I decided to pursue higher education because I want to build a future where I can make a real difference in the lives of animals, people, and the environment. Growing up in the Berkshires, I saw how hard it could be for families and their pets to get the care they needed, especially during emergencies. That experience stayed with me and inspired me to work toward becoming a veterinarian. As a first-generation college student, I knew that choosing this path wouldn’t be easy, but I believed it would be worth it. Going to college was a whole new world for me. I attended Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), a school that cares deeply about conservation and community service. At MCLA, I studied Biology with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, and I learned how connected animal health, human health, and the environment really are. My education helped me understand that helping animals is about more than treating illnesses — it’s about supporting entire ecosystems and the people who care for them too. Outside of school, I prepared for veterinary work by getting hands-on experience. I worked as a veterinary assistant and as a canine aquatic therapist at Fitter Critters, where I helped pets heal and improve their quality of life. These jobs taught me a lot about responsibility, communication, and the importance of treating every patient with patience and compassion. They also showed me how rewarding it is to build trust with animals and their families, and how important it is to be a voice for those who can't speak for themselves. As a first-generation student, there were a lot of challenges — figuring out financial aid, balancing school and work, and learning how to ask for help when I needed it. I’ve worked hard to prepare for veterinary school by saving money, applying for scholarships, and building a strong support system around me. I know how important it is to be resourceful and to stay determined even when things get tough. Every step of this journey has made me stronger and more committed to reaching my goals. Higher education has opened so many doors for me. It’s given me the knowledge, confidence, and skills I need to turn my passion into a career where I can truly make a difference. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned and use it to promote animal welfare, public health, and environmental conservation through veterinary medicine.

Animal care and welfare are essential to conservation, supporting not only the survival of species but also the health of entire ecosystems. Through my work as a veterinary assistant and canine aquatic therapist at Fitter Critters, I have seen how individualized, compassionate care improves quality of life and strengthens the human and animal bond. Working closely with companion animals and their owners showed me the vital role that veterinary professionals play not only in healing, but also in education, advocacy, and emotional support. These experiences reinforced my belief that caring for animals goes way beyond treatment—it builds trust, promotes understanding, and supports broader community health. Growing up in the Berkshires and working at Berkshire Veterinary Hospital, I also witnessed firsthand the critical gap in access to veterinary services—especially during emergency cases in rural communities. I saw families struggle to find timely care for their pets, and animals suffer simply because services were not available or affordable. This shaped my commitment to the One Health approach, which recognizes that animal health, human well-being, and environmental stability are deeply interconnected. Protecting wildlife, domestic animals, and people requires a collaborative, comprehensive mindset that considers both individual and systemic factors. I am passionate about integrating animal health, public health, and environmental stewardship into everyday veterinary practice. In my future career, I aspire to work not only in clinical settings but also in community outreach, wildlife rehabilitation, and public policy. I am particularly interested in advocating for programs that expand access to veterinary care through mobile clinics, telemedicine, and partnerships with public health organizations. By reducing barriers to care and promoting education, I hope to contribute to healthier communities and stronger conservation efforts. My undergraduate education at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) further deepened my commitment to conservation and public health. MCLA emphasizes environmental stewardship and community engagement, I strengthened my understanding of how interconnected biological, ecological, and social systems are. This background reinforced my belief that veterinary medicine must be part of a larger movement. I envision contributing to conservation by providing direct medical care for wildlife, supporting rehabilitation and reintroduction efforts, and promoting sustainable practices that protect both natural habitats and the species that depend on them. My long-term goal is to become a veterinarian who combines clinical practice with public health and conservation initiatives, continuing to advance the One Health mission. Through dedicated service, advocacy, and education, I aim to make a meaningful impact on the health of animals, people, and the planet.