As a child, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. I was fascinated by animals and their care, always wanting to be the one to help them when they were sick or injured. I would spend hours reading books on animal health and eagerly volunteered to help at local shelters and veterinary clinics. The idea of working with animals professionally felt like the perfect fit for me, and I envisioned a future where I could directly impact the lives of animals in need. However, as I grew older and gained more exposure to the veterinary field, I began to realize that while I still loved animals deeply, the specific path of becoming a veterinarian might not be my calling. I spent several years working in veterinary clinics, assisting with animal care and seeing the day-to-day challenges veterinarians and their teams face. I became more aware of the emotional and physical demands of the job and found myself reflecting on how I could contribute to the industry in a way that aligned better with my strengths and passions. Although I no longer aspire to be a veterinarian, my desire to make a difference within the veterinary field remains strong. Over time, I have developed a passion for improving the operational side of veterinary practices, especially when it comes to managing the business and marketing aspects. I saw the challenges veterinary clinics faced, from client communication to staff burnout, and realized there was an opportunity for improvement. This led me to shift my focus towards pursuing a degree in marketing and management, with the intention of supporting veterinary professionals and enhancing client experiences through innovative strategies and efficient business practices. My goal now is to use my education and skills to help veterinary practices thrive by improving management systems, increasing community engagement, and creating better communication between staff and clients. I want to help make the veterinary industry more sustainable, efficient, and compassionate, both for the animals and the people who care for them. Though my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian has evolved, my love for animals and my desire to contribute to their well-being remains unchanged. By staying within the veterinary field, I can still fulfill my passion for animals and make a meaningful impact through business and management. I believe that, in doing so, I can help create a more supportive, effective environment for veterinarians and pet owners alike, bridging the gap between care and the business aspects of the veterinary industry.

I believe that empathy and understanding are essential in creating a more compassionate and interconnected global community. Throughout my life, I have developed a set of unique talents and skills that I am eager to use to foster these qualities. My passion for animal welfare, along with my interest in business and social impact, has shaped my vision for how I can contribute to building a more empathetic world. One of my greatest talents is my ability to connect with others, whether human or animal. This skill has helped me understand the struggles and needs of those around me, driving me to be more compassionate. I’ve always had a deep connection with animals, especially those in rescue situations. Volunteering at a local animal shelter and working with a nonprofit animal rescue to help them grow their social media presence has given me firsthand experience of how empathy can drive positive change. Through sharing the stories of rescued animals and the work of these organizations, I have been able to inspire others to take action, donate, or adopt. This experience reinforced my belief that empathy can bridge divides, unite people, and create a ripple effect of kindness that extends beyond individual efforts. In addition to my passion for animals, my interest in business and social entrepreneurship will enable me to make a broader impact. By pursuing a business degree, I am equipping myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to build and lead organizations that prioritize both social impact and financial sustainability. My goal is to establish a nonprofit organization focused on providing low-cost veterinary services, pet food assistance, and educational programs for families who struggle to care for their pets. This would not only improve the well-being of animals but also support families by reducing the financial burdens associated with pet ownership. I hope to create a model that is scalable and sustainable, serving as a resource for underserved communities. Furthermore, I plan to use my talents to advocate for policies that support animal welfare and address societal challenges. I want to mentor others who share my passion for social change, encouraging them to leverage their talents for the greater good. By creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration, I hope to cultivate empathy and understanding across communities. Through these efforts, I believe we can contribute to building a global community that values compassion, inclusivity, and mutual respect, fostering a brighter future for everyone.

1. What does being the first in your family to obtain a college degree mean to you? Being the first in my family to obtain a college degree means more than just personal achievement—it symbolizes overcoming obstacles and breaking generational barriers. Growing up, my family faced financial hardships that made higher education seem out of reach. I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices my parents made to provide for us, and their unwavering support has been the driving force behind my pursuit of a college degree. Achieving this milestone is a reflection of their sacrifices and encouragement, and it signifies a shift in the narrative for my family. My success will show my siblings and others in my community that education is a powerful tool for change, even when the odds feel stacked against you. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about setting a new precedent for what is possible and inspiring future generations to reach for their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face. 2. What do you want to pursue in college? In college, I want to pursue a business degree with a focus on animal welfare. I’ve always been passionate about helping others, and I believe that business can be a platform for positive change. Specifically, I plan to create a nonprofit organization that focuses on animal welfare. Growing up, I’ve always had a deep connection with animals, and I want to use my education to help underserved communities provide better care for their pets. Many families face financial hardships that make it difficult to afford proper veterinary care or pet essentials. My goal is to establish a nonprofit that offers low-cost veterinary services, food assistance, and education programs for pet owners, ensuring that pets and families in need can thrive together. A business degree will equip me with the skills needed to manage and grow this nonprofit, while also allowing me to learn the fundamentals of finance, leadership, and marketing. 3. What are your long-term goals? My long-term goal is to build and lead a sustainable nonprofit organization that serves both animals and the communities that care for them. Through this organization, I hope to alleviate the financial barriers that prevent families from keeping their pets. By offering accessible veterinary care and education, I want to make a real difference in the lives of both animals and their owners. In the future, I also hope to expand my work into policy advocacy, ensuring that animal welfare issues are prioritized within local communities. Additionally, I want to mentor others who aspire to create social change through entrepreneurship, showing them that it’s possible to use business as a force for good.

