"Adopt, don't shop." This simple phrase enfolds a cause I have passionately supported for a long time—advocating for adopting pets from shelters rather than purchasing from deceitful breeders. My commitment to this cause stems from my belief in the transformative power of providing shelter animals with loving homes. With overcrowded shelters filled with pets desperately seeking families, it is more crucial than ever to emphasize the option of adoption. As a dedicated advocate and volunteer at animal shelters, I strive to highlight the significance of adopting shelter pets and the profound impact it can have on their lives. One of the most powerful examples of this is the story of Iris. Iris was a thin, skittish Doberman who was brought into the local shelter where I volunteer after being found wandering alone on a busy street. Each day, I watched as Iris sat in the corner of her kennel, curled into a tight ball, fearful of everything around her. People would glance at her but always move on to the more animated puppies. Because of her timidity, Iris was constantly overlooked, and I made it my mission to help her find a home. Gaining her trust was a gradual process, as my attempts to coax her out of her corner were often met with reluctance. However, during one of these interactions, I discovered Iris had lost one of her back limbs, adding another layer to her story of resilience and further strengthening my resolve. Over the course of several weeks, Iris slowly came out of her shell, and on August 11th, 2023, she was adopted into a loving home. Seeing her go from a fearful dog to one filled with joy and fearlessness reinforced my belief in the transformative power of adoption. Through my involvement in Iris's story and many others like hers, I strive to raise awareness about the rewarding experience of helping homeless animals find forever homes. My role goes beyond simply finding these animals new homes—I also aim to encourage others to get involved in the process, whether through volunteering, fostering, or spreading awareness about the importance of adoption. In my community, I actively work to make a difference through TAWK (Treat Animals With Kindness), a club I founded to support animal shelters and promote animal welfare. Through TAWK, we organize fundraisers and donation drives, collecting money and supplies to donate to local shelters like the SPCA. Our members also regularly volunteer at shelters and spay/neuter events around Houston. My leadership in TAWK has taught me the value of sharing my passion for animal welfare, as it strengthens the bond between my community and the cause I care so deeply about. By working together, we have been able to improve the lives of many homeless pets. Looking ahead to my time at the University of Michigan, I am excited to continue this work on a larger scale. The University of Michigan will provide me with an incredible platform to extend my reach, and I am eager to become involved in animal advocacy initiatives on campus and within the greater Ann Arbor community. My goal is to help more Irises find their forever homes and to inspire others to join me in promoting animal welfare. With the University of Michigan’s resources, community, and emphasis on service, I know I can continue to make a significant impact.

As a first-generation college student navigating college applications has been a challenge, my journey has been characterized by curiosity, passion, and a drive to make a tangible difference in the world. The University of Michigan will provide me with the nutritive space and flexibility to cultivate my interests, offering me the opportunity to pursue my academic and professional aspirations. My journey towards a STEM degree has been deeply influenced by my upbringing and experiences. Growing up, I always nurtured a profound passion for animals and was fascinated by the intricacies of living organisms. This curiosity led me to explore veterinary medicine, a field where I could merge my scientific interests with my desire to advocate for the well-being of animals. My experiences working in both veterinary clinics and human hospitals have further solidified my commitment to pursuing a STEM degree. Whether analyzing a black-and-white lateral x-ray of a dog's abdomen or speculating on the reasons behind abnormalities in a human gastrointestinal radiology exam, I found myself drawn to the complexities of physiological systems. These experiences have fueled my desire to delve deeper into the study of physiology, a journey that the University of Michigan's LSA program offers ample opportunities for. Additionally, as a first-generation college student, I deeply value the importance of community engagement and giving back to society. Through volunteering at my local animal shelter and Memorial Hermann Hospital, I have experienced firsthand the impact that small acts of kindness can have on individuals in need. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to serving others and have underscored the vital role that STEM plays in addressing public health challenges and advancing societal well-being. The University of Michigan's emphasis on civic engagement and service learning resonates perfectly with my personal and professional aspirations. From participating in Project Community's public health focus area to engaging in hands-on research and laboratory experiences, I am eager to leverage my STEM education to make a meaningful impact both within and beyond the university community. In conclusion, my journey as a first-generation college student has been shaped by a deep-rooted curiosity, a passion for animals, and a commitment to serving others. Pursuing a STEM degree at the University of Michigan will provide me with the opportunity to explore my interests in physiology while making a positive difference in the world. With the support of the University of Michigan, I am confident that I can achieve my goals and contribute meaningfully to society as a future STEM professional.

