As a little girl, my passion for animals started with books and television shows. I was fascinated by the different species, their behavior, and the unique ways they lived. My love for animals only grew stronger with time. When I was old enough to make decisions about my future, I knew I wanted to work with animals. So, I have decided to study veterinary science in college. My parents eventually gifted me a dog, Reno, who has become an important part of our family. Like any other pet owner, I want to keep him healthy and happy. This requires quality food, medicine, and regular checkups at the vet. However, pet care can be expensive. According to the American Pet Products Association, the average cost of pet care in the US is around $1,500 to $4,000 per year, not accounting for emergency visits or surgeries. This cost is a significant barrier to many pet owners who cannot afford the care their pets need. Unfortunately, when pet owners cannot afford their pet's care, they may have to give them up or even put them down. This is a heartbreaking decision that no one should have to make. That is why, as a future veterinarian, my goal is to provide low-cost treatments and affordable pet care. I want to make sure that pet owners can afford to give their pets the care they need without sacrificing their financial stability. My desire to provide affordable pet care stems from my passion for animals, but it is also deeply rooted in my upbringing. I grew up in a single-parent household with my mom, who had me when she was just 16 years old. We lived with my grandma, who quit her job to raise me, while my mom worked and went to college. Despite these challenges, my parents taught me to persevere and work hard to achieve my goals. They are my role models, and I want to make them proud by becoming successful while working with the animals I love. Receiving this scholarship will help me continue to pursue my dreams of becoming a veterinarian and providing affordable pet care. With this financial support, I will be able to advance my education and gain the skills necessary to achieve my goals. Ultimately, my hope is that by providing affordable pet care, I can spread the joy and love that pets bring to people's lives and ensure they receive the care they deserve.

From a young age, I have always been drawn to animals. Whether it was reading books about them, watching documentaries on the National Geographic channel, or enjoying the Wild Kratts cartoon, my passion for animals was evident. It was only natural for me to pursue a career in veterinary science so that I could learn how to care for the animals I love. As I grew older, my parents got me a dog, Reno, who has become an essential part of our family. To ensure his health, we must provide him with quality food, preventative medicine, and regular veterinary checkups. However, pet care can be costly. The average cost of pet care can range from $1,500 to $4,000, not accounting for emergency visits or surgeries which can quickly surpass $3,000 for a single procedure. Unfortunately many people simply cannot afford these costs which often results in heartbreaking decisions for pet owners. My ultimate goal as a future veterinarian is to make pet care more accessible and affordable for all families. I plan to achieve this by opening my own veterinary practice that offers low-cost treatments and affordable pet care. By doing so, I hope to ensure that more families won't have to worry about money while taking care of thier pet or make the difficult decision of giving up their beloved animal because they cannot afford their care. Opening a veterinary practice is not just about caring for pets; it's about creating a welcoming and supportive environment for pet owners. I want to offer pet owners the resources they need to keep their pets healthy and happy. My practice will also offer educational resources to pet owners to help them understand how to care for their pets properly. I believe that by providing these resources, I can make a positive impact on the lives of pets and their owners. I am determined to make a positive impact on the world through my STEM career. Opening an affordable veterinary practice is my way of achieving this goal. By receiving this scholarship, I can continue my education and training to become a successful and knowledgeable veterinarian. I hope to spread the joy and love that pets bring to people's lives and ensure that they receive the care they deserve. I am confident that with my dedication, passion, and education in veterinary science, I can make a significant impact in the lives of animals and their owners.

In fourth grade, I was fortunate enough to gain admission to a Magnet school, which offered a specialized curriculum designed to challenge and stimulate students. My high test scores and good luck in the lottery system enabled me to attend this school, which was located on the other side of town from where I lived. The school boasted a predominantly White and Asian student body, with almost all of the teachers being white. While I appreciated the academic rigor of the institution, I struggled to connect with my peers, given our vastly different upbringings and lifestyles. I often felt compelled to speak and dress like them, suppressing parts of my identity to fit in. This constant pressure to conform to a certain mold fostered a subtle sense of "us versus them" among the few black students in my class, including myself. It seemed as though we had to outperform everyone else to earn the same level of recognition and respect. This is not how it should be. We should be encouraging one another and celebrating each other's achievements, regardless of race or ethnicity. In college, I am looking forward to being surrounded by black excellence, where I can feel comfortable and free to express myself authentically. Historically Black Colleges and Universities are known for fostering a supportive environment where students are celebrated and uplifted throughout their academic journey. That is why I am excited to attend Florida A&M in the fall to study pre-veterinary science. I am eager to immerse myself in a welcoming community of like-minded individuals who share my passion for academic excellence and social progress. By attending an HBCU, I hope to further my personal and professional growth while contributing to a legacy of black achievement and empowerment

I never felt that every lyric of a song describes me perfectly before “Like Me” by Steve Lacy. He starts with “I just wanna see who can relate…how many out there just like me?” In it, Lacy grapples with his sexuality and the fear of coming out to his loved ones, worrying about being rejected, and losing those he cares about. He explains that he “only feels energy” and “sees no gender.” I wanted to tell Lacy, “I’m just like you. I can relate.” His words about feeling too abstract to fit into a box or label resonated with me, as I often struggle with labeling myself and my own sexuality. Lacy's song reminded me that I am not alone in this struggle and that there are others out there who can relate. It gives me the courage to one day be true to myself and tell my family that the only label I fit is under "Layla."