My Hero Academia may seem action-packed on the surface, but it presents a deeper underlying message to me. This series has taught me that no matter how hard life gets, or how different I may feel from those around me, I still have the chance to succeed. Everyone has their own potential spark in themselves that is waiting to ignite. Izuku Midoriya's previous quirklessness did not prevent him from reaching his dreams. I like to consider that my own realization in this world. No matter how many personal obstacles come my way, I always have the potential to succeed and never give up. The message of this series has impacted my ambition and drive in achieving my goals and realizing my true place in this complicated world. It shows that we all have our own quirks and all of us can use them in our own special way.

College was not viewed as a possibility in my family. My mother had graduated from high school but did not attend college after that. My father completed a semester at a local community college but dropped out shortly after. Looking back, I guess my family never really acknowledged the possibility of college, so I did not have adequate knowledge about it going into high school and nearing graduation. We all saw higher education as a pathway for those who had money and could afford it. I would be lucky to attend a state school since my family could only afford that. It did not help that I wanted to pursue a career seen as "more ambitious," such as becoming a Veterinarian. These obstacles all loomed in our minds as I neared the end of high school. My parents decided to put in the life-long commitment of putting me through college once they saw how passionate I was about animals. I would be the first in all of my family to attend. My parents have put in the biggest financial sacrifices for me to pursue my dream. My recognition of this massive commitment that is in the form of their care and support of my ambitions, has heavily influenced my devotion to higher education. No pressure from my parents has influenced my decision, but I want to make them proud. I want to show them that I can go through life facing challenges head-on without looking back. I want to represent my passions and purpose in this world. Being a first-generation student is not the only reason why I put hard work into my education, however. My immense passion for animals and science has also motivated me. The fascinating and unique nature of each animal species on our planet has intrigued me for as long as I can remember. It is definitely one of the reasons I instantly think of when someone asks why I want to be a Veterinarian. I want to be someone that animals can depend on, even if they are not aware of it like us humans are. I am mostly participating in hands-on animal care in my community as part of my extracurricular activity. I volunteer with an equine rescue near my city, where I care for horses and donkeys while learning valuable information about their care. I also volunteer at a rescue for dogs and cats, where I provide hands-on care for them. My time volunteering has allowed me to take a moment to appreciate why I want to pursue a career in Veterinary medicine. There are challenges I will face that will make others sad, but there are also times where I get to be the savior that many animals so desperately need. I have unlocked a sense of compassion I did not fully acknowledge before. The animals that come in with an abusive past show me that cruelty lurks around us, but it also helps me find my ultimate purpose in this complicated world. I have a strange sense of reassurance that these animals will have someone like me that cares for them and would love them unconditionally. My current passion for veterinary medicine can also be explained by just this. It is a field where compassionate people care for the world's most vulnerable who cannot speak like us. To me, that is the most heartening in life. I plan to continue my passion for animals as I continue my education. My biggest wish from this is to make my parents proud, and the animals that will rely on me in the future.

Achieving high grades may seem like the sole priority for my specific long-term educational goal, but it is not the only goal I am working to achieve. Doing well in my classes and gaining valuable experience in my career field are two educational goals I currently prioritize. These educational goals will support my professional goal of becoming a Veterinarian. As a current undergraduate student, I am working hard to maintain the highest grades possible in all of my classes. I am not only aiming for the best grade I can achieve, but I am working to project effort into my work. In addition, I show passion in my studies, and that I actually care about the material and wish to gain more knowledge about it. As a Biology major, I am highly fascinated by the sciences and the manner in which they work to explain the world. I hope to study these courses to the fullest so that I can appreciate the content greatly. I believe that effort is just as important as knowledge. Every lab report, and every homework assignment I complete, is where I hope to show my strongest effort. In addition to achieving high grades and prioritizing effort while doing so, I am working to gain valuable experience with animals. As a student aspiring to become a Veterinarian it is crucial that I gain experience working with animals as much as possible, especially in a veterinary setting. Hands-on experience will not only allow me to actively live out my passion for caring for animals, but it will also help prepare me for the rigorous but rewarding experience I will have in veterinary school and beyond. I plan to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary near my college campus. I currently volunteer with rescue horses, donkeys, dogs, and cats back home. I hope to further expand my experience by working with a wider range of species. I also plan to intern at a veterinary hospital. This goal is especially crucial for me to complete because it allows me to immerse myself in an actual veterinary setting with the professionals I aspire to be. Interning will also show me the realities of veterinary medicine and the work that is required of it. Experience is a vital factor in my long-term professional goal, and it will benefit me personally, academically, and professionally. The educational goals I am working hard to complete will support my future goal of becoming a Veterinarian. My educational experiences will teach me about hard work, perseverance, and passion. I will be well equipped with the skills needed to succeed in veterinary medicine and change the lives of animals in any way I can. The grades I earn in the required courses, and the effort I put in, will allow me to attend veterinary school and further succeed. My experience working alongside animals and veterinary professionals will teach me more about this diverse field. It will also force me to reflect on my career choices and understand my reasoning for pursuing a career as a Veterinarian. I will also understand what change needs to be done in this world for both animal and human health, and how the field of veterinary medicine can be improved. My educational goals will not only support my aspirations but also the lives of others and the strengths of the profession as a whole. My educational goals will not be worked on so easily. They will require discipline, focus, and of course passion. My passion for animals will allow me to succeed and make the change needed in this world.

