I am obtaining a bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science, as well as a minor in music with a concentration in vocal performance, at the University of Arizona starting this fall. While my passion for animals drives my academic and professional goals, music has always been another defining part of who I am. I plan to participate in animal-related undergraduate research, clubs, study abroad programs, and volunteering. My goal is to attend the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where the resources provide invaluable opportunities essential to becoming a well-rounded exotic veterinary surgeon. I was a student in the Pima JTED Veterinary Assisting Program, where I mastered restraint, grooming, venipuncture, surgical assisting, pathology, exams, charting, client care, medical terms, and anatomy. Within my time in JTED, I participated in 4 Snip-n-Tip events at the Pima Animal Care Center. These events serve to spay and neuter feral cats in the Tucson area. Over my 53 hours at these events, I completed pre-operative and post-operative care, administered core vaccines, as well as monitored the anesthesia machine and vitals during surgery, contributing to the sterilization of 400+ cats during each Snip-n-tip event. I now have my Approved Veterinary Assistant certification. Before this program, all that I knew was that I wanted to commit to a career where I worked with animals. I thought I would give the JTED Veterinary Assisting program a try, to dip my toe into the water of the veterinary medicine field. Pima JTED is why I am now solidified in my dream of being a veterinarian. As a child, my passion resided in national geographic magazines and a book I checked out 20+ times from my elementary school library detailing how to raise a baby tiger. As a veterinary surgeon in exotic wildlife medicine, I aspire to make positive growths in wildlife conservation. In my role as a vet, I want to contribute to the efforts of wildlife reserves around the world, as well as work in rehabilitation clinics for injured exotic wildlife. I aspire to make positive growths in wildlife conservation. In my role as an exotics vet, I want to contribute to the efforts of wildlife reserves around the world, as well as rehabilitation clinics for injured exotic wildlife. This past summer, I had two paid internships as a veterinary assistant. I am putting the money I make from these jobs into a savings account to pay for abroad conservation internships I want to do in my summers during my undergrad. These programs allow me to volunteer in a wildlife rehabilitation clinic in Costa Rica, assist in tagging and surgeries on a savannah reserve in South Africa, and so much more. I understand that veterinarians are crucial to the operation of wildlife reserves, through research tagging, fighting population diseases, and assisting in breeding efforts. I want to be on the frontlines of these efforts in reserves around the world. I know little me who would play with her stuffed animals accrued from her donations to the World Wildlife Fund, would be incredibly fulfilled with my future life's impact on conservation.

There is a term I learned from my days spent in Nara-teen, a program for teenagers who were children of addicts: The Quiet Game. The Quiet Game encompasses what happens in many families encumbered by addiction, which is that what happens behind closed doors no one is to speak about. The rules of The Quiet Game also extended into the cage of my home and mental state. I wasn’t allowed to cry, because crying made my dad angrier, which risked my mom getting hurt. That experience is what inspired me to pursue the veterinary science major at the University of Arizona. Animals are confined to their own Quiet Game as they cannot tell us when they are in pain. I want to be the person who communicates and finds solutions when others cannot. I want to be that voice for the voiceless. I will become the surgeon that can have the knowledge and experiences to hear every soundless pain. Through obtaining my doctor veterinary medicine degree, I will dedicate my life to breaking the cycle of The Quiet Game by being the voice for those condemned to silence. Birthed from my home life was Panic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Severe Anxiety, and PTSD. While home stayed in this state of combat, high school became another battlefield, where I lived trapped in a mental cage. Each morning I gagged as my stomach churned from anxiety, and there were countless days where I lay in bed, encumbered by my depression. Nevertheless, I persevered and was undeniably successful in my academic performance. With my persistent work ethic, I didn’t allow my mental health struggles define my potential. Despite everything, I never allowed my circumstances to become an excuse to stop growing. Working with animals gave me a feeling of acceptance and understanding. They never judged the parts of me shaped by trauma, and instead responded to patience, compassion, and trust. This inspired my dream of becoming a veterinarian so I can provide comfort to creatures that cannot speak for themselves. Healing happens only in a space where animals feel safe. Rather than allowing my past to harden my heart, I have chosen to let it deepen my empathy. Because I know what it feels like to be powerless, my life's goal is to become someone who gives others a sense of safety and hope. As a child, my passion resided in national geographic magazines and a book I checked out 20+ times from my elementary school library detailing how to raise a baby tiger. As a veterinary surgeon in exotic wildlife medicine, I aspire to make positive growths in wildlife conservation. In my role as a vet, I want to contribute to the efforts of wildlife reserves around the world, as well as work in rehabilitation clinics for injured exotic wildlife. I know little me who would play with her stuffed animals accrued from her donations to the World Wildlife Fund, would be incredibly fulfilled with my future life's impact on conservation. From surviving the impact of a home defined by pain to pursuing a career dedicated to healing, I have transformed damage into purpose. As an exotic wildlife veterinary surgeon, I hope to be the voice for the voiceless, providing compassionate care while contributing to the conservation of the species that first inspired my dreams.

