My name is Matthew Perez, and I am a 30-year-old undergraduate student beginning my biology degree this fall after over a decade working as a veterinary technician. I’m proud of the road that led me here—one built not only on technical knowledge but also on compassion, service, and the belief that real change starts with showing up for others. For the past 14 years, I’ve worked in a variety of veterinary settings, from general practice to high-pressure emergency and surgical environments. But what has always driven me isn’t just the medicine—it’s the mission. Every day, I see how animals are deeply tied to human well-being. When a family brings in a sick pet, they’re not just seeking treatment—they’re trusting you with a beloved member of their family. This trust is something I’ve never taken lightly. Outside the clinic, I’ve spent countless hours volunteering with animal shelters and rescue organizations. Whether I’m helping with mass vaccination events, assisting in low-cost spay and neuter clinics, or taking in medically complex fosters, I’ve always believed that access to compassionate animal care shouldn’t depend on someone’s income or background. I’ve provided medical support to rescue organizations on a volunteer basis, helped reunite lost pets with their owners, and supported rural shelters that were otherwise overwhelmed and under-resourced. This spirit of service isn’t limited to my profession—it’s part of who I am. I’ve also volunteered with community food drives, participated in youth mentoring programs, and helped organize supply donations for disaster-impacted areas. These efforts are small, but I believe every act of service helps build a stronger, more hopeful world. Returning to school is both a personal and professional commitment. I’m not just pursuing a biology degree to earn credentials—I’m doing it to amplify the impact I can have. I plan to continue my education and become a veterinarian who serves in community-based animal health initiatives. My goal is to develop programs that provide affordable care in underserved communities, partner with shelters to improve animal welfare systems, and create educational outreach programs to empower the next generation of animal advocates. Looking ahead, I also want to integrate service-learning into veterinary education—helping train students through hands-on work in shelters and rescue settings. I want to bridge the gap between knowledge and service, just as I’ve tried to do throughout my career. The values that Priscilla Shireen Luke lived by—hope, selflessness, and a desire to make the world better—deeply resonate with me. She reminds me that serving others doesn’t require grand gestures; it requires showing up consistently and with heart. I aim to carry her spirit with me as I step into this new chapter—not just as a student, but as a servant-leader committed to building a kinder, more compassionate world through my work. Thank you for this opportunity to share my story. Your support would not only ease the financial burden of my education—it would allow me to keep giving back in meaningful, sustainable ways.

Scholarship Essay – Andrea Claire Matason Memorial Scholarship After 14 years of working as a veterinary technician, I am returning to school to pursue my bachelor’s degree in biology and, ultimately, a career in veterinary medicine. I’m 30 years old, and although my path has not been traditional, it has been deeply rooted in experience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to animal care. Since I was 16, I have worked in general practice, emergency clinics, and surgical settings. My hands have held newborn kittens struggling to breathe, and they’ve also gently offered comfort to a senior dog during its final moments. I’ve been present through some of the most vulnerable moments in an animal’s life—and by extension, their humans’ lives too. These experiences haven’t just shaped my skills; they’ve shaped my purpose. Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the importance of accessible, compassionate care for animals. I’ve also seen the heavy toll that financial limitations can have on families trying to do the best for their pets. I plan to dedicate my veterinary career to improving that reality—by working in underserved communities and partnering with shelters and rescue groups to ensure that every animal, regardless of their owner’s income, has a chance at healing and a better life. I’ve volunteered extensively with animal shelters and rescues over the years—providing emergency medical triage, administering vaccines, assisting in spay/neuter events, and even fostering special-needs animals until they were ready for adoption. My most memorable experience was helping a paralyzed rescue dog regain mobility through a combination of care, community support, and sheer determination. Watching her take her first steps in a donated wheelchair reminded me why this work matters: it’s not just about science—it’s about hope. Returning to school is a big leap, especially after over a decade in the workforce, but I bring with me the maturity, real-world experience, and resilience that I believe will serve me—and those I hope to help—very well. As I pursue my degree, I plan to continue volunteering with shelters and using my education to elevate the standard of care in rescue settings. Long term, my goal is to become a veterinarian who serves both animals and the communities that love them. I deeply resonate with Andrea Claire Matason’s legacy. Her passion for animals, commitment to rescue work, and her entrepreneurial spirit in creating a pet-sitting business are inspiring. Like her, I believe that caring for animals is more than a career—it’s a calling. If awarded this scholarship, I would carry Andrea’s spirit with me into every exam room, shelter visit, and field clinic I step into. I would consider it an honor to continue the work she began—helping, healing, and loving animals unconditionally. Thank you for considering my application and for offering support to aspiring veterinary professionals like myself. Your generosity doesn’t just ease a financial burden—it empowers dreams built on compassion, care, and a better future for all animals.

