Since I was little my career path has always been wavering but there was always one thing that stayed the same in had to be working with animals. I shifted from wanting to be a biologist, Animal Control, rehabber, animal trainer, zookeeper, and of course a veterinarian. When it was time to decide what major I should pursue in college I was stuck between marine biologist and veterinarian. I went with veterinary sciences and will be pursuing a minor in marine sciences. People tend to think that being a veterinarian you will only work with animals but working with people is a major part of it. Unfortunately, animals cannot talk so we rely a lot on people who can help explain what is going on with their pets. We have come a long way in a pet-parent relationship and a lot more people are bringing their pets in for minor reasons as well. When back in the day it would not have been like that and vet medicine was more of a luxury for some animals. I want to make pet care more affordable for everyone because everyone deserves to feel the love of a pet and not just people who have money. I want to enter the large animal medicine field because I believe all animals deserve to be cared for regardless of their title. Vet medicine does not just stop at pets. Whether they are heading for the slaughter or going into livestock showing they still deserve the utmost care while alive to keep them comfortable. Farm animals can also be people's pets and I feel as though some people tend to forget that when they go into the veterinary field and only focus on cats and dogs and the occasional bunny. Along with large animal medicine, I am looking to study exotics, zoo/aquarium, and conservation medicine. I hope to make a lasting impact on species that really need our help such as whales, sharks, rhinos and elephants. I want to be able to be specialized in many types of medicine to have a wide range of field opportunities. I am also looking to advocate for animals who need a voice now more than ever. Hospitals are not the only setting in which veterinary medicine takes place. I am interested in lawmaking, working with the government to preserve species that are needed for the earth to continue. Having a career in the veterinary field has always been my calling, and although it will not be easy, I will be able to say with pride "I am working my dream job."

Among the qualities, I value most are my care for all living things and my persistence. Ever since I was young, I have always done everything I could to make sure the well-being of others was okay. Whether it was starting a fundraiser for elephants, planting flowers for bees, signing petitions, voting, or hosting park cleanups. My persistence has allowed me to never give up even if things were challenging and I wanted to stop. My parents would say that I've had persistence ever since I was born, but I first noticed it when I started playing sports. Due to its ability to relate to almost everything, running has helped me grow my persistence. How I can publicly speak because I've run a half marathon before or how I can apply for prestigious research jobs because I have run 7000 feet of elevation. Through persistence, I have also learned that if I try hard enough, I can achieve anything I want and I want to be able to show that others can do it too. These qualities will help me in the future as a conservation veterinarian because I will need to care for others and never give up even if things are difficult. It would be easy for me to give up at times, but my persistence will keep me pushing forward. Conservation is mentally challenging because you're dealing with animals whose populations are declining and it does not appear like their numbers will rise again. Particularly for me, success feels so much better when you have moments where you want to quit, but seeing the positive outcome makes it all worthwhile. When you get knocked down it is imperative to remember why you are doing something so you can stand back up and keep moving. Never giving up has allowed me to work as a veterinary assistant at an emergency clinic when I was in high school and has now helped me get a research job at a world-renowned research facility called Biosphere 2. In spite of all my downs, I never gave up because I know there are many meaningful things I have to accomplish. I know in the future my care for others and persistence will open up many doors for me and allow me to help others. Demonstrating to others that no matter what happens, you can always get back up again and follow your dreams.

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A song that has the most meaning to me is never let me go by Florence and the machine. Her story really reminds me of my own because she has had an eating disorder, depression, anxiety and a sexual assault victim. When I listen to her music it provides me such great comfort because she has overcome it all and continues to help others at the same time. She is also a massive lover of the ocean as am I. A lot of her songs have a water aspect to them and it’s very beautiful. Her music makes me feel so calm and at peace with myself because although the feelings I have sometimes feel abnormal she has felt them too and it makes me feel less alone in the world. The song is about instead of giving up to give in and try to find a way to feel better so she goes to the ocean and it makes her feel calm and want to keep going.

I’ve been a thalassophile, an ocean lover, since the day I opened my eyes. A situation that has been popping up more and more and I want to see change. Boating accidents that cause harm to sea creatures' bodies. Ripping the flesh from their bodies, cracking their shells causing infection, pain, and even death. In their last moments, these beautiful creatures suffer from every breath, wave, and movement as their flesh hangs off of their body. Every year 20,000 whales, 100,000 dolphins, nearly 15,000 turtles, thousands of seals and sea lions, hundreds of sharks and stingrays and so much more are harmed and killed by boating accidents. Scientific American states that “The researchers sifted through necropsy results, eyewitness reports, and other anecdotal data from around the world and found that ships and smaller craft hit at least 75 species—including dolphins, sharks, sea otters, seals, penguins, and sea turtles. Among them are vulnerable species such as the critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle and the endangered Hector’s dolphin.” Not only are sea creatures threatened by propeller accidents. Hundreds of people are killed each year. I used to think there was nothing we could do but then the more I researched the more I realized the situation can easily be solved. There are these things which I'm sure you heard of called “prop guards” that, compared to a boat, are easily affordable and attainable. The guards go over the propeller and don't cause any disadvantage to the speed of the boat or the efficiency of the blades. Not only will they save the lives of humans preventing propeller accidents they would also help save the environment. We need a law in place that makes it necessary for every motorboat to have one or else they would be given a hefty fine or even serve jail time. The law about having a red light on your vessel port and green on your vessel starboard is just as easy as getting a prop guard. I’m so tired of seeing people say they love the ocean and that they love the beach and take no part in protecting it. We are destroying these animals' only homes while saying that we love them. With my conservation veterinary degree I hope to conserve endangered and critical species to help keep the ocean healthy along with advocating for more plastic bans and more anti pollution laws. The ocean needs to be put first rather than the last thing on peoples mind.