There is a term I learned from my days spent in Nara-teen, a program for teenagers who were children of addicts: The Quiet Game. The Quiet Game encompasses what happens in many families encumbered by addiction, which is that what happens behind closed doors no one is to speak about. The rules of The Quiet Game also extended into the cage of my home and mental state. I wasn’t allowed to cry, because crying made my dad angrier, which risked my mom getting hurt. That experience is what inspired me to pursue Veterinary Medicine. Animals are confined to their own Quiet Game as they cannot tell us when they are in pain. I want to be the person who communicates and finds solutions when others cannot. I want to be that voice for the voiceless. I will become the surgeon that can have the knowledge and experiences to hear every soundless pain. Through obtaining my doctor veterinary medicine degree, I will dedicate my life to breaking the cycle of The Quiet Game by being the voice for those condemned to silence. Birthed from my home life was Panic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Severe Anxiety, and PTSD. While home stayed in this state of combat, high school became another battlefield, where I lived trapped in a mental cage. Each morning I gagged as my stomach churned from anxiety, and there were countless days where I lay in bed, encumbered by my depression. Nevertheless, I persevered and was undeniably successful in my academic performance. With my persistent work ethic, I didn’t allow my mental health struggles define my potential. Despite everything, I never allowed my circumstances to become an excuse to stop growing. Working with animals gave me a feeling of acceptance and understanding. They never judged the parts of me shaped by trauma, and instead responded to patience, compassion, and trust. This inspired my dream of becoming a veterinarian so I can provide comfort to creatures that cannot speak for themselves. Healing happens only in a space where animals feel safe. Rather than allowing my past to harden my heart, I have chosen to let it deepen my empathy. Because I know what it feels like to be powerless, my life's goal is to become someone who gives others a sense of safety and hope. As a child, my passion resided in national geographic magazines and a book I checked out 20+ times from my elementary school library detailing how to raise a baby tiger. As a veterinary surgeon in exotic wildlife medicine, I aspire to make positive growths in wildlife conservation. In my role as a vet, I want to contribute to the efforts of wildlife reserves around the world, as well as work in rehabilitation clinics for injured exotic wildlife. I know little me who would play with her stuffed animals accrued from her donations to the World Wildlife Fund, would be incredibly fulfilled with my future life's impact on conservation. From surviving the impact of a home defined by pain to pursuing a career dedicated to healing, I have transformed damage into purpose. As an exotic wildlife veterinary surgeon, I hope to be the voice for the voiceless, providing compassionate care while contributing to the conservation of the species that first inspired my dreams.

