Growing up in 4-H, community service has been required for as long as I can remember. Year after year, my group participated in roadside cleanup. While this activity benefits the environment, it does not leave the participants feeling fulfilled. This past year, we decided to branch out and explore new opportunities. After much deliberation among all members, it was decided that the group would create special Christmas gifts for the residents at a nearby senior center. This activity was not a moment that I anticipated enjoying to the extent that I did. Upon walking into the senior center, the group was greeted by enthusiastic staff members. Given my age and leadership position, I took charge by carrying one of the two large baskets. The first few people were ecstatic to receive a snowman, grinning from ear to ear. They explained how exciting it was to have a 4-H group visit them and just how much they appreciated the acknowledgement. The following visits were nearly identical with each person excited to have an unexpected surprise. The joy in each and every soul that was impacted was evident. For many of these elders, they lived their day-to-day lives only in contact with family, friends, or staff. They remained isolated from the outside world and, in return, it veered away from them. By simply extending some compassion, my 4-H group and myself were able to remind the affected elderly that they matter and are not forgotten. By the end of the visit, I was grateful for the few hours that I took out of my day to volunteer. I knew in my heart that the time the group had spent at this center brightened the days of people who were so used to isolation. By simply conversing with each person for a short moment, they were met with a sense of hope for the future and the people at which it was being handed down to. The token of appreciation left in the form of a stuffed snowman serves as a reminder that each and every one of the elderly is appreciated beyond words. Part of a community that had previously ignored them now went out of their way to show appreciation. To me, this impact is more important than being able to check off yet another community service activity in my record book. A common misconception about veterinary medicine is that it’s a simple job. A job filled with playful puppies and adorable kittens; however, veterinary medicine is much more than that. What many don’t realize is the work that is put in behind the scenes and the heartbreak that comes with the trade. After witnessing the ups and downs of this field, my hope is to one day help those who put all their energy into ensuring the happiness of their humans. I aspire to become a licensed veterinary technician who works to provide relief and comfort to animals in need. Through my education, I am hopeful that I will learn all necessary information needed to accomplish this goal. When I began shadowing, I was introduced to an amazing team of veterinary technicians and veterinarians who do a great job of explaining their actions, answering my questions, and including me in any way possible. They have become some of my biggest inspirations and I truly admire each and every one of them. In the future, I’m hopeful that one day I can have as dramatic of an impact on an individual as they have had on me through the years.

Soft, inviting fabrics and fun patterns radiate off the plush snowmen I carry in a large wicker basket. Each is adorned with a unique expression and a warm scarf. Some are even sporting a knit sweater or a button up dress. A glowing smile reaches the eyes of the elderly man in the creaky recliner next to me; his western is momentarily paused in the background. With each room I visit, the basket slowly empties and with it my heart gradually expands. Growing up in 4-H, community service has been required for as long as I can remember. Year after year, my group participated in roadside cleanup. While this activity benefits the environment, it does not leave the participants feeling fulfilled. This past year, we decided to branch out and explore new opportunities. After much deliberation among all members, it was decided that the group would create special Christmas gifts for the residents at a nearby senior center. This activity was not a moment that I anticipated enjoying to the extent that I did. Upon walking into the senior center, the group was greeted by enthusiastic staff members. Given my age and leadership position, I took charge by carrying one of the two large baskets. The first few people were ecstatic to receive a snowman, grinning from ear to ear. They explained how exciting it was to have a 4-H group visit them and just how much they appreciated the acknowledgement. The following visits were nearly identical with each person excited to have an unexpected surprise. The joy in each and every soul that was impacted was evident. For many of these elders, they lived their day-to-day lives only in contact with family, friends, or staff. They remained isolated from the outside world and, in return, it veered away from them. By simply extending some compassion, my 4-H group and myself were able to remind the affected elderly that they matter and are not forgotten. By the end of the visit, I was grateful for the few hours that I took out of my day to volunteer. I knew in my heart that the time the group had spent at this center brightened the days of people who were so used to isolation. By simply conversing with each person for a short moment, they were met with a sense of hope for the future and the people at which it was being handed down to. The token of appreciation left in the form of a stuffed snowman serves as a reminder that each and every one of the elderly is appreciated beyond words. Part of a community that had previously ignored them now went out of their way to show appreciation. To me, this impact is more important than being able to check off yet another community service activity in my record book. As generations continue to advance, it is vital to ensure our environment stays in prime condition, both mentally and physically. Community service helps to urge this goal in the correct direction. Each act of community service, no matter how insignificant it may seem, plays a vital role in the development of our future. Acts such as participating in roadside cleanup, helping out at a nearby animal shelter, organizing a food drive for your local food bank, or taking time out of your day to visit the town’s elderly center all make way to a cleaner, brighter future. Personally, the act of service that originally seemed like such a chore has become a core memory and something I hope to continue for years to come.

