My mom and I recently searched through my childhood work while cleaning out the attic and discovered evidence that I was always interested in animals. Looking at a roughly drawn tiger, my passion to pursue a career involving animals developed at an early age, and it has never wavered. When I read about shelters that were overflowing with animals hurt by inhumane circumstances, it fostered in me the desire to make a difference in the outcomes for these unfortunate beings. That became the catalyst for becoming a veterinarian. When I enrolled in my first class, at Parkway West’s Vet Tech program my freshman year, it confirmed the decision that I made as a child. Four years later, contemplating all that I learned, I feel even more inspired to take that knowledge forward into the next step of my career. I know that knowledge is power, and I need power to promote change in the world. It is often difficult for students to choose which college is the right fit for them, or which major they would best excel in, but for me those choices were easy. Early on in my classes at my technology school, I knew I wanted to get my DVM license at Ross University. Unfortunately, I wasn't sure which undergrad college or university would push me the most, as well as offering me the most well-rounded education, so with that, my search began. Initially, I was looking to stay close to home so I began with visits to some small colleges that were nearby. Then on a serendipitous visit to Robert Morris University I met Zach Ward, the girls soccer coach at SUNY Delhi. Growing up in Pittsburgh, I was not familiar with that school, but after the positive meeting with the soccer coach, I searched online and explored the school’s programs. I discovered that not only do they offer a diverse curriculum, but there would also be many opportunities for hands-on learning, which would create the foundation that is so important in veterinary medicine. I could almost guarantee that if I didn’t find such a well rounded education, I won’t be able to strive throughout college to further my path to Ross and apply it to animal shelters, farms, and clinics. These are my dreams, but they fall upon the shoulders of my mother as well. She desires my success and fosters my ambition, but we are realistic about the financial burden that accompanies the fulfillment of this dream. Veterinary school is expensive, so I am applying for this scholarship because it will assist me in achieving these goals by lessening the burden of debt that will be waiting for me the day I graduate. As I continue to strive for excellence in all I do, I understand the enormity of what lies before me, but I am ready to take on the challenges. My concern for the health care of animals, ignited so long ago, still burns in me today and I will surmount all obstacles to achieve that dream. Please consider me as a recipient of this scholarship, and I will show my gratitude through the humane care for every animal I encounter.

My mom and I recently searched through my childhood school work while cleaning out the attic and discovered evidence that I was always interested in animals. Looking at a roughly drawn tiger, I recognized that my passion to pursue a career involving animals developed at an early age, and it has never wavered. Throughout my life when I witnessed any animal suffering, it really affected me. Additionally, when I read about shelters that were overflowing with animals hurt by inhumane circumstances, it fostered in me the desire to make a difference in the outcomes for these unfortunate beings. That became the catalyst for becoming a veterinarian. When I enrolled in my first class, at Parkway West’s Vet Tech program my freshman year of high school, it confirmed the decision that I made as a child. Four years later, contemplating all that I learned, I feel even more inspired to take that knowledge forward into the next step of my career. I have not been complacent in attempts to gain more experience in animal care in other areas as well. In one instance, I partnered with peers to run a doggie daycare, sanctioned by the school, a truly rewarding endeavor. I know that knowledge is power, and I need power to promote change in the world. After researching various colleges, I will be pursuing my post-secondary education at SUNY Delhi. The university has an amazing academic structure that will help lay the foundation for my acceptance into Ross University to complete my veterinary doctor degree. These are my dreams, but they fall upon the shoulders of my mother as well. She desires my success and fosters my ambition, but we are realistic about the financial burden that accompanies the fulfillment of this dream. Veterinary school is expensive, and we both know that. I have done my part to prepare through my continued excellence in academics, and I even succeeded in receiving one of the highest NOCTI grades on my veterinary exams at Parkway. I am applying for this scholarship because it will assist me in achieving these goals by lessening the burden of debt that will be waiting for me the day I graduate. As I continue to strive for excellence in all I do, I understand the enormity of what lies before me, but I am ready to take on the challenges. That includes the financial debt of my educational journey. My concern for the health care of animals, ignited so long ago, still burns in me today and I will surmount all obstacles to achieve that dream. Please consider me as a recipient of this scholarship, and I will show my gratitude through the humane care for every animal I encounter.