I am obtaining a bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science, as well as a minor in music with a concentration in vocal performance, at the University of Arizona starting this fall. While my passion for animals drives my academic and professional goals, music has always been another defining part of who I am. I plan to participate in animal-related undergraduate research, clubs, study abroad programs, and volunteering. My goal is to attend the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where the resources provide invaluable opportunities essential to becoming a well-rounded veterinary surgeon. I was a student in the Pima JTED Veterinary Assisting Program, where I mastered restraint, grooming, venipuncture, surgical assisting, pathology, exams, charting, client care, medical terms, and anatomy. Within my time in JTED, I participated in 4 Snip-n-Tip events at the Pima Animal Care Center. These events serve to spay and neuter feral cats in the Tucson area. Over my 53 hours at these events, I completed pre-operative and post-operative care, administered core vaccines, as well as monitored the anesthesia machine and vitals during surgery, contributing to the sterilization of 400+ cats during each Snip-n-tip event. I have now graduated from the program, and have my Approved Veterinary Assistant certification. Before this program, all that I knew was that I wanted to commit to a career where I worked with animals. I thought I would give the JTED Veterinary Assisting program a try, to dip my toe into the water of the veterinary medicine field. Pima JTED is why I am now solidified in my dream of being a veterinarian. As a child, my passion resided in national geographic magazines and a book I checked out 20+ times from my elementary school library detailing how to raise a baby tiger. As a veterinary surgeon in exotic wildlife medicine, I aspire to make positive growths in wildlife conservation. In my role as a vet, I want to contribute to the efforts of wildlife reserves around the world, as well as work in rehabilitation clinics for injured exotic wildlife. This summer, I have two paid internships as a veterinary assistant. I am putting the money I make from these jobs into a savings account to pay for abroad conservation internships I want to participate in during my summers. These programs allow me to volunteer in a wildlife rehabilitation clinic in Costa Rica, assist in tagging and surgeries on a savannah reserve in South Africa, and so much more. Within this field, I not only want to make a positive change in the lives of animals, but in the lives of the people who make those changes possible. Females are underrepresented in the field of specialty veterinary surgery. The main reasons for this are caregiving pressures and work-life balance. As a veterinary surgeon, I aspire to foster educational opportunities for women interested in this specialty, such as welcoming those who seek internships or shadowing opportunities. Additionally, I will push for schedules and maternity leave that promote both familial and career satisfaction. When I become a veterinary surgeon, I will pave the way for women to feel they can have a life along with a successful career, breaking barriers to entry. I know little me who would play with her stuffed animals accrued from her donations to the World Wildlife Fund, and who would fight for her place as a woman on the basketball court, would be incredibly fulfilled with the goals I am achieving.

I am obtaining a bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science, as well as a minor in music with a concentration in vocal performance, at the University of Arizona starting this fall. While my passion for animals drives my academic and professional goals, music has always been another defining part of who I am. I plan to participate in animal-related undergraduate research, clubs, study abroad programs, and volunteering. My goal is to attend the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where the resources provide invaluable opportunities essential to becoming a well-rounded veterinary surgeon. To gain hands-on experience as well as just for fun, I have volunteered at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona for 3 years, where I walk behaviorally challenged dogs, socialize fearful cats, train to reduce reactivity, and advocate at adoption events. I am also a second-year student in the Pima JTED Veterinary Assisting Program, where I have mastered restraint, grooming, venipuncture, surgical assisting, pathology, exams, charting, client care, medical terms, and anatomy. Within my time in JTED, I have participated in 4 Snip-n-Tip events at the Pima Animal Care Center. These events serve to spay and neuter feral cats in the Tucson area. Over my 53 hours at these events, I completed pre-operative and post-operative care, administered core vaccines, as well as monitored the anesthesia machine and vitals during surgery, contributing to the sterilization of 400+ cats during each Snip-n-tip event. Before this program, all that I knew was that I wanted to commit to a career where I worked with animals. I thought I would give the JTED Veterinary Assisting program a try, to dip my toe into the water of the veterinary medicine field. Pima JTED is why I am now solidified in my dream of being a veterinarian. The summer after my first year in this program, I shadowed Dr. Peter Walsh at Marqueen Pet Emergency and Specialty where I observed and inquired on OR prep, treatments, pre/post-operative care, consults, exams, radiology, scoping, clinical pathology, and got the opportunity to scrub into surgery and assist. The euphoria, satisfaction, and pure bliss I felt while I drilled a screw into a dog's femur was more than enough to secure my aspiration to specialize in surgery within the field of veterinary medicine. Within this field, I not only want to make a positive change in the lives of animals, but in the lives of the people who make those changes possible. Females are underrepresented in the field of specialty veterinary surgery. The main reasons for this are caregiving pressures and work-life balance. As a veterinary surgeon, I aspire to foster educational opportunities for women interested in this specialty, such as welcoming those who seek internships or shadowing opportunities. Additionally, I will push for schedules and maternity leave that promote both familial and career satisfaction. When I become a veterinary surgeon, I will pave the way for women to feel they can have a life along with a successful career, breaking barriers to entry.