My name is Emily, and I am someone who is deeply passionate about both business and service. Growing up in a small town, I witnessed how small acts of kindness and community involvement could create meaningful change. Inspired by this, I’ve always sought ways to use my skills and resources to help others, especially animals in need. One of the most impactful experiences of service I’ve had was when I helped a nonprofit animal rescue organization gain followers on their social media and increase awareness of their mission. This organization, that I will leave unnamed for the sake of privacy, was struggling to expand its social media presence despite its crucial work in rescuing and rehoming animals. They had limited resources and little experience with digital marketing, so I saw an opportunity to help. I had been following the organization’s social media accounts and noticed that their posts weren’t reaching as many people as they could. I decided to step in and offer my skills in social media marketing to help them grow their online presence. I began by analyzing their current social media strategy and identifying areas for improvement. I suggested a more consistent posting schedule and helped create engaging content that highlighted the animals available for adoption, the rescue’s success stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of their work. I also worked with the team to create a content calendar that would align with upcoming adoption events and seasonal campaigns. To further expand their reach, I gave them targeted social media ads to raise awareness for their cause and to encourage donations. Through these efforts, their social media following grew significantly, and they began attracting more potential adopters, volunteers, and donors. The growth is slow, but hopefully this helps the organization in the long run, as more people understand their cause and want to volunteer for their organizations adoption events and foster programs. The success of this initiative not only helped the organization garner attention for their cause but also increased their community engagement and support. The experience reinforced my belief in the power of digital marketing and how it can be used to drive positive change. It also showed me how service to a cause I care deeply about could have a real, measurable impact. I’m excited to continue using my skills to help organizations like these thrive and make a difference in the lives of animals and the communities they serve.

Throughout my life, I have worked to develop skills that allow me to empower others and make a positive impact. From the lessons I’ve learned through my own challenges to the experiences I’ve gained by helping those in need, I’ve found my purpose and passion in uplifting others. Whether through acts of service, mentorship, or simply being a source of encouragement, I am driven by the belief that everyone has the potential to thrive when given the right support. My journey toward helping others began with my experiences growing up in a community where socioeconomic adversity was common. Witnessing these challenges firsthand taught me the importance of resilience, empathy, and collaboration. I realized early on that one of the most meaningful ways to create change is by helping others recognize their strengths and providing them with the tools to succeed. Over the years, I have actively sought opportunities to build the skills needed to make a difference. Through volunteer work, I have learned how to listen, communicate effectively, and adapt to different needs. For example, while mentoring elementary school students, I’ve discovered how important it is to tailor support to each individual’s unique circumstances. These experiences have not only honed my interpersonal skills but also deepened my understanding of what it means to truly help others. My passion for empowering others extends to my career aspirations. I plan to use my education and future nonprofit animal rescue organization to serve both animals and the people who care for them. For many, pets are a source of comfort and companionship, but financial or social barriers can make it difficult to provide proper care. My goal is to create programs that reduce these barriers, ensuring that families and their pets can thrive together. Helping others be their best also requires leading by example. I strive to embody the values of perseverance, kindness, and dedication in everything I do. Whether working on a team project, volunteering at an event, or mentoring someone, I approach every interaction with the mindset that my actions can inspire and motivate others. At its core, my passion for helping others stems from the belief that everyone deserves the chance to succeed, no matter their starting point. By developing my skills in leadership, problem-solving, and communication, I aim to create spaces where people and animals alike can realize their full potential. My purpose is not just to provide support but to empower others to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. In the future, I plan to continue building on these experiences to expand my impact. Through my future in nonprofit work, my previous community involvement, and personal relationships, I will remain committed to helping others be their best. It is a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly, and I am excited to see how my journey will continue to unfold.

Pursuing a business degree is more than just an academic path for me—it is a step toward achieving a dream that merges my passion for animals with my commitment to creating a positive impact in my community. I have always believed in the power of education to transform lives, and I see my business degree as a tool to build something meaningful: a nonprofit animal rescue organization that not only saves animals but also uplifts people in need. Growing up in the face of socioeconomic adversity, I witnessed how limited resources can create barriers to opportunity. These experiences shaped my values and instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back. I want to use my education to address systemic challenges and build sustainable solutions that benefit both people and animals. A business degree equips me with the skills to manage resources, build partnerships, and create innovative programs that can make a lasting impact. My vision is to create a nonprofit animal rescue that serves as a bridge between animal welfare and community support. Many families facing financial hardship are forced to surrender their pets due to the high costs of veterinary care or a lack of resources. My organization would provide solutions to these challenges through low-cost veterinary services, pet food assistance, and educational programs about responsible pet ownership. By keeping families and their pets together, we can reduce animal homelessness while easing the emotional and financial burdens on struggling households. Through my education, I am learning the strategic and operational skills necessary to make this vision a reality. Courses in financial management, marketing, and organizational leadership will help me establish a nonprofit that is both mission-driven and sustainable. I also plan to use what I learn to advocate for policies that expand access to animal welfare resources in underserved communities, ensuring that the impact of the organization extends beyond its immediate services. Starting and running a nonprofit is no small task, but my experiences have prepared me to face challenges with resilience and creativity. Socioeconomic adversity has taught me the importance of perseverance and resourcefulness—qualities that are essential for any entrepreneur. These lessons inspire me to approach every obstacle as an opportunity to grow and improve. In addition to helping animals, my nonprofit will create opportunities for people to give back and connect with their community. Volunteer programs, especially those targeting young people, will allow participants to develop skills, gain experience, and build relationships. By involving the community in the mission, I hope to inspire a culture of compassion and collaboration. Ultimately, my goal is to use my business degree to build an organization that makes a tangible difference in the lives of animals and people. I envision a future where my education allows me to create lasting change, driven by a commitment to equity, empathy, and opportunity. Pursuing a business degree is not just about earning a diploma—it is about equipping myself to transform my passion into a vehicle for positive change.

