Hi, my name is Maddie. I am a high school senior who has played basketball all my life. All for years of high school, I have had a different coach. There has never been any consistency for girls basketball at Missouri Valley High School. This story really stood out to me because basketball is a huge part of my life. I love the game and everything it has to offer. In this video you can see the Rough Riders putting their heart and soul into their seasons, making it theirs. That is what I am doing now with my career. I was about 3 or 4 when i really started to get a deep love for animals. The way they work, think, and move all came as a mystery to me. As long as I can remember, I have longed to become a Veterinarian and help as well as understand these amazing creatures. Many of you may be wondering how I got my love for animals at such a young age. I have lived in a small town all or my life surrounded by livestock and pets. A 40 acre farm just a mile off the highway, built in a little divet in the hills, with endless wildlife. This is where I fell in love with caring for animals. When I was younger we had cats. They were barn cats and would go out and bring back others. One day I cams home from school and our cat had brought hime this very sick looking calico cat. My mom, with a little persuasion, let me bring him in and give him medications to help him heal. My mother is very allergic, but she was able to see on my face how much I wanted to help this tiny creature. This is where I fell in love with the idea of helping animals for the rest of my life, with the help of a little schooling. My high school does a partnership program with Iowa Western. They help seniors and juniors get a head start on college classes. This will be my first year in this program. After this, I will finish my general education at Iowa Western. When the 2 or 3 years is up, I will be transferring to the 4th ranked University for DVM programs and well as Animal science, which I will major in. Colorado State University is where I will continue to grow as a person and as a future veterinarian. Aside from getting my Doctorate in Veterinarian Medicine, I plan to also earn a business degree. This in the future, will aid me in starting my own business. It will be tough, but I am ready to face the hardships the come with owning and running a business. Rest assured I am prepared and ready to take on anything. With help I can begin following my heart and doing what I was meant to be. A Veterinarian for both big and small animals in my small hometown.