There is a term I learned from my days spent in Nara-teen, a program for teenagers who were children of addicts: The Quiet Game. The Quiet Game encompasses what happens in many families encumbered by addiction, which is that no one is to speak about what happens behind closed doors. For me, this meant I couldn’t confide in my school counselors, my therapist, my grandparents, or even my own brother who had only just moved out. The rules of The Quiet Game also extended into the cage of my home and mental state. I wasn’t allowed to cry, because crying made my dad angrier, which risked my mom getting hurt. That experience is one of the reasons I have decided to pursue a career where I can help animals. Animals are confined to their own Quiet Game as they cannot tell us when they are suffering. I want to be the person who communicates and finds solutions when others cannot. I want to be that voice for the voiceless. To gain hands-on experience as well as just for fun, I have volunteered at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona for 3 years, where I walk behaviorally challenged dogs, socialize fearful cats, train to reduce reactivity, and advocate at adoption events. I am also a second-year student in the Pima JTED Veterinary Assisting Program, where I have mastered restraint, grooming, venipuncture, surgical assisting, pathology, exams, charting, client care, medical terms, and anatomy. Within my time in JTED, I have participated in 4 Snip-n-Tip events at the Pima Animal Care Center. These events serve to spay and neuter feral cats in the Tucson area. Over my 53 hours at these events, I completed pre-operative and post-operative care, administered core vaccines, as well as monitored the anesthesia machine and vitals during surgery, contributing to the sterilization of 400+ cats during each Snip-n-tip event. Before this program, all that I knew was that I wanted to commit to a career where I worked with animals. I thought I would give the JTED Veterinary Assisting program a try, to dip my toe into the water of the veterinary medicine field. Pima JTED is why I am now solidified in my dream of being a veterinarian. The summer after my first year in this program, I shadowed Dr. Peter Walsh at Marqueen Pet Emergency and Specialty where I observed and inquired on OR prep, treatments, pre/post-operative care, consults, exams, radiology, scoping, clinical pathology, and got the opportunity to scrub into surgery and assist. The euphoria, satisfaction, and pure bliss I felt while I drilled a screw into a dog's femur was more than enough to secure my aspiration to specialize in surgery within the field of veterinary medicine. Following these experiences, I am obtaining a bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science, as well as a minor in music with a concentration in vocal performance, at the University of Arizona starting this fall. While my passion for animals drives my academic and professional goals, music has always been another defining part of who I am. I plan to participate in animal-related undergraduate research, clubs, study abroad programs, and volunteering. My goal is to attend the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where the resources provide invaluable opportunities essential to becoming a well-rounded veterinary surgeon.

For me, high school became a battlefield, where I lived trapped in a mental cage. My first suicidal thoughts began at 7, I started therapy at 9 years old. Throughout middle school, I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Severe Anxiety, and PTSD. Furthermore, I suffered a health condition known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a rare complication of COVID-19, which continues to weaken my immune system to this day. Each morning I gagged as my stomach churned from anxiety, and there were countless days where I lay in bed, encumbered by my depression. Nevertheless, I persevered and was undeniably successful in my academic performance. While my anxiety remains unrelenting, I now know how to take it one day at a time. My career aspirations get me up every day, knowing that completing one assignment is one step closer to my dream—saving lives as a Veterinary Surgeon. Forged from the havoc of my mental state, I now carry qualities that form who I am today. Most notable is my persistent work ethic, which didn’t allow my mental health struggles define my potential. The first trimester of AP Calculus I consistently excelled. I confidently completed assignments, and performed exceptionally on assessments. However, my health condition, MIS-C, and my mental health struggles, caused me to miss substantial class time in December. I was completely lost when I returned, and the AP exam was quickly approaching. Despite the temptation to give up, I was determined to master this class. While my teacher openly doubted me, I wanted to prove her wrong, and more importantly, I wanted to prove it to myself. My special education teachers had my back. We worked resolutely to craft a plan for my success, personalized with a careful balance to keep my mental health the main priority. I deleted social media to minimize distractions. We created detailed monthly calendars and weekly planners for my study schedules. I paid my friend to tutor me on weekends, and worked with another friend everyday after school in the special education classroom. My remaining hours were spent at libraries and coffee shops drilling practice problems. I spent every lunch for the 2 months before the AP exam in my math classroom asking questions and correcting homeworks. The process came with what I called my “weekly calculus crashouts” in the comfort of my special education teachers’ presence. Yet, I persevered. On exam day, I sailed through with surprising ease. I knew I missed some questions. Still, I was proud not only of my performance but the sheer effort behind it. When I began studying, my goal was an unrealistic score of 3. On July 7th, my mom revealed to me through tears of pride that I earned a 4. I immediately told my special education teachers, who responded with ten times the excitement of myself and my family combined. They knew how much work I had put in, and were so happy to see it pay off. Being a pre-veterinary student, I acknowledge some classes will be challenging during college, but no longer are they shrouded in fear. AP Calculus curated my work ethic. I acquired strong time management through schedule making. I bettered my self-discipline by following through on my plans. I developed study methods that manifest results and are time efficient. I wouldn’t have acquired these skills without the support of my special education program. These attributes will help me to be successful in college, my career, and day-to-day life. With the help of my special education program, I am now confident I can confront difficulty with tenacity.