Since I was little my career path has always been wavering but there was always one thing that stayed the same in had to be working with animals. I shifted from wanting to be a biologist, Animal Control, rehabber, animal trainer, zookeeper, and of course a veterinarian. When it was time to decide what major I should pursue in college I was stuck between marine biologist and veterinarian. I went with veterinary sciences and will be pursuing a minor in marine sciences. People tend to think that being a veterinarian you will only work with animals but working with people is a major part of it. Unfortunately, animals cannot talk so we rely a lot on people who can help explain what is going on with their pets. We have come a long way in a pet-parent relationship and a lot more people are bringing their pets in for minor reasons as well. When back in the day it would not have been like that and vet medicine was more of a luxury for some animals. I want to make pet care more affordable for everyone because everyone deserves to feel the love of a pet and not just people who have money. I want to enter the large animal medicine field because I believe all animals deserve to be cared for regardless of their title. Vet medicine does not just stop at pets. Whether they are heading for the slaughter or going into livestock showing they still deserve the utmost care while alive to keep them comfortable. Farm animals can also be people's pets and I feel as though some people tend to forget that when they go into the veterinary field and only focus on cats and dogs and the occasional bunny. Along with large animal medicine, I am looking to study exotics, zoo/aquarium, and conservation medicine. I want to be able to be specialized in many types of medicine to have a wide range of field opportunities. I am also looking to advocate for animals who need a voice now more than ever. Hospitals aren't the only setting in which veterinary medicine takes place. I am interested in lawmaking, working with the government to preserve species that are needed for the earth to continue. According to DVMC, veterinary Medicine is one of the least diverse jobs in America with more than 90% of veterinarians identifying as white. It is important for me to be someone I don't see so when other kids are pursuing their majors they will be able to see someone they can be. Diversifying the veterinary field would mean giving hope to little kids who don't recognize themselves in the field. I hope when people hear my story they know they are able to see that they can do it too. With a collaboration of many different minds and backgrounds, it'll be able to bring multiple sources together to improve the future of vet medicine. Having a career in the veterinary field has always been my calling, and although it will not be easy, I will be able to say with pride "I am working my dream job."

Since I was little my career path has always been wavering but there was always one thing that stayed the same in had to be working with animals. I shifted from wanting to be a biologist, Animal Control, rehabber, animal trainer, zookeeper, and of course a veterinarian. When it was time to decide what major I should pursue in college I was stuck between marine biologist and veterinarian. I went with veterinary sciences and will be pursuing a minor in marine sciences. People tend to think that being a veterinarian you will only work with animals but working with people is a major part of it. Unfortunately, animals cannot talk so we rely a lot on people who can help explain what is going on with their pets. We have come a long way in a pet-parent relationship and a lot more people are bringing their pets in for minor reasons as well. When back in the day it would not have been like that and vet medicine was more of a luxury for some animals. I want to make pet care more affordable for everyone because everyone deserves to feel the love of a pet and not just people who have money. I want to enter the large animal medicine field because I believe all animals deserve to be cared for regardless of their title. Vet medicine does not just stop at pets. Whether they are heading for the slaughter or going into livestock showing they still deserve the utmost care while alive to keep them comfortable. Farm animals can also be people's pets and I feel as though some people tend to forget that when they go into the veterinary field and only focus on cats and dogs and the occasional bunny. Along with large animal medicine, I am looking to study exotics, zoo/aquarium, and conservation medicine. I want to be able to be specialized in many types of medicine to have a wide range of field opportunities. I am also looking to advocate for animals who need a voice now more than ever. Hospitals aren't the only setting in which veterinary medicine takes place. I am interested in lawmaking, working with the government to preserve species that are needed for the earth to continue. Having a career in the veterinary field has always been my calling, and although it will not be easy, I will be able to say with pride "I am working my dream job."

