My dream career for as long as I can remember has been to become a veterinarian; the only flaw to that plan is that getting an education is incredibly expensive between undergrad and veterinary school, especially when most places you can gain experience pay little to nothing. At 19 years old and a 2024 high school graduate, I have over 1200 animal-related service/volunteer hours and have fostered over 65 neglected, abused, and underprivileged dogs/puppies in the past three years. Additionally, I have accumulated over 150 veterinary hours, 1,750+ exotic animal hours, 800+ small animal experience hours, and 50+ large animal experience hours. Another thing about me is that I am autistic. In the Spring of 2022, I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which simultaneously flipped my life upside down and made my entire childhood make sense. Being autistic gives me a unique perspective on life and my relationship with animals, separating me from other aspiring veterinarians. I have recently completed my sophomore year at Kansas State University, studying Animal Science on a Pre-Veterinary Track and minoring in Music Performance (Flute), while also being the Publicity Officer for the Smurthwaite Scholarship and Leadership House on campus!