When I was three years old, I downloaded Taylor Swift’s debut album on my iPod Touch. When I was ten years old, I begged my mom to buy me tickets to Taylor Swift’s Reputation Stadium Tour. Instead, I binge-watched it nonstop on my iPad, imagining the day when I could experience the euphoria beaming through the screen in person. In 2023, during my freshman year of high school, Swift announced The Eras Tour. I pleaded, “Mom, this could be my only chance to see my childhood soundtrack all in one concert.” Like your average fourteen-year-old girl, I had no money. All I knew was that I needed to go to this concert, and I would never get over it if I didn’t. My best friend at the time offered to go with me. The day tickets went on sale, I was in Hawaii on vacation, desperately waiting by the phone for the life-altering call. No one knew just how impossible tickets would be to get. Even though we were selected for the presale, the website was a nightmare. It kept crashing, and just when you were about to click “purchase” on your selected ticket, someone else would scoop it up right from under you. My friend’s mom sat at her computer at work, tirelessly making her way through the Ticketmaster battle, while her aunt sat on another computer at home trying to secure seats too. Eventually, I got the call from my friend. “Did we get tickets?” My voice shook with hope and fear of disappointment. We got seats for opening weekend in Glendale, Arizona. We were up in the nosebleeds somewhere in the 400s section, but I didn’t care. My ticket cost $141, an unheard-of price later in the tour. I stood at the top of the stairs of our Airbnb and screamed the incredible news to my entire extended family. The day of the concert, anxiety and anticipation festered in the car as State Farm Stadium came into view. The idea that my lifelong favorite artist was no longer confined to the static of a CD spinning in my old radio, but instead existed in a building right in front of me, shocked me to my core. The atmosphere was the epitome of girlhood. I wore a debut-inspired white summer dress with cowgirl boots as an homage to the little girl who would finally be singing along in person. Those around me were adorned in outfits from throughout Taylor’s career, stacks of friendship bracelets, and the infamous light-up wristbands. We made our way through the crowd of 73,000 fans. We sat in our seats through the opening artists, and then the countdown began. No one knew what to expect because the tour had not yet been plastered all over social media. Seventy-three thousand fans stood in anticipation, not knowing where to look to see Taylor’s grand entrance. The giant silk fans lowered, then flowed together to reveal a hydraulic lift rising from the main stage. “It’s been a long time coming.” The first words sung by Taylor herself echoed throughout the stadium in a moment of complete silence before screams of joy erupted in the audience. For me, it really had been a long time coming. Taylor’s music had always been there in the background of my life. At the sight of Swift, I broke down sobbing as memories of me dancing and singing on my bed as a child flashed before my eyes. Taylor Swift’s opening Lover performance was unforgettable for so many, but for me, it felt like a dénouement to my childhood.

