My “Pie in the Sky” dream is to become a veterinarian and business owner who opens doors for the next generation of Hispanic women to pursue their individual dreams. I have wanted to be a veterinarian since the age of five when I watched the TV show Doc McStuffins. As I grew and made more friends, I saw how much comfort and joy animals bring into people’s lives, and I wanted to understand how to protect that bond. Now thirteen years later, I'm planning to pursue this dream through my bachelor's degree and beyond to a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. It’s a long journey, but it’s one I’m ready for. My family and friends have always believed in me, and their support makes the dream feel less distant and more like something I can reach. I chose which high school to attend because it offered a special veterinary program. Once I became a certified veterinary assistant, I began volunteering at a local animal hospital. So far, I've restrained pets for vaccinations, prepped exam rooms, sterilized surgical tools, and helped the vet techs with anything they needed. Every shift motivates me to continue to the next stage. I've learned how much focus the work takes, how important communication is when you’re explaining things to families, and how rewarding it feels to help an animal get better. Unfortunately, Hispanic representation in this field was 0.5% in 2023 and only increased to 5% in 2025. Seeing those statistics made me realize how important it is for women like me to step into this field. Those statistics also scream, "It's not likely going to happen for you". When you rarely see people who look like you in your career, the path can feel distant. I want younger Hispanic women to look at veterinary medicine and see a place where they belong. My extracurricular activities have shaped the courage and creativity I’ll need to reach this dream. As a classical and jazz saxophonist in one of the top high school bands in Texas, I’ve learned how to collaborate, lead, and bring energy into everything I do. Music taught me discipline and how to show up for others every day. In addition to music, I'm a self-taught nail artist. I’ve learned how to express creativity, build client relationships, and manage a small business. I plan to pursue a dual major with entrepreneurial coursework so I can continue my nail business during college and eventually apply those skills to running my own veterinary practice. Scouting has been another major influence. Since joining Scouts BSA in 2019, I’ve worked my way to Life Scout and am now completing my Eagle project. Through years of service projects, one particular event was completely planned, organized, and executed by me. I pulled together a team of volunteers to walk a 2.5 mile hiking and biking trail clean-up activity which collected 15 bags of litter. Scouting taught me how to organize volunteers, solve problems, and take responsibility for something bigger than myself. It’s shown me that real impact comes from stepping up and doing the work, not just talking about it. To reach my dream, I plan to stay connected to my community by volunteering at shelters and returning to local schools to mentor students interested in science, animals, music, or art. If my journey helps even one person feel more confident pursuing their own “Pie in the Sky” dream, then I’ll know I’m already making the impact I hope to have as a future entrepreneur.