As a first-generation college student navigating college applications has been a challenge, my journey has been characterized by curiosity, passion, and a drive to make a tangible difference in the world. The University of Michigan will provide me with the nutritive space and flexibility to cultivate my interests, offering me the opportunity to pursue my academic and professional aspirations. My journey towards a STEM degree has been deeply influenced by my upbringing and experiences. Growing up, I always nurtured a profound passion for animals and was fascinated by the intricacies of living organisms. This curiosity led me to explore veterinary medicine, a field where I could merge my scientific interests with my desire to advocate for the well-being of animals. My experiences working in both veterinary clinics and human hospitals have further solidified my commitment to pursuing a STEM degree. Whether analyzing a black-and-white lateral x-ray of a dog's abdomen or speculating on the reasons behind abnormalities in a human gastrointestinal radiology exam, I found myself drawn to the complexities of physiological systems. These experiences have fueled my desire to delve deeper into the study of physiology, a journey that the University of Michigan's LSA program offers ample opportunities for. Additionally, as a first-generation college student, I deeply value the importance of community engagement and giving back to society. Through volunteering at my local animal shelter and Memorial Hermann Hospital, I have experienced firsthand the impact that small acts of kindness can have on individuals in need. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to serving others and have underscored the vital role that STEM plays in addressing public health challenges and advancing societal well-being. The University of Michigan's emphasis on civic engagement and service learning resonates perfectly with my personal and professional aspirations. From participating in Project Community's public health focus area to engaging in hands-on research and laboratory experiences, I am eager to leverage my STEM education to make a meaningful impact both within and beyond the university community. In conclusion, my journey as a first-generation college student has been shaped by a deep-rooted curiosity, a passion for animals, and a commitment to serving others. Pursuing a STEM degree at the University of Michigan will provide me with the opportunity to explore my interests in physiology while making a positive difference in the world. With the support of the University of Michigan, I am confident that I can achieve my goals and contribute meaningfully to society as a future STEM professional.

I performed my first surgery at ten years old. I remember grasping a thin, sharp needle in my left hand and poking it through my teddy-bear’s soft stomach. My hands worked with delicate precision, finding rhythm as I repeated each stitch carefully. I enjoyed being a pseudo-veterinarian, more than anything, I wanted a real animal, and my heart was set on a dog. Every Christmas & birthday, I begged for a dog. My parents finally caved in an attempt to ease my relentless nagging when they allowed me to adopt a small poodle. Coco, with his lively personality, lived up to the canine reputation of being man’s best-friend. I attended every vet check-up, excitedly observing the duties I longed to practice when I would be the one wearing the white-coat. It only took what was supposed to be a routine vet appointment to distort my rose-colored view of this “perfect” job. Coco lay listlessly on a metal table while the veterinarian examined him. The look on the vet’s face, followed by a battery of tests, were the first indications that something was awry. Two hours of agonizing anticipation filled with "what ifs" ended when the vet finally delivered the diagnosis: "Coco has a portosystemic-shunt, a liver disease." With no cure, the effects were irreversible. I deluded myself into thinking real animals were stuffed animals that could always be mended. This epiphany caused me to dread visits to the vet, where I was confronted with the bleaker parts of veterinary medicine. I struggled to transfer my childhood passion to the multifaceted responsibilities of a real-world veterinarian. But my love for Coco reignited that desire. Through the end of Coco’s life, I realized that the broader role of the vet is not always to cure animals but to make their lives comfortable through palliative care. Prepared to face both sides of the profession, I was adamant about continuing to explore the veterinary world. After numerous calls and emails, I found a clinic that allowed me to shadow a veterinarian. While shadowing, I watched a spay performed on a Chihuahua. I observed in awe as the surgeon started the operation, deftly using a scalpel to make an incision on the dog’s underbelly and seamlessly switching from the scalpel to forceps. The procedure went on, and I could feel my palms begin to sweat. I was very unaccustomed to seeing the insides of a dog and couldn't bear the sight. After hastily excusing myself from the operating room, I was engulfed in bitter defeat. I sat on a cold metal chair and pressed my flushed cheeks against my clammy palms. The overwhelming feeling of failure swallowed me as I began to reconsider my future as a veterinarian. How was I ever going to follow my dream if I couldn’t overcome this? After completing the operation, the vet encouraged me not to get disheartened: "Don't let this ruin your ambition. I was in your shoes once; you just have to try again." I re-entered the operating room when another surgery began with my heart pounding. Again, I watched the patterned movements of the vet, but instead of focusing on the vivid sight, I tried to concentrate on the process. As my breath steadied, I realized there would never be a moment where everything easily clicked. This was a process I knew would take many more afternoons in this exact spot to fully overcome my unease. At the end of the procedure, I walked out of the operating room elatedly, feeling as if I alone had completed the surgery, and one day I knew I would.

