Several moments in time drove my passion to become a veterinarian. In 8th grade, I met a magnificent former show horse named Greco. From a distance, he looked like any other grey horse; but coming closer, you would find he was a Paso Fino, half blind, and very old. Despite these factors, he was never hindered, and I learned how to ride because of him. The next year, I learned the reason for his healthy survival was due to a veterinarian who came out to treat him. One day this veterinarian allowed me to assist. Along with the treatment and care of the other horses, I found the veterinarian spent much of his time teaching me and the barn owner about nutrition, and preventive medicine, along with tips to better the bond between the horse and its owner/rider. This was a pivotal moment that stirred my soul for veterinary medicine. I already knew I was an animal lover from my childhood. Coming from a household of eight children, we always had a variety of animals whose type we were allowed to individually choose. I found it uncanny that the animals we chose matched our individual personalities and fulfilled a need in our busy schedules. Harvesting better owner and animal relationship is crucial to improving the mental and physical treatment of animals, and often the mental health of the owners themselves. Becoming a veterinarian to me is so much more than just receiving a degree or being able to continually love and help animals. It is striving to become a lifelong learner because veterinary medicine is always changing and improving through continued research. It combines my love for animals with my passion for science and medicine. It is reaching and helping people whose life and sometimes only family are their animals. For the last four years, I have worked in a small animal clinic as a veterinary assistant which has solidified my love for treating all types of animals. Interacting with the team and clients has allowed me to further understand how to connect and meet the needs of individuals from different backgrounds and cultures to further assist in their animals’ treatments. Recently, I worked alongside a large animal veterinarian specializing in equine. One day after farm calls, we received an emergency call about a horse who had cut open its abdomen on a fence. The owners’ home was a distance away and they didn’t have a regular veterinarian who could come out. Despite the long day and cold weather, we went and were relieved to find we could do surgery. Several hours later, the only proof of the laceration were the surface stitches. The owners and their children thanked us profusely before, during, and after the procedure. I experienced such an adrenaline rush, fascination and joy in what we had accomplished, I could hardly sleep that night. Through my experiences and continued passion for animal care along with owner education, I know I can impact the veterinary field greatly.

Growing up, my family only owned purebred AKC Golden Retrievers. My grandma bought my older brothers a golden female and a red male, not only for pets but also to breed in the future. My parents were very cautious and adamant whenever breeding to ensure the resulting puppies were indeed purebred. If we didn’t breed directly with our own, paperwork and professionalism were used as proof to ensure improvisation of the breed. My parents were ethical and responsible breeders. Every dog was provided preventive care and certified to be healthy by a vet before going to a new home. Each home was assessed to determine whether the puppy’s temperament would fit in, and the potential problems and future care, regarding Golden Retrievers, were shared to prepare the new family. From a young age, I learned the importance of health and preservation for purebred dog breeds from an owner’s perspective. As an adult, working in the veterinary field, I have learned the clinical side of health and preservation for purebred dog breeds. We can better assess and inform the owner of potential problems with a purebred versus a mixed breed. Many owners with mixed breed dogs, never know what to expect because they are unsure what breed they primarily take after; for example, Golden Retrievers and Beagles tend to have ear problems from a young age due to their floppy ears, whereas French Bulldogs and Chihuahuas do not. More specific problems, like dilated cardiomyopathy, are more common in Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, and Great Danes compared to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, who are more prone to cardiac and ocular diseases. If a dog has several of these breeds mixed into one, the potential problems for the dog increase dramatically. The primary reason to breed dogs is to improve the breed as a whole, not just their physical attributes. If the genetics are better, the breed is better, which leads to a better dog. The dog being extra cute is just a plus. There is a common idea that inbreeding raises the chances of carrying genetic or inherited disorders, but research has revealed that is not the case. Many studies lead to purging the genetic load rather than increasing it. The only increase is recessive genetic disorders, which just allows a rare disease to become more common with a specific breed. If the owner or veterinarian is aware, preventatives can be put in place to help the dog, as well as stop any future reproduction. As the AKC states, “All around us, there is renewed interest in preserving the past, embracing the basics, and living in the most natural way we can.” From the beginning of their descent from wolves, dogs have always been part of our natural world. They preserve culture and history within breed-specific characteristics which increase responsible ownership and the overall health and well-being of dogs in general. Whether an experienced breeder, passionate pet owner, or veterinarian, it is of the utmost importance that purebred dogs are preserved.

