“When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself: The people I deal with today will be meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous, and surly. They are like this because they can’t tell good from evil. But I have seen the beauty of good, and the ugliness of evil, and have recognized that the wrongdoer has a nature related to my own—not of the same blood or birth, but the same mind, and possessing a share of the divine. Therefore, none of them can hurt me. No one can implicate me in ugliness. Nor can I feel angry at my relative, or hate him. We were born to work together like feet, hands, and eyes, like the two rows of teeth, upper and lower. To obstruct each other is unnatural. To feel anger at someone, to turn your back on him: these are unnatural.” — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 2, Section 1 (trans. Gregory Hays, 2002) Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations remains one of the most profound philosophical texts from antiquity, offering timeless wisdom on personal conduct, virtue, and the nature of human relationships. In the selected passage from Book 2, Section 1, Marcus Aurelius articulates a practical and deeply empathetic approach to encountering difficult people—a scenario inevitable in daily life. At its core, the passage conveys a stoic thesis: by recognizing the shared divine rationality inherent in all humans, we can transcend negative emotions such as anger and resentment, cultivating instead compassion, resilience, and social harmony. The opening sentence immediately sets a sober, realistic tone. Marcus instructs himself—and by extension, the reader—to prepare each morning for the inevitable frustrations posed by human flaws: meddling, ingratitude, arrogance, dishonesty, jealousy, and surliness. Rather than dismissing or denying these traits, Marcus confronts them head-on, acknowledging that difficult people are part of the human condition. This frank recognition is foundational; it serves to moderate expectations and inoculate one’s mind against surprise or bitterness when faced with such behaviors. However, Marcus’s approach is not one of cynicism or detachment but of enlightened understanding. He attributes these failings to ignorance—the inability “to tell good from evil.” Here, Marcus introduces a moral framework that distinguishes between external actions and the internal condition of the actor. The wrongdoer’s behavior is not merely malevolent but rooted in a lack of knowledge, a blindness to virtue and vice. This subtle distinction opens the door to empathy rather than hatred. It allows one to regard the offender not as an enemy, but as a fellow human trapped in error. The passage’s philosophical heart lies in the recognition that the wrongdoer shares “a nature related to my own—not of the same blood or birth, but the same mind, and possessing a share of the divine.” This assertion echoes the Stoic belief in a universal rationality that unites all human beings. For Marcus, the “divine” is not a distant deity but the rational principle (logos) embedded within human reason. This shared rationality demands that we treat one another as kin, bound by common nature and destiny. The Stoic’s task, therefore, is to respond to others’ failings with understanding, rather than retaliation. Marcus continues by asserting that because of this shared nature, “none of them can hurt me. No one can implicate me in ugliness.” This reflects a core Stoic principle: external events and the actions of others cannot truly harm one’s moral character unless one consents to be corrupted by them. In other words, the only real harm is moral—losing one’s virtue and reason. By refusing to become angry or hateful, Marcus maintains his own integrity and autonomy. The use of metaphor further reinforces the Stoic vision of human interdependence and cooperation. Humans “were born to work together like feet, hands, and eyes, like the two rows of teeth, upper and lower.” These images emphasize the naturalness of cooperation and mutual support. Just as the body functions optimally only when its parts work harmoniously, society thrives when individuals act in concert rather than opposition. To “obstruct each other” or to “feel anger” and “turn your back” is to violate this natural order, to act unnaturally and harmfully against the community and oneself. This appeal to natural law and rational unity challenges the reader to rethink common emotional responses. Anger, often seen as justified or instinctive, is reframed as “unnatural,” an emotional failure to live according to reason and shared humanity. Marcus urges a form of emotional discipline grounded in rational reflection, empathy, and acceptance. Taken together, the passage presents a practical guide for maintaining equanimity and moral clarity amid social friction. Marcus Aurelius, an emperor burdened with immense responsibilities and surrounded by political intrigue and personal betrayal, models a mindset that protects inner peace by recognizing human imperfection and embracing universal kinship. His approach is neither naïve nor passive but empowered by reason and virtue. In modern contexts, this passage remains deeply relevant. In an era often marked by polarization, conflict, and misunderstanding, Marcus’s call to recognize the shared “divine” rationality within all people offers a pathway toward compassion and cooperation. It challenges us to rise above reactive emotions and cultivate patience, understanding that the failings of others do not diminish our own moral worth or ability to choose kindness. In conclusion, Marcus Aurelius’s passage is a profound meditation on human nature, social harmony, and personal resilience. By anticipating the flaws of others, recognizing their shared rational essence, and rejecting anger as unnatural, the Stoic philosopher provides a timeless framework for ethical living. This philosophy invites us to transform interpersonal challenges into opportunities for growth, compassion, and the cultivation of virtue, reminding us that our greatest power lies in how we choose to respond to the world and its imperfections.

