Flipping through a deck of cards with pictures of different animals, my grandma turned the next card over and was met with a confident, high-pitched “Galapagos turtle.” I was only three, and before I could manage most simple tasks on my own, I could confidently name every animal in that stack of cards. That Christmas, I was given a toy veterinarian set, and I would carry around my plastic stethoscope and stuffed dalmatian, bandaged with toilet paper from the imaginary daily injuries he received. While I probably couldn’t have articulated what an “animal doctor” was at the time, I knew that whatever it entailed was meant for me. As I grew older, that early fascination with animals deepened as I began to understand more about the role of veterinarians and the profound impact they have not just on animals, but also on the people who love them. My toy stethoscope and bandaged stuffed animals evolved into spending countless hours riding and caring for several horses each day. For my twelfth birthday, I was surprised with a fairly untrained thoroughbred, and from then on I dedicated every day after school to training and earning his trust, despite often ending up on the ground. My mom would pick me up covered in dirt and sweat, yet I eagerly returned the next day to do it all over again. The bond I developed with my horse, Rumor, offered me my first profound insight into the strength of the human-animal connection. It taught me the importance of prioritizing these relationships in my future veterinary career, recognizing that the care I provide to animals will have a lasting impact on both them and their owners. I took this knowledge with me as I began my academic journey majoring in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University. My undergraduate studies, combined with experiences working at a high-volume spay-neuter clinic, completing an externship in Costa Rica, and working full-time as a veterinary assistant at a mixed practice, solidified my belief that I was on the right path. Additionally, stepping into the role of interim veterinary assistant supervisor provided me with valuable leadership experience, learning to manage a team and guide our collective efforts toward the common goal of exceptional patient care. A pivotal moment in my journey occurred during my first finals week at St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine when I received a call that my childhood dog, Brody, was receiving CPR. Being on the other end of that call—feeling helpless and heartbroken—profoundly shaped my approach to veterinary medicine. It made me realize that while the immediate focus in these situations is on the pet, it is equally crucial to support the people on the other end of the phone—the pet owners. Growing up surrounded by animals has instilled in me an appreciation for the privilege of the human-animal bond, including its highs and lows. This bond is one I look forward to sharing with both my patients and their owners. I aspire to be the kind of veterinarian who listens to and empathizes with my clients, recognizing that their pets are often more than just animals—they are family. It is an honor to be a part of their journey, and I am eagerly looking forward to my future as a veterinarian.