Several moments in time drove my passion to become a veterinarian. In 8th grade, I met a magnificent former show horse named Greco. From a distance, he looked like any other grey horse; but coming closer, you would find he was a Paso Fino, half-blind, and very old. Despite these factors, he was never hindered, and I was able to learn how to ride because of him. The next year, I learned the reason for his healthy survival was due to a veterinarian who came out to treat him. One day this veterinarian allowed me to assist. Along with the treatment and care of the other horses, I found the veterinarian spent much of his time teaching me and the barn owner about nutrition, and preventive medicine, along with tips to better the bond between the horse and its owner/rider. This was a pivotal moment that stirred my soul for veterinary medicine. As the inevitable question entered my heart: “What did I want to do with my life?”, a victorious future goal in this arena was taking shape in my mind. I already knew I was an animal lover from my childhood. Coming from a household of eight children, we always had a variety of animals whose type we were allowed to individually choose. I found it uncanny that the animals we chose matched our personalities and fulfilled a need in our busy schedules of school, work, and personal hobbies. Harvesting better owner and animal relationships is crucial to improving the mental and physical treatment of animals, and often the mental health of the owners themselves. Success is present moments turned into a prosperous future. In my heart, a goal was growing; imagine the sun rising on a beautiful piece of land with plenty of acreage and four buildings. Two of those buildings would be for my veterinary practice involving a barn and clinic. I would travel for farm calls but have a home base for sick animals, as well as large animal/equine observations. This is my current future vision for success. Becoming a veterinarian to me is so much more than just receiving a degree or being able to continually love and help animals. It is striving to become a lifelong learner because veterinary medicine is always changing and improving through continued research. It combines my love for animals with my passion for science and medicine. It is reaching and helping people whose life and sometimes only family are their animals. Growing up in Gary, IN, and as the second youngest of my large family, I have had to pay my way for higher education opportunities. If I received this scholarship, it would be a step that could make the difference in whether I more readily succeed in my classes in a shorter amount of time. I paid my way through undergraduate school. Currently, I am working full-time to pay for college and personal expenses. For the last five years, I have worked in a small animal clinic as a veterinary assistant which has solidified my love for treating all types of animals. Recently, I worked alongside a large animal veterinarian specializing in equine which only added to my fascination and joy for my future career. Through my experiences and continued passion for animal care along with owner education, I know I can contribute greatly to the veterinary field. Once vet school starts, I would need to continue working to stay in school. I would be taking classes during the week and working, which doesn’t leave much time for studying. A scholarship that pays for school would relieve the financial pressure and hours I would have to work, giving me more time to study. The more studying and focusing I have on classes will guarantee a better chance at completing my doctorate. Every subject I pass takes me one step closer to graduating and becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. In the future, my victory looks like three things from this moment: a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a private veterinary practice partnership, and a family. As Lee Morris states, “The road to success for 99% of people isn’t a jump! It’s a steady incline from one successful ‘thing’ to the next!” In my case, the next successful thing would be acquiring a scholarship to help pay for vet school.

There’s a time in everyone’s life when they yearn for something different. It may be in a single moment or several. It may come once a day or once a week. It may be for passion, love, comfort, action, motivation, inspiration, joy, or even sadness. Yet, one thing remains the same. That feeling always returns. So how do you quell it? Some people turn to hobbies like music, painting, video games, or the gym, etc., but fall short of satisfaction, whereas I turn to a show that satisfies every longing. It is called Heartland. Heartland embodies everything you would want in a show. Based on books, it takes you on a journey that resembles your own but is in another world entirely. There is a family with strong traditional ties who run a horse ranch, yet they aren’t your typical family. There are love interests and second chances or several chances. There are predictable moments, but also the unpredictable. There is hard work, successes, and failures in all types of business and life. There are cliffhangers, and once in a while, there is an episode that ends nicely with a clean resolution bow on top. There is a future for every character, depending on their choices. Many characters come and go, but you feel inspired and motivated for your future because of the realistic continuation of theirs. It all begins with a girl named Amy, her mom, and a horse. In tragic circumstances, the mom passes, and you become invested in the girl and horse’s healing. Amy’s mom had a natural gift for understanding horses and their connection with people. As a high school student, Amy has to learn to develop her gift without guidance and only her mom’s journal. With her family around her, high school to finish, and past problems to fix in horse and human alike, you focus on Amy, but that’s just the beginning. As you watch, you will discover that Heartland is more than just a ranch. Not only is it a haven for horses, but also for troubled kids and adults from all walks of life. You find the foster system plays a big part in several characters, especially in an individual named Ty. Heartland is a learning ground with mistakes that can’t always be fixed. A place that changes while staying the same and a reality that you can relate to, even if you are not into horses. You tend to forget that it’s a show because you become lost in the emotion and connection you feel to the family and their friends. You will laugh, smile, cry, become angry, frustrated, worried, and scared, but ultimately relaxed and loved in the Heartland world. Each episode opens with light, comfort, and warmth. Each season brings new challenges, people, and growth for each character. Heartland keeps you coming back for more, making the best part of the show knowing that it's still not finished. Now go, binge! Although I warn you, it will take more than a weekend. It is, after all, a lifestyle.

