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Torrey Hibbard

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Bio

My name is Torrey, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Veterinary Technology, with the long-term goal of earning my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Prior to this, I became a licensed cosmetologist, driven by a deep passion for beauty and creativity. Although my career path has shifted, my dedication to care—whether for people or animals—remains constant. I come from a low-income background and have been financially independent since the age of 16. Navigating life on my own from such a young age has come with many challenges, but it has also instilled in me a strong sense of resilience and determination. Despite difficult times, I continue to push forward and aim high in everything I do. Receiving a scholarship would provide not only financial relief but also the chance to focus fully on my education. As a partially disabled student, it would ease the burden of needing to work full-time at a physically challenging job while attending school. This support would allow me to live on campus and devote more energy to my studies, my well-being, and the care of my animals. It would bring me one step closer to the future I have fought so hard to build.

Education

University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College

Associate's degree program
2025 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs

Empire Beauty School-Cincinnati

Trade School
2024 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians
    • Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
    • Veterinary Administrative Services
    • Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
    • Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Veterinary

    • Dream career goals:

    • Guest Service Associate

      European Wax Center
      2025 – Present11 months
    • Recruiter

      BelFlex
      2023 – 20241 year

    Arts

    • Personal

      Photography
      2023 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      N/a — Fostering/Adopting
      2014 – Present
    Dr. Howard Hochman Zoological Scholarship
    My love for animals didn’t begin with a single moment. It grew slowly, shaped by years of small experiences, caring for pets, watching animals interact with the world, and feeling a quiet but powerful pull to understand and protect them. I’ve always felt a deep sensitivity toward creatures that can’t advocate for themselves. That sense of responsibility has stayed with me, becoming a key part of who I am and what I want to do with my life. I’ve seen how much animals can suffer in silence, and I’ve also seen how much they can heal when given compassion and care. Whether it’s a cat hiding in fear or a dog shaking from trauma, they still show incredible trust when offered safety. It’s those moments that motivate me most. They remind me that even small acts, gentle handling, proper treatment, or simply listening, can change an animal’s entire world. I want to be part of that change every day. That’s why I chose to major in Veterinary Technology. The program will give me hands-on skills and scientific knowledge to back up my natural empathy. I will learn how to assist in surgeries, understand animal behavior, recognize signs of illness, and help with diagnostic procedures. It’s a challenging field, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every time I learn something new, I picture the animals I’ll be able to help because of it. My goal is to continue my education and eventually become a licensed veterinarian, working directly with animals in need. I don’t just want to treat animals; I want to serve communities, especially where veterinary care is scarce or too expensive. Far too many pets suffer or are surrendered simply because their families lack access to affordable care. I believe that veterinary medicine shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be available to everyone who wants to keep their animals safe and healthy. That belief drives me to pursue a career that blends medical care with advocacy and outreach. In the future, I hope to work with rescue organizations, mobile clinics, or nonprofit animal hospitals. I’m particularly interested in shelter medicine and preventative care, two areas where I feel I can make the most impact. I also want to support spay and neuter initiatives and community education, helping people better understand how to care for their pets and prevent suffering before it starts. More than anything, I want to be someone animals can trust and rely on. I want to give back the same unconditional care they’ve always shown me. This path isn’t just about building a career. It’s about honoring a lifelong calling. Animals have given me comfort, direction, and a deep sense of purpose. Now, I want to use that purpose to create a future where more of them are safe, healthy, and loved.
    Andrea Claire Matason Memorial Scholarship
    Hello! I am a first-year college student currently studying Veterinary Technology. I plan to have a long and fulfilling academic journey that will ultimately lead to earning my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Becoming a veterinarian has been my dream for as long as I can remember, and now that I am finally on this path, I am more determined than ever to turn that dream into a reality. My goal is not just to build a career, but to use my experiences and compassion to make a lasting, positive impact in the world. The road that brought me here has not been an easy one. I grew up in an abusive, low-income household where I was often told that I would never amount to anything, especially in the field I was most passionate about. At the age of sixteen, I became financially independent, and I have been fighting for a better life ever since. I have worked multiple jobs, navigated unstable housing, and pushed through physical and emotional challenges in order to stay focused on my goals. These experiences did not break me. Instead, they gave me strength, empathy, and a powerful drive to care for others, especially animals, who have been my greatest source of comfort and stability through it all. Animals saved me in more ways than I can fully explain. They have been my constant companions, my emotional support, and sometimes the only reason I had to keep going. I know what it feels like to struggle, to have to choose between feeding yourself or your pet, and to worry that you cannot afford veterinary care when it is urgently needed. That is why I want to make veterinary medicine more affordable and accessible. I hope to contribute to solutions that reduce the financial barriers to care, such as sliding-scale clinics, nonprofit partnerships, or mobile services for underserved communities. No one should ever have to choose between paying their bills and helping their animal. I also plan to open a sanctuary for cats and other companion animals. With domestic animal overpopulation continuing to rise, far too many animals are abandoned or euthanized simply because they have nowhere to go. I want to create safe, loving spaces for those animals. Places where they can feel secure, cared for, and valued. Whether they are recovering from trauma, aging without a home, or simply overlooked, they deserve comfort, kindness, and a second chance. In addition to caring for animals, I hope to support the well-being of the professionals who care for them. Veterinary work is emotionally demanding, and many in the field experience burnout and compassion fatigue. I want to help create a more sustainable, mentally healthy future for veterinary professionals by encouraging open conversations and building stronger support systems. At the heart of everything I do is empathy. My journey has shaped me into someone who is ready to make a real difference in the world, for animals, their caretakers, and the communities we serve.
    Torrey Hibbard Student Profile | Bold.org