I am currently pursuing a career in veterinary medicine with a clear purpose: to make a lasting, positive impact on both animal welfare and public health. My goal is not simply to treat animals, but to contribute to healthier communities, support conservation efforts, and help bridge the gap between animal care and human well-being. Veterinary medicine affects more than just individual pets—it plays a crucial role in global issues such as zoonotic disease prevention, wildlife conservation, and sustainable animal care practices. As I work toward becoming a veterinarian, I plan to specialize in both small animal care and wildlife rehabilitation. I believe that serving both domestic animals and wildlife allows for a broader reach, benefiting not only individual families but entire ecosystems. By helping protect endangered species through rehabilitation efforts, and by educating pet owners on responsible care, I hope to contribute to both local communities and global conservation initiatives. My volunteer experience has already given me insight into how veterinary care can make a difference. At the animal hospital where I volunteer, I see the trust clients place in veterinarians. I’ve witnessed how access to affordable, compassionate care improves both the lives of animals and the peace of mind of the people who love them. My goal is to expand that kind of care into underserved communities, where financial or geographic barriers often limit access to veterinary services. By organizing low-cost clinics and educational programs, I want to ensure more people can provide their animals with the care they deserve. Outside of animal care, I also volunteer at a food pantry and tutor college students in subjects like biology and chemistry. Tutoring has shown me how important accessible education is, especially in scientific fields. I see this as directly connected to my future career: as a veterinarian, I won’t just treat animals—I’ll also work to educate others, whether through mentoring aspiring veterinary students or leading public outreach programs. Sharing knowledge helps strengthen communities and encourages others to care about animal welfare and public health. The positive impact I envision through my career is both immediate and long-term: helping individual animals heal, protecting wildlife populations, supporting families, and promoting a greater understanding of how interconnected animal and human health truly are. This scholarship would allow me to focus fully on my education and skill development, so I can take those next steps with confidence and purpose. Veterinary medicine, to me, is not just a profession—it’s a lifelong opportunity to serve, educate, and contribute to a healthier, more compassionate world.

My name is Payton Barbier, and I am a dedicated student working toward my long-term goal of becoming a veterinarian. With a 3.99 GPA and consistent placement on the President’s List every semester, I have always approached my education with focus and intention. However, my drive to pursue veterinary medicine is about more than academic success. It’s about service—service to animals, to the community, and to a larger purpose of promoting compassion and care in the world around me. From a young age, I’ve felt a strong connection to animals. Volunteering at a local animal hospital has solidified that connection into something practical and purposeful. Through this experience, I’ve gained hands-on knowledge of animal care, including feeding, cleaning, observing medical procedures, and comforting animals during stressful times. While these tasks may seem simple, they reflect a deeper belief I hold: that every animal, no matter its size or species, deserves respect, dignity, and quality care. This work has also given me a clearer understanding of the role veterinarians play not just in treating animals but in educating and supporting the people who care for them. I’ve seen how much trust is placed in veterinary professionals and how that trust can make a real difference in a community. That realization drives me to become the kind of veterinarian who is not only skilled in medicine but also dedicated to building strong relationships with animal owners, shelters, and rescue organizations. In addition to my volunteer work with animals, I also serve my community through a local food pantry. While this work is different from my animal care experiences, it has taught me similar lessons about empathy, patience, and the importance of offering help without judgment. Sorting food donations or handing out supplies may seem like small tasks, but they are vital to people facing difficult circumstances. This sense of purpose carries over into everything I do, reminding me that service is about showing up consistently for others—whether they walk on two legs or four. This scholarship would have a profound impact on my ability to continue pursuing my education and my future career in veterinary medicine. Veterinary school is a significant financial investment, and while I am committed to working hard and seeking out opportunities to support myself, scholarships like this one ease the financial pressure and allow me to focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and giving back. Ultimately, I see my future not just as a veterinarian, but as a leader in animal welfare and community health. I hope to specialize in multiple veterinary fields to better serve a variety of animals, from pets in local clinics to wildlife in conservation programs. I also plan to organize fundraisers and outreach initiatives that support animal rescue efforts and promote public awareness about responsible animal care. Receiving this scholarship would bring me closer to those goals, not just by funding my education, but by supporting my mission to make a lasting difference in both the veterinary field and the community.