I am passionate about discovering more of this world and learning new things. I especially have a fascination with the natural world and the different species that thrive in it. This interest has led me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine where I hope to change both animal and human lives for the better. I am a devoted animal lover, and there is nothing better in this world than seeing the connection between a pet and their human. The comfort, connection, and pure love that comes with having a pet are unique and everlasting. I aspire to allow others to feel this connection with their pets and to make sure that their pet is healthy and happy. I am currently in the process of pursuing my goal of becoming a veterinarian. I am a sophomore in university, gaining knowledge about the scientific world and how I can apply it to my career. I hope to achieve the proper level of education that will allow me to make a difference in both animal and human lives and to give back to my community by promoting a safe and humane environment for all. I am excited about my career path because I am able to actively project my passion and knowledge for the greater good of my community. I firmly believe that veterinarians give back to their community by not only saving animal lives but by promoting the health and happiness of the community as a whole. I consider veterinarians as unseen heroes for the prevention of zoonotic diseases, for example. I plan to be an unseen hero myself where I can make someone's day when they bring their sick pet into the clinic, or where I can research and help control a disease that can move onto the human population. My future career as a veterinarian will not be one without bad days and emotional drainage. I will experience a shattering loss even for a pet that is not my own. I will experience firsthand the emotional toll having a pet can be on a person. But, I am resilient in my goal and see this role for its positives and unique challenges. I want to be someone who contributes to the community in a unique way, for both human and animal members.

Growing up, especially in high school, I considered attending college as the highest privilege. None of my parents nor my immediate family ever stepped foot in a university, so my feelings towards this part of my future were doubtful. When the time came to apply, I was taken aback even by the application fee. I told my high school counselor that this just was not possible for me. College was just too expensive for my family and me. It seemed that at every moment, there was always something that cost money! After realizing my options and recognizing the importance of this step in my life, I applied and got into a few universities. I was excited but also weighed down by the fact that we would not be able to afford to send me off. My family did not have the financial help readily available to make this a sure possibility. However, I found myself becoming resilient in achieving the goal of actually being the first one in my whole family to attend college. I worked hard to access any available resources I can obtain. I not only learned but studied the whole financial aid process and how to make my attendance possible. In the end, I was able to successfully attend the college I felt I truly belonged to. This whole experience impacted my life in the most positive way. I learned how hard work can pay off and how grateful I was to be able to become a first-generation college student. This experience has not only driven me to apply for scholarships to continue this possibility but has also inspired me to help others who do not believe that attending college will be a possibility for them. I want to guide them in the right direction and motivate them to take charge and do what they can to make it happen. I strongly realize that college is a privilege for many, but it can all work out eventually with the right mindset and resources. It does not hurt to explore your options and see what you can do, but instead shows resilience and ambition in its strongest form.

