The story of my older cousin and his wife has brought to my attention and concern substance abuse. For many years, both of them struggled with addiction. When my cousin fell ill, he did not seek appropriate medical attention and instead chose to manage his discomfort with excessive amounts of drugs. To him, drugs seemed like the panacea he was looking for. Unfortunately, this only expedited his decline, causing him to pass away far earlier than he should have. Following his death, his wife continued to use, and their children are now maturing in an environment rife with emotional chaos, instability, and neglect. This has been heartbreaking to watch unfold, not simply because I love them, but because I recognize the danger addiction poses not just to individuals, but to entire families and families. Sadly, this isn’t just my family’s story. Many Black families have normalized loving someone with substance abuse issues. Some of us have to witness loved ones suffering, and it makes it impossible to feel anything. There is a common belief in the Black community that drug use is rampant or anticipated, and that stereotype alone is enough to push some people over the edge. I aim to resolve that predicament. As the eldest grandchild in my family, I have automatically become a role model. I strive to be a good example to my siblings and younger cousins. I hope they understand that even if one has had a front-row seat to addiction, it doesn’t mean they have to walk the same road. They can diverge from that expectation and be the difference their family desperately needs. Through my education, I hope to be part of that change. My focus is to aid in the recovery of African American women impacted by substance abuse the most neglected, misunderstood, and ignored. I focus on building better systems of care that involve trauma-responsive approaches, cultural empathy in dialogue, and strong community support. In public health, mental health, or social services, I strive to ensure African American women and families achieve healing physically, emotionally, and generationally. This transformation begins with myself and my efforts towards education. In my opinion, the first step towards breaking generational cycles is when a single person opts to take the initiative, learn, and strive to improve things not just for themselves, but for everyone in their circle. Self-education, for me, is more than just acquiring a degree. It is an assertion that I will not passively accept my family’s legacy of pain, addiction, and struggle. It is about becoming the person I needed to have when I was growing up and the role model that my younger siblings and cousins can look up to. With each class I take, each hour of study, and every step toward my goals, I am resisting the stereotypes and systems that have sought to define us. I want to be the example that proves there is a different approach. That healing is possible. That success is attainable and that change is achievable when we choose to invest in ourselves and each other. My education serves as a tool for empowerment, not only in my life but in the lives of those who remain trapped in vicious cycles of trauma and addiction. Their stories are carried with me into every opportunity, and armed with what I learn, I will work towards creating a future where more of us can live freely, cohesively, and with purpose.

Hello, my name is Jada Robinson. I am 21 years of age and I currently study at Texas A&M University-Commerce. In school, I’m majoring in Animal Science and minoring in Veterinary Science. Both areas of study strongly complement my passion for advocacy and veterinary care. My lifelong aspiration has always been to serve people, community, animals, and the world we live in, which I’m now highly enthusiastic is going to be a reality once I become an officer in the United States Air Force. As a child, I was motivated by a close family relative with a military background. The way they single-handedly dedicated their lives to protecting others was something that sparked in me an insight of leadership. Their example served to ignite my passion to follow in their footsteps while also expanding their legacy with my motives, perspective, and impact. The U.S. Armed Forces is an institution that greatly highlights the concept of diversity and inclusion, so as a woman of color, the weight and power of representation is something I take into account. Serving the military does not begin and end with the uniform. It is about representing those who have come before me and creating a road for those who will walk after me. I strive to shatter stereotypes, break boundaries, and mold systems in such a manner that people begin to feel recognized and empowered. The Air Force will significantly contribute to my personal development. Enlisting will allow me to continue my education whilst cultivating discipline, resilience, and leadership. The Impact these experiences will have on my life will aid in fulfilling a lifelong goal of serving as a veterinary technician and later veterinarian specializing in exotic and endangered animals. The dual military and academic training prepares me to blend structure with compassion and duty with care. However, these titles do little to define my goals and aspirations. I hope to lead in my community while acting as a mentor to youth and students, particularly black children who often cannot envision themselves in veterinary medicine and military leadership. My goal is to instill a sense of capability that mitigates the barriers put before them. I hope to accomplish this through class visits, youth programs, and mentorship, creating new narratives rooted in determination, excellence, and belonging. The vision I hold is the one that wishes to ignite social change from within. Such changes occur fundamentally when young individuals witness successful figures who are nothing like them because they eluded success. Such a drastic want requires a focus on building bridges between careers and communities, passions and access, and most importantly, merit and recognition. Given the context, service to me is more than the goal I set out to achieve, it is a vocation. Fulfilling my ambitions as an officer in the Air Force and later working in animal care allows me to serve the people and the nation while deeply living a purpose-driven life. This scholarship would enable me to achieve financial support and allow me to establish a future focused on kindness and compassionate representation. The world can unlock possible compassionate change, and I can help the generation that looks up to me alongside the communities that I aim to uplift.

