My name is Lindsey Gooch, or in my town, I am called the animal whisperer. I have lived in my small town my whole life, growing up on a ranch with several animals. Over the years my love for animals only continued to grow. I have several pets as well as livestock that vary from exotics to normal standard animals'. I would have to say that my favorite animal is a dog because of their loyal and loving manner. My dog is my best friend and conquers the daily ranch work with me; by my side through thick and thin, never failing me. I have been around animals as long as I can remember and I know that has played a huge role in influencing me to pursue a career centered around them. Animals have profoundly shaped my aspirations to become a veterinarian by instilling a passion for understanding the animals' well-being. Some of my core childhood memories are helping my dad pull a calf, bottle-feeding the orphan calves, giving sub-q shots to the livestock, drenching, castrating bull calves, and so much more. I believe that the interactions with our animals that involve veterinary-like care sparked my interest in becoming a veterinarian. As I grew older, volunteering at animal shelters and vet clinics only deepened my interest in the diversity of species Volunteering was a pivotal point in my life; daily interactions with animals in need. Not only do I find joy in sustaining animals' health, but I also feel a deep sense of compassion. The positive experiences have fueled my passion for animal welfare. The feeling of an animal being fully dependent on me to provide the essential healthcare and nutrition to survive is a bewildering feeling. It was the amazing sensation of unconditional trust that is exchanged between the animals and caretakers that ignited a fascination that would shape my career choice. I found that the more I learned about trust, the more committed I became to contributing my knowledge and understanding of animals. The decision to align my career with animals did not solely come from the sentiment side of things; it was a conscientious choice driven by my desire to aid animals in need. Without the upbringing that I had, I probably would not have the connection I have with animals, nor the desire to contribute to their welfare. I am grateful for my interactions with animals that have shaped me into the person I am today. As I pursue a career that is centered around animals, I will carry the invaluable lessons that I learned through each paw print.

Our oceans offer many benefits as well as the beautiful wildlife that it is home to. The ocean feeds us, regulates most of the oxygen that we breathe, and serves as a source of transportation. Protecting our ocean allows us to continue utilizing the resources and protect the animal's home. I plan to use my degree in animal science to help contribute to the protection of our oceans. The knowledge and skills I must acquire in my degree can be applied to marine conservation and protection efforts. There are several ways that I can apply my degree; in this essay, I will discuss how I can direct my knowledge to advancing the health of our oceans. By applying the principles of animal husbandry to aquatic environments, I would be able to work towards practices that decrease environmental impact and sustain the supply of seafood. With this being said I can further help our oceans by promoting responsible fishing practices. This would include a reduction of pollution, thoughtful gear choice, and seasonal closure. Another avenue for protecting the oceans is through research. As I do not plan to permanently live near the ocean where I can be hands-on, research would be a great side hobby to still take an active role in helping our oceans. I could research the effects of human activities on marine ecosystems and develop solutions. I could also study the physiology, behavior, and reproductive patterns of marine animals. These subjects could provide valuable data for the development of effective and plausible conservation/protection strategies. I plan to make occasional trips to the coast when needed, but when away I am aware of the contributions available. When I am near our beloved oceans I know that I can actively engage in marine mammal rehabilitation efforts. This thought has always excited me because not only would I be helping the injured aquatic wildlife return to the ocean, but I would be promoting the benefits on social media platforms to encourage others. In conclusion, as a person with an animal science degree, I will hold a great wealth of knowledge and skills that can assist in the work of protecting our oceans. From promoting responsible fishing techniques to researching the effects of human activities, the opportunities to play a role are vast. Applying my expertise to these critical areas can be instrumental in preserving the health and biodiversity of our oceans.