One way that being a first-generation student has impacted my journey to a career in veterinary medicine is that I have learned there is no "ideal" path towards this career. The only path that really exists to me is one that promotes learning about the world and being able to overcome personal challenges in the midst of all of it. I have learned that I do not need to have extremely smart, college-educated parents to realize my own career goals in life. Instead, I can shape my own path and discover more of my passions along the way. The personal challenges I have faced have had a prominent impact on my journey as well. Beginning in high school, I was unfamiliar with the concept of college and felt insecure in my confusion. Even as a current undergraduate, I am still learning more about college and the life I will hold beyond it. I did not believe that I will be able to continue my journey towards a career in veterinary medicine. Financial aid was a prime suspect in this particular struggle. My parents never went through the daunting process of finding the right resources and not getting scammed in the process. I was therefore unfamiliar with the whole process and felt that everyone knew about it way more than me. After sitting down with a financial aid counselor and learning about my options, I became more confident in the possibility of actually attending a college. That moment has now shown me that attending college can be a possibility if the right resources and guidance are available. I was immensely grateful to have the opportunity to attend a university, considering that no one on either side of my parents' immediate family ever went. To them "it was something rich and well-off people did." I had this particular mindset as well growing up. I learned the truth behind this: it is indeed a possibility if I make it to be. It won't be a perfectly set possibility, but with the right resources, I could make it happen. I try not to hold this concept close in my mind as I near graduation and plan my applications towards veterinary school where I will do it all again, but the reality of it all still exists. I have understood, however, that becoming a first-generation college student is a great accomplishment for anyone to have. If I was able to accomplish this, then I can accomplish anything and be the Veterinarian that animals need.

My 2020 experience was filled with personal growth, hardships, and realizations about this complicated world we live in. I started my first year of college at the beginning of 2020 before the pandemic hit. I felt so refreshed and confident as a freshman and was excited to approach the new opportunities coming my way. In the second month of being on-campus, however, news of an alarming virus emerged, and my college experience was cut short. I had to leave my new friends and the new life I had just begun to build. This experience showed me that not everything in life is sunshine and roses, but unexpected events can lurk and jump out at us when we least expect it. I was immensely grateful that my family and I did not contract the virus but I still sensed a sort of darkness in the world that I had not fully noticed before. It made me learn how unexpected and crazy life can get for everyone. One day we might feel content and comfortable in our own life bubbles, but the next day we might experience the paranoia and worry that came with the pandemic. Seeing the urgency and fear spread around the world taught me the realities of life. We need to be grateful for what we have, make the most of our time, and cherish what we have. If we don't fully do these things then we will miss them greatly once they are snatched away from us. The harsh reality of life is not the only thing I learned from this experience. I also learned about the value of healthcare and science and the amazing men and women in these fields. The experience of living in a sudden pandemic taught me that real-life heroes do exist. These professionals still put their life at risk to help combat the virus and protect society as much as they can. They worked to keep us educated and informed. Their actions have shaped my view of the world and have provided me with much-needed reassurance and optimism. For the future, I can now fully rely on the amazing efforts taken in the healthcare scientific fields and recognize their immense importance in keeping the world safe and healthy. The hectic and challenging year of 2020 has also shaped my viewpoint on the future. I will live in the moment and do the best I can in college, but will also keep in mind the underlying significance of cherishing what I have and not taking advantage of what is available to me. I will grasp onto the various important elements in my life as I navigate towards my future.

The wisdom and strong morals my mother embodies have been reflected in me as I navigate life. It may sound obvious to others, but my mom is the most important figure in my life, and a wise one as well. She has taught me about the value of staying true to myself and doing what truly makes me happy in this world. The ambition she has motivated me to have has played a crucial role in my development as a college student. As a young woman who is the first in her entire family to go to college, I have experienced obstacles and uncertainties in my path to success. But my mom has always been there to guide me through difficult times. Not only that, but she has led me to continue on my journey towards fulfilling my passion and career aspirations. I have a passion for animals and a great interest in veterinary medicine, so I aspire to become a veterinarian in the near future. My mom has shown me the realities I must face while striving for this career, but she has been unwavering in her effort to motivate and inspire me. She has taught me to never give up and to do what makes me happy. She has inspired me not to commit to a career just because it pays more or is desirable for a young woman like me, but to realize my passion and change lives in any way I can. I will carry this life lesson with me as I power through my studies and personal experiences. I will keep it as a memento of words that will maintain my strong motivation. I will stay true to what I love and aspire to do in this world. After all, mothers are not only our caretakers until adulthood, but moral inspirations for us as well. They guide us to be successful and strong women and to stay true to our hearts.