Animal care and welfare play a vital role in conservation efforts because the health and well-being of individual animals directly impact the survival and stability of entire species. Conservation is not just about protecting habitats or preventing extinction; it also involves ensuring that animals—both in the wild and in human care—are treated with respect, compassion, and scientific attention to their physical and emotional needs. When animals are rescued from injury, illness, or illegal trade, proper care is essential for rehabilitation and, when possible, reintroduction into their natural environment. Wildlife rehabilitation centers, zoos with conservation programs, and veterinary teams all contribute to this process. Ensuring high welfare standards means providing appropriate nutrition, medical treatment, enrichment to support natural behaviors, and stress reduction. Without these elements, even the best-intentioned conservation programs can fall short, as animals may not survive long-term or thrive once released back into the wild. Additionally, caring for animals in captivity, such as endangered species in breeding programs, supports genetic diversity. High welfare standards in these settings promote better physical health and reproductive success, both of which are crucial for maintaining healthy populations. For instance, if breeding animals experience chronic stress or poor health due to inadequate care, it can negatively affect offspring and reduce the overall success of conservation breeding efforts. I envision contributing to the field of animal care and welfare in conservation as a future veterinarian. My career goal is to specialize in more than one veterinary field, including wildlife medicine and small animal care, so that I can serve both domestic animals and wild species involved in conservation efforts. I want to work directly with animals in rescue centers, sanctuaries, or wildlife hospitals, providing medical treatment, performing surgeries, and supporting rehabilitation programs. In addition to hands-on veterinary care, I hope to engage in community education. Public understanding and support are essential for conservation. By educating people about how animal welfare ties into larger conservation goals, I believe more individuals will be motivated to participate—whether through donations, volunteer work, or lifestyle choices that reduce harm to wildlife and the environment. Another way I envision contributing is through organizing fundraisers and awareness campaigns. Many conservation programs operate on limited budgets, especially in areas where resources for animal care are scarce. Fundraising can provide critical support for medical supplies, habitat restoration projects, and educational outreach. Ultimately, I believe combining veterinary science with compassion-driven animal welfare practices creates a strong foundation for meaningful conservation work. Animals are not just species to be saved in the abstract—they are living beings that deserve quality care throughout their lives. My goal is to dedicate my skills and passion to ensuring that both individual animals and entire species have the opportunity to survive, thrive, and contribute to a healthier, more balanced world.

One of my favorite books is Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur. This poetry collection explores themes such as love, loss, trauma, healing, and femininity. What makes this book stand out to me is how accessible the poetry feels. The language is simple, yet emotionally powerful. It doesn’t rely on complicated vocabulary or overly abstract imagery. Instead, it speaks plainly, directly, and honestly, making it easy for readers from all backgrounds to connect with the emotions shared. I feel strongly about Milk and Honey because it reflects emotions and experiences that many people, especially young women, often keep hidden. The poems touch on pain and struggle in ways that feel raw and unfiltered, but they also focus on self-love, growth, and reclaiming strength. The honesty within its pages creates a sense of validation for feelings that are not always easy to express. Reading it for the first time made me feel seen and understood, as though someone had put words to thoughts and emotions, I had experienced but couldn’t always describe. This balance between vulnerability and empowerment resonates deeply with my personal values and future goals. As someone working toward becoming a veterinarian, I often think about healing—not just for animals, but also for the people connected to them. Animals and humans alike experience physical and emotional wounds, and in both cases, healing requires patience, care, and dedication. Milk and Honey reminds me that healing, whether emotional or physical, is a process worth committing to. That message stays with me in both my personal life and my future career plans. What’s especially meaningful is how this theme connects with a fascinating scientific fact: the brain is capable of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to physically change and form new neural connections as we heal from stress or trauma. For a long time, it was believed that the brain stopped developing after a certain age, but research has proven otherwise. Through practices like mindfulness, therapy, or even engaging with art and poetry, people can help rewire their brains in positive ways. This means that healing isn’t just a feeling—it’s a real, measurable process happening in the brain. Reading books like Milk and Honey may actually contribute to that healing by providing comfort and a sense of understanding. The poems aren’t just words on a page; they reflect the real scientific process of healing and growth. For me, it’s inspiring to think about how both art and science play important roles in mental health. As I work toward becoming a veterinarian and supporting animal welfare, I carry these ideas with me—believing in both compassion and science as essential tools for healing, whether in humans or animals.