1. At Carnegie Vanguard High School, I'm Selin Atakan. I work hard to achieve success in all three areas because I'm enthusiastic about leadership, academics, and service. I give my time at Memorial Hermann Medical Center because I am committed to improving healthcare for others. My devotion to animal welfare, a cause I am passionate about, is demonstrated by my work with the Houston SPCA. I lead my teammates to district titles as captain of the varsity tennis team, demonstrating my leadership abilities both on and off the court. As president of TAWK Service Club, I plan events that have a positive influence on my community. The recognition I have received as an AP Scholar with Distinction and other academic accolades attest to my commitment to my future goals. Questions 2. & 3. I performed my first surgery at ten years old. I remember grasping a thin, sharp needle in my left hand and poking it through my teddy-bear’s soft stomach. My hands worked with delicate precision, finding rhythm as I repeated each stitch carefully. My eyebrows wrinkled in concentration as I ran my finger over the completed zigzagged suture. I was ready to add yet another cured "patient" to my collection of stuffed toys—toys plastered with colorful Band-Aids and wrapped in bandages. I enjoyed being a pseudo-veterinarian, but more than anything, I wanted a real animal, and my heart was set on a dog. Every Christmas and every birthday, I begged for a dog. My parents finally caved in an attempt to ease my relentless nagging when they allowed me to adopt a small poodle. Coco, with his lively personality, lived up to the canine reputation of being man’s best friend. I attended his every vet check-up, excitedly observing the duties I longed to practice when I would be the one wearing the white coat. It only took what was supposed to be a routine vet appointment to distort my rose-colored view of this “perfect” job. Coco lay listlessly on a metal table while the veterinarian examined him. The look on the vet’s face, followed by a battery of tests, were the first indications that something was awry. Two hours of agonizing anticipation filled with "what ifs" ended when the vet finally delivered the diagnosis: "Coco has a portosystemic-shunt, a fatal type of liver disease." With no cure, the effects were irreversible. I deluded myself into thinking real animals were like stuffed animals that could always be mended. This epiphany caused me to dread visits to the vet, where I was confronted with the bleaker parts of veterinary medicine. I struggled to transfer my childhood passion to the multifaceted responsibilities of a real-world veterinarian. But my love for Coco reignited that desire. Through the end of Coco’s life, I realized that the broader role of the vet is not always to cure animals but to make their lives comfortable through palliative care. Prepared to face both sides of the profession, I was adamant about continuing to explore the veterinary world. After making numerous calls and sending copious emails, I found a clinic that allowed me to shadow a veterinarian. While shadowing, I watched a spay performed on a Chihuahua. I observed in awe as the surgeon started the Selin Atakan GMis Scholarship operation, deftly using a scalpel to make an incision on the dog’s underbelly and seamlessly switching from the scalpel to forceps. The procedure went on, and I could feel my palms begin to sweat. I was very unaccustomed to seeing the insides of a dog and couldn't bear the sight. After hastily excusing myself from the operating room, I was engulfed in bitter defeat. I sat on a cold metal chair and pressed my flushed cheeks against my clammy palms. The overwhelming feeling of failure swallowed me as I began to reconsider my future as a veterinarian. How was I ever going to follow my dream if I couldn’t overcome this? After completing the operation, the vet encouraged me not to get disheartened: "Don't let this ruin your ambition. I was in your shoes once; you just have to try again." I re-entered the operating room when another surgery began with my heart pounding. Again, I watched the patterned movements of the vet, but instead of focusing on the vivid sight, I tried to concentrate on the process. As my breath steadied, I realized there would never be a moment where everything easily clicked. This was a process I knew would take many more afternoons in this exact spot to fully overcome my unease. At the end of the procedure, I walked out of the operating room elatedly, feeling as if I alone had completed the surgery, and one day I knew I would.

