Since I was a young kid, I have had a thriving passion for animals. Cats and dogs were always interesting to me, but cows, pigs, horses, goats, sheep, and other livestock always fascinated me. I would stay at the fair for hours petting the big animals while they licked my hand or just blankly stared at me. I loved it. I kept expressing my passion to my family; My uncle moved to a new house with a barn that he decided to fill with goats. We registered them, bred them, and took care of them --- and we still do. I watched veterinarians come out and help a sick animal, deliver a tough kid, or even deliver vaccines. We showed these goats in 4-H shows and open age shows across the mid-west. We then got better as handlers and got showmanship awards and upgraded our farm with more goats to create a larger herd, got a horse, a pig, and got a miniature donkey that we bred two times. I would drive thirty minutes almost everyday to my uncle's house to surround myself with these creatures. I would stay for hours upon hours to learn about each individual animal, trim hooves, feed, or even bathe if needed. I did any task, no matter how dirty or gross, just to fulfill myself and get closer to my dreams. I am now a senior in high school and I still entertained the idea of large animal veterinary medicine. I talked to my school and they opened up the opportunity for me to leave and go half days to begin an internship at a local veterinary clinic. Although they mainly do everyday animals and small vet care, I still enjoy learning about them, being involved with surgeries, appointments, and running tests. This has made me realize the uniqueness of large animals and dealing with livestock. It is a whole different type of care taking and I appreciate it so much. I love to envision my future filled with pigs, goats, cows, horses, sheep, donkeys, and even a poultry or waterfowl animal if the opportunity arises. I want to do farm calls and be in coveralls or bibs while taking care of animals in creative ways, because livestock is always a challenge to conquer. I can see myself staying busy with animals till I absolutely cannot anymore, because of my love for all aspects of the field: the humor, the challenge, and even the crazy circumstances in the middle of the night or in the heat or cold of the day. I would love to care for livestock for the rest of my life, and inspire the younger generation to continue and love the field as much as I do --- for so many reasons.