I am twenty-one years old and my name is Jada Robinson. Currently, I am studying Animal Science with a Veterinary Science minor at Texas A&M University Commerce. I am a first-generation college student and a young black woman pursuing a career in an underrepresented discipline. This especially makes me very reflective of the sociology of leadership and fuels my drive for purpose. Serving my community greatly motivates me and, combined with my passion for animals, drives my career goals. I remember taking care of stray animals from actually quite a young age. Wildlife documentaries sparked this new passion of mine: building a future based on animal care. Currently, that is even more polished. The veterinary field is where I aim to build my career as a veterinary technician and zoo veterinarian specializing in domestic and exotic animal care. I want to go beyond just treatment; it is a big part of my work and education plan that involves community outreach and issuing vulnerable species conservation policies. I appreciate the perspective that financial challenges and systemic barriers shape one's experiences and ambition. In my case, as a Black student in a predominantly white veterinary medicine area of study, not only is financial strain still a severe barrier, but the lack of diversity in the industry is just as wounding. However, my rigorous lived experiences have sparked within me the drive to actualize my passions. By challenging the norm to advocate for the inclusion of a wide range of perspectives in veterinary medicine, I hope to break the preconceived notions and stereotypes associated with the field. Additionally, when envisioning my future career, two words come to mind: servant leadership. Intending to become a veterinarian, I hope to one day be able to serve animals and humans as a mobile practitioner. These clinics will be complemented with shelter volunteering and mentoring initiatives targeted towards youth, particularly those of color, which will teach them about animal health and scientific professions as well as how to channel their passions into actionable missions. Students need to know that success in this field is possible; through my initiatives, I look forward to paving the way as a role model for aspiring professionals hoping to see someone like them in the field. With the scholarship, I will be able to continue my education and work toward my goal of becoming a veterinarian for animals, a community builder for their communities, and a person who enables people. This scholarship, in return, will help make a long-lasting change by encouraging a new approach to animal care, one that is compassionate and prioritizes aid to those who need it most.

Helping animals in need through volunteering has always been an integral part of my life and so has contributing to the community. Feeding, cleaning, and providing comfort to the rescued animals made my volunteering experience one of the best at an animal shelter I discovered after enrolling in university. Most animals, unfortunately, had terrible backstories of people abandoning or neglecting them. Personally, my responsibilities were not limited to providing physical care. This role required me to establish trust with dogs that were too scared to come near anyone, calm anxious cats, assist potential adopters with selecting the right animals, and much more. Such roles made me appreciate how greatly animals are transformed by compassion and patience, not just from people who adore them but from trained experts who understand the concepts of love and care, which change the meaning of life for the creatures and for us too. For an aspiring veterinarian like myself, studying Animal Science and Veterinary Science at Texas A&M University-Commerce was a game changer, as it enabled me to undergo the practical training that turned aiding animals through volunteering into a professional goal. As for the reasons that motivated me towards pursuing veterinary assistance, there are three primary factors that come to mind. The one closest to my heart starts from animals not being able to speak for themselves and the need of allowing professionals to fulfill that gap. This profession allows me to play a supportive role in ensuring animals are receiving the medical attention, comfort, and dignity every living organism should have, not to mention greatly need. Second, I appreciate engaging in active, productive work. Whether I am helping out in procedures, observing an animal during recovery, or even just making sure that an animal feels safe and seen, animal health improvement is done on a daily basis. I am part of a system aimed at healing and prevention, and I know that every task, even the smallest of tasks, does matter. Third, my career as a veterinary assistant marks the beginning of my venture in the path of advanced veterinary medicine. I intend to specialize in zoo medicine, and this position will enable me to acquire vital skills while, at the same time, having an impact. It merges my interest in animals with my desire to learn and serve. My animal care volunteering has built my physical endurance and collaborative efforts with others and instilled compassion into me-dimensions of character that my community respects highly. It has taught me how impactful kindness and knowledge are. These lessons will help me in the future not only to change a life but also to strive to change them one at a time. Not only does this award support my education, but it also supports my effort to make sure animals in need receive care, comfort, and compassion while providing the community with insight on the animals we share our world with.