For the entirety of my life, my family has visited the same veterinarian. Year after year, visit after visit, I practically grew up in this clinic. From losing my childhood dog to after-hour emergency visits, we have remained loyal to the same clinic. At a relatively recent appointment, I was offered the opportunity to job shadow. Given my harsh history with blood and needles, I was reluctant to accept. I figured that I would pass out and burden the people who were kind enough to invite me. My curiosity got the better of me, though, and a month after initially being invited, I accepted. Walking into the clinic on my scheduled day, my heart was beating out of my chest and my palms were practically a lake. Part of me felt slightly out of place as in the sixteen years I had visited the clinic, I had never been past the exam rooms. Fearing pushing myself too far and risking passing out, I avoided surgery for a while and stuck with shadowing rooms. To make myself useful, I helped with cleaning and restocking. During appointments, I watched the effortless work between technician and veterinarian ranging from gathering a history to performing a physical exam. Eventually the appointments were at a stand still and I couldn’t push it out any longer. I was brought back to watch an ongoing surgery, a gastropexy on a large dog. As I entered the operating room, I felt as though my heart was beating at a million times per minute. Where the others ventured further into the room, I stuck to the doorway and kept my exit easily accessible. After a few minutes, I gathered enough courage to peer closer at the procedure and was surprised to find myself awestruck at the precision. From the veterinarian’s structured actions to the technician’s thorough monitoring, I was drawn to the scene. Fascination quickly drowned out any worries or fears I presented previously. As obscene as it seems, the whole experience opened my eyes to a new side of myself that was unknown formerly. In the six hours that I was at the clinic that day, it was as though I began crafting a new version of myself. A version that doesn’t allow her fear of blood and needles to choose the way she lives her life. One that is able to confidently handle gory situations in order to work her way towards her career goal. Now, roughly a year later, I can undoubtedly say that I have become that version of myself and am so proud of all the work that I have put in to get to where I am today. I still have a lot to do in the future, but my initial job shadowing experience initiated a period of personal growth that has slowly allowed me to overcome my fears and become a more confident person in anxiety provoking situations. In the near future, I hope to become a veterinary technician and work alongside the people I have idolized for the last year. Throughout my short time in the veterinary field, I have fallen in love with the variety that this career provides. Everything from welcoming someone's best friend into the world to helping them cross the rainbow bridge are what draw me back time and time again.

A common misconception about veterinary medicine is that it’s a simple job. A job filled with playful puppies and adorable kittens; however, veterinary medicine is much more than that. What many don’t realize is the work that is put in behind the scenes and the heartbreak that comes with the trade. After witnessing the ups and downs of this field, my hope is to one day help those who put all their energy into ensuring the happiness of their humans. I aspire to become a licensed veterinary technician who works to provide relief and comfort to animals in need. Through my education, I am hopeful that I will learn all necessary information needed to accomplish this goal. When I began shadowing, I was introduced to an amazing team of veterinary technicians and veterinarians who do a great job of explaining their actions, answering my questions, and including me in any way possible. They have become some of my biggest inspirations and I truly admire each and every one of them. In the future, I’m hopeful that one day I can have as dramatic of an impact on an individual as they have had on me through the years. A gut wrenching reality of this field is that euthanasia is unavoidable. Though my journey in veterinary medicine is just beginning, this is an understanding I came to very early on. The commonality of euthanasia is something that I felt largely unprepared for when I initially shadowed; however, I have since developed a newfound appreciation for the procedure. The first time I witnessed the power of euthanasia was through a sick Labrador Retriever named Nolan. At a glance, Nolan appeared to be your average dog with a wagging tail and bright eyes; though, underneath all the typical Labrador spirit he was very sick. This moment helped me to realize that euthanasia is not a consequence. It is an opportunity to grant your beloved pet the opportunity to pass in peace. Nolan appeared okay, but the truth was that he was suffering. His owners made the decision to allow him to pass in dignity with his family at his side. Since this day I have witnessed this drug be used for countless other suffering animals, with diagnoses ranging from cancer to emergency incidents. It is a personal goal of mine to be a part of the process that allows for animals to pass in a positive manner. This goal is just one of many that motivates me to endure through hardships so that eventually I can achieve my professional passion.

