My Best Friend When I think about a best friend, my mind goes straight to my cousin, Jakiya Marie Cross. She wasn’t just my cousin — she was my baby, my little sister, my best friend all wrapped into one. Even though she was younger than me, the bond we had was like no other. We grew up side by side, and she was the one person I could always laugh with, talk to, and just be myself around. Jakiya had such a big personality. She was funny, confident, and never afraid to speak her mind. She loved cheerleading, volleyball, and basketball, and she put her whole heart into everything she did. She was also a part of Girls of Grace, a program where she learned leadership and life skills. She always wanted to grow, always wanting to better herself. She also had a strong faith. Her favorite scripture was John 3:16, and she carried herself with a respect and honesty that made her stand out, even at such a young age. I’ll never forget the day I lost her. I was at school when I saw posts on social media from my family saying, “Pull through, Kiya.” At first, I didn’t understand what was going on, but my heart dropped instantly. I remember sitting there crying and panicking, wondering what was happening. Not long after, I found out that Jakiya had passed away from a massive asthma attack in Sacramento, just days after celebrating her 13th birthday. That moment broke me in a way I can’t fully explain. One day we were talking about our plans, and the next she was gone. Jakiya’s passing was devastating, but it also showed me the impact she had on everyone around her. People described her as a role model, positive, uplifting, respectful, and full of life. She was the type of person who could make anyone feel special, and she left behind a legacy much bigger than her years. Even though she didn’t get the chance to grow up, she showed all of us what it looks like to live with joy, courage, and love. I’m still heartbroken that she’s gone, and I don’t think that pain will ever fully go away. But I carry her with me in everything I do. When I chase my goals, I do it not just for myself but for both of us. When I smile in hard times, I think of how she always found a reason to laugh. Losing her taught me not to take life or people for granted. It also gave me a purpose: to live boldly, love deeply, and keep going no matter what. This friendship, this bond with Jakiya, will always be important to me because it shaped who I am. She may not be physically here, but her spirit is with me every step of the way. My cousin, my best friend, will forever be my reminder of how precious life is and how powerful love can be.

Ever since I was a child, I have felt a deep connection to animals. While some kids wanted dolls or video games, I was the one outside searching for ladybugs, snails, and roly-polies, carefully placing them in little jars so I could watch them up close. To me, they weren’t just bugs — they were tiny pets and teachers. I didn’t have to go far to experience wonder; I could find it right in the dirt and grass outside my home. Those small moments planted the seed for my passion for animals, a passion that has only grown stronger with time. As I got older, I started to notice that animals didn’t just bring me joy; they also brought me peace. Whether it was watching birds, playing with a dog, or even just seeing squirrels chase each other around the neighborhood, animals reminded me to slow down and appreciate life. They gave me comfort during times when life felt heavy. Coming from a background where opportunities weren’t always easy to come by, animals became my reminder of resilience. They survive, adapt, and thrive — and I wanted to be someone who could protect and care for them. Being a young African American woman and the first in my family to go to college, my journey has been filled with both pride and responsibility. I am not financially stable, and that reality has made pursuing my education more challenging. Still, my love for animals and my determination to create a better future push me forward. Choosing to major in Veterinary Technology was a natural decision for me. This field allows me to combine hands-on animal care with medical knowledge, preparing me to support veterinarians, provide treatment, and improve the lives of both pets and their owners. My dream is to make a positive impact in the animal world by being a voice and advocate for their well-being. As a veterinary technician, I will be able to help animals heal, comfort families during difficult times, and educate communities about proper animal care. Beyond that, I plan to start my own business once I am registered and licensed. My vision is to create a practice that not only provides excellent care for animals but also welcomes and educates people from underrepresented communities. I want to build a space where people feel comfortable bringing their pets, where cultural understanding is respected, and where affordability doesn’t prevent animals from receiving the care they need. In the future, I hope to create spaces where animals and people can connect in ways that heal and uplift both. Animals have given me joy, peace, and purpose since I was little, and now it’s my turn to give back. Even though financial struggles and obstacles stand in my way, I carry the resilience of my community and the determination of that little girl who once carried around ladybugs and snails, simply happy to call them her pets. Through Veterinary Technology, and eventually through my own business, I will turn that childhood passion into a lifelong mission to care for and protect the animals that bring so much meaning to our world.