Animals have always had a special place in my heart, as I have had an immeasurable bond with them since my childhood. I used to take care of stray animals and watch animal documentaries, which made me feel a sense of responsibility and curiosity. I think my passion for animals has played a crucial role in shaping my career and education goals over the years. My animal encounters have also been memorable as I have freed kittens from under houses, fed park birds with my grandmother, and visited petting zoos. These moments reinforced the fact that animals, like humans, need protection, care, and advocacy. I strive to not love animals but to protect them by advocating for their physical and mental wellness. The reason is that I selected Animal Science with a Veterinary Science minor as my degree at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Such an educational route equips me with the scientific and practical expertise needed in the areas of behavior, anatomy, and medical care of the concerned animal. My academics, alongside volunteer work at a local animal shelter and animal facilities, have prepared me for numerous roles in nurturing animals while maintaining ethical standards and having a real impact at the level that matters. Aspiring to be an exotic or endangered species zoo veterinarian or veterinary technician is where I see myself eventually. I aim to support proactive steps taken for the conservation of wildlife, humane animal treatment, and wildlife education. Be it a sick animal needing treatment, assisting in breeding programs, actively educating people toward acknowledging the significance of biodiversity, or caring, I seek to do everything that can create an enduring impact. Every life is worthwhile and deserves attention, and by caring for animals who lack the ability to advocate for themselves, we are advocating for and nurturing our planet. While these financial barriers have complicated things even further, I have never wavered in my resolve. This is precisely why I pursue scholarship opportunities like this - to further my education and honor my commitment to serving animals and the communities that nurture them. I understand that, with adequate support, I will be able to mature into a professional capable of making a genuine, positive difference in the world of animals. Answering the call of the wild isn’t how I would describe my vocation. However, working with animals is definitely a calling, and I plan to meet that challenge head-on with feeling and determination.

As a child, I used to think that self-sufficiency was the ultimate form of strength. However, it really is an misguided belief. Introspecting, I realize that we are stronger and more hopeful when we come together. Joining a community taught me that selfless acts of kindness, no matter how small, make a huge difference. This was even more clear to me after my experience volunteering which completely changed my view of the world. While in university, I volunteered at an animal shelter and knew for a fact that my love for animals would be put to use. The shelter offered animals a second chance and I was more than excited about being a part of that journey. I soon came to realize that the shelter as a community where people came together from different walks of life all because they were passionate about animals. We provided medical help to the animals, but the shelter also served as a safe haven for people too. People shared words of encouragement and educated others on topics they might not be well versed in. Everyone played their part. One experience I will never forget was a dog I met named Marley. He was injured, terrified and had been abandoned which was quite clear. Trust is something that takes time to build and I spent weeks doing just that with him. Marley did come around, even if it took time his healing journey began. The day he let me pet him and wagged his tail I realized was what community really is. Something can be incredibly difficult, but it is about showing up. It's being present for others, even if they’re not human and showing faith in the process of healing, it does not matter how long it takes. The shelter for me was like a second home and the people I met did not fail to remind me that kindness is something incredibly valuable, more so when shared. Regardless of their internal struggles, whether it was a student volunteer like I was, other retirees or some people simply enduring tough times, we were all able to create a space filled with hope and care. The resulting sense of community is what taught me about resilience, and not just during challenging times, but to feel empowered enough to work towards a reality where no one has to feel isolated. Being part of that community elicited hope within me hope that at least one life could be positively transformed due to my efforts. It’s the same hope that encourages me to pursue a career in veterinary science. My focus will be on the zoo animals, not only to provide them with care but as part of a concerted campaign to reconnect humans with nature and remind everybody of the responsibility they owe to life in all its diversity. The veterinary community that I encountered changed my outlook as a volunteer, but it didn’t change how I view people. I'm still grappling with understanding these complex social dynamics, but I have realized is that even though life can be quite cruel, there is compassion, gentleness, and a way out, from the right people, working together. And that better world is one I hope to create.

