My mother grew up having a volatile relationship with dogs. Coming from a community that did not perceive dogs as pets, while also having an innate love for animals, created dissonance in her perspective. When I was born, she took the opportunity to instill love and compassion towards animals in me. All the while she went on her own journey to rewrite the hate she was accustomed to in her childhood. A step my mom took to overcome her learned negative emotions toward dogs was to research various breeds and their temperaments. She saw how purebreds were known to have predictable characteristics, including their energy level, personality, and hypoallergenic properties. Purebred dogs gave her the confidence to introduce a new addition to the family while respecting the lifestyle we had created for ourselves. This exploration and analysis is what led us to eventually embrace Cinnamon, our purebred Shih Tzu. Her small, friendly nature fit right in with our family. Cinnamon introduced new light into our lives. She expanded our view of who a loved one could be and gave us a newfound appreciation for dogs. Purebred dogs took on a level of medical importance for me while working with greyhounds at the Pacific Palisades Veterinary Center (Palivet). Assisting in dental appointments on a daily basis, I became accustomed to the specialized anesthesia needs of greyhounds due to their low bodyfat levels and unique metabolism. I learned that while dogs are all part of one species, medical interventions can vary greatly between them. This sparked a fascination that one of the veterinary technicians, Vlad, watered within me. I began doing daily “homework” in which I was given a new breed or illness to study and report back on the following day. I began to notice how breed-specific health conditions existed within every breed, and how research has helped bring about early detection and elimination of them. I even saw this same phenomenon of breed related health issues in Cinnamon, as her old age brought her cataracts. Being prepared for this predisposition allowed my family to treat it early on with routine eye drops. This helped us prevent her from needing surgery to correct her eyesight. My position at Palivet unfortunately came to an end with the coming of the Palisades Fire in January of this year. In the months since I have transformed my in-person advocacy and research for animals to an online presence, educating my following about all I have learned regarding various dog breeds in a segment I call “Breeds and Buddies” on social media. I show how each breed holds a unique and important place in both medical advancement and society at large. Coming into my first year of vet school, I plan to continue my online project and spread awareness regarding the importance of maintaining healthy breeds. I want to serve as a pillar of advocacy and support for dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Becoming a veterinarian was not a childhood dream for me. Growing up, my family emphasized the importance of me choosing to go down the path of becoming a righteous medical doctor or a quick-witted lawyer. It was not until high school that I was able to explore other options and see just how impactful and rewarding being a veterinarian can be. My fascination for the healing relationship between humans and animals began as a volunteer at Westside Pet Clinic starting in 2017. The busy nature of the clinic often left owners in the examining room with me while the doctor tended to other patients. I would hear of their concerns along with their adorations for their furry family members. Oftentimes their stories provided me further understanding of the care that their pets got at home: where they itched, what they ate, how they played. I did not offer any surgical or pharmaceutical solutions, but just listening to them was its own form of care, of medicine. Owners, as the primary caretakers of their pets, hold equal importance in maintaining their pets’ health as veterinarians. The treatment of owners holds pertinent value in the treatment of patients. I see veterinary medicine as an opportunity to go beyond and provide care for all animals, including humans. This is what has inspired me to go to vet school. Working during college has been an up and down experience for me. On one end, working has allowed me to create long-lasting and impactful relationships with people I otherwise never would have met. It has given me an avenue to pursue trades which I otherwise would not have had the means to explore—such as hospitality in my work as a Resident Assistant at UCLA and technology in my time as a Product Specialist at Apple. Unfortunately on the other end, working while in college has also forced me to make compromises in my social life and has caused me levels of academic stress which I otherwise would not have had due to the demanding hours which I dedicate to my job. Hours spent with friends and family, or studying, were traded for hours spent at work. This trade-off has strained my performance in school and has at times negatively impacted my mental health. Luckily, the support of the ones closest to me as well as my coworkers have helped me get through these moments of hardship. Looking forward, I am entering vet school this coming fall. Even with the environmental and academic changes of going to graduate school, I still see myself working through it. Taking on the challenges of working while in such a rigorous doctoral program will not be easy. While in a perfect world I would see myself focusing 100% on my school, working will allow me to support myself and my expenses during a time when I would otherwise have no other source of income. Still, I am looking to embrace my situation. The relationships I will make through working and the experience I will gain in my job will no doubt compliment my life and boost the future person I will become. Working while in college has not been easy, and has at times negatively impacted my performance in other facets of my life. Regardless, I see it as a necessary aid in allowing me to achieve my goal of studying veterinary medicine in aims of helping to heal the world.