The love of my life is about a foot tall, 26lbs, and snores like a freight train. Maverick is my beloved French Bulldog of two years who was supposed to be my dad’s birthday gift but over the months Maverick has never left my side. Through all the late and early morning shifts, protecting me from gross men, and any monsters that might be hiding in the bubble bath, or maybe our reflection in the window. No matter what, he is always there. Whether it was something silly like sitting on my feet while I cook a meal or major like accompanying me to my first job interview. Even though he’s not even up to my knee he acts like such a big dog when he feels we might be endangered or that I might start to have a panic attack, he’ll glue to my side and puff up his chest and block anyone from getting near me. As usual we drove in my 2019 Nissan Maverick riding shotgun and me driving like the queen of england was accompanying us and let's be honest Maverick is a little bit more important than royalty. We got to the parkway and Maverick was already trying to jump out of the window. I put on his navy blue star covered jacket and we went on our way. Through the mist covered woods and over the gravel path, Maverick finds little things to chase after. A browning maple leaf floating through the light winter breeze, We cross the bridge and he spots his puppy friend,a blue weimaraner named Newman, from across the babbling creek. We exchange waves as Maverick & Newman try to venture across the water. Maverick meets various dogs in the main part of the park but then we get to the 3rd bridge that leads to various ruins, our favorite part of the walk. The less traveled path leads to more adventures and more opportunities for mavericks to act like a guard dog. When surrounded by others he loosens his composure but once alone he won't let anyone near. As we start to head back I notice someone far behind us but pay him no attention. Maverick starts to quicken his pace as he spots the man behind us and I do as well. Somehow it seems that the man was gaining on us and looked about 7 foot tall. He was draped in black and was wearing a cloak and I thought to myself who wears a cloak to take a walk, as my mind tried to come up with plausible reasons I landed on murderer. Obviously this man has been stalking me and has now decided this is the perfect moment to kill me in the park. Some reason Maverick decided to leap into a water run off covered in brush and I kept looking back to see this man. I swear to you he must've been running at this point. I turn and yell at Maverick "now I'm really getting scared!" I tried to drag him up from the brush but he got stuck in a stick that formed a cage around my beloved Maverick. As I got him out of the brush Maverick stood in front of me and the man appeared. Well once again my overactive imagination got the best of me. The man was speed walking with his sweatshirt was tied around his waist that from afar made it look like a cloak. Yet even though this man was in no one trying to murder me like I thought, Maverick still came to my rescue.

Currently I work as a veterinary assistant at an emergency clinic which I love a lot. Although in the future Im going to pursue marine and wildlife rescue. Nearly every summer I've gone to the beach and helped with cleanups and been a part of turtle egg hatching, dolphin and whale watching tours, horseshoe crab rescues, and more. I’ve even had the luxury of paddleboarding with manatees and dolphins. I recently saw a video on TikTok of a dolphin coming up to a boat with giant gashes on its back. It made me enraged but I turned the anger into fuel and got right to work. I researched and continued to find more alarming information. Every year nearly 20,000 whales, 100,000 dolphins, nearly 15,000 turtles, thousands of seals and sea lions, hundreds of sharks and stingrays and so much more are harmed and killed by boating accidents. Not only are animals impacted by this but seagrass also takes a major hit. Currently, I am working to get a mandatory prop guard law in ocean waters. I wrote letters to every senator with the coast and many got back to me and urged me to talk to my state senator. I was fortunate enough to be able to schedule a meeting with him. In the meeting, I talked about my research and my plan to help and he said if I got an organization to support me he’d see what he could do. I wrote to Martha Williams, the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and will be meeting with her and her team on March 23 to discuss my prop guard law. I hope to continue this project in the future and do whatever I can to protect ocean life from prop scarring and all the dangers humans have caused to the marine ecosystem. These experiences have helped me branch out, make connections and meet people who have the same interest as me. Together we can make a difference even if it’s just by picking up one piece of trash daily or writing to your senators.

Nearly every summer I've gone to the beach and helped with cleanups and been a part of turtle egg hatching, dolphin and whale watching tours, horseshoe crab rescues, and more. I’ve even had the luxury of paddleboarding with manatees and dolphins. I recently saw a video on TikTok of a dolphin coming up to a boat with giant gashes on its back. It made me enraged but I turned the anger into fuel and got right to work. I researched and continued to find more alarming information. Every year nearly 20,000 whales, 100,000 dolphins, nearly 15,000 turtles, thousands of seals and sea lions, hundreds of sharks and stingrays and so much more are harmed and killed by boating accidents. Not only are animals impacted by this but seagrass also takes a major hit. Currently, I am working to get a mandatory prop guard law in ocean waters. I wrote letters to every senator with the coast and many got back to me and urged me to talk to my state senator. I was fortunate enough to be able to schedule a meeting with him. In the meeting, I talked about my research and my plan to help and he said if I got an organization to support me he’d see what he could do. I wrote to Martha Williams, the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and will be meeting with her and her team on March 23 to discuss my prop guard law. I hope to continue this project in the future and do whatever I can to protect ocean life from prop scarring and all the dangers humans have caused to the marine ecosystem. These experiences have helped me branch out, make connections and meet people who have the same interest as me. Together we can make a difference even if it’s just by picking up one piece of trash daily or writing to your senators.