Animals have always interested me, and the natural world as a whole piqued my curiosity from the earliest age. This interest turned into a love of learning and fostered my personal development as it shaped my worldview. I am now a twenty-one-year-old Animal Science (with a Veterinary Science minor) undergraduate at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Education, perhaps paradoxically, both fuels my aspirations and is the root of their foundation while serving as an unyielding source of resilience and a purposeful life. During my journey, I have faced numerous challenges, including financial, academic, and personal hurdles. These have triumphed alongside periods of incredible self-discovery. Dedicating myself to learning about animal biology, behavior, and veterinary medicine has always been rewarding. It has further enhanced my desire to pursue a career involving hands-on animal care, especially within the framework of a zoo. With every class, lab, and volunteer work, I gained a new perspective on the intricate blend of humanity and wildlife while simultaneously feeling motivated to actively help preserve this balance. Transformative experiences in my life have included volunteering at a local animal shelter. Patience, care, and a vast accumulation of knowledge are required to properly tend to injured or abandoned animals. This experience deeply impacted my life. It was made clear to me that working with animals involves much more than just an affinity towards them; one must be educated enough to aid them in meaningful ways. I now know why fully committing to becoming an effective and compassionate veterinarian is important to me. My journey to getting an education wasn't as easy as it sounds. Financial challenges have simultaneously posed barriers once career opportunities arise. Educational scholarships, like so many other things, hold a lot of value for people like myself. They aren’t simply a means of funding but an invaluable contribution that instills hope for students in difficult situations. Thanks to bold.org and other donors, I have been able to achieve everything I set out to obtain, both academically and personally. I want to join the United States Air Force after I complete my bachelor’s degree. This will help further my education while allowing me to serve my country and garner experiences that improve me as a person. Seeing military service, as discipline, leadership, and knowledge will help in the future towards my career ambitions of a zoo veterinarian or veterinary technician. My love of learning and ambition helps me understand growth as lifelong. Learning has deepened my empathy, the complexity of the world and has improved my resolve. I am greatly looking forward to the impact I can make for animals and the communities that actively seek aid. This passion of mine is one that is ever evolving, and I know will accompany me on my path, as a future rooted in service, curiosity, care, and boundless endeavors awaits.

1. My name is Jada Robinson, I am 20 years old, and I am currently attending Texas A&M University-Commerce. My major is animal science, with a minor in veterinary science. What motivates me every day is my mother and my family, because there isn't a lot of people in my family who went to college, especially my mother, who had me at 15 years old and encouraged me to do what I love. If I could do anything with my life, I would want to be a vet who works with different types of animals around the world, not just cats and dogs, to get a better understanding of animals, and I would love to travel the world and continue my education as well. I would also love to buy my mom a house of her own and provide a better life for my mom and my siblings as well, which is why I can't give up. I'm interested in science and also animal science, which I would use to improve the technology that is used to help with animal health but also human health since we all coexist together. 2. What makes me interested in STEM is the limitless potential to improve our planet and address humanity's most difficult problems. Also, STEM provides the chance to push beyond the limits of what is possible. Whether it's inventing new technology to deal with climate change, discovering more advanced medicine, or helping with our agriculture, that will help improve daily living, which will have the potential to change our society. STEM's nature means there's always something new to learn and discover, promoting a sense of constant progress and discovery. There is a huge opportunity for positive impact in the field of information technology. In an increasingly digital world, IT workers play an important role in determining how we live, work, and communicate. Also, I believe we can improve communication, simplify procedures, and develop more effective systems across a range of businesses by using technology. Personally, I think a job in IT will allow me and others to positively affect the world by creating fresh solutions that meet social and ethical standards. I see a lot of potential to make a good impact, whether it's by improving cybersecurity to secure sensitive data or creating software that is easy to use, which will help the older generation as well as the new generation. And by staying up-to-date on ethical issues and new technological developments, I can make sure that my job in IT is sustainable and responsible. In the end, the connection between STEM and IT provides an environment for advancement and creativity, allowing people to create a better future for future generations. 3. One of my biggest challenges was when I was going through a depressive episode, which nearly made me drop out of college because of my anxiety and stress. My motivation and energy were drained by the weight of responsibilities and expectations from myself and my family, along with the pressures of academic performance, which increased during my second year of college. My situation got worse to the point where my assignments, exams, and extracurricular activities got mixed together, leaving me feeling constantly overwhelmed and unprepared. The most painful situation was how it was affecting my relationships with my family and friends, who were used to seeing me laugh and smile all the time but found themselves unable to get me to laugh or smile when they saw how I had changed from my struggles. I wasn't communicating with my family or friends, and I tried to hide it because I was always the one who helped others when they needed it, so I never made time for myself to deal with my own issues. So, I decided to go to our college mental health center, where me and a counselor talked, and she gave me some exercises to help me with my stress and anxiety, which were really helpful. The therapy provided a safe place for me away from everything that was going on in my life, which allowed me to open to my mom first because she already knew what I was going through I put so much on myself because I want to be successful but sometimes I don't give myself breaks, which causes my body and mind to shut down, making me feel so much stress and anxiety. But the support I had gotten after attending counseling and the compassionate words and shared moments of laughter from my friends and family helped me finish my second year of college and reassured me that I'm not alone.

