My life goal is to be a Veterinarian Technician. My passion is working with animals of all kinds. I have been an active 4-H member for the past 9 years. I have raised steers, pigs, goats, rabbits, chickens, cats and dogs. I also love hunting and have done several 4H projects with my wildlife mounts/projects. I want to be a vet tech because animals are loving, forgiving, and can sense when you need their love. Animals are my passion in life and have helped my soul heal. About 2 years ago, I was sexually assaulted by two men. Since then, I have had PTSD, anxiety, depression, panic attacks with certain triggers, and night terrors. This trauma completely changed my life. Before the sexual assaults, I was outgoing, had many friends, was very social, and involved in many activities/sports outside of 4H. After my trauma, my anxiety and depression lead me down a dark path full of withdrawing from everyone and everything. I was unable to focus on school or work due to my mental state. This caused my grades to decrease and lower my work performance. In that dark place, I didn't know how to react, and unfortunately lead to self-harm. I have learned that self-harm is not an escape and I try to be an advocate to others struggling as I do. After my assaults, I went to 3 different mental health therapists. Unfortunately, their attempts did not help. Then, I sought the guidance of my youth pastor, which has helped me the most. I am learning how to manage my mental health through my faith and support from my family and close friends. My counselor and involvement in my church's youth group has helped my mental health get to the point of being functioning again. My youth pastor has shown me ways to refocus myself mentally. I read my Bible daily and am very open with my family and friends now. I found out which friends are my true friends and focus on relationships that keep me centered and focused on my life goals. I am very excited to go to college this Fall and open up this exciting new chapter in my life!

I love being involved in 4H! I plan to go to college this coming Fall for animal science and become a Veterinarian Technician. I want to help animals and their owners in the care of their animals. Another aspiration I have is to be able to breed animals for future 4H members. I believe it is very important to be involved with 4H as it teaches kids to give back to the community and to work hard in life.