Since I was a child, I yearned to be a veterinarian almost as soon as I knew the name of the career for a person who wanted to help animals. My passion for animals started when I was about three years old. My parents had a cat named Apollo, who had been by my side since I was born. My mother said that he would lay on her stomach when she was pregnant with me, and it calmed me. Well, calm in the sense that I stopped kicking her 24/7. At the ripe age of three, I became more aware of this strange, furry companion by my side, and I realized how much I enjoyed his company. From that day on, we spent every waking moment together. He lived eighteen wonderful years, and his passing only fueled my desire to become a vet. During elementary and middle school, I spent most of my time volunteering at local animal shelters, which allowed me to interact with and take care of various animals. I also fostered young, sick kittens, working tirelessly to nurse them to health and ready them for their soon-to-be-forever homes. These experiences have strengthened my love for animals and taught me important lessons in responsibility and patience. Moreover, working with staff, other volunteers, and possible adoption families has strengthened my teamwork and leadership skills. When I transitioned into high school, I was able to explore different classes related to veterinary medicine and agriculture. Small Animal Management, Advanced Animal Science, Livestock Production, and Vet Med Practicum all strengthened my dream. No matter how challenging these classes were, I kept going; I kept studying and didn't give up, for I knew they would pay off in the future. And now, as I'm nearing the end of my senior year, my hard work has almost earned me a certificate to become a vet technician. I am currently interning at a veterinary clinic and hope to be certified by the end of the year. Veterinary medicine has been a childhood dream and will forever be a crucial part of my identity. I will continue to volunteer at animal shelters and take classes in college related to animal science or agriculture. It doesn't matter if people tell me I would change my mind after telling them I wanted to be a vet, nor would the difficulty of the classes waver my spirit. The core of my passion remains unchanged. My name is Emma Dougherty; I've loved animals since birth and continue to love them now, and I will dedicate my life to impacting the health and well-being of all creatures, great and small.

When I was a little girl, I had a cat named Apollo; he was my entire world. I spent all my time playing with him, feeding him, and even bringing him to bed. Unfortunately, my dream of him living forever was shattered when he fell seriously ill and had to spend a few days at the clinic. He continued to suffer even after returning home, constantly throwing up and yowling in pain. I would later find out that his kidney was failing, and there wasn't anything the vets could've done about it. I didn't realize we would lose him until we got a call from the vet. He had to stay at the clinic overnight, and I thought I would get him back by the afternoon. The vet said his health had worsened, and we could come to the clinic to pick him up or put him down. I tried to convince my family that we could take him home. That maybe there was a chance he'd magically get better. But deep down, I knew what we had to do. I don't remember much after that; after confirming that we were ready to put him down the day became a blur. But there are two things that I remember, the two things that changed my life. One memory was the veterinarians. I remember them comforting me (I was the one crying the most), even hugging me when I had asked them to. They told me with kind eyes that he would no longer be in any more pain. He'd be in another, better place, and one day, I would see him again. It stuck out to me how kind and understanding these vets were. These strangers who didn't even know who I was. It took me years until I realized that maybe these people had lost an animal as well. Maybe when they looked at me, they saw themselves. Animals can connect people in many ways. Whether you're a stranger or a family member. There are many people out there who've had a pet once in their life. And no doubt someone like me, who'd felt so lost and confused when they lost their furry friend. I want to help people by showing compassion and kindness towards them. The last memory I remember was Apollo himself. When my family and I walked into the room, we saw him lying on the metal table. He had plastic tubes surrounding his body. I wanted to run out screaming. I didn't want to be there. I wasn't ready to say goodbye. I wasn't ready for him to leave me yet. I was about to turn and run when my precious Apollo lifted his head, looked at me, and started to purr. He had the most beautiful green eyes, and when he looked at me, I had a realization. This animal. This gorgeous, kind, compassionate animal was dying before my eyes, and he still had room in his heart to love. To love me until his last breath. I always said that we should learn from animals. If we humans would have ever a sliver of their compassion and loyalty, the world would be so much better. I want to be the vet who shows compassion to the people worried about their animals. I want to hug the children who are afraid to lose their animals. I want to help those animals no matter what because they deserve a good, long life. Apollo was eighteen when he left us, so even though I wasn't ready, he was. My sweet Apollo, I'll miss you forever.