My greatest inspiration in life is helping others. This applies to both humans and animals. As someone who aspires to be a veterinarian, I am driven to realize my passion and help animals in need. I also hope to brighten someone's day when their beloved pet is reunited with them healthy. I want to see the relief on their face when I spread the good news. It will not be all sunshine and rainbows of course, but knowing that I can make the smallest difference in the lives of both people and pets fuels my ambition even more. The financial struggles my family and I face when providing me with a college education are tremendous. But, with hard work and drive, I can reach my goals and realize my inspiration in life. My inspiration is not only one that motivates me but defines me. It represents my values and views of the world. It therefore will lead me to success that is not only personal but beneficial and inspiring to others too.

Disdain, frustration, insecurity. Those are just a few of the forbidden words that described how I felt when I was in a dark place. I was pushed into a corner where I struggled to love myself, and was filled with blinding sadness. After discovering the world more, however, I began to learn how to truly love myself. When attending my first social event on-campus in college, I felt out of place and feared my social skills. I tried to hide in the crowd through a mixture of low self-esteem and shyness. I did not feel that I deserved to make friends and form new relationships. Opening up was instantly considered a "no" for me. But after meeting others with the same interests, I began to feel more accepted and content with myself. I realized that I was not ugly or unapproachable, but the opposite. I found that forming new relationships with others allowed me to express myself more and of course learn to love myself. I was able to emerge from my cave of self-doubt and insecurity. I felt reborn as a new person who deserves the world. The topic of acceptance and positivity in the LGBTQ+ community can be challenging. Like me, there are others who have struggled (or are still struggling) with their inner selves. I wish for no one to feel this way. Therefore, I commit to making a difference in the social realm of the LGBTQ+ community by embracing tough questions. Who am I? Why do I feel this way? Is this who I truly wish to be? These questions can create unique conversations that do not involve negative feelings, but positive ones. I hope to embrace these conversations with others and engage in them to the fullest. I aspire to help others realize that they are not alone, and that others and I will accept them no matter what. After all, we are not robots. We all have different identities and preferences in life. That is what makes us, and this whole community, absolutely beautiful. I will cherish positivity in the LGBTQ+ community by inspiring others to follow the path towards self-love. Guiding them towards this journey will be an action that I will take. We all deserve the amazing and essential gift of positivity and acceptance. It is what allows us to flourish in this world.

I am passionate about STEM because it allows me to see through the complexity of the world and solve questions that have piqued my curiosity. Science, in particular, is a gateway to solving some of Earth's most mysterious questions. Are there other life forms on Earth? Why can matter around us be so complex? These are questions that the knowledge embedded in the field of STEM can help address. I am also passionate about the diverse field of STEM. From the natural sciences to the mechanics of physics, STEM offers society a seemingly endless array of concepts we can study and find our interests in. STEM unlocks an abundant amount of opportunities for passionate individuals. My own STEM studies will allow me to showcase my passions and interests into a successful career of veterinary medicine. I will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field and be someone who helps animals and people in anyway I can. By studying STEM, I can learn and utilize important knowledge based on science and mathematics. These fields themselves are crucial to master when it comes to certain careers. Therefore, studying them will allow me to become a more knowledgeable citizen that can serve her society. Studying STEM is a challenging path to travel through, but it will provide me with highly important assets that can further challenge and stimulate my brain. This field alone will teach me more about the world around us and help ensure that my goals will be fulfilled.

Music provides me with the rhythm needed to push through my day. It allows me to discover the diversity of the arts and the beautiful sounds. What especially excites me about music is the hidden messages lurking in certain songs. It is fun to decipher the different meanings represented by musicians, and finding how close these messages can reflect my own personal experiences. Music therefore plays an influential role in my life, where I have learned to embrace the diverse range of genres and the importance music brings to society. I have discovered the bonding values that music brings. I have the opportunity to bond with others based on their similar tastes in music. I might not recognize it immediately, but music provides a light in my world that I can follow as I navigate this changing and challenging society.