Billie Eilish is an artist I feel especially close to, even if she’ll never know it. She is exactly one week older than me and I see her success and artistry as an exemplification of just who I can be and what I can achieve. While she has many songs that deeply touch me, the three I find most important to my life are “listen before i go”, “SKINNY”, and “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”. I remember being in 11th grade when Eilish’s debut album “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” was released. I immediately gravitated towards certain songs, but the one that hit hardest was “listen before i go”. In this song, Eilish deals with thoughts of depression and suicide, reciting, ”Sorry can’t save me now”. It was astonishing to see that someone my age, the age of a high schooler, could be so raw and open about her inner dark thoughts for the world to listen to. The deep sadness is something I could relate to and it made me worry for her, unsure if the lyrics were just a made-up story or if there was some personal truth to the content of the song. Regardless, this song has stayed with me over the years as an anthem for the turmoil we go through, and how writing our darkest thoughts can be a form of emotional release. When I first heard “SKINNY” I immediately felt goosebumps throughout my arms and down my back. Her candor when opening up about her insecurities, namely about her fluctuating weight, resonated deeply with me. Society’s obsession with being skinny and the impact that can have on one’s mental state is huge. I have dealt with the struggle of body image all my life. To see how someone as successful as Billie Eilish could go through the same struggles as me is truly eye opening and brought a new level of humanity to the icon that she is. Beyond this struggle, Eilish goes on in the song to accept herself regardless of how she looks. I find this message to be powerful and encouraging for myself, as my appearance is often something I still struggle with and hope to be more content with over time. Lastly, “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” stands as my final song in my top three because of its uplifting and heartfelt message. For all of the romantic love songs that are made, I appreciate how Eilish took the opportunity to shed light on the equal importance of platonic love. The love that one has for their friends, for their siblings, is not to be understated. This song brings me to the brink of tears for how beautiful its message is and how it transports me to a world of pure bliss and safety. Especially with the coming of the LA fires which almost caused me to lose my home, this song has become a source of hope for me. I always have those who I love on my side, and they provide me with the support I need in times when I feel I cannot support myself through the hard times. All together, these three songs come to influence me in a way I hope Billie Eilish can even begin to understand. I love her for who she is and what she has been able to contribute to culture. She is like a sister I have never met, and I am forever grateful to her gifts which she has graciously shared with people like me.

With the coming of the LA fires the entire nation was under stress with the sheer destruction that happened in neighborhoods in a matter of hours. My family and I were worried about losing our home due to our proximity to the Palisades Fire. I worked in the palisades and while unfortunately my work was closed down, my family and I have remained safe in these uncertain times. Sabrina Carpenter’s music has kept my anxiety at bay. In all honesty, I have only become a Carpenter in the past year. I had known about Sabrina Carpenter since her Disney days, but I had never taken it upon myself to look into her body of work. This all changed with the coming of her newest album, “Short n’ Sweet”. Starting with her lead single “Espresso”, I was immediately captivated by her energy and the beacon of freedom she represented in her sound and image. Being a California native who has a tumultuous relationship with the beach because of negative body image and social anxiety, the beachy vibes of “espresso” became a source of power for me to gain more confidence. The coming of her next two singles, “Please Please Please” and “Taste”, cemented her stardom in my eyes. The way she is able to convey a message, regardless of how serious or lighthearted, through her voice and her videos is highly commendable. She is able to show her power in live music settings as well. Viewing moments of her on tour over the past year has shed light on her magnetism and ability to entertain a crowd in a powerful way. I love how she is able to possess confidence, wit, beauty, and talent without compromise. While I have not had the pleasure of going to one of her concerts yet, I am hoping that will change by her next tour. For the past few months, I have taken it upon myself to go back in her discography and look at her previous works as well. Her 2023 single “Feather” further amplifies her journey of self-discovery and resilience. With lyrics like “I’ll be lighter than a feather, but stronger than the weather”, Sabrina highlights the importance of embracing one’s inner strength, no matter how delicate or fragile life may seem. It’s a powerful anthem for anyone navigating the ups and downs of life, encouraging listeners to find balance between vulnerability and strength. Now in the past month with the fires, I am so grateful to say I have had Sabrina Carpenter beside me. Her songs have given me strength in moments when I have felt utterly helpless and I cannot thank her enough for her contribution to mine and so many other people’s lives. With each new song, she proves that the most important relationship we have is the one with ourselves, and through her art, she continues to guide me toward self-acceptance and the courage to move forward.

