with clients from different cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds from my own.

I remember intently watching the grainy TV broadcast of Stand by Me, sitting and waiting for the commercial breaks to end so I could once again be immersed in Stephen King's Caste Rock. As an 11 year old girl in 2019, I could still resonate with the journey of 4 sixth grade friends in the 1960s. Stand by Me, the film adaption of Stephen King's short story, The Body, is a timeless coming-of-age classic that weaves together boyish humor and arguments about Superman vs. Mighty Mouse with the darker themes of death and abuse that many adolescents must deal with as they enter the treacherous teenage and adult years. All 4 boys in the film are at a crossroads, a brief but meaningful period in which their lives convene and ultimately separate as they continue on their respective paths. As a rising 7th grader that summer, leaving my small country school and entering a large, foreboding middle school, I could relate to the boys as old friends dispersed like fluffy dandelion puffs in the wind. I saw myself in Gordie, the narrator of the story, a 12 year old writer who wrestled with introspective questions beyond his years. Chris Chambers reflected my insecurity and unearned self doubt that constantly told me 'you're not good enough.' Teddy Duchamp, troubled and a loose cannon, had me recalling students in my class that I was afraid of, and helped me understand that they were just externalizing their struggles. Vern, a bumbling, goofy kid reminded me of my childish ways, which contrasted against the adult themes represented by the others. The actors, all 12-15 years old, infused Stephen King's writing with youth and authenticity in the film adaptation. River Phoenix's performance had me in awe; Chris Chambers had come to life on the screen, and Phoenix captured his complex mix of character traits in a way that made his character feel genuine and realistic. The intimate, loyal friendships portrayed on screen animated Stephen King's story and the complex coming-of-age themes presented in his original work. The film stayed true to King's original motifs, but elevated them to another level via the incredible on-screen chemistry and humor displayed by the talented actors. Stand by Me has had a tangible impact on my life. Stand by Me and the short story it was based on, The Body, have both been re-watched and reread many times in my house, and remains just as impactful with each careful reviewing. Additionally, watching the movie propelled me into Stephen King's extensive oeuvre. The topics of his books, at times, encompass far more than mass-market horror and psychological thrillers. In books like Dolores Claiborne and Carrie, King supports feminist ideas and tackles moral questions through exaggerated situations. Many of his books subtly explore alcoholism, addiction, grief, and shocking loss. I am incredibly grateful for randomly turning on the TV that one July afternoon and stumbling upon Stand by Me, a movie whose characters and themes will stay with me as I navigate change and enter new periods of my life.

Nearly every day I would examine the peanut butter jar we kept on the kitchen counter. The logo of the local animal shelter, Bonnie L. Hays, was taped across the front, concealing the crumpled one-dollar bills and coppery coins that glimmered inside. My mom had started ‘The Animal Jar,’ as an incentive for five-year-old me to notice the beautiful things in the world. Saw a rainbow? Put a coin in the jar. Sharing with my little sister? Put a coin in the jar. Read a good book? Put a coin in the jar. Upon filling the jar, we would donate the money and get a tour from a devoted staff member at Bonnie L. Hays, who would let us visit the cats and give treats to the dogs. I looked forward to touring the shelter, waiting not-so-patiently for the next visit, and when the jar wasn’t filling up fast enough for my liking, I would put in my own money. I always knew I wanted to work at Bonnie L. Hays. As soon as I knew it was possible to volunteer there, I was Googling different ways to get involved, and lamenting the fact that they didn’t accept volunteers under the age of 16. As soon as I was old enough, I reached out asking if any volunteer positions were available, and quickly got an interview scheduled. Scared to drive through the city to the shelter, I persevered, embodying the determination and grit I had when scheming ways to fill The Animal Jar. I was given the position, and now I get to volunteer every week- I know my 5-year-old self would be proud. At the shelter, I am thrilled to fold laundry and do dishes because I know that I am providing an essential service for the amazing animals and staff at the shelter. Though of course, interacting with the dogs is my favorite part of the job. I spent my formative years close to veterinary medicine and animals. My aunt and uncle, both veterinarians, nurtured my passions from childhood and into the present. At 9 years old, I had the incredible opportunity to shadow them at work, and have continued to do so for years. I also attend our family pets’ appointments whenever possible, and am extremely grateful for the veterinarians who work with our pets. I often take responsibility for the medical care of our animals, dispensing medications, paying for my rats’ procedures, and cleaning out my dog’s ears. My goal is to become a veterinarian via Oregon State University’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. I plan to join the USDA Veterinary Loan Repayment Program in order to combat debt and give back by providing veterinary care in areas with shortages. After completing this program, I would like to work in a mixed practice or companion animal clinic. As a lifelong learner and volunteer, I hope to continue my education and broaden my perspective by partaking in volunteer service to work with animals and people in need throughout my community. Having a DVM will enable me to provide an incredibly helpful service to my community, both through clinical practice and volunteer opportunities outside of work. My passion for animals, the people who care for them, and community service, fostered by my mother, are valuable traits that I am excited to carry with me into any career. I am grateful for the chance to receive this scholarship as it will contribute to my goal and allow me to bring my strong passion for community service and animal welfare to the veterinary field in the future.