For as long as I can remember, living beings have fascinated me. Life in general sparked so much curiosity in my premature mind, and it still does. My interest in exploring living beings on a molecular level, coupled with my passion for animals, led me to veterinary medicine. After gaining experience in a vet clinic, my passionate wonder about organisms and bodily systems deepened. A black and white lateral x-ray of a dog’s abdomen painted my mind vibrantly with questions: What are the gray fuzzy parts around the bone? Why are there small clusters of whiteness in the small intestine? These questions lingered in my mind as I shadowed veterinarians, watching them tackle different cases, from a hamster with an ear infection to a dog with a cancerous tumor on its leg. Through this internship experience, I could see myself in this position with the right guidance and education. As I watched the vets complete physical exams on furry patients, talk to owners, and perform surgeries, it was like looking into the future. I could see myself wearing a white coat with a stethoscope hanging from my neck, attending to four-legged patients. Pursuing my intended major, biology, means I am one step closer to my ultimate dream: becoming a veterinarian. I also want to pursue a minor in Spanish. After taking the language throughout high school and using it to communicate with my family, I have found it to be extremely valuable to me. Combining a major in biological science with a minor in Spanish will allow me to expand the audience I cater to, allowing me to assist a variety of different pet owners. As I envision my journey toward becoming a veterinarian, I am filled with determination and eagerness to make a meaningful impact in the lives of animals and their owners. In the far future, after graduating from veterinary school and gaining experience at a clinic, I hope to open up my own practice. To achieve this big dream, it will take me at least eight years of school. With veterinary school ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, the financial aspect is daunting. Along with my passion for animals and ambition for my dream, I will need financial help to cover the hefty cost of my education. Looking ahead, I am aware of the financial challenges that lie ahead on my college journey. However, my passion for veterinary medicine fuels my determination to overcome these obstacles and achieve my dreams.

As a first-generation college student navigating college applications has been a challenge, my journey has been characterized by curiosity, passion, and a drive to make a tangible difference in the world. The University of Michigan will provide me with the nutritive space and flexibility to cultivate my interests, offering me the opportunity to pursue my academic and professional aspirations. My journey towards a STEM degree has been deeply influenced by my upbringing and experiences. Growing up, I always nurtured a profound passion for animals and was fascinated by the intricacies of living organisms. This curiosity led me to explore veterinary medicine, a field where I could merge my scientific interests with my desire to advocate for the well-being of animals. My experiences working in both veterinary clinics and human hospitals have further solidified my commitment to pursuing a STEM degree. Whether analyzing a black-and-white lateral x-ray of a dog's abdomen or speculating on the reasons behind abnormalities in a human gastrointestinal radiology exam, I found myself drawn to the complexities of physiological systems. These experiences have fueled my desire to delve deeper into the study of physiology, a journey that the University of Michigan's LSA program offers ample opportunities for. Additionally, as a first-generation college student, I deeply value the importance of community engagement and giving back to society. Through volunteering at my local animal shelter and Memorial Hermann Hospital, I have experienced firsthand the impact that small acts of kindness can have on individuals in need. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to serving others and have underscored the vital role that STEM plays in addressing public health challenges and advancing societal well-being. The University of Michigan's emphasis on civic engagement and service learning resonates perfectly with my personal and professional aspirations. From participating in Project Community's public health focus area to engaging in hands-on research and laboratory experiences, I am eager to leverage my STEM education to make a meaningful impact both within and beyond the university community. In conclusion, my journey as a first-generation college student has been shaped by a deep-rooted curiosity, a passion for animals, and a commitment to serving others. Pursuing a STEM degree at the University of Michigan will provide me with the opportunity to explore my interests in physiology while making a positive difference in the world. With the support of the University of Michigan, I am confident that I can achieve my goals and contribute meaningfully to society as a future STEM professional.