My father suffered from severe narcotic and alcohol addiction for many years. Consequently, he was unable to hold down a steady job. Because of this, my mom had to cash in her retirement accounts, take out loans, max out credit cards, and more in order to support our household, accruing intense debt. My parents are currently separated, and my mom continues to support our household. My dad contributes to some expenses, but not to the general bills or rent. My mom works two jobs to support us while also trying to pay down debt. She no longer has savings or much room in her financial budget to afford my college expenses. These experiences have inspired me to focus on building a strong credit score from the day I turned eighteen, staying on top of debt I take on, and ultimately starting a savings account as soon as I have kids so they can attend whatever college they want. During my senior year of high school, I took a financial math class where the curriculum and guest speakers taught me valuable tactics to increase financial well-being in the future. For example, I plan to pay more than the minimum monthly payment when paying off debt and always pay on time in order to decrease the amount of interest I end up paying and maintain a strong credit score. We also learned the 50/30/20 rule, where 50% of income is set aside for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt repayment. This plan will help ensure that my children will not have to take on student loans or debt because I will already have college funds saved for them, which is a luxury my family did not provide for me. As my family has faced many unexpected expenses, such as medical costs and car accidents, I also want to apply the lesson from my finance class about always maintaining an emergency fund in order to avoid falling into deep debt. Inspired by my childhood experiences, I also aim to have premium car insurance coverage. One guest speaker, who built himself up financially from an impoverished background similar to mine, stated that as soon as we turn eighteen, we should get two credit cards to begin building our credit score. Today is my eighteenth birthday, and I plan to use one card for groceries and one for gas—manageable costs that can begin increasing my reliability in the eyes of banks. Also during my senior year, my college counseling class final was a “Real Life Research Project,” which involved creating a spreadsheet detailing the income for the career we aspire to have and budgeting a year of expenses based on that income. The expenses included student loan payments, insurance, luxuries, down payments on a house and car, monthly mortgage and car payments, and much more. This project gave me significant insight into the expenses of the real world and what to prioritize financially when I graduate college. I earned a 100% on the project because I demonstrated how much I had grown throughout the year and my high level of financial literacy. The financial experiences I have gone through ignited the strong value I place on financial well-being. My financial math class and budgeting research project both taught me skills that will help me succeed, and my personal drive will help turn these goals into reality.

For me, high school became a battlefield, where I lived trapped in a mental cage. My first suicidal thoughts began at 7, I started therapy at 9 years old. Throughout middle school, I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Severe Anxiety, and PTSD. Furthermore, I suffered a health condition known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a rare complication of COVID-19, which continues to weaken my immune system to this day. Each morning I gagged as my stomach churned from anxiety, and there were countless days where I lay in bed, encumbered by my depression. Nevertheless, I persevered and was undeniably successful in my academic performance. While my anxiety remains unrelenting, I now know how to take it one day at a time. My career aspirations get me up every day, knowing that completing one assignment is one step closer to my dream—saving lives as a Veterinary Surgeon. Forged from the havoc of my mental state, I now carry qualities that form who I am today. Most notable is my persistent work ethic, which didn’t allow my mental health struggles define my potential. The first trimester of AP Calculus I consistently excelled. I confidently completed assignments, and performed exceptionally on assessments. However, my health condition, MIS-C, and my mental health struggles, caused me to miss substantial class time in December. I was completely lost when I returned, and the AP exam was quickly approaching. Despite the temptation to give up, I was determined to master this class. While my teacher openly doubted me, I wanted to prove her wrong, and more importantly, I wanted to prove it to myself. My special education teachers had my back. We worked resolutely to craft a plan for my success, personalized with a careful balance to keep my mental health the main priority. I deleted social media to minimize distractions. We created detailed monthly calendars and weekly planners for my study schedules. I paid my friend to tutor me on weekends, and worked with another friend everyday after school in the special education classroom. My remaining hours were spent at libraries and coffee shops drilling practice problems. I spent every lunch for the 2 months before the AP exam in my math classroom asking questions and correcting homeworks. The process came with what I called my “weekly calculus crashouts” in the comfort of my special education teachers’ presence. Yet, I persevered. On exam day, I sailed through with surprising ease. I knew I missed some questions. Still, I was proud not only of my performance but the sheer effort behind it. When I began studying, my goal was an unrealistic score of 3. On July 7th, my mom revealed to me through tears of pride that I earned a 4. I immediately told my special education teachers, who responded with ten times the excitement of myself and my family combined. They knew how much work I had put in, and were so happy to see it pay off. Being a pre-veterinary student, I acknowledge some classes will be challenging during college, but no longer are they shrouded in fear. AP Calculus curated my work ethic. I acquired strong time management through schedule making. I bettered my self-discipline by following through on my plans. I developed study methods that manifest results and are time efficient. I wouldn’t have acquired these skills without the support of my special education program. These attributes will help me to be successful in college, my career, and day-to-day life. With the help of my special education program, I am now confident I can confront difficulty with tenacity.