My mom is my biggest role model because she teaches me how to have a good heart and strong morals. She does not judge, and always looks to see the best in people no matter their background. I have learned how to hold high morals and stay true to myself in this changing society. I have learned how to understand and communicate with others because of my mother's influence. My mom has guided and motivated me, especially during my time as a college student where personal challenges are faced frequently. I have also learned the value of respect and discovering my passion. She has greatly motivated me to continue to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I have applied the lessons I learned to my own academic and career goals. I know to never give up but to keep trying while staying true to my values and own passions. I hold this wisdom dearly as I navigate college and work hard to graduate. The motivation I have received from the role model in my life is an important factor in my success as an individual and future Veterinarian. I will continue to embrace my mom's guidance and belief in me. Knowing that there is someone who truly believes in me and my abilities gives me the most motivation. I will always keep it in mind as I work harder and harder in my educational journey. I do not walk this road alone, but I have my mom by my side to help give me the ambition to do so.

The rapid destruction of our sacred planet and the affects of it on wildlife species is one concept of climate change that interests me the most. As an individual who is immensely passionate about wildlife and its protection, I am concerned about the impact on our natural environment due to the presence of climate change. Habitats are being depleted, and the natural environment is being shifted. Wildlife will not be able to thrive any longer if this issue persists. Their resources they depend on for survival will be decreased, and the climate they are adapted to will change as well. I plan to help improve this issue by taking personal action. In addition to adopting environmentally-friendly practices, I will also raise my voice and represent my opinion. Influencing and motivating others to take action and create change will create greater impact. It will raise more awareness and help ensure that this issue is being recognized and talked about. We as humanity, who have adapted to this ever-changing Earth, need to take action in any way we can. The potential solutions of decreasing fossil fuels and increasing the use of greener forms of energy are ones that I am most excited about and willing to adopt myself. Us individuals alone will not defeat climate change with personal actions, but the presence of factories and other sources of greenhouse gases need to be held accountable as well. Working to address the issue of climate change by finding solutions that will replenish our environment can help create real change. Our environment provides for us, so we need to return the favor and provide for it as well. Our wildlife can be protected, and the habitat they call home will also be protected. If we want to admire the beauty of our planet, we need to combat climate change and save it once and for all.

I hope to have an impact that will better this planet's health and increase its prosperity. Millions of plastic waste is building up as we speak, and plumes of fossil fuels continue to rise up in our atmosphere. Our wildlife is hurting, and so is the natural environment we are supposed to protect. That is why I am working to make my own impact on this ever-changing world. I will help make a difference one step at a time to ensure that a greener future is possible for all of us and our planet. I am personally committing to using environmentally-friendly practices and products whenever I can. This includes recycling, using biodegradable products, and not eating meat. These actions show that I am dedicated to helping better this Earth. I feel proud of myself when I make these efforts, and I hope to inspire others to follow this same promising path. If I can show that it is possible, then others may see that helping the environment in personal ways is possible as well. This is yet another impact I hope to have in my journey to a greener life. I aspire to motivate others and lead them to the same future. It will take a lot of people to help replenish Earth, but passionately recognizing the efforts needing to be taken and seizing them will not prove futile, but crucial to improving our environment once and for all.

Growing up, I was not as exposed to the higher-education world as others were. No one in my family made it to university, so the concept was foreign to me. It was not until later in high school that I received help from my teachers to reach the high goals I set for myself and to make my family proud. It took a lot of research in high school to understand important college concepts such as financial aid, admissions criteria, and graduation rates. I found it overwhelming and did not think that I was cut out for all of this. But as they say, available resources and motivation from others can be key to success. Blessed with an understanding and loving family, and amazing teachers, I was able to apply to different colleges and do my best to represent myself as a strong and ambitious student. I was doing all of this while also trying to graduate at sixteen years old. The physical and mental toll became great, but I kept pushing forward and kept my goals in mind. The moment I laid my eyes on my college welcome letter was one I can still closely recall today as a college sophomore. I felt that I had overcome obstacles and was able to fully represent myself as the first child to go to college. This provided me with a fresh perspective on life: to never give up on your dreams, no matter your background or what others say you cannot do. Ambition and positivity is crucial to reach the future you are destined to have, no matter what special future that may be. I am immensely grateful for my experience as a first-generation student growing up, as it allowed me to work harder to make my family proud.