My love for animals has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I spent summers, weekends, and holidays visiting my dad, who always had a house full of animals. Despite this, I would still beg for more—puppies, horses, chickens, cows—anything I could think of. My dad always joked that I should become a veterinarian so he could get free animal care, but I never took it seriously. At 13, I moved in with my dad full time and was fully immersed in his world of animals. It was during this time that I realized caring for animals wasn’t just something I enjoyed—it was a passion I wanted to dedicate my life to. A defining moment that reinforced my commitment happened about a month ago with my Jack Russell terrier, Dixie. She, an energetic and curious dog, mysteriously suffered a severe injury—her jaw locked and uncontrollable bleeding. Though I’m in the process of studying veterinary medicine through my high school courses, I could do nothing to help her, and no one else could figure it out either. Dixie passed away the next morning. Although heartbreaking, this experience reminded me why I am pursuing a career in veterinary medicine: to help animals in need and provide comfort and guidance to their families during difficult times. My involvement in FFA and Veterinary related courses has given me hands-on experience and strengthened my knowledge of animal care. Completing classes in Small Animal Management, competing on the Veterinary Medicine team, and designing a veterinary clinic project have all taught me the importance of responsibility, attention to detail, and compassion. Raising livestock through FFA has further reinforced patience and the value of daily care and proper nutrition in animal health. These experiences have shown me how impactful dedicated care can be in improving the lives of both animals and their human families. My academics have also supported my passion and given me a chance to demonstrate my capabilities to myself. Through being offered the opportunity to take classes such as Small Animal Management, Equine Science, Veterinary Medical Applications, and Livestock production, I’ve furthered my knowledge on the agricultural work to an entirely different depth. I have also maintained a strong GPA while taking dual-credit, AP, and honors classes. Outside of school, my work as a lifeguard has taught me the importance of vigilance and responsibility, since the safety of others relies on my attention to detail and actions. Both in academics and work, these experiences have strengthened my work ethic and prepared me to pursue my long-term goals. I plan to major in veterinary sciences with the goal of earning my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and eventually opening a mixed-animal practice focused on both small and large animals. My goal is not only to provide medical care but also to educate pet owners, support the agricultural community, and advocate for animal welfare. I hope to make a positive impact in the animal world by improving the lives of animals through quality care and by teaching others how to nurture and respect them. Animals have always been at the center of my life, shaping my values, work ethic, and goals. Pursuing veterinary sciences allows make a meaningful difference for both animals and their companions. Veterinary medicine is more than a profession to me — it is a calling shaped by every animal I have loved and lost, every challenge I have faced, and every mentor who has inspired me.

My love for animals has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I spent summers, weekends, and holidays visiting my dad, who always had a house full of animals. Despite this fact, I would still beg for more—puppies, horses, chickens, cows—anything I could think of. My dad always joked about me becoming a vet so he could get free animal care, but I never took it seriously. At 13, I moved in with my dad full time and was finally immersed in his world of animals. Since this was only a year before high school, we began to talk a lot about my future so I could choose the best endorsement classes. It was then that I realized caring for animals wasn’t just something I loved—it was something I was meant to dedicate my life to. About a month ago, I faced a heartbreaking moment with one of my own. My Jack Russell terrier, Dixie, an energetic and curious dog, mysteriously ended up with a severe injury—her jaw locked and bleeding uncontrollably from her mouth. It broke my heart that I was already on my path of studying veterinary medicine but could do nothing to help her, and no one else could figure it out either. Dixie passed away the next morning. As painful as it was, that experience reminded me why I want to pursue this career: to dedicate my life to helping animals and their families through moments just like this. My involvement in FFA has been one of the most meaningful experiences guiding me toward this path. Completing classes in Small Animal Management and Veterinary Medical Applications has shown me the rigorous work and importance of even the smallest details. I have also competed on the Veterinary Medicine team, which has given me more hands-on experience with the field. Raising livestock taught me responsibility, patience, and the importance of animal health in both agricultural and family settings. When I exhibited my first FFA project, I learned how much goes into the daily care and needs of an animal. That project not only grew my confidence but also showed me that veterinary medicine is a path requiring commitment, compassion, and resilience. Academics have reinforced this drive and shown me my own capabilities. I have challenged myself through dual-credit, AP, and honors classes. Outside of class, my current work experience as a lifeguard has also shown me the true value of attentiveness and responsibility, since a life is trusted in your hands. Both of these experiences have strengthened my work ethic and prepared me to pursue my long-term goals with determination. What inspires me most about veterinary medicine is its ability to touch not only the lives of animals but also the lives of their families. The story of Pinot and Rocky reflects exactly the kind of veterinarian I aspire to be: someone who combines medical expertise with compassion, offering comfort during the hardest moments. I hope to one day give that same reassurance to families who trust me with their animals. Looking forward, I plan to earn my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and eventually open my own mixed-animal practice focused on both large and small animals. My goal is not only to treat illness and injury but also to educate owners, support the agricultural community, and advocate for animal welfare. Veterinary medicine is more than a career choice—it is a calling shaped by every animal I have loved and lost, every challenge I have faced, and every mentor who has inspired me.