For me, high school became a battlefield, where I lived trapped in a mental cage. My first suicidal thoughts began at 7, I started therapy at 9 years old. Throughout middle school, I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Severe Anxiety, and PTSD. Furthermore, I suffered a health condition known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a rare complication of COVID-19, which continues to weaken my immune system to this day. Each morning I gagged as my stomach churned from anxiety, and there were countless days where I lay in bed, encumbered by my depression. Nevertheless, I persevered and was undeniably successful in my academic performance. While my anxiety remains unrelenting, I now know how to take it one day at a time. My career aspirations get me up every day, knowing that completing one assignment is one step closer to my dream—saving lives as a Veterinary Surgeon. Forged from the havoc of my mental state, I now carry qualities that form who I am today. Most notable is my persistent work ethic, which didn’t allow my mental health struggles define my potential. The first trimester of AP Calculus I consistently excelled. I confidently completed assignments, and performed exceptionally on assessments. However, my health condition, MIS-C, and my mental health struggles, caused me to miss substantial class time in December. I was completely lost when I returned, and the AP exam was quickly approaching. Despite the temptation to give up, I was determined to master this class. While my teacher openly doubted me, I wanted to prove her wrong, and more importantly, I wanted to prove it to myself. My special education teachers had my back. We worked resolutely to craft a plan for my success, personalized with a careful balance to keep my mental health the main priority. I deleted social media to minimize distractions. We created detailed monthly calendars and weekly planners for my study schedules. I paid my friend to tutor me on weekends, and worked with another friend everyday after school in the special education classroom. My remaining hours were spent at libraries and coffee shops drilling practice problems. I spent every lunch for the 2 months before the AP exam in my math classroom asking questions and correcting homeworks. The process came with what I called my “weekly calculus crashouts” in the comfort of my special education teachers’ presence. Yet, I persevered. On exam day, I sailed through with surprising ease. I knew I missed some questions. Still, I was proud not only of my performance but the sheer effort behind it. When I began studying, my goal was an unrealistic score of 3. On July 7th, my mom revealed to me through tears of pride that I earned a 4. I immediately told my special education teachers, who responded with ten times the excitement of myself and my family combined. They knew how much work I had put in, and were so happy to see it pay off. Being a pre-veterinary student, I acknowledge some classes will be challenging during college, but no longer are they shrouded in fear. AP Calculus curated my work ethic. I acquired strong time management through schedule making. I bettered my self-discipline by following through on my plans. I developed study methods that manifest results and are time efficient. I wouldn’t have acquired these skills without the support of my special education program. These attributes will help me to be successful in college, my career, and day-to-day life. With the help of my special education program, I am now confident I can confront difficulty with tenacity.