My struggles with mental health have been a life-changing experience. Mental health is a serious thing in college, where a lot of stress happens around. During that time, I wasn't myself and I've become closed off, which has greatly impacted my relationships and life goals. At the beginning, I didn't know how to overcome my depression, anxiety, and stress as I dealt with my own problems. But through connections, I was able to build on this empathy, which allowed me to connect to others more deeply and provide support when needed. In addition, my experiences with mental health have increased my desire to remove the negative perceptions that come with it. Not only have I been able to overcome them, but they have also helped me become stronger in stressful times, especially while I am in college, where I was able to see the value of opening up and having access to resources. This understanding helped define my goals, motivating me to support services that put mental health first and raise awareness of mental health issues. Personally, I've learned the importance of self-care and resilience from my experiences. I've discovered how important it is to put my mental health first, including mindfulness, counseling, and setting appropriate boundaries in my everyday routine. By encouraging honesty and openness, these practices helped improve not just my own wellbeing but also the relationship between me and those around me. My experience with mental health has expanded my perspectives, improved my relationships with others and sparked my desire for action. It has taught me that no one should ever feel ashamed to ask for help or support and that vulnerability is a strength. My experiences have made me a more understanding, resilient, and compassionate person, and they now provide meaning and empathy for my relationships and goals.

My name is Jada Robinson. I'm 20 years old and currently attend Texas A&M University-Commerce. My major is animal science with a minor in veterinary science, and I have completed my second year of college. Before attending college, I had a strong interest in animals and science, which inspired me to seek a career in veterinary medicine. I also feel that developing trust and rapport with both animals and human companions is critical to giving the best possible treatment. This is why I plan to focus on several areas where I believe I can make a positive impact. First, promote preventive healthcare technology and wellness services by informing pet owners about the importance of regular check-ups, vaccinations, and a healthy diet. For example, when I was volunteering at a vet clinic where every few months they provide free check-ups and vaccination services, I noticed a lot of homeless people had dogs with them who were in good health because of the free treatments and the advice that the vet provided them with as well. Which is why I want to strive to prevent illness and increase the general health and longevity of any animal under my care. Second, I am motivated to provide high-quality medical and surgical care to animals in need. Whether carrying out life-saving procedures, treating chronic diseases, or providing palliative care, I am 100% devoted to providing empathetic and reliable treatment to every patient that passes through my door. In addition, I hope to contribute to the advancement of veterinary education and research. By keeping updated on the newest advances in veterinary care and engaging in research projects, I intend to contribute to the profession's collective knowledge and improve treatment results for animals throughout the world. Furthermore, my experiences and college lectures have taught me the importance of advocating for animal welfare and supporting ethical pet ownership. However, there are more opportunities to get a deeper understanding of animal care through volunteer programs, public speaking interactions, and collaborations with animal welfare organizations. I want to raise awareness about pet overpopulation, animal maltreatment, and the value of adoption. I am thrilled to begin on this path and use my skills and passion to improve the lives of animals and their human companions. However, my goal is to make a good difference in the world through my veterinary profession by providing exceptional treatment to animals, increasing medical knowledge, and advocating for their welfare.

