To me, PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect), is more than just a mantra in EDM culture. It’s a philosophy that guides the way I live my life and how I treat every being I encounter, whether human or animal. These four words represent a mindset that values connection, empathy, and harmony, all of which have deeply shaped my personal outlook in life and my path in veterinary medicine. Peace, to me, means cultivating calmness in the midst of chaos. Life can be unpredictable, and as a student, mother, and aspiring veterinarian, I often find myself juggling responsibilities that could easily become overwhelming. Yet, I’ve learned to approach every challenge with a grounded sense of purpose. In veterinary care, peace is also essential, animals respond to our energy, and being calm and patient can turn a fearful moment into a trusting one. I carry that same peaceful energy into my studies and interactions, choosing understanding over frustration and compassion over criticism. Love is the heartbeat of everything I do. It’s what drives me to care for animals, to comfort pet owners in difficult times, and to help others feel seen and valued. Love isn’t just an emotion, it’s an action. It’s shown through late nights studying, volunteering to at animal shelters, or even offering kindness to a stranger who seems to need it. EDM culture celebrates love in such a beautiful way, through music, movement, and shared experiences where judgment disappears, and everyone feels accepted. I try to bring that same unconditional love into every environment I’m part of, believing that small acts of kindness ripple outward and create real change. Unity reminds me that we are all connected. Whether it’s through music, shared goals, or a common compassion for animals, I’ve seen how powerful it is when people come together. The EDM community embodies that sense of belonging, thousands of people dancing to the same rhythm, united in energy and joy. I see a similar unity in veterinary teamwork: doctors, technicians, and caretakers working side by side for the well-being of a single life. I strive to build unity wherever I go, encouraging collaboration instead of competition and reminding others that we can accomplish more together than alone. Finally, Respect is the foundation of it all. It means recognizing the worth of every being, no matter their background, appearance, or species. Growing up as the child of a single mother, I learned early on the importance of respecting others’ struggles, time, and boundaries. In animal care, respect means understanding that every creature has feelings and deserves compassion. In life, it means treating others with dignity, listening without judgment, and leading with empathy. Living by PLUR has helped me maintain balance, purpose, and connection in every part of my journey. It’s how I express gratitude, handle adversity, and form meaningful bonds with people and animals alike. EDM music and culture taught me that these values are universal, they transcend language, culture, and background. They unite us in a shared rhythm of kindness and authenticity. Whether I’m caring for a patient, mentoring a classmate, or just dancing to my favorite EDM track after a long day, I try to embody PLUR fully. It’s not just about festivals or lights, it’s about creating peace, spreading love, fostering unity, and giving respect every single day.

Being a first-generation college student has influenced my career goals in ways that go far beyond academics. It has shaped the way I see opportunity, perseverance, and responsibility. Growing up, I didn’t have a roadmap for higher education, there were no family members to guide me through applications, financial aid, or degree planning. What I did have, however, was determination and the belief that education could change the course of my life and my daughter’s future. When I decided to pursue veterinary medicine, I knew I was stepping into a field that required years of dedication and sacrifice. I also knew that I wanted a career where I could combine my love for animals with my desire to serve others. As a first-generation student, I’ve learned the importance of creating access where it doesn’t yet exist, and that belief directly influences my dream of starting a mobile veterinary clinic that brings affordable care to low-income and rural communities. Coming from a low-income background, I’ve seen how limited access to resources can affect both people and their pets. Many families love their animals deeply but cannot afford the high costs of veterinary care. I want to change that reality by