Nearly every day I would examine the peanut butter jar we kept on the kitchen counter. The logo of the local animal shelter, Bonnie L. Hays, was taped across the front, concealing the crumpled one-dollar bills and coppery coins that glimmered inside. My mom had started ‘The Animal Jar,’ as an incentive for five-year-old me to notice the beautiful things in the world. Saw a rainbow? Put a coin in the jar. Sharing with my little sister? Put a coin in the jar. Read a good book? Put a coin in the jar. Upon filling the jar, we would donate the money and get a tour from a devoted staff member at Bonnie L. Hays, who would let us visit the cats and give treats to the dogs. I looked forward to touring the shelter, waiting not-so-patiently for the next visit, and when the jar wasn’t filling up fast enough for my liking, I would put in my own money. I always knew I wanted to work at Bonnie L. Hays. As soon as I knew it was possible to volunteer there, I was Googling different ways to get involved, and lamenting the fact that they didn’t accept volunteers under the age of 16. As soon as I was old enough, I reached out asking if any volunteer positions were available, and quickly got an interview scheduled. Scared to drive through the city to the shelter, I persevered, embodying the determination and grit I had when scheming ways to fill The Animal Jar. I was given the position, and now I get to volunteer every week- I know my 5-year-old self would be proud. At the shelter, I am thrilled to fold laundry and do dishes because I know that I am providing an essential service for the amazing animals and staff at the shelter. Though of course, interacting with the dogs is my favorite part of the job. I spent my formative years close to veterinary medicine and animals. My aunt and uncle, both veterinarians, nurtured my passions from childhood and into the present. At 9 years old, I had the incredible opportunity to shadow them at work, and have continued to do so for years. I also attend our family pets’ appointments whenever possible, and am extremely grateful for the veterinarians who work with our pets. I often take responsibility for the medical care of our animals, dispensing medications, paying for my rats’ procedures, and cleaning out my dog’s ears. My goal is to become a veterinarian via Oregon State University’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. I plan to join the USDA Veterinary Loan Repayment Program in order to combat debt and give back by providing veterinary care in areas with shortages. After completing this program, I would like to work in a mixed practice or companion animal clinic. As a lifelong learner and volunteer, I hope to continue my education and broaden my perspective by partaking in volunteer service to work with animals and people in need throughout my community. Having a DVM will enable me to provide an incredibly helpful service to my community, both through clinical practice and volunteer opportunities outside of work. My passion for animals, the people who care for them, and community service, fostered by my mother, are valuable traits that I am excited to carry with me into any career. I am grateful for the chance to receive this scholarship as it will contribute to my goal and allow me to bring my strong passion for community service and animal welfare to the veterinary field in the future.