My experiences in veterinary medicine have been innovative, influencing not just my professional goals but also my personal goals and relationships since I began university. Throughout my time in college, I have been engaging in a world where compassion, dedication and scientific curiosity mix to better the lives of animals and the communities they live in. First and foremost, my college experiences have confirmed my belief in the important impact that veterinary practice can have on both individual animals and on society as a whole. I've seen firsthand how veterinary care can reduce pain, restore health, and increase the human-animal connection. This has improved my belief that all animals, regardless of species or conditions, need compassionate and good veterinarian care. Furthermore, my college experiences have helped me develop stronger relationships with both animals and other veterinary students like me and professionals too. While working with committed vet professors and my motivated colleagues, it has encouraged an environment of teamwork and support in the veterinary community. Also, my interactions have not only benefited my college experience but have also given me essential mentoring and inspiration as I pursue my goals. My goal for veterinary studies comes from a lifetime of love and respect for animals, as well as an interest in the complex nature of their biology and behavior. I have had a genuine connection with animals throughout my life since I was a child and since then, it's only grown more as a result of my studies in college and hands-on experiences in veterinary clinics. I am motivated by the belief that animals are living beings that need our care and protection, and I am dedicated to promoting their welfare and well-being in all of my professional goals. With regard to my efforts to pursue veterinary studies that will help the Texas community, which is known for our agriculture businesses, I feel that my skills may have a positive influence in several ways. I also want to contribute to the lives of animals and their human companions in Texas, whether it's medical treatments or assisting with helpful pet keeping. I also believe I contribute to the community through events and public health programs. By increasing awareness about zoonotic diseases, advocating vaccination programs, and providing emergency-ready materials, I want to make it easier for Texans to maintain their own health as well as the health of their animals. Furthermore, I want to work with local shelters, rescue groups, and agricultural organizations to address important issues like pet overpopulation, animals without a home, and the sustainability of agriculture. I think that we can build a more understanding society where animals are cared for and protected through community connections and advocacy efforts. But my education in veterinary medicine has had a significant impact on my views, relationships, and professional goals. My regard for animals and my belief in the possibilities for change in veterinary care are the reasons for my studies in veterinary medicine and I have faith that by improving animal welfare and developing an understanding and ethical attitude toward animals, my contributions to veterinary studies will help the Texas community and agriculture communities as well.

My name is Jada Robinson. I'm 20 years old and currently attend Texas A&M University-Commerce. My major is animal science with a minor in veterinary science, and I have completed my second year of college. Before attending college, I had a strong interest in animals and their well-being, which inspired me to seek a career in veterinary medicine. I also feel that developing trust and rapport with both animals and human companions is critical to giving the best possible treatment. This is why I plan to focus on several areas where I believe I can make a positive impact. First, promote preventive healthcare and wellness services by informing pet owners about the importance of regular check-ups, vaccinations, and a healthy diet. For example, when I was volunteering at a vet clinic where every few months they provide free check-ups and vaccination services, I noticed a lot of homeless people had dogs with them who were in good health because of the free treatments and the advice that the vet provided them with as well. Which is why I want to strive to prevent illness and increase the general health and longevity of any animal under my care. Second, I am motivated to provide high-quality medical and surgical care to animals in need. Whether carrying out life-saving procedures, treating chronic diseases, or providing palliative care, I am 100% devoted to providing empathetic and reliable treatment to every patient that passes through my door. In addition, I hope to contribute to the advancement of veterinary education and research. By keeping updated on the newest advances in veterinary care and engaging in research projects, I intend to contribute to the profession's collective knowledge and improve treatment results for animals throughout the world. Furthermore, my experiences and college lectures have taught me the importance of advocating for animal welfare and supporting ethical pet ownership. However, there are more opportunities to get a deeper understanding of animal care through volunteer programs, public speaking interactions, and collaborations with animal welfare organizations. I want to raise awareness about pet overpopulation, animal maltreatment, and the value of adoption. I am thrilled to begin on this path and use my skills and passion to improve the lives of animals and their human companions. However, my goal is to make a good difference in the world through my veterinary profession by providing exceptional treatment to animals, increasing medical knowledge, and advocating for their welfare.

