Even dynamite comes in small packages and I am that dynamite with larger-than-life goals. I have not experienced just one difficult life event. My entire life has been difficult. I am a 17-year-old high school senior who is 4'10 and 80 pounds "soaking wet". I was diagnosed shortly after birth with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. When I was approximately 10 and 12 years old, I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which affect all of my joints, but primarily my hands, knees and hips. About 2 years ago I was also diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome which causes drops in my blood pressure, rapid heart rates and blackouts. I have not had the "typical" childhood and teenage experiences. I never really got to go outside and play with friends growing up. I get tired just from grocery shopping. There are probably more things that I "can't do" than I "can", but I DO NOT let that stop me from trying. I have more health issues than people 3 times my age, yet I persevere through even the most challenging tasks. Unfortunately, I've been told, "you will never be able to...", more times than I can count! I joined my school’s equestrian club even though they were worried I wouldn’t be able to fully participate. Now, I ride with them every week. I find ways to adapt to difficult situations and any activity so that I am not only able to participate but also excel. I have had to push through and work harder than most, but it has all been worth it. We have now added several new members to our equestrian club who also have various disabilities. I’d like to think that seeing me ride and hearing my story has encouraged them to participate. I've now shown my school, my community and my family that disabilities shouldn't automatically be a "no, you can't". Even with all of my health issues, I am determined to become a veterinarian. I have wanted to become a veterinarian for as long as I can remember, but it hasn’t always been easy. I've had veterinarians tell me that they couldn't allow me to volunteer (let alone employ me) for fear I'd get hurt. I proved them wrong and found others who didn’t see my disabilities, but rather, believed in me and my determination. Now, I volunteer at animal hospitals and clinics several times a month. Volunteering at these veterinarian clinics has taught me that even though I've been told “no” more times than I've been told “yes”, I can never give up. Getting my degree will help me reach my goals of having the letters DVM behind my name and becoming a large animal vet. I have learned so much, not only about myself but also about working with horses in particular. I want to eventually move to Kentucky and focus on equine orthopedics (which comes from my own experiences with various orthopedic "disabilities"). I also want to inspire others to never accept "no" when trying to reach their goals. While some may consider having these "disabilities" as a setback, I appreciate my disabilities. They have taught me that I can do ANYTHING if I set my mind to it and that I am stronger than I EVER thought possible. I have the ABILITIES to overcome anything! Through my various experiences, I also found that promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities has become a passion of mine. I want to encourage others to pursue their goals, no matter how big they may be or what difficulties they may face. I want to show the world that "disabilities'' or fear shouldn't hold you back or be a reason to deny anyone of their dreams. I plan to continue to give back to my community through volunteering and mentoring other individuals with similar aspirations who have been told their entire life, "you will never be able to..." because I will show them, "YES, YOU CAN!" Helen Keller once said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched- they must be felt with the heart”. I feel, in my heart, that I am meant to be a veterinarian. I am meant to spread awareness about disabilities. I am meant to encourage and inspire others!

Have you ever heard the saying, "Dynamite comes in small packages?" Well, I am that dynamite! I am a 17 year old high school senior who is 4'10 and 80 pounds "soaking wet" and I want to be a large animals vet!! Yes, you read that right! I have wanted to become a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. I received my first pet, which was a miniature schnauzer, when I was only a few months old. I then received my second pet around the age of 2. By the age of 3, I started gaining interest in providing care for animals when my dog had a litter of puppies. I quickly began to help nurture the puppies as I would hold and provide food and other necessities for them. Not long after, at age 6, I became interested in larger animals when we got several horses. My passion grew even more for becoming a veterinarian after watching and helping my local vet float the horse’s teeth, castrate them, and learn the daily responsibilities of caring for them. At the age of 10, I received another dog for a Christmas present and have since gained several more pets that I continually care for and train successfully, but my love has always been with horses. I have shadowed and volunteered for several large animal veterinarians and have loved every minute of it. I enjoy learning from them and working on horses in particular. I consider the equine species to be the most unique of all the animal species. I enjoy studying their mannerisms, their mechanics and their overall physical attributes. With that being said, my aspiration of becoming a vet is still a goal and has been for the past ten years of my life. My ultimate goal is to eventually move to Kentucky and focus on equine orthopedics. My focus on orthopedics comes from my own personal experiences and health issues related to various orthopedic "disabilities". During the first 15 years of my life, I was diagnosed with several health issues that might hinder some children (or even adults) from eventually becoming a vet. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrom, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Optic Nerve Hypoplasia and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome; just to name a few. While some may consider having these "disabilities" as a set back, I appreciate my disabilities. They have taught me how to persevere through anything. I want to show other children (and adults) that "disabilities" shouldn't hold you back. They can give you the "ability" and strength to keep going to reach your goal. They have taught me that I can adapt any situation so that I can do ANYTHING if I set my mind to. These disabilities have taught me I am stronger than I EVER thought possible. I have ABILITIES to overcome!

Horses!! I have a deep love and respect for all animals but especially horses. Even with my disabilities I enjoy participating in my school's equestrian club. I recently participated in my first fox hunt. Being a part of my school's equestrian club has taught me that no disability will hold me back from doing what I love. I also enjoy watching wrestling. Yes, I said wrestling and before you think or say anything, no it is not fake! While the matches may be choreographed, the blood and the skills required are completely real! So, I like to think I am a 17 year old girl with hobbies that cover a wide spectrum of intellect and physicality.