There’s a time in everyone’s life when they yearn for something different. It may be in a single moment or several. It may come once a day or once a week. It may be for passion, love, comfort, action, motivation, inspiration, joy, or even sadness. Yet, one thing remains the same. That feeling always returns. So how do you quell it? Some people turn to hobbies like music, painting, video games, or the gym, etc., but fall short of satisfaction. Whereas I turn to an anime series that satisfies every longing called Haikyu!! In high school, I had just started getting into anime. I didn’t really know what type I liked and stumbled across Haikyu. Now, it is by far my favorite anime. Ever since the sixth grade, I have been passionate about volleyball. I enjoy all sports, but volleyball challenges me while still being fun, so I work harder. I remind myself of Hinata, who is a little determined guy! He is so persistent and never gives up. Not only Hinata but the whole team strives to be their best and bring out the best in each other even when they are going to lose. It gets intense, so you can’t look away because there are never filler episodes. In addition to volleyball, Haikyu touches on many significant factors in life, from friendship, teamwork, and comedy to a found family in your deepest enemies, as well as hard work, and persistence. Each character in this series is written so similar to high schoolers that you can’t help but relate, which motivated and warmed my heart. Looking back, I believe it helped make me a better volleyball player, and to this day, I still play. I could watch it over and over and never get bored. Sure, I watch other popular and good anime, but none that keep me coming back like Haikyu!! Now go, binge, but I warn you, time seems to go by so fast when you watch each episode that it may take more than a weekend. It is, after all, a captivating lifestyle.

Fall is so much more than the time for spice and everything nice. When the weather becomes slightly cool but has warm sunshine during the day, it’s time to pull out the sweaters, flannels, and boots. Nature welcomes the cold in preparation for a long winter nap. The trees begin to display their rainbow of color previously hidden below their vibrant green pigment prior to releasing the beautiful leaves to cover the ground. Each plant receives the blanket of leaves as a big hug. New life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall, and the change is beautiful. It’s the kind of change everyone loves and happily accepts. My favorite change is the welcoming of the Caramel Brûlée Latte with Oatmilk on the Starbucks menu. McKenna Kaelin says it best, “I am such an autumn person. Give me a quiet, cozy spot with a simple view of gorgeous trees [and] colorful leaves on a crisp September day, fuzzy socks, a warm drink, and a good book [then] I will be in all my glory.” The only difference between McKenna and me is that I prefer my drink to be Caramel Brûlée. It takes the sweetness of Crème Brûlée mixed with the smoothness and slight crunch of Caramel, then add a splash of vanilla with oat milk, and you get all the feelings of fall. This drink becomes my constant companion and escape. Just one sip, and I am transported. All of a sudden, I feel inspired, motivated, and loved. The Crème Brûlée-inspired sweet cream embraces me like a warm hug. The Caramel crunch brushes my taste buds like a crisp wind, while the smoothness of vanilla reflects the autumn sun on my face. Lastly, the splash of oat milk resembles the toastiness of roasted nuts, as I sit by a crackling bonfire while my brain awakens with the coffee. It makes me smile and laugh in wonder, no matter what comes during my day, for I am only present in the world; it creates. If I could choose to have Caramel Brûlée all year long, I would because then I could have the fall season whenever my heart desires it. After all, there are few things finer than a walk or drive among the trees on a beautiful autumn day with a Caramel Brûlée Latte in my hand, even if the only aspect of the Fall season is in my cup.

