I am a natural server at heart. I love helping others… especially animals. My involvement in the veterinary program at Tampa Bay Tech High School sparked my desire to study Animal Science (Pre-Vet). At first, I thought all I would do was play with animals all day. I quickly realized I had mistaken the program. It entailed so much more. Starting with the basics, the terminology is where I fell in love with learning what everything meant from Abaxial to Zoonosis. Later, I learned handling and restraint, one of the most essential skills. I carry the wise words of my vet teacher: “Without control, you have chaos.” In the subsequent year, I was able to put my abilities to use in a clinical setting, where I was able to link the how to the why. For instance, I was taught surgical prep and how to give injections, and I had the chance to handle many different animals. Through the valuable skills learned, I earned internships and job opportunities that gave me insight into what my desired career may withhold. Moreover, after my undergraduate studies, I intend to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine and use my knowledge to educate my community about proper animal education. I discovered that animal awareness education and fundamental resources were lacking. This is why animals are treated improperly and end up in shelters. I plan to become a specialist in shelter medicine, a field of veterinary medicine dedicated to caring for homeless animals in shelters or other facilities devoted to finding them. Additionally, I will organize a free workshop on “Animal Education Awareness,” using my earned title for the Tampa Bay Area to educate pet owners on how to care for their animals properly and keep them healthy. A well-informed owner is essential to a happy and healthy animal, and I would like to increase the likelihood of that happening. Ultimately, I aspire to make a change in a predominantly Caucasian-dominated field. Black individuals account for only 1.8% of veterinarians. To reach my desired career, I must work ten times harder to be recognized or acknowledged than my counterparts. Although unfair, I am dedicated to standing my ground and achieving my aspirations. Aim to inspire others, showing that we are more than 1.8%. I am an Animal Science major, leading the food and agriculture sciences department. Exemplifying leadership is a daily occurrence for me. I’ve learned there is always a way to improve and evolve. But it takes dedication, execution, and no fear of failure to reach your desired results.

I am a natural server at heart. I love helping others… especially animals. My involvement in the veterinary program at Tampa Bay Tech High School sparked my desire to study Animal Science (Pre-Vet). At first, I thought all I would do was play with animals all day. I quickly realized I had mistaken the program. It entailed so much more. Starting with the basics, the terminology is where I fell in love with learning what everything meant from Abaxial to Zoonosis. Later, I learned handling and restraint, one of the most essential skills. I carry the wise words of my vet teacher: “Without control, you have chaos.” In the subsequent year, I was able to put my abilities to use in a clinical setting, where I was able to link the how to the why. For instance, I was taught surgical prep and how to give injections, and I had the chance to handle many different animals. Through the valuable skills learned, I earned internships and job opportunities that gave me insight into what my desired career may withhold. Moreover, after my undergraduate studies, I intend to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine and use my knowledge to educate my community about proper animal education. I discovered that animal awareness education and fundamental resources were lacking. This is why animals are treated improperly and end up in shelters. I plan to become a specialist in shelter medicine, a field of veterinary medicine dedicated to caring for homeless animals in shelters or other facilities devoted to finding them. Additionally, I will organize a free workshop on “Animal Education Awareness,” using my earned title for the Tampa Bay Area to educate pet owners on how to care for their animals properly and keep them healthy. A well-informed owner is essential to a happy and healthy animal, and I would like to increase the likelihood of that happening. Ultimately, I aspire to make a change in a predominantly Caucasian-dominated field. Black individuals account for only 1.8% of veterinarians. To reach my desired career, I must work ten times harder to be recognized or acknowledged than my counterparts. Although unfair, I am dedicated to standing my ground and achieving my aspirations. Aim to inspire others, showing that we are more than 1.8%. Being an Animal Science major means leading the food and agriculture sciences department. Exemplifying leadership is a daily occurrence for me. I’ve learned there is always a way to improve and evolve. But it takes dedication, execution, and no fear of failure to reach your desired results.

Leadership will have to be what I value most about myself. I have to thank my mother for this characteristic. Because every time I heard the word leadership. All can hear is her bold strong voice "Be a Leader, not a follower!" I remember quickly questioning myself as a little girl, can anyone be a leader? Yes, leadership comes in all shapes and sizes, it is anyone willing to step up to the plate and guide people in a better direction. They are diligent, respectable, and care for others. Then I believed that is me I lead in numerous ways. Being a leader makes me a better person because it brings me joy. The first time I led a pack was when I used my love for dance and started a small nonprofit at the age of 12, Rae It Up. An opportunity to give back to the community by offering free dance classes in the park to younger girls. Rae It Up helped me learn that I love working towards a good cause. Now we are here an 18-year-old young lady and I'm still marching in the front. I've earned my role of president of the senior council through my spirit and dedication to finding ways to unite my peers, through school events like tailgates, breast cancer awareness week, and spirit days. I have been a part of Tampa alumnae Delta GEMS, an organization that empowers African American young ladies and instills leadership within us. Over the course, I have led by example through my poise and attitude which earned me the role of president of the GEMS executive board for two consecutive years. My leadership doesn't stop within organizations, I host study groups for me and my friends. Helping them apply for colleges and reading over essays, along with preparing for an upcoming test. Always trying to be a voice to help others, I created a social media account to reach more people, providing them with resources for scholarships, and volunteer opportunities, while being an inspiration to others. In the same instance, a leader is constantly learning and receptive to new information. In the same instance, a leader is constantly learning and receptive to new information. This past October I had the opportunity to have a meeting with U.S. Representative Kathy Castor about ways to improve engagement throughout the school. There is always a way to improve and evolve, you just need to be able to put in the work...that I am willing to do.

When you have gratitude towards life, it's not difficult to lend a helping hand. I was raised with the spirit of "too much is given, much is required. " I am blessed to have the opportunity to give back. I embody selflessness through my community and within my family. I sacrifice time and effort to pour into others, not because I'm seeking a physical reward. But because l love to make people feel appreciated and worthy. I know life can throw everyone curve balls, some need extra encouragement. I know from experience with my mother's selflessness, that she has always pushed me to go the extra mile. To get out there and be a change for the better. With her encouragement, I started volunteering around my community. From Feeding Tampa Bay to Metropolitan Ministries (which are just some of my favorites) I enjoy seeing the joy spread across their faces and engaging in conversations with different people. I like to say it's a humbling experience and leaves me looking forward to the next time I'm able to come back. Not only do I demonstrate selflessness within my community, coming from a huge family and dealing with a multitude of people's needs. I've learned there is more to life than just what " Rae wants". I've gained the mindset that to be where I want in life, I need to uplift others around me. For instance, when my Godmother opened her business it was a collective effort to get her business up and running. The experience taught me that if you're altruistic towards people, others will be grateful and return the action. It's the small gestures you do for people that go a long way. In this case, school is where I exemplify selflessness as well. I have always been a person to help my peers out when they're struggling. I'm never afraid to ask a billion questions because some people dislike speaking aloud but need help. Yes, l am worried about my success but I'm capable of uplifting others while achieving my goal. To conclude, when writing this piece which happens to be my first college scholarship essay. This allowed me to reflect on what my morals are and no matter the situation big or small I am making a change in the world. I am proud of the young lady I have grown to be, thank you for this opportunity!