For the entirety of my life, my family has visited the same veterinarian. Year after year, visit after visit, I practically grew up in this clinic. From losing my childhood dog to after-hour emergency visits, we have remained loyal to the same clinic. At a relatively recent appointment, I was offered the opportunity to job shadow. Given my harsh history with blood and needles, I was reluctant to accept. I figured that I would pass out and burden the people who were kind enough to invite me. My curiosity got the better of me, though, and a month after initially being invited, I accepted. Walking into the clinic on my scheduled day, my heart was beating out of my chest and my palms were practically a lake. Part of me felt slightly out of place as in the sixteen years I had visited the clinic, I had never been past the exam rooms. Fearing pushing myself too far and risking passing out, I avoided surgery for a while and stuck with shadowing rooms. During appointments, I watched the effortless work between technician and veterinarian ranging from gathering a history to performing a physical exam. Eventually the appointments were at a stand still and I couldn’t push it out any longer. I was brought back to watch an ongoing surgery, a gastropexy on a large dog. As I entered the operating room, I felt as though my heart was beating at a million times per minute. Where the others ventured further into the room, I stuck to the doorway and kept my exit easily accessible. After a few minutes, I gathered enough courage to peer closer at the procedure and was surprised to find myself awestruck at the precision. From the veterinarian’s structured actions to the technician’s thorough monitoring, I was drawn to the scene. Fascination quickly drowned out any worries or fears I presented previously. As obscene as it seems, the whole experience opened my eyes to a new side of myself that was unknown formerly. In the six hours that I was at the clinic that day, it was as though I began crafting a new version of myself. A version that doesn’t allow her fear of blood and needles to choose the way she lives her life and what goals she can and can't pursue. Now, roughly a year later, I can undoubtedly say that I have become that version of myself and am so proud of all the work that I have put in to get to where I am today. I still have a lot to do in the future, but I am proud of the work I have put in so far. In the near future, I hope to become a veterinary technician and work alongside the people I have idolized for the last year. Throughout my short time in the veterinary field, I have fallen in love with the variety that this career provides. Everything from welcoming someone's best friend into the world to helping them cross the rainbow bridge are what draw me back time and time again. Earning this scholarship would ease the financial burden that accompanies my future schooling, therefore making my dream more achievable. Though the schooling options may not fit my exact desires and needs, I will persevere because I truly cannot imagine myself in another career after experiencing all aspects of the veterinary field.

A common misconception about veterinary medicine is that it’s a simple job. A job filled with playful puppies and adorable kittens; however, veterinary medicine is much more than that. What many don’t realize is the work that is put in behind the scenes and the heartbreak that comes with the trade. After witnessing the ups and downs of this field, my hope is to one day help those who put all their energy into ensuring the happiness of their humans. Aiding those who can't help themselves and have no voice to communicate. I aspire to become a licensed veterinary technician who works to provide relief and comfort to animals in need. This goal is influenced by the many tragic scenarios I have endured in my short time in the veterinary field. Witnessing innocent creatures face inhumane conditions and receive little sympathy from the person who is supposed to cherish them fuels my passion and urges me through hardships. Working alongside those who are already making my dream a reality, I hope to further improve the care of helpless animals that, without a helping hand, likely would not thrive. The journey ahead of me is bound to be tough.That is a fact that I have long since accepted. I recognize that dreams don't occur overnight and I wholeheartedly plan to endure any adversity that conflicts with my goal. After all, in five years time my dreams will become a reality and with that, I will make an impact.