I have grown up with an appreciation for animals and the environment, and I recognized from an early age that the purpose of my life was to speak on behalf of the welfare of animals. My interest in animals has encouraged me to bring about positive change in society as a veterinarian. I plan to obtain a undergraduate degree in biology and afterwards attend veterinary school of medicine to obtain a career as a veterinarian. My degree will help towards endangered species and animals that are vulnerable, or treated poorly. By doing so, I would like to be a part of making a difference in the preservation of biodiversity, increase awareness toward animal welfare, and be part of challenges within the veterinary profession. One of the major problems Earth is facing these days is loss of biodiversity. Every mass extinction on earth has led to the loss of more than half of Earth’s species. I strongly believe that as an aspiring veterinarian, I will have my chance to make a change in it by working with animals directly and contributing much to conservation. Whether it’s rehabilitating injured wildlife, supporting breeding programs for endangered species, or educating communities on the importance of saving life habitats, I want to play my role in saving life's diversity on Earth. So, the work that I am interested in has been one in which I have allowed myself to be immersed around community. This has helped build personal connection and a deeper understanding of where people and animals share a sense of community. My understanding is that societal issues often require knowledge, empathy, communication, or a willingness to learn. Building relationships with different kinds of communities, I see, could create solutions possibly acceptable to both animals and people. I am also deeply committed to solving the problems within the veterinary profession itself. Learning about high rates of suicide among veterinarians has been very enlightening. During my VetUp summer internship at Purdue University, I learned veterinarians face challenges that range from financial issues and long hours to the emotional stressors associated with euthanizing animals and dealing with challenging clients. These struggles normally remain hidden and lead to grave mental health struggles. Being an animal care enthusiast, I also want to raise awareness for the well-being of those who help animals. I am hopeful that by raising awareness of mental health challenges for veterinarians, it may contribute toward a more supportive environment. This includes advocating for mental health, changes in the system of education and practice of veterinary medicine, and reduction of stigma in seeking help. By improving conditions for veterinarians, I strongly believe that this can, in turn, help raise the quality of care that animals receive. My commitment to creating change surpasses my passion for animals. Through my volunteer work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), I learned how scientific research can be a powerful tool for creating change. During my time at NIH, I assisted in research regarding how puberty affects the development of the brain. This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for scientific research. It has strengthened my conviction that I can positively impact the lives of others. Ultimately, I want to use my education as a tool in building a better world, for animals and humans too. Through my education and experiences, I am building the necessary skills and knowledge to do so. I commit to using these tools to forge a better future for all species and to secure diversity of life on Earth for the future.

My name is Taniya Flanagan, and I am a high school senior with a deep passion for animals and a strong desire to become a exotic veterinarian with a concentration in biodiversity conservation. From a young age, I have been fascinated by the animal kingdom and the intricate ways in which animals interact with their environment. This fascination has driven me to pursue a future where I can contribute to the well-being of animals and advocate for their care and conservation. Throughout my high school years, I have focused on subjects that align with my interests in animal sciences and biology. I am particularly drawn to the study of how animals live, thrive, and interact with their surroundings. My goal is to attend a university that offers a strong education where I can gain a comprehensive knowledge and hands on in animal sciences that will prepare me for veterinary school. While maintaining a GPA of 3.86. I have learned the importance of perseverance and dedication. Balancing academics with extracurricular activities has taught me valuable time management skills and the importance of staying focused on my goals. As a student athlete I have balanced my academics while playing flag football and being team captain, point guard in varsity basketball and a sprinter in varsity outdoor track and field. I am committed to continuously improving myself and gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the veterinary field. I am also deeply committed to solving the problems within the veterinary profession itself. Learning about high rates of suicide among veterinarians has been very enlightening. During my VetUp summer internship at Purdue University, I learned veterinarians face challenges that range from financial issues and long hours to the emotional stressors associated with euthanizing animals and dealing with challenging clients. These struggles normally remain hidden and lead to grave mental health struggles. Being an animal care enthusiast, I also want to raise awareness for the well-being of those who help animals. My commitment to creating change surpasses my passion for animals. Through my volunteer work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), I learned how scientific research can be a powerful tool for creating change. During my time at NIH, I assisted in research regarding how puberty affects the development of the brain. This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for scientific research. It has strengthened my conviction that I can positively impact the lives of others. Furthermore, I will strive to work with researchers from various fields, including environmental sciences and public health, toward developing solutions that address causes of biodiversity loss and animal suffering. Ultimately, I want to use my education as a tool in building a better world, for animals and humans too. I would like to focus on conservation, the advocacy of mental health within the veterinary profession, and scientific input into making that change for society. These are the things that drive and help me build up my determination to create change. Becoming a veterinarian is more than a career choice for me because I love animals, but it is the urge to make a difference in the lives of animals and the environment, coupled with the people who take care of them. With the support of this scholarship, I am confident that I can achieve my dream of becoming a veterinarian and positively impact the world around me. Thank you for considering my application.