My ambitions are to obtain a bachelor's degree in an animal-related major, as well as a minor in music with a concentration in vocal performance. I plan to participate in animal-related undergraduate research, clubs, study abroad programs, and volunteering. Next, I plan to pursue graduate school to become a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and complete internships and a residency to practice as a specialty veterinary surgeon. I participate in many extracurricular activities to work towards this dream. I am a second-year student in the Pima JTED Veterinary Assisting Program, where I have mastered restraint, grooming, venipuncture, surgical assisting, pathology, exams, charting, client care, medical terms, and anatomy (~800 hours). Through this program, I obtained a 40-hour internship at Ajo Veterinary Clinic which I completed over my Spring Break in 2026, in which I practiced restraint, recorded medical history from clients, drew up and administered vaccines, cleaned surgical instruments, operated the autoclave, removed IV catheters and placed pressure bandages, placed ECG leads, performed fluorescent light therapy, and more. I shadowed Dr. Peter Walsh at Marqueen Pet Emergency and Specialty where I observed and inquired on OR prep, treatments, pre/post-operative care, consults, exams, radiology, scoping, clinical pathology, and scrubbing into surgery (~30 hours). I have been a volunteer at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona for 3 years, where I walk behaviorally challenged dogs, socialize fearful cats, train to reduce reactivity, sterilize surgical instruments, clean kennels, do surgical laundry, operate an autoclave, and advocate at adoption events (~120 hours). I aspire to participate in numerous programs throughout my undergraduate experience to strengthen my ability to help animals as a veterinarian. I hope to study abroad, where exposure to new perspectives will shape who I am through the gifts of empathy and intellectual curiosity. Having this open mind will make me a better veterinarian, one who can understand how backgrounds affect animal health and how veterinarians can work with, not against, those conditions to improve animal welfare globally. Conversing with students openly in seminar style classes will help me work effectively with clients as a veterinarian to ensure the best possible care for patients. Subjections to diverse perspectives will strengthen my ability to problem-solve with compassion and understanding. In the Pima JTED Veterinary Assisting Program, I learned to collaborate with students from different schools and backgrounds across Tucson. I seek to continue to hone these skills through case-based problem solving and team-based learning in college. This curriculum will not only make me a knowledgeable veterinarian as an individual but will make me an asset to a collaborative work environment. Ultimately, my experiences have shaped my commitment to veterinary medicine. Through my education in STEM, my ambition is to become a compassionate, skilled veterinary surgeon who advances animal care through collaboration, empathy, and lifelong learning.

My name is Kaya Floyd, a current Tucson, Arizona resident. I have been a member of the Tucson Girls Chorus (TGC) for 7 years. Within TGC, I am a member of the Advanced Choir, where we sing different languages and genres while touring nationally and internationally. The highlight of my experience in this choir was performing a solo when we headlined at Carnegie Hall in New York, New York. As a Section Leader, I am responsible for helping those struggling with music. I am responsible for passing down the sacred "Silent Night" sign language. Alongside the movements, I am also responsible for teaching the expectation of accountability and self-discipline within the Advanced Choir. Another leadership role I have had for the past 3 years within TGC has been the job of Fairy Dust Fairy, which entails writing poems nightly that summarize the events of the day on tours and retreats. These poems are performed in each hotel room while I wear fairy wings, a tutu, and a tiara; sprinkle fairy dust; and wish each girl goodnight. In my high school Musical Theater club, I have been the Vocal Coach for the past 2 years, coordinating warm-ups and training vocal techniques. Also, within this club, I have been a lead role in 4 productions: Regina George in "Mean Girls," Ophelia in "Hamlet," Countess Lily in "Anastasia," and Cinderella in "Into the Woods." During my drama class junior year, I wrote and directed a 1 act 3 scene play. I am also involved in Student Council, where I have taken on the roles of Dance Chair and Dance Chair Supervisor, hosting dances, budgeting decorations, delegating venue decorating, negotiating ticket prices, and advertising. I am a second-year student in the Pima JTED Veterinary Assisting Program, where I have mastered restraint, venipuncture, surgical assisting, pathology, exams, client care, medical terms, and anatomy. Through this program, I obtained a 40-hour internship at Ajo Veterinary Clinic. I shadowed Dr. Peter Walsh at Marqueen Pet Emergency and Specialty where I observed and inquired about OR prep, treatments, pre/post-operative care, consults, exams, radiology, scoping, clinical pathology, and scrubbing into surgery. I have been a volunteer at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona for 3 years, where I walk behaviorally challenged dogs, socialize fearful cats, sterilize surgical instruments, clean kennels, and advocate at adoption events. My ambitions are to obtain a bachelor's degree in an animal-related major, as well as a minor in music with a concentration in vocal performance. I plan to participate in animal-related undergraduate research, clubs, study abroad programs, and volunteering. Next, I plan to pursue graduate school to become a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and complete internships and a residency to practice as a specialty veterinary surgeon. Through my experiences in Veterinary Medicine, I have witnessed clients with a limited budget struggling or unable to pay for vital medical treatment for their pets. If I were to start my own charity, its mission would be to raise money for clients who cannot afford medical care for their animals. The funds would support cases in which the only available options are treatment that would meaningfully improve quality of life or humane euthanasia. Volunteers would plan and run fundraising events and help sift through cases to distribute funds to those who need it most.