My name is Matthew Perez, and I am a proud Cuban-American and first-generation college student. My family’s story is one of strength, sacrifice, and deep cultural pride. My grandparents and parents immigrated to the United States to escape the oppression of communism in Cuba. They left behind everything they knew—home, family, familiarity—for the hope of freedom, safety, and opportunity. Their bravery laid the foundation for the life I live today, and I carry their sacrifices with me in everything I do. Growing up in a Cuban household, our culture was at the center of everything—loud conversations around the dinner table, the smell of cafecito in the kitchen, the warmth of family celebrations filled with music, food, and laughter. But along with all the joy came serious lessons. My family taught me that nothing in life is given—it’s earned through honesty, hard work, and humility. From a young age, I watched my parents work tirelessly to provide, even when money was tight or life was difficult. There was no room for excuses—only perseverance and integrity. They didn’t just tell me to work hard—they lived it, every single day. Because of them, I approach the world with gratitude and drive. I see education not as a privilege, but as a responsibility—something I owe to the generations before me who gave up so much so that I could have this chance. Their journey taught me to never take anything for granted and to find strength even when things feel uncertain. Being first-generation also comes with challenges. There are moments of feeling like you’re navigating uncharted territory alone—figuring out how college systems work, juggling financial stress, and carrying the pressure of “making it” not just for yourself, but for everyone who’s rooting for you. But those challenges have made me resourceful, determined, and incredibly resilient. My Cuban background has also shaped my sense of community. We’re taught to look out for others, to lend a hand, to be kind and respectful regardless of someone’s background. I carry that with me, especially in my work with animals and in the veterinary field. Compassion is everything to me, and I believe my cultural values have helped me become not just a hard worker, but someone who leads with heart. I’m proud of where I come from. My heritage is my strength—and it’s what pushes me to keep going, to honor my family’s journey, and to turn their dream of a better life into a reality. Thank you for considering my story. Sincerely, Matthew Perez

My name is Matthew, and I am a 30-year-old Latino, returning to school to pursue the dream that has lived in my heart for as long as I can remember—becoming a veterinarian. After over 13 years of working as a veterinary technician, I’ve decided it’s finally time to take the leap and finish what I started. This path has never been simple, but it has always been mine. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in clinics alongside incredible teams, caring for pets in both moments of joy and crisis. I’ve comforted grieving families, helped bring new life into the world, and fought hard to save the lives of animals who couldn’t speak for themselves. It’s an emotional, physically demanding job that I’ve poured my heart into every single day. That hands-on experience has been the foundation of my education—but now I’m ready to take it further and officially earn my DVM. Living alone while juggling work and school has come with more challenges than I can count. Like many people today, I’m struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living, from rent to groceries to the growing mountain of bills. I’ve had to be strategic and self-reliant to keep moving forward. Any money I save from this scholarship by paying down my student loans will go directly toward catching up on other debt that’s been piling up just so I can keep the basics covered. It’s hard, but I haven’t let it break me—I know what I’m working toward is worth it. Beyond work and school, I try to stay grounded in service. I volunteer at the local animal shelter when I can, helping with everything from basic care to medical support. I’ve also been lucky enough to spend time volunteering at our local zoo, where I assist with animal enrichment and lend an extra set of hands wherever needed. Giving back to animals—and to the people who care about them—isn’t just a passion, it’s part of who I am. As a first-generation college student and proud Latino, I carry my roots and my purpose with me in everything I do. I know the value of hard work, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship. It would mean more than financial help—it would be a reminder that my dream matters, and that others believe in it too. Thank you, sincerely, for your time and consideration. With gratitude, Matthew Perez