My name is Taniya Flanagan, and I am a high school senior with a passion for animals and the sciences that explore their world. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the natural world, whether it was watching documentaries about planet earth or visiting zoos. This curiosity has led me to pursue a major in Animal Sciences and Biology, with the hope of making a difference in the lives of animals and the environment. Throughout my high school journey, I have maintained a weighted GPA of 3.86, which reflects my dedication to my studies and my desire to learn as much as I can about the subjects I love. Balancing academics with extracurricular activities and family responsibilities has taught me the importance of perseverance and hard work. My background as a young black woman has also shaped my perspective, driving me to push through challenges and embrace opportunities for growth. Attending a university to study pre-veterinary medicine would be a dream come true. I am particularly drawn to their research opportunities and the chance to work alongside experts in the field. However, the financial burden of college is a significant concern for my family and me. This is where the Concrete Rose Scholarship Award would make an incredible impact. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial strain on my me considering my parents cannot help as they struggle with there own student loans. It would also allow me to focus more on my studies and less on the worry of how to pay for my education. It would provide me with the freedom to take advantage of internships, research projects, and other hands-on experiences that are essential for a career in animal sciences and biology. These experiences are crucial for building the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in these fields. Moreover, this scholarship would serve as a reminder of the support and belief that others have in my potential to make a difference. It would motivate me to work even harder to achieve my dreams and give back to my community in meaningful ways. I hope to inspire other young women, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to pursue their passions in science and make their mark on the world. It is especially important for me as I plan to apply to veterinary school a field with one of the least diverse fields in the United States. In the future, I envision myself working in a role that combines my love for animals with a commitment to conservation and education. Whether it is conducting research to protect endangered species, I am determined to contribute positively to the field. The Concrete Rose Scholarship Award would be a pivotal step in making this vision a reality, providing the support I need to reach my full potential. Thank you for considering my application and for helping students like me turn our dreams into reality. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Future DVM Flanagan, T.

I was never interested in fairytales or princesses. However, I envied Snow White for her ability to build deep connections with animals. Since an early age, I have been captivated by animals and the world around me. At the age of four, I became a vegetarian because I didn't want to eat my friends, I would always say. When I visited Rome, Italy, with my parents, I had an experience that touched me deeply. While in Rome, I had the unique opportunity to walk two Czechoslovakian wolves. With their power and strength by my side, I walked through the streets of Rome from Circus Massimo to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. I may never be Snow White but I experienced a profound connection to the wolves that made me feel one with them. This opportunity made me feel the strongest because my confidence decreased when I was injured and unable to reach my athletic goals. This injury occurred two months before visiting Italy, I ran at the Penn Relays. I was the anchor leg for the 4x100 relay race. I was excited to be competing as a freshman. However, I later found out that I had competed with a fractured pelvis. I had injured the right anterior iliac spine of my pelvis; the ligament tore, tearing a piece of bone from my pelvis. Finding out that my condition was rare made me lose more confidence. I was unable to compete for some time while recovering in physical therapy. As frustrating as this challenge was, it instilled in me the confidence to view challenges as opportunities for growth. I learned to grow in different aspects of my life. I immersed myself in things I love, such as science, animals, and art. Drawing and painting are an outlet for me. I love the drawing technique of shading; it helps me express my emotions. I recently learned to draw human faces which is one of the most difficult drawing skills one can master. The challenge has pushed my artistic abilities, giving me an appreciation for anatomy, shadows, and detail. When I am not in my artistic element, I volunteer walking dogs that are waiting to be