For as long as I can remember, living beings have fascinated me. Life in general sparked so much curiosity in my premature mind, and it still does. My interest in exploring living beings on a molecular level, coupled with my passion for animals, led me to veterinary medicine. After gaining experience in a vet clinic, my passionate wonder about organisms and bodily systems deepened. A black and white lateral x-ray of a dog’s abdomen painted my mind vibrantly with questions: What are the gray fuzzy parts around the bone? Why are there small clusters of whiteness in the small intestine? These questions lingered in my mind as I shadowed veterinarians, watching them tackle different cases, from a hamster with an ear infection to a dog with a cancerous tumor on its leg. Through this internship experience, I could see myself in this position with the right guidance and education. As I watched the vets complete physical exams on furry patients, talk to owners, and perform surgeries, it was like looking into the future. I could see myself wearing a white coat with a stethoscope hanging from my neck, attending to four-legged patients. Pursuing my intended major, Biology, means I am one step closer to my ultimate dream: becoming a veterinarian. I also want to pursue a minor in Spanish. After taking the language throughout high school and using it to communicate with my family, I have found it to be extremely valuable to me. Combining a major in Biological Science with a minor in Spanish will allow me to expand the audience I cater to, allowing me to assist a variety of different pet owners. As I envision my journey toward becoming a veterinarian, I am filled with determination and eagerness to make a meaningful impact in the lives of animals and their owners. In the far future, after graduating from veterinary school and gaining experience at a clinic, I hope to open up my own practice. To achieve my professional dream, it will take me at least eight years of school. With veterinary school ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, the financial aspect is daunting. Along with my passion for animals and ambition for my dream, I will need financial help to cover the hefty cost of my education. Looking ahead, I am aware of the financial challenges that lie ahead on my college journey. However, my passion for veterinary medicine fuels my determination to overcome these obstacles and achieve my dreams.

My dream of becoming a Veterinarian began when I was very young. At the tender age of 7, I found myself plastering all of my stuffed animals with colorful band-aids and giving them checkups using my pink plastic med kit. By the time I was 10 years old, I was begging my parents to take me to the Texas A&M veterinary open house so I could perform surgery on a teddy bear. At 13 years old, I started working on career projects centered on veterinary medicine. As I grew older, my desire to be more involved with animals intensified. Landing an internship at a vet clinic was the result of my numerous calls and emails to different vet clinics, most of whom I didn't hear back from. Having no connections in the vet or medical field, I had to seek out opportunities on my own. I remained determined, and at just 16 years old, I became an intern at Bingle Vet. I was thrilled to finally receive a positive response and spent many summer afternoons trailing after veterinarians, observing their interactions with pet patients and their owners. One of the most unforgettable experiences I encountered while shadowing was watching my first live surgery: a spay on a Chihuahua. I watched in awe as the experienced veterinarian went about the operation. I observed as he seamlessly switched between a scalpel and forceps. It was as captivating as watching a movie. As I watched, I knew that one day I would play the main role. My love for animals has always encouraged me to get involved with and advocate for the four-legged community. At my high school, I founded TAWK (Treat Animals With Kindness), a club dedicated to volunteering at animal shelters and events. One of our most exciting volunteer opportunities was the Empty the Shelter Project, which helps communities around Houston microchip, vaccinate, and spay or neuter pets for free. TAWK club members assisted with transporting dogs and cats out of recovery and sanitizing the surgical equipment. We also raised money for local animal shelters. In my junior year, we fundraised through a booth at my school’s International Festival, where we sold baked goods, dog and cat keychains, and paw-shaped soaps, all made by club members. We raised over $200 and donated the money and pet supplies collected through our school-wide donation drives to the SPCA. Through the TAWK club, I have been able to share my love for animals and use the platform to raise awareness about community-wide issues, such as the importance of spaying and neutering animals to combat stray overpopulation. This leadership and service experience taught me that it is valuable to share what you love with others because it will strengthen the connection with your passion, community, and peers, which will encourage mass support for a common cause. I will continue to share my passion with others in hopes of enlightening my peers about the reward that comes with working with shelter pets. President Ronald Reagan once said, "The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets people to do the greatest things." I want to be the type of leader who not only gets people involved but is also excited to do so.

My love for animals has consistently fueled my commitment to advocate for the well-being of the four-legged community. This commitment led me to establish TAWK (Treat Animals With Kindness), a club focused on volunteering at animal shelters and events. A meaningful exciting initiative was our involvement in The Empty the Shelter Project, which provides free microchipping, vaccination, and spaying/neutering for pets in communities around Houston. During my junior year, we had a successful fundraising event at my school’s International Festival. TAWK members handcrafted and sold baked goods, dog and cat keychains, and paw-shaped soaps, resulting in over $300 in proceeds and donated to the SPCA. Through TAWK, I've not only expressed my love for animals but also utilized the platform to raise awareness about critical community issues, such as the necessity of spaying and neutering to address stray overpopulation. This leadership and service experience has taught me the significance of sharing one's passion and strengthening connections with the community, peers, and the cause itself. President Ronald Reagan once said, 'The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one who gets the people to do the greatest things.”