Following my mother’s example, I have always recognized the importance of giving back to the community I live in. She participated in Meals on Wheels and volunteered at church events, whereas I had a more diverse service record, giving my time in a variety of places. It was through these experiences that I realized that humbly giving back is woven into the fabric of my life. I served many hours at a Girl Scouts camp called Redwing where I supervised and guided activities for children. I also completed hundreds of volunteer hours at a church camp in Vermillion, Ohio where I worked in every capacity from a leader to a cook. Additionally, I have mentored children in several different soccer programs and I have spent countless hours in service to animals, who hold a special place in my heart. I have specifically spent many of my service hours at Woofles Premier Pet Resort and Nose2Tail Cat Rescue. I want to inspire others to recognize how fulfilling volunteer work can be. In fact, it was through service that I discovered the passion that is to become my life’s work. My mom and I recently searched through my childhood school work while cleaning out the attic and discovered evidence that I was always interested in animals. Looking at a roughly drawn tiger, I recognized that my passion to pursue a career involving animals developed at an early age, and it has never wavered. Throughout my life when I witnessed any animal suffering, it really affected me. Additionally, when I read about shelters that were overflowing with animals hurt by inhumane circumstances, it fostered in me the desire to make a difference in the outcomes for these unfortunate beings. That became the catalyst for becoming a veterinarian. When I enrolled in my first class, at Parkway West’s Vet Tech program my freshman year of high school, it confirmed the decision that I made as a child. Four years later, contemplating all that I learned, I feel even more inspired to take that knowledge forward into the next step of my career. I have not been complacent in attempts to gain more experience in animal care in other areas as well. In one instance, I partnered with peers to run a doggie daycare, sanctioned by the school, a truly rewarding endeavor. I know that knowledge is power, and I need power to promote change in the world. I plan to attend SUNY Delhi to get a bachelor degree in veterinary science and technology, while also playing soccer for their women's team. Then, continuing down the veterinary path, I am hoping to receive my medical degree from Ross University and become a certified DVM. I can truly say that I might not have gone down this path if I had never helped out at those animal rescues. As I continue to strive for excellence in all I do, I understand the enormity of what lies before me, but I am ready to take on the challenges. That includes the financial debt of my educational journey. My concern for the health care of animals, ignited so long ago, still burns in me today and I will surmount all obstacles to achieve that dream. Please consider me as a recipient of this scholarship, and I will show my gratitude through the humane care for every animal I encounter.

Following my mother’s example, I have always recognized the importance of giving back to the community I live in. She participated in Meals on Wheels and volunteered at church events, whereas I had a more diverse service record, giving my time in a variety of places. It was through these experiences that I realized that humbly giving back is woven into the fabric of my life. I served many hours at a Girl Scouts camp called Redwing where I supervised and guided activities for children. I also completed hundreds of volunteer hours at a church camp in Vermillion, Ohio where I worked in every capacity from a leader to a cook. Additionally, I have mentored children in several different soccer programs and I have spent countless hours in service to animals, who hold a special place in my heart. I have specifically spent many of my service hours at Woofles Premier Pet Resort and Nose2Tail Cat Rescue. I want to inspire others to recognize how fulfilling volunteer work can be. In fact, it was through service that I discovered the passion that is to become my life’s work. My mom and I recently searched through my childhood school work while cleaning out the attic and discovered evidence that I was always interested in animals. Looking at a roughly drawn tiger, I recognized that my passion to pursue a career involving animals developed at an early age, and it has never wavered. Throughout my life when I witnessed any animal suffering, it really affected me. Additionally, when I read about shelters that were overflowing with animals hurt by inhumane circumstances, it fostered in me the desire to make a difference in the outcomes for these unfortunate beings. That became the catalyst for becoming a veterinarian. When I enrolled in my first class, at Parkway West’s Vet Tech program my freshman year of high school, it confirmed the decision that I made as a child. Four years later, contemplating all that I learned, I feel even more inspired to take that knowledge forward into the next step of my career. I have not been complacent in attempts to gain more experience in animal care in other areas as well. In one instance, I partnered with peers to run a doggie daycare, sanctioned by the school, a truly rewarding endeavor. I know that knowledge is power, and I need power to promote change in the world. I plan to attend SUNY Delhi to get a bachelor degree in veterinary science and technology, while also playing soccer for their women's team. Then, continuing down the veterinary path, I am hoping to receive my medical degree from Ross University and become a certified DVM. I can truly say that I might not have gone down this path if I had never helped out at those animal rescues. As I continue to strive for excellence in all I do, I understand the enormity of what lies before me, but I am ready to take on the challenges. That includes the financial debt of my educational journey. My concern for the health care of animals, ignited so long ago, still burns in me today and I will surmount all obstacles to achieve that dream. Please consider me as a recipient of this scholarship, and I will show my gratitude through the humane care for every animal I encounter.