adopted. I help these dogs, but they help me both mentally and physically. As an aspiring veterinarian, I hope to make a difference in the lives of animals and veterinarians. I am aware of the high suicide rate of veterinarians. I want to bring awareness of the stresses on veterinarians and create positive change for the veterinary profession. I believe my years volunteering at the National Institutes of Health and contributing to puberty research on brain development have given me insight into how scientific research can be beneficial. As a future veterinarian, I want to focus on biodiversity conservation research in my undergraduate studies. I believe my education could create a process of discovery that can one day lead to positive change for biodiversity and climate change. It is said, there are life-changing moments that may change your life from that day forward. For me, it was my injury and a series of words that inspired me when I was very young. When I was ten years old, I wrote a letter to the 44th president of the United States. I did not think he would respond, but he did. His words, "I'm confident that as long as you stay focused on your education, keep looking out for others, and never stop looking for the next thing to learn, there are no limits to what you can accomplish," have stayed with me ever since. He encouraged me to continue dreaming big and to study hard. I do not know where my intellectual journey will take me, but I know that education is the foundation for success. My eagerness to learn, creativity, compassion, and resilience will enable me to reach my educational goals.

I was never interested in fairytales or princesses. However, I envied Snow White for her ability to build deep connections with animals. Since an early age, I have been captivated by animals and the world around me. At the age of four, I became a vegetarian because I didn't want to eat my friends, I would always say. When I visited Rome, Italy, with my parents, I had an experience that touched me deeply. While in Rome, I had the unique opportunity to walk two Czechoslovakian wolves. With their power and strength by my side, I walked through the streets of Rome from Circus Massimo to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. I may never be Snow White but I experienced a profound connection to the wolves that made me feel one with them. This opportunity made me feel the strongest because my confidence decreased when I was injured and unable to reach my athletic goals. This injury occurred two months before visiting Italy, I ran at the Penn Relays. I was the anchor leg for the 4x100 relay race. I was excited to be competing as a freshman. However, I later found out that I had competed with a fractured pelvis. I had injured the right anterior iliac spine of my pelvis; the ligament tore, tearing a piece of bone from my pelvis. Finding out that my condition was rare made me lose more confidence. I was unable to compete for some time while recovering in physical therapy. As frustrating as this challenge was, it instilled in me the confidence to view challenges as opportunities for growth. I learned to grow in different aspects of my life. I immersed myself in things I love, such as science, animals, and art. Drawing and painting are an outlet for me. I love the drawing technique of shading; it helps me express my emotions. I recently learned to draw human faces which is one of the most difficult drawing skills one can master. The challenge has pushed my artistic abilities, giving me an appreciation for anatomy, shadows, and detail. When I am not in my artistic element, I volunteer walking dogs that are waiting to be adopted. I help these dogs, but they help me both mentally and physically. As an aspiring veterinarian, I hope to make a difference in the lives of animals and veterinarians. I am aware of the high suicide rate of veterinarians. I want to bring awareness of the stresses on veterinarians and create positive change for the veterinary profession. I believe my years volunteering at the National Institutes of Health and contributing to puberty research on brain development have given me insight into how scientific research can be beneficial. As a future veterinarian, I want to focus on biodiversity conservation research in my undergraduate studies. I believe my education could create a process of discovery that can one day lead to positive change for biodiversity and climate change. It is said, there are life-changing moments that may change your life from that day forward. For me, it was my injury and a series of words that inspired me when I was very young. When I was ten years old, I wrote a letter to the 44th president of the United States. I did not think he would respond, but he did. His words, "I'm confident that as long as you stay focused on your education, keep looking out for others, and never stop looking for the next thing to learn, there are no limits to what you can accomplish," have stayed with me ever since.