Several moments in time drove my passion to become a veterinarian. In 8th grade, I met a magnificent former show horse named Greco. From a distance, he looked like any other grey horse; but coming closer, you would find he was a Paso Fino, half blind, and very old. Despite these factors, he was never hindered, and I was able to learn how to ride because of him. The next year, I learned the reason for his healthy survival was due to a veterinarian who came out to treat him. One day this veterinarian allowed me to assist. Along with the treatment and care of the other horses, I found the veterinarian spent much of his time teaching me and the barn owner about nutrition, and preventive medicine, along with tips to better the bond between the horse and its owner/rider. This was a pivotal moment that stirred my soul for veterinary medicine. I already knew I was an animal lover from my childhood. Coming from a household of eight children, we always had a variety of animals whose type we were allowed to individually choose. I found it uncanny that the animals we chose matched our individual personalities and fulfilled a need in our busy schedules of school, work, and personal hobbies. Harvesting better owner and animal relationship is crucial to improving the mental and physical treatment of animals, and often the mental health of the owners themselves. Becoming a veterinarian to me is so much more than just receiving a degree or being able to continually love and help animals. It is striving to become a lifelong learner because veterinary medicine is always changing and improving through continued research. It combines my love for animals with my passion for science and medicine. It is reaching and helping people whose life and sometimes only family are their animals. For the last four years, I have worked in a small animal clinic as a veterinary assistant which has solidified my love for treating all types of animals. Interacting with the team and clients has allowed me to further understand how to connect and meet the needs of individuals from different backgrounds and cultures to further assist in their animals’ treatments. Recently, I worked alongside a large animal veterinarian specializing in equine. One day after farm calls, we received an emergency call about a horse who had cut open its abdomen on a fence. The owners’ home was a distance away and they didn’t have a regular veterinarian who could come out. Despite the long day and cold weather, we went and were relieved to find we could do surgery. Several hours later, the only proof of the laceration were the surface stitches. The owners and their children thanked us profusely before, during, and after the procedure. I experienced such an adrenaline rush, fascination and joy in what we had accomplished, I could hardly sleep that night. Through my experiences and continued passion for animal care along with owner education, I know I can contribute greatly to the veterinary field.

Several moments in time drove my passion to become a veterinarian. In 8th grade, I met a magnificent former show horse named Greco. From a distance, he looked like any other grey horse; but coming closer, you would find he was a Paso Fino, half blind, and very old. Despite these factors, he was never hindered, and I learned how to ride because of him. The following year, I learned the reason for his healthy survival was due to a veterinarian who came out to treat him. One day, this veterinarian allowed me to assist. Along with the treatment and care of the other horses, I found the veterinarian spent much of his time teaching me and the barn owner about nutrition and preventive medicine, along with tips to better the bond between the horse and its owner/rider. This was a pivotal moment that stirred my soul for veterinary medicine. I already knew I was an animal lover from my childhood. Coming from a household of eight children, we always had a variety of animals whose type we were allowed to choose. I found it uncanny that the animals we picked matched our individual personalities and fulfilled a need in our busy schedules of school, work, and personal hobbies. Harvesting better owner and animal relationships is crucial to improving the mental and physical treatment of animals, and often the owners mental health as well. Becoming a veterinarian to me is so much more than just receiving a degree or being able to love and help animals. It is striving to become a lifelong learner because veterinary medicine continues to change and improve through continued research. It combines my love for animals with my passion for science and medicine. It is reaching and helping people whose life and sometimes only family are their animals. For the last four years, I have worked in a small animal clinic as a veterinary assistant which has solidified my love for treating all types of animals. Interacting with the team and clients has allowed me to further understand how to connect and meet the needs of individuals from different backgrounds and cultures to further assist in their animals’ treatments. Recently, I worked alongside a large animal veterinarian specializing in equine. One day after farm calls, we received an emergency call about a horse who had cut open its abdomen on a fence. The owners’ home was a distance away, and they didn’t have a regular veterinarian who could come out. Despite the long day and cold weather, we went and were relieved to find we could do surgery. Several hours later, the only proof of the laceration was the surface stitches. The owners and their children thanked us profusely before, during, and after the procedure. I experienced such an adrenaline rush, fascination and joy in what we had accomplished I could hardly sleep that night. Through my experiences and continued passion for animal care with owner education, I know I can contribute greatly to the