“Let’s go Cinnamon, just one more step and you’re there!” I became a cheerleader and prominent caretaker for Cinnamon as once seemingly benign actions like climbing a set of steps became a feat for her in her rising age. After 13 love-filled years, she eventually succumbed to ailments caused by both her predispositions as a Shih Tzu, and unhealthy eating and activity habits which became a norm in our household. She lived a fulfilled life, but since the onset of her bodily decline I could not help but wonder what would have been had we known how to best care for her health long term. If we were taught earlier on about healthy habits, would she have still been here? Rather than dwelling on unknowns, I used my concern to strengthen my belief of putting education and communication at the forefront of my work as a veterinarian. My fascination for the healing relationship between humans and animals encouraged me to volunteer at Westside Pet Clinic starting in 2017. The busy nature of the clinic often left owners in the examining room with me while the doctor tended to other patients. I would hear of their concerns along with their adorations for their furry family members. Oftentimes their stories provided me further understanding of the care that their pets got at home: where they itched, what they ate, how they played. I did not offer any surgical or pharmaceutical solutions, but just listening to them was its own form of care, of medicine. Owners, as the primary caretakers of their pets, hold equal importance in maintaining their pets’ health as veterinarians. The treatment of owners holds pertinent value in the treatment of patients. My previous clinical experiences led me to seek new perspectives at the Animal Medical Center of the Antelope Valley. It was there that I met Kendall, an adolescent dog who had been feeling lethargic and nauseous. After running diagnostic tests, we landed on canine parvovirus, a disease highly lethal to puppies. It was heartbreaking for me to see a dog being diagnosed with a disease that was preventable by vaccination and practicing safe distancing during their youth. Again, I was motivated to change the rate of adversities spawned by a lack of early education. Kendall’s slight maturity meant our line of treatment would be more effective, but it did not take from my desire to contribute to preventative veterinary medicine. It instead propelled me to cement my passion by becoming a veterinarian. I see veterinary medicine as an opportunity to go beyond and provide care for all animals, including humans. Like Cinnamon, Kendall, and their owners, every being deserves to be listened to and understood. Through my experiences, I now prioritize attentiveness, teaching, and dedication in navigating my veterinary journey. I hope to further cultivate my beliefs as a veterinary student in order to minimize the number of “what ifs” that come to mind when preventable misfortune strikes the animals we love most.

As the candles flickered on the kitchen counter, the aroma of my mom’s Persian stews simmering on the stove filled the air on my Shabbat nights. My family would sit together, not just as Jews, but as Iranian Jews, united by a shared past that felt like both a gift and a responsibility. My heritage was a bridge between two rich and sometimes contrasting worlds—one rooted in the ancient traditions of Judaism, the other in the unique history of Iranian culture. This intersection of cultures has shaped the way I view the world, the way I connect with others, and the impact I wish to make as a veterinarian. It has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to care for those who cannot speak for themselves, a value that resonates deeply within the Iranian Jewish community, where compassion, family, and community support are at the core of our identity. My dad has always encouraged me to introduce myself as Iranian rather than Persian. While these two words are often used interchangeably to describe my ethnic background, the word “Iranian” was coined only 89 years ago with the coming of the Shah, who emphasized unity, innovation, and history. This context has come to influence how I conduct myself in day-to-day life, and namely in how I perceive veterinary medicine. Above all, Iranian heritage is based on togetherness. The nuclear and extended family serve as a network of love, in which each person’s opinion regarding issues is weighed with value. Similarly, in veterinary practice, I believe in engaging with my team as well as owners, involving them in their loved one’s care plan. Recognizing the role of the patient’s family helps in creating a supportive environment that enhances the overall effectiveness of medical intervention. Oftentimes, they know their pets best, so garnering their thoughts is of utmost importance. The Iranian Jewish community, with its centuries-old presence in Iran, has a history marked by both challenge and resilience. Despite periods of political upheaval and religious tension, our community has always maintained a profound respect for the dignity of life, a value deeply ingrained in our culture. This naturally directed me toward a career in veterinary medicine. It’s not just about healing; it’s about honoring life in all its forms and understanding the unique bond that exists between humans, animals, and the environment. In my family, there was always an emphasis on “tikkun olam”—the idea of repairing the world, making it a better place through our actions. As a veterinarian, I see my role as part of this greater task of repairing the world, helping to restore balance when an animal is sick or suffering, and providing a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. The lessons of empathy, responsibility, and respect for life are embedded in my DNA. These values are not just a part of my faith; they are part of my culture, and they inform the way I approach veterinary medicine. When I step into a medical setting, I am not just thinking about the science of healing. I am thinking about the ethical responsibility to offer care with dignity and love, just as I was taught growing up. It’s about ensuring that every animal I treat receives the same level of care that I would want for my own loved ones—human or otherwise.