I am a 16 year old early college student at Portland Community College with a drive for academic success! I plan to enter the veterinary field as a doctor of veterinary medicine. After graduating vet school, I hope to be accepted to USDA's Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. Veterinarians in the program get the incredible opportunity to work in veterinary shortage areas whilst simultaneously receiving student loan repayment. As a lifelong volunteer and active community member, I am excited to expand my community service as I continue in my desired career field. In addition to providing top quality care to patients, I want to form meaningful relationships with clients. As a pet owner, I know how important our pets are to our families, mental health, and happiness, and I hope to reflect this in my future connections with clients. I want to bring my passions for animal welfare, community service, and communication with me into the field. While school is a crucial part of my veterinary journey, I emphasize my love for animals in my non-academic life as well. Currently, I am a volunteer at a local animal shelter, and while I don't often get to interact directly with the animals, I love being able to help them by keeping the shelter clean and doing laundry and dishes. Volunteering at the shelter has been an excellent opportunity for me and I am very lucky to work with other passionate volunteers and workers at the shelter. I also frequently shadow my aunt, a Washington based veterinarian. Getting to watch talented veterinarians perform surgeries, diagnose illnesses, and communicate effectively with clients has further inspired me to stay on this career pathway whilst also helping me realize the ups and downs that professionals experience in this field. Outside of animal care, veterinary medicine and STEM, I have other passions and hobbies. In my spare time, I enjoy teaching myself guitar, reading, creative writing, sewing, and drawing. I love creating and consuming art, and I believe that it is an important aspect of being a well-rounded person. Through reading and experiencing art, I broaden my perspectives and am able to learn new things- my passion for veterinary medicine began with reading! As a child, I was enamored by James Herriot's stories about being a veterinarian in the 1940s. In addition to my creative hobbies, I relax and unwind by spending time with my family and friends, taking walks with my dog, watching the birds, and tending to my extensive collection of houseplants.

Like most children, I was intrigued by bedtime tales of princesses and dragons, but I always had one favorite request: “Herriot stories?” James Herriot’s experiences as a veterinarian in the idyllic English countryside of the 1940s enamored me more than any piece of fiction could. Read to me by my parents in the Scottish accent his writing called for, I learned about large animal medicine through James’ encounters with mastitis and uterine prolapse in cows, laughed boisterously at his description of Cedric, an alarmingly flatulent dog, and somberly contemplated euthanasia. Most of all, I was touched by the bond between people and their pets, and their subsequent connection to the professionals who treated their beloved animals: veterinarians. Even with the many ups and downs of the profession as illustrated by Herriot’s stories, I knew what I wanted to do. I was not the first member of my family to be struck by the 'Herriot Fever.' My grandparents read the same stories to my aunt and my father as they were growing up. Now a doctor of veterinary medicine, my aunt has fostered my passion. From elementary school and onwards, I had many opportunities to shadow her at work. Everything from surgery to cytology was fascinating, but to me, the heart of the job was in client communication and bonds. As an established veterinarian, my aunt has formed many meaningful relationships with clients and their important family members that she treats. In a day, she would form bonds with new clients bringing in a puppy for vaccinations and discuss end of life treatment with another client for a dog she has worked with since it was first adopted. Through my experiences as a job shadow, I have expanded my perspective on the field of veterinary medicine and developed a meaningful relationship with my aunt. While many people believe that being a veterinarian is all about saving animals, it is equally important as a general practice doctor to work with people. I am passionate about veterinary medicine not only because I care about animals and want to provide them top-quality care, but because I want to serve the people who love them. My pets mean the world to me, and as an aspiring veterinarian, I aim to create connections with future clients based on compassion and a mutual desire to bring the highest quality of care to their pets. After all, a great deal of the magic in Herriot’s stories are within the rich relationships between himself and his clients. As a student who will likely have to take out a substantial amount of loans in order to complete vet school, I plan to apply for USDA’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program in which $25,000 possible dollars will be paid to student loan balances each year for new veterinarians who work in a designated veterinary shortage area. As an animal shelter volunteer and active community member, I believe in the importance of service, especially in places without the resources they require. As a future member of the veterinary profession, I aspire to be an active volunteer throughout my career in addition to providing community service via working as a veterinarian, a job that has notable shortages throughout the United States. In conclusion, if I win this scholarship, I would like to put it towards my pursuit of a veterinary career in which I emphasize client communication, relationship building, and excellent quality of care.

