“Education is the one thing no one can take away from you,” my mom would always say. From a young age, I believed this truth and vowed to succeed despite the challenges I faced because of my race and gender. That determination carried me into high school, but it was there that I truly learned what perseverance meant. I was the only student from my predominantly working-class, African American middle school to join the diverse, upper-middle-class International Baccalaureate (IB) program at my new high school. As one of just two Black girls in the program, I quickly realized that academic rigor was only part of the challenge. I struggled not just with coursework, but with feeling isolated and out of place among classmates whose backgrounds were so different from mine. To cope, I began code-switching—changing how I spoke, dressed, and even what I believed to fit in. I hid the realities of my life: financial instability, family worries, and the fear of being “othered.” But deep down, this created a barrier between me and the connections I longed for. That began to change in an English class, when my genuine excitement over a Conan Gray album release sparked a conversation and led to friendships. For the first time, I saw my classmates not as strangers but as people who could understand me if I let them. This moment taught me the importance of community and authenticity—lessons I carry into every part of my life. Alongside these social challenges, I faced a personal one that reshaped my sense of responsibility. When I was eight, I was in a serious car accident that left me with five stitches and a lasting fear. Years later, I realized I was risking others’ lives by texting while driving. Changing this habit—silencing notifications, putting my phone away, and setting boundaries with passengers—taught me accountability and self-discipline. These qualities now guide me in my academics and career pursuits. My passion for veterinary medicine began at the age of six, inspired by Doc McStuffins—a girl who looked like me, caring for others with compassion and science. Caring for seven cats at home deepened that love, teaching me patience and empathy. At the Virginia Governor’s School for Agriculture, I explored animal science in depth, solidifying my career goals. Today, as a certified veterinary assistant, I have gained hands-on experience that fuels my commitment. I plan to major in Animal and Poultry Sciences at Virginia Tech and specialize as a veterinary ophthalmologist—a field with a notable lack of African American professionals. I carry the responsibility of being a role model and advocate for representation in veterinary medicine. This scholarship would ease financial burdens—helping cover tuition, certification costs, and materials—and allow me to dedicate more time to clinical experience and academic excellence. With this support, I can focus fully on building the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in veterinary school and ultimately serve my community. Looking back, I see how my journey—from self-doubt and isolation to purpose and connection—has shaped me. My mom’s words echo in my mind: education is unshakable. And when I imagine the future, I see sunlight streaming into my clinic, a hopeful family, a wagging dog, and a little girl watching someone who looks like her saving lives. I hope she feels what I once felt: That could be me.