Compassion in Action: Giving Back and Moving Forward as a Future Veterinary Assistant Giving back to my community has always been a priority for me, especially when it involves helping both people and animals. As an active member of Key Club and Interact Club throughout high school in Jacksonville, North Carolina, I’ve had the chance to participate in numerous service projects that support local families, schools, and shelters. One of my proudest contributions was leading a donation drive for a local animal shelter—a project that not only strengthened my leadership skills, but also deepened my passion for animal care. With the help of fellow club members, I organized a school-wide campaign to collect pet food, toys, blankets, and other essential supplies for the shelter. I created flyers, coordinated with teachers, and even spoke during morning announcements to raise awareness. We ended up collecting dozens of boxes filled with items the shelter desperately needed. Delivering the donations in person and seeing the positive impact it made was a powerful moment. I also spent the day volunteering at the shelter, cleaning cages and walking dogs. That experience reminded me how fulfilling it is to provide care and comfort to animals in need. It was during this time that I realized I didn’t just want to help animals occasionally—I wanted to make it my career. My decision to become a veterinary assistant is based on three important reasons: my passion for animal welfare, my interest in medical science, and my desire to serve others in a meaningful way. First, I have a deep, lifelong love for animals. Growing up, I was the kind of person who would stop to help a stray or stay up late comforting a sick pet. I’ve always felt a strong connection to animals, and I believe they deserve compassionate, high-quality care. As a veterinary assistant, I’ll have the opportunity to be on the front lines of that care—comforting scared pets, assisting during exams, and helping families better understand how to keep their animals healthy. Second, I am fascinated by science and medicine. I plan to major in Cell and Molecular Biology at Appalachian State University, where I’ll build the foundation I need for a future in veterinary medicine. Being a veterinary assistant will allow me to apply what I learn in a hands-on setting, helping me bridge classroom knowledge with real-life skills. I’m especially interested in learning how to assist during procedures, perform lab tests, and understand how different treatments affect an animal’s body. Lastly, I want to be a part of something bigger than myself. Veterinary assistants play an essential role in animal clinics—not just helping with medical tasks, but also providing emotional support to pet owners. Whether it’s explaining aftercare instructions or simply being a reassuring presence in a difficult moment, I want to be someone people can trust during stressful times. I want to make a difference every day, one pet and one family at a time. Contributing to my community has shaped who I am, and becoming a veterinary assistant is the next step in continuing that journey—through service, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to animal health.

Giving Back and Moving Forward: My Path to Becoming a Veterinary Technician One of the most meaningful contributions I’ve made to my community has been through service and leadership in school clubs such as Key Club and Interact Club. These organizations are rooted in volunteerism and civic responsibility, and being actively involved in both has allowed me to participate in a variety of service projects that directly benefit my local community in Jacksonville, North Carolina. One event that stands out was organizing a school-wide donation drive for a local animal shelter. I collaborated with other students to collect food, blankets, and supplies for animals in need. As someone passionate about animal welfare, I felt especially connected to this cause. Visiting the shelter to deliver the donations and spending time with the animals there reinforced my desire to work in a field where I can combine hands-on care with compassion. While the act of organizing the drive may seem small, seeing the impact it had on both the animals and the staff at the shelter reminded me that community contribution is about consistent, meaningful action—not just big gestures. This experience helped shape my decision to pursue a career as a veterinary technician, a path I am committed to for three core reasons. First, I’ve always had a strong love for animals, and I believe that they deserve the same level of care and respect as people. Working as a veterinary technician would give me the opportunity to provide direct care and be a voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves. Whether it's assisting in surgeries, administering medication, or comforting animals in distress, I want to be a steady presence in their healing and well-being. Second, I am drawn to the science and skill involved in veterinary care. I plan to major in Cell and Molecular Biology at Appalachian State University as a foundation for a future in veterinary medicine. I’m fascinated by anatomy, biology, and how different systems work together to keep animals healthy. Being a vet tech would allow me to apply what I learn in a real-world setting—bridging my academic interests with practical, life-saving work. Third, I am passionate about making veterinary care more accessible, especially in underserved areas. Many families love their pets but struggle to afford proper care. As a veterinary technician, I hope to work in clinics that prioritize education and community outreach, helping pet owners better understand preventive care and treatment options. I believe that everyone, regardless of income, should be able to keep their pets healthy and happy—and I want to be part of that solution. In both my community involvement and career goals, one theme remains consistent: service. Whether it's helping people or caring for animals, I find fulfillment in making a difference. Becoming a veterinary technician isn’t just a career goal—it’s a calling that aligns with both my heart and my values. I’m excited to take the next step in turning that passion into a lifelong mission of care, compassion, and community impact.