Growing up, I witnessed the profound impact that socioeconomic adversity can have on individuals, families, and entire communities. These experiences shaped my worldview and instilled in me a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and determination. I’ve seen firsthand how limited resources and opportunities can affect people’s lives, and these experiences have motivated me to use my education and future career to address systemic challenges. My passion lies in combining my love for animals with a commitment to social change by starting a nonprofit animal rescue organization. Socioeconomic adversity has profoundly influenced my beliefs and aspirations. It has taught me that success is not just about individual achievements but about creating opportunities for others. I firmly believe that every being—human or animal—deserves compassion, care, and a chance to thrive. These values have shaped my relationships, driving me to approach others with kindness and understanding. They have also strengthened my desire to work toward solutions that create a better future for vulnerable populations. My vision for making a positive impact involves starting a nonprofit animal rescue organization that serves not only animals in need but also the people who care for them. With a business degree, I aim to combine entrepreneurial skills with a mission-driven focus to create a sustainable organization. The rescue would address the dual challenges of animal homelessness and socioeconomic barriers that prevent families from providing care for pets. For instance, the nonprofit could offer low-cost veterinary care, pet food assistance programs, and community education about responsible pet ownership. By helping animals and supporting individuals who may be struggling financially, I hope to foster a sense of community and mutual care. Many people in underserved communities are forced to give up their pets due to financial hardship. My organization would aim to bridge this gap, ensuring that families can stay together and that animals receive the care they need. Experiencing socioeconomic adversity has also taught me the importance of perseverance and creativity in overcoming obstacles. These lessons will guide me as I navigate the challenges of starting and running a nonprofit. Whether it’s fundraising, building partnerships, or advocating for policy changes, I am committed to working tirelessly to achieve this vision. In the long term, my goal is to expand the nonprofit’s reach, collaborating with local shelters, schools, and community organizations to create programs that have a lasting impact. For example, the organization could host workshops for young people, teaching them about animal care while also providing opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. This would benefit the animals and empower the next generation to be compassionate, socially responsible citizens. Starting a nonprofit animal rescue combines my personal passions with a broader mission to address socioeconomic adversity. By using the knowledge and skills I gained through my business degree, I plan to create an organization that makes a tangible difference in the lives of both animals and people. This work will honor the values I’ve developed through my experiences, and it will allow me to contribute to a world where kindness, opportunity, and hope prevail.

Marketing and sales seem to have a bad reputation when it comes to students finding a place in their educational journey. Many students hear the word sales and immediately think of a car salesman or a teenager selling pretzels at a mall kiosk. Sales and marketing are so much more than that, it can be described as the true backbone of the basic economic system we use worldwide. With a degree in marketing and sales, a person can go into any field of work they want to, as this knowledge spans from healthcare to entrepreneurship; It truly is a diverse and inclusive degree. I am interested in the field of marketing and sales in order to further my understanding of how to run a successful business. My motivation comes from the desire to change the way pet owners look at healthcare for their animals. There seems to be a large stigma involving the animal health care field, and items that are necessary for the overall health and wellbeing of pets across the globe. Many people are focused on the price of items, not the overall benefit these items will have on their beloved pet's life. Things like yearly laboratory testing, which include full blood panels and heartworm tests, yearly urinalysis and fecal testing, and even overall health checks seem to go missed when clients bring their pets into clinics. With better communication between healthcare professionals and clients, many pets will have a better future than without these services. In order to do this, a company needs to have a more upfront approach to sales and how the client's pet needs the services for a longer and more fruitful life. I think this is something that many veterinary offices miss out on, as they are more focused on the "treat and street" aspect of healthcare. By getting a degree in business management and marketing, I will have a greater understanding of the bare bones of how to run a successful business. This knowledge, mixed with my healthcare background will enable me to create a business that has the capability of elongating the lives of many pets across America, if not the world. With a degree in general sales and marketing, I will have the knowledge that will enable me to inform many pet parents of how important yearly laboratory work is for their pets. I can open a veterinary clinic that is focused on the true health and well-being of clients and their pets.