veterinary field as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Several moments in time drove my passion to become a veterinarian. In 8th grade, I met a magnificent former showhorse named Greco. From a distance, he looked like any other grey horse; but coming closer, you would find he was a Paso Fino, half-blind, and very old. Despite these factors, he was never hindered, and I was able to learn how to ride because of him. The next year, I learned the reason for his healthy survival was due to a veterinarian who came out to treat him. One day this veterinarian allowed me to assist. Along with the treatment and care of the other horses, I found the veterinarian spent much of his time teaching me and the barn owner about nutrition, and preventive medicine, along with tips to better the bond between the horse and its owner/rider. This was a pivotal moment that stirred my soul for veterinary medicine. I already knew I was an animal lover from my childhood. Coming from a household of eight children, we always had a variety of animals whose type we were allowed to individually choose. I found it uncanny that the animals we chose matched our unique personalities and fulfilled a need in our busy schedules of school, work, and personal hobbies. Harvesting better owner and animal relationships is crucial to improving the mental and physical treatment of animals, and often the mental health of the owners themselves. Becoming a veterinarian to me is so much more than just receiving a degree or being able to continually love and help animals. It is striving to become a lifelong learner because veterinary medicine is always changing and improving through continued research. It combines my love for animals with my passion for science and medicine. It is reaching and helping people whose life and sometimes only family are their animals. These aspects are what I hope to accomplish with my education. For the last three years, I have worked in a small animal clinic as a veterinary assistant which has solidified my love for treating all types of animals. Recently, I have worked alongside a large animal veterinarian specializing in equine. One day after farm calls, we received an emergency call about a horse who had cut open his abdomen on a fence. The owner’s home was a distance away and she didn’t have a regular veterinarian who could come out. Despite the long day and cold weather, we went and were relieved to find we could do surgery. Several hours later, the only proof of the laceration was the surface stitches. The owners and their children thanked us profusely before, during, and after the procedure. I experienced such an adrenaline rush, fascination, and joy with what we had accomplished, I had a hard time sleeping that night. Through my experiences and continued passion for animal care along with owner education, I feel I can contribute greatly to the veterinary field and why I chose to study veterinary medicine.

Dear younger self, Right now, I am holding a blank sheet of paper. It is supposed to be our last Will & testament, but it is empty because we didn’t think or plan about the future. I’m looking back on our life and realizing that there are many things I wish we had started planning when we were your age: Specifically, details involving the future, at which stage I am now as a 65-year-old. I know retiring seems so very far away, and you couldn’t possibly have time to plan for the future when you are far too busy making your dream a present reality, but that is where you are wrong. The time for planning is now. It doesn’t have to be much, but there ought to be a definite start. I’m going to remind you of some advice that was given to us, but because we were busy, we forgot about it. Soon after we turned 20 years old, a role model discussed the importance of saving, investing, and preparing for retirement. At the time, we were struggling to pay for a car, college, and the essentials of life. We didn’t think there was any way to add more to what we barely had, but our role model told us how! She said, “The most important step to preparing for the future is just to start. It doesn’t have to be a lot, and it doesn’t have to be right away, but you need to begin.” Now I see the wisdom in her words. The hardest part about planning for the future is starting. I understand as an individual, life can be costly, and even quite temporary; it seems fruitless to start saving for a future if you don’t even get to have one! Well, I am telling you now, you can guarantee yourself a future by planning for one. At your age, there are at least three important steps to having a planned future: First, start. Look at your budget and find an amount you can start setting aside today. Second, continue accumulating that certain amount weekly or monthly in your savings. Third, start looking for opportunities and seeking investment advice. In a year or two, you can use the money in your savings to invest and plan for the unexpected future. These are just a few simple steps that will get you started and give you the mindset to continue and grow. It won’t seem like a lot at first, but in the long run, you will thank yourself. Remember to seek advice! Looking back, we didn’t take advice that was given to us, and truth to tell, we never really turned to trusted, experienced individuals to seek out any good advice, either. You don’t have to take everyone’s advice, but some are farther along on the road to financial retirement success who can benefit your life more than you can imagine, like our role model I mentioned earlier. Lastly, remember this quote from Abraham Lincoln, “the best part about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” Our future is coming, Younger me, so save, invest, and plan, so that we can have more than just a blank sheet of paper to give our family, in the end. Sincerely, Your 65 Retired Self