Finding Strength through Lacrosse Playing lacrosse throughout high school has not only made me a better athlete and student—it has made me a stronger young woman in a world that often favors male voices, athletes, and leaders. Balancing the demands of school, sports, and personal life has taught me resilience, confidence, and independence—qualities that help me stand tall in spaces where women still have to fight to be seen and heard. Lacrosse is a fast, aggressive, and physically demanding sport, often associated with male athletes. As a female player, I’ve constantly had to prove that we bring just as much intensity, skill, and heart to the game. Stepping onto that field, I knew I wasn’t just playing for myself—I was representing every girl who has been underestimated simply because of her gender. Competing in a sport where female athletes receive less recognition and fewer resources has only fueled my drive. I’ve learned to speak up, work harder, and take pride in everything I do, knowing that I am paving the way for future girls who love the game just like I do. Balancing school with sports was never easy, especially while managing my mental health. I’ve lived with depression and anxiety since I was young, and there were times when everything felt overwhelming. But lacrosse gave me structure, purpose, and strength. Practices helped me clear my mind, and games reminded me of what I was capable of. At the same time, I had to stay focused academically—earning good grades and staying on track to achieve my goal of becoming a veterinarian. This meant learning how to manage my time, prioritize my health, and ask for help when I needed it. Being a student-athlete also taught me how to lead by example. On the field, I had to support my teammates and hold myself accountable. Off the field, I took on leadership roles in school clubs like Key Club and Interact Club, where I helped organize community service events and encouraged others to find their own voice. Through all of it, I realized that being strong isn’t just about being physically tough—it’s about standing up for yourself and others, even when it’s difficult. In a world that still places women in second place, my experience in lacrosse has helped me find first-place strength. I’ve learned how to compete, lead, and rise above limitations. As I prepare to attend Appalachian State University to study Cell and Molecular Biology, I know that the same grit I’ve built through sports will carry me through college, vet school, and beyond. I’m proud to be a female athlete. I’m proud of my scars, my setbacks, and my wins. And most of all, I’m proud to be part of the movement showing that women belong everywhere—on the field, in the classroom, and in leadership.

Animal care and welfare are not just about treating individual animals—they are central pillars in the broader mission of conservation. In today’s world, where ecosystems are increasingly threatened by human activity, climate change, and habitat loss, the role of veterinarians and animal care specialists has never been more important. They serve as the bridge between science and compassion, using medical knowledge to heal, protect, and preserve the lives of animals—many of which are vital to the health of entire ecosystems. As a student from North Carolina now attending Appalachian State University, I am majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology with the goal of eventually becoming a veterinarian who specializes in wildlife and exotic animals. My passion for animal conservation runs deep. Growing up, I was always the one rescuing injured animals, researching endangered species, and dreaming about working in wildlife sanctuaries. Over time, those early interests developed into a serious commitment to be part of the solution—someone who works hands-on in the field, contributing directly to both animal health and conservation efforts. Animal care plays a critical role in conservation by ensuring the survival and rehabilitation of endangered species. When animals are injured by environmental changes, poaching, or human-wildlife conflict, it is veterinarians and wildlife specialists who step in to provide emergency care and long-term support. Additionally, wildlife veterinarians are key to managing disease outbreaks that could otherwise devastate animal populations. Their work often includes field research, disease surveillance, and public education—tools that are essential in protecting biodiversity. Welfare is just as important. Conservation efforts that do not prioritize the well-being of individual animals can unintentionally cause harm or fail to gain community support. Ensuring that animals are treated ethically and humanely builds trust in conservation programs and encourages more sustainable human-animal relationships. It is through a deep respect for both the lives and ecosystems of animals that we can build long-term conservation success. I chose to major in Cell and Molecular Biology because I want to understand animal health at its most fundamental level. By studying how cells and systems function—and malfunction—I’ll gain a strong scientific foundation that will prepare me for veterinary school and allow me to make meaningful contributions to wildlife medicine. This major also opens the door to research opportunities in areas like wildlife disease, genetics, and conservation biology—fields that are increasingly important as we navigate the challenges of protecting species in a changing world. Looking ahead, I envision contributing to conservation by working in wildlife rehabilitation centers, zoos, or global conservation programs that protect endangered species. I want to be in the field, treating animals affected by environmental threats, conducting research that helps prevent disease outbreaks, and advocating for policies that protect wildlife. I also hope to educate others about the importance of coexistence and sustainability. Whether I’m treating a sea turtle tangled in plastic or helping reintroduce a rehabilitated animal into the wild, I want my work to reflect both scientific knowledge and a deep commitment to compassion. Ultimately, I believe that animal care and conservation go hand in hand. My goal is to dedicate my career to protecting the creatures that inspire me and preserving the natural world we all share. This scholarship would help me get one step closer to making that dream a reality.