It's fourth grade and I have just received my TAG form after barely slipping through the cracks of the program. I didn't pass the test, but my teacher saw something in me, and pushed me into the program anyways. All of my friends, other 'Talented and Gifted' kids get their TAG slips too. Theirs say things like 'talented in math' and 'talented in language', some of them even say both. Then there is mine, with neither box ticked; 'potential to perform'. At the time I figured that it was a nice way to say that you aren't good at anything and you aren't really supposed to be in the program. I have always been the smart-but-not-quite-smart-enough kid. Once, I took an IQ test and got 115, which means that if I got only one point more I would have been better than average. In my mind, that was yet another badge of inadequacy. It wasn't until last year, when I was a freshman in high school, that I realized that my average intellect was a gift. Being average means that you have to work twice as hard as the others to get half of what they achieve easily. I was resentful of this, but once I got into high school classes filled with other high achievers, I realized that they, in some cases, completely lack a work ethic because things come to them so quickly. While their intelligence is truly admirable, they rarely studied for tests, didn't write in their notebooks, and did not practice the skills that they will need when they finally get into a class that goes over their heads. Meanwhile, even though it was much more difficult for me, I got more out of these classes. I took notes on everything the teacher said, practiced good study habits, and paid close attention. Work ethic is something that goes beyond perceived intelligence and academics. Work ethic is something extremely admirable in careers, family life, and can be very satisfying to the person who possesses it. In short, I am grateful for being average, because it means that I have to work hard to achieve my dreams.

It was another grey, dull morning of my high school freshman year, fueled only by coffee and a dwindling motivation to get out of bed, but my excitement was not ebbing. I had finished all of my work in class, so I decided to do my favorite thing- look at colleges, carefully estimate my chances of getting into them and do everything I can to make sure that I will be able to follow my dreams, no matter how far away they seem. I was looking at the prerequisites for veterinary school and recommended extracurricular activities, and upon realizing that hundreds of hours of clinical experience were known to greatly improve chances, I knew I needed to find a way to work that into my schedule as a college student. At first, it seemed impossible. I am the type of person to carefully detail my plans far into the future, and this new knowledge rocked the boat. How could I balance a job and rigorous studies? Once I learned about veterinary assisting, a job that takes a relatively small amount of training to earn a certificate, it clicked. After graduating from Early College, I would immediately go on to become a veterinary assistant once I turned 18. Then, I found another block in my already very bumpy pathway to a job as an assistant, and a future DVM, and that was certification. I had no idea where I would get a certificate, when, or how much it would cost. I reached out to the Animal Behavioral College, an online program that offers NAVTA approved Veterinary Assisting Certificates, so I contacted them right away to ask at what age they consider accepting students. I got a quick and oddly specific response; they accept people 17.5 years and older, meaning that I could start my education in my Sophomore year of Early College. There was just one more thing in the way, the cost of the program, which ranges from 3000-5000 dollars. While my parents have explained that they will try to help cover the cost, it is unlikely that we could pay for the entire program out of pocket. This is why I am applying to several scholarships. While veterinary assisting is only a step towards becoming a DVM in my personal journey in veterinary medicine, I find it to be a very important one. Not only will I be able to stand out from my peers when applying to vet school, I will be able to gain priceless clinical experience, meet other people with similar interests and pursuits as I have, and most importantly, to help animals while doing so.