I grew up surrounded by the faith of my family. Jewish values were instilled in me from a young age—not just through the lessons of the Torah, but through the example set by our family and the larger Jewish community. It was in the shared laughter around the dinner table on Friday nights during Shabbat, the solemnity of Yom Kippur, and the warmth of our synagogue that I first understood what it meant to live a life guided by faith, love, and the responsibility we have to one another. When I was a teenager, three of my little cousins were diagnosed with cancer all within a span of 2 years. I truly began to question if a higher power existed, and if so, how such a burden could be placed upon my family. My beliefs were thrown to the side as I grieved for the severe pain of those whom I loved so much. I could not rationalize how such brutality and ill fate could somehow coincide with the benevolence of God. But as I watched my cousins fight their battles and my family rise up to support them, I found myself leaning into something that had always been a pillar of my Jewish upbringing: the strength of community. I realized that my family was not just a group of people related by blood—we were a team, each of us pulling together to support those in need. What I witnessed in the weeks that followed was a profound sense of solidarity, not just from my immediate family but from our extended Jewish community as well. The act of coming together was simple but profound. We organized meals, provided rides to chemotherapy appointments, and played games with them. Our synagogue held prayer services, offering a space where we could ask for healing—not just for my cousins, but for everyone who was suffering in any way. My cousins’ schools put together benefits to bring the student body together, bring awareness for cancer, and raise money for the various expenses that treatment brought with it. Sometimes, the most meaningful gestures were the subtle acts of kindness: a hand on a shoulder, a shared cup of tea, a comforting silence in a room full of worry. There was an unspoken understanding among us that we were in this together. It wasn’t just my cousins who needed support; each of us did. Throughout this journey, I’ve come to see that faith doesn’t just mean praying for healing or wishing for a miracle. It means showing up for each other, being present, and offering love when it’s needed most. The battle my cousins were facing wasn’t just theirs—it belonged to all of us. That sense of shared responsibility kept us going, even on the hardest days. On the days when my cousins were too tired to speak or too weak to smile, it was the community around us that made all the difference. As my cousins have now made their way to remission, I find myself reflecting on what I’ve learned from this experience. The illness may be difficult, and the road may be long, but the love and support of those around us make the journey bearable. In times of pain, community is the thread that holds us together, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, we are never alone. And that, more than anything, is the greatest gift we could ask for.

Before learning about veterinary medicine, inklings of wanting to work with animals started in my own living room. Living in an otherwise urban city, I remember nature documentaries like “Planet Earth” transporting me to scenes of durable American bison pilgrimaging through barren snow banks in search of grass to maintain sustenance. This showcasing of the incredible adaptations of various animals and the tenacity of life eventually blossomed into a focused academic pursuit, guiding me to major in biology. My fascination with biology gave way to a curiosity for medicine, which I saw as another form of the promotion of life. In tenth grade, I volunteered at St. John’s Hospital and the Westside Pet Clinic, where I observed the practices of human and veterinary medicine. Although the medical care for humans and animals had fundamental similarities—both involving a team effort led by a doctor—the unique and intriguing challenges of veterinary medicine quickly became evident. One of my most profound experiences came when working with Patty, a stray pit bull who arrived at the clinic in severe distress. After a thorough examination and X-rays, Dr. Adams diagnosed Patty with a ruptured spleen. The decision was stark: perform a high-risk surgery or consider euthanasia if recovery seemed unlikely. Witnessing Dr. Adams navigate this complex decision, ultimately opting for surgery, highlighted the critical problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making skills essential in veterinary medicine. Patty’s successful recovery and return to health underscored the profound impact of these attributes and solidified my desire to engage in similar critical thinking and problem-solving in my future career. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought new personal challenges and insights. My sedentary lifestyle at that time had drastic effects on my self-image. I began regularly exercising and taking longer walks with my senior dog, Cinnamon, which allowed me to stay active and her to upkeep her joint mobility. Simultaneously, Cinnamon's rising age provoked redundant ear infections, leading me to approach her health and wellness with the same focus on consistency. Our new routines showed me the impact of long-term care and a continuous intention toward preserving wellness. This lesson has been reinforced in the past year in my work at the Pacific Palisades Veterinary Center. Some of the most common issues patients would come in with included yeast infections, chronic ear infections, and recurring skin irritation. Each of these ailments often proved to be severely uncomfortable or unbearable for patients. This sparked an initial curiosity into the field of veterinary dermatology for me. The high demand to address skin disorders in animals leaves a gap in the aid that we provide toward animal welfare. I hope to specialize in dermatology to provide the much needed care for such prevailing illnesses. Furthermore, the routine and diligent treatment protocols for the patients requires an eye for care and patience. I see the power in educating owners in the value of long-term care. Oftentimes, all issues cannot be eradicated upon a single visit or treatment. I hope to utilize my intentions of continuous and ongoing care for all animals in the dermatology field as I did for myself and Cinnamon. These experiences—ranging from critical decision-making in veterinary care to the significance of ongoing wellness efforts—have profoundly shaped my understanding of the veterinary profession and dermatology. They have highlighted the challenges and rewards of the field and reinforced my belief in the power of preventative care and education. As a future veterinarian, I am eager to apply these insights to make a meaningful impact on animal health and wellness, advocating for both proactive care and informed pet ownership.