Hi, my name is Jada Robinson, and I am a sophomore at Texas A&M University-Commerce. My major is Animal science, with a minor in Veterinary Science. A little bit about myself is that I was raised by a single mother in a not-so-good neighborhood and I faced a lot of negative thoughts that I wouldn't be able to achieve because of my background and being a black woman, but even with all the negativity, I still graduated high school and made it to college with the support from my mother. I chose animal science not just because I wanted to work with animals, but also because our world relies on animals for a variety of purposes, including agriculture for food, medicine, and research. I would also like to put an end to cruel acts and the slaughter of animals. My objective to make a good influence on the world through my education and future jobs is to begin by advocating responsible and ethical agricultural and animal welfare methods, as well as educating the public about the importance of biodiversity and wildlife protection. With my degree, I hope to provide individuals with the information and skills they need to understand the social elements of animal production and management, since this is critical to addressing challenges such as animal diseases, food security, and climate change through innovative solutions. To support life, agriculture is necessary for the production of food. Furthermore, it contributes significantly to the economy by giving people work, which expands their options. Therefore, in order to ensure that we have more opportunities and contribute to improving food production, I want to find a more effective and sustainable farming method to boost food production, particularly in the South, where the majority of farming practices are practiced. I also want to improve livestock breeding for better meat and dairy products, as we are currently experiencing food product inflation and a lot of the food is not of high quality due to a lack of knowledge and connections. In medicine, the influence of animal diseases on human health is critical since we are working on vaccinations and treatments for both animals and people in order to sustain and enhance our reliance on animals for survival. It not only aids in disease prevention and treatment, but it also improves quality of life and increases life expectancy. Agriculture and medicine are both critical to humanity's well-being and growth; therefore, I am confident that I can have a positive impact on the world.

I've always been knowledgeable of how our society devalues women in positions of power and how uncommon it is to see a black woman in a prominent position. With all of the obstacles I had to face and the stereotypes that were placed on me because of where I came from, many people thought I would end up pregnant before I graduated high school, as many of my friends did, but that only made me more determined to prove others wrong and prove something to myself, and not only did I graduate high school, but I am now a sophomore in college. I consider myself a woman of excellence because I want a future other than teenage motherhood and a fast-food job for the rest of my life. I couldn't have accomplished so much without the encouragement of my mother, a single mother who desired nothing less than success for her daughter. When I first started college, I realized I didn't know anything about financial assistance, loans, and other things that your parents would typically teach you, but because my mother didn't attend college, I had to learn everything on my own, which has benefited me a lot now. In addition, I picked Animal Science as my major, with a minor in Veterinary Science, with the goal of pursuing careers with animals. Most of the individuals in my major had experience with animals and an understanding of the subject, which made me feel unprepared, but I quickly understood that even if they had expertise, we were all starting from scratch. The time I've spent here has taught me that we are all here to learn what we need to pursue the occupations we desire, that we are all equals, and that it makes no difference what your background or social status is, which has allowed me to network and meet a lot of people. After my graduation, I intend to enlist in the Air Force and pursue additional educational opportunities. Since coming here, I've taken the chance to work at the university farm, which has challenged me to develop social and communication skills in areas in which I struggled during my first year in college while simultaneously helping me with my lack of animal expertise. My biggest achievement, in my opinion, is having completed high school and enrolled in college. I've come a long way by proving to myself that I can accomplish anything if I set my mind to it. Which paid off because next semester I will be a junior.

I care about protecting our oceans because they are integral to the health and balance of our planet. Oceans produce a significant amount of the Earth's oxygen, regulate climate patterns, provide a habitat for a diverse range of marine. They also play a vital role in supporting the economy, providing food, transportation, and recreational opportunities. Firstly, the ocean is home to a vast array of marine species and ecosystems, many of which are still undiscovered and not fully understood. By protecting the ocean, we can ensure the conservation of these species and their habitats, and prevent their extinction. Also, the ocean plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. It absorbs a significant amount of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas responsible for global warming, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Plus, the ocean provides valuable resources and ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being. It supports fisheries that provide food and livelihoods for millions of people worldwide. It also generates economic benefits through tourism, transportation, and recreational activities. Protecting the ocean is vital for maintaining a healthy planet and sustainable future. It is necessary to preserve biodiversity, combat climate change, and ensure the well-being of both marine species and human populations that depend on the ocean's resources. With my animal science degree, which I can utilize to help protect our oceans in several ways. Firstly, it can provide a strong foundation in understanding marine ecosystems and the various species that inhabit them. With this knowledge I can apply to conservation efforts, such as studying and monitoring endangered species, assessing the impact of human activities on marine life, and developing strategies for their protection. Additionally, with my animal science degree I plan to lead to other careers in marine research, where scientists work to uncover new knowledge about marine organisms, their behavior, and their habitats. This research can contribute to informing policy decisions and management strategies aimed at preserving and sustaining marine ecosystems. Furthermore, with an animal science degree, I plan to also explore opportunities in sustainable aquaculture, which focusing on responsibly cultivating and harvesting marine species for food and other purposes while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Overall, an with my animal science degree I can provide the necessary knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions towards protecting our oceans and ensuring theirlong-term sustainability. And with a animal science degree it equips not only me but other individuals with a strong foundation in biology, ecology, and environmental science, making them well-suited for careers that involve studying, protecting, and managing ecosystems.

