To me, volunteering is more than just a requirement on an application; it’s about playing a small role in a bigger picture. With over 315 hours of unpaid service, I can confidently express that the assistance I provided over a wide range of events gave me proficiencies and skills that I wouldn’t have acquired otherwise. The most influential volunteer-ship I participated in was my placement at Summit Bridge Veterinary Hospital. Fueled by my interest in veterinary medicine and animal science, I contacted my local shelter regarding any opportunities I could get involved in to undergo hands-on experience. Whilst there, I got to shadow multiple techs and doctors as they gave vaccines, performed ultrasounds on expecting animals, and did other procedures. Not only did I take part in witnessing the medical aspect of the hospital, but I also got the opportunity to take care of the cats in the neighboring shelter. This opportunity, despite the simplicity of the tasks, such as feeding, socializing, and cleaning the cages of cats waiting for their forever home, provided me with a sense of responsibility and drive. More specifically, when the once shy and fearful strays would come in for treatment, followed by their placement into the shelter, and were finally adopted. Tiny, a kitten most notable for his small size, was one of the many with which I was able to work with. He had been hit by a car, leading to respiratory problems and a required amputation of his front limb, followed by a month of recuperation, causing severe anxiety and stress toward humans. Once he was deemed adoptable, I personally worked week by week to socialize him with other cats, enticing him to come out of his shell and learn to trust again. Finally, after weeks of progress, I got to witness his last day in the shelter after his new owners were approved for adoption and took him home. This small kitten, who progressed exponentially socially and developed in the best way because of my small role, solidified my belief that community service isn’t just a good look on college applications, but a simple way to make a difference selflessly. Shortly after this, I came to learn that we had a veterinarian shortage. After learning this, I decided that I was going to seriously pursue veterinarian medicine and use this drive that I had acquired through volunteering to contribute positively, making a difference in the animal science world.

In November of 2023, my cat Ollie passed away after being diagnosed with a complete urinary obstruction. His blockage was very sudden and seemingly painful, forcing my family and I to request euthanasia. This incident completely changed my career interest; I wanted to focus on helping animals and working to help find solutions to seemingly incurable diseases, leading me to pursue animal science and veterinary studies. The following spring, I started volunteering at my local vet clinic attached to a shelter. I observed the vet technicians and cared for the shelter cats, giving me hands-on experience in what I wanted to pursue as a real-life career. While there, countless sick or injured animals came in for treatment. It was heartbreaking to see helpless pets and their distraught owners, but I was constantly motivated after seeing them leave hopeful with the help veterinarians provided. The cases that always resonated with me were the ones caused by animal cruelty; one patient who came into the office specifically stood out to me. A kitten who was dumped by the highway was brought into the back, visibly malnourished with a shattered front limb. His desperate cries could be heard throughout the back as technicians placed him on the examination table and began to sedate him. After a lengthy operation leading to an amputation and a full month of recouping, the small kitten was taken to the neighboring shelter, ready to be adopted. Seeing this cat go from timid and scared to socializing and loving made me fully understand and officially decide that this is what I wanted to do in life. My in-class experience during school has provided me with crucial education regarding small animals and livestock. Last year, my school's agriculture department adopted a pregnant ewe and her companion. After they were situated in our small barn, I was able to care for her during parturition leading up to the birth of two lambs. To ensure their health, we performed routine tests like fecal floats and skin scrapes to check for viruses, bacteria, and viral diseases. Being able to deliver two lambs, take care of them, and raise them to be healthy was exposure to the vet world that I'll never forget. The events that occurred in my life and the experience I gathered through volunteering influenced my desire to devote my career and education to helping animals and making an impact. Animals depend on humans to ensure their health and it is critical for us to provide this care.