The reason why I choose to major in veterinary medicine was because for the longest time I have been in love with animal for as long as I can remember. The more I learned about them through cartoons and even animal channels, there was always an interest in want to understand and learn more about every single animal. Not till I reach the age of 15 did I found out what careers involved animals my biggest influence was my dogs vet every time I went I would ask questions about what they did. That’s was when I knew why I chose to study veterinary medicine because I love animals and I want to ensure their welfare and health. And with the degree, I would be equipped with the knowledge and skills that I’ll learn to diagnose and treat various diseases and injuries that animals may face. Which as a veterinarian I would aim to improve the quality of life for animals and the relationship between humans and animals. Which also leads to another reason why I chose the study veterinary medicine is because vet medicine is the growing demand for animal healthcare professionals as more and more people are adopting pets as part of their families, the need for qualified veterinarians has increased. Additionally, the field of veterinary medicine is constantly evolving and advancing, providing opportunities for career growth and development. With the degree in veterinary medicine, I can work in various settings, including private practices, animal hospitals, research facilities, and government agencies and I also would have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as surgery, dentistry, and oncology. Overall studying veterinary medicine can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for those who are passionate about animal health and welfare. To conclude, what I hope to accomplish is to ensure the health and welfare of animals, which is very important for not only the animals themselves but also for us humans who rely on them for food, work, and companionship. And I hope that I can protect public health by studying animal diseases that can spread to humans. As a future veterinarian I hope to contribute to biomedical research and development of new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tests. Which is why veterinary medicine is essential to the well-being of both animals and humans. As I already finished my first year of college learning about veterinary medicine I can see my self in the profession doing great things as time change.

My name is Jada Robinson I’m currently 19 years old, I was raised by a single mother who has been very impactful in my academic success. We moved to Dallas from Houston into a not so good neighborhood but it was affordable for my mother. The schools that I and my siblings went to were not the best my we made to best out of what we had. Which let me to graduating and now being a college student at Texas A&M University Commerce, which I never I thought would be possible because of my dyslexia as far as I can remember my dyslexia have always felt like a burden that I couldn’t get rid of which is why I did struggle a lot in school it would be so bad that I wouldn’t even try in school. Which is another reason why I appreciate my mother more because she would always tell me to not let my dyslexia define who I am which caused me to overcome my dyslexia with support from my mom and my siblings. As I was in my last year of high school I was trying to see what major to pursue it was between a business which I wasn’t interested in but knew I would have a good career in or veterinary which I always wanted to pursue because my interest in animal science. I had a lot of thoughts about how my my future would be like if I choose a certain career. With veterinary career I would have the career I want and would be doing things I wanted to do such as dealing with many animals and traveling to work with animals as well. With my career being a vet technician not only will I be dealing with animals. I would also be dealing clinical stuff as well which I plan on using the knowledge I learned to help our society’s not good environment and health issues which come from things such as pollution, forest fires, over hunting and from sick animals that use are for food. Which all have a bad effect not only for animals but for us humans as well. That is what I strive to to do with my career. Also animal health is also important because it can effect us as well know as zoonotic diseases that can spread to us if not treated or stopped.

The dream version of my future self will be a strong independent black women who graduated with a bachelors degree in Veterinary biomedical technology and who has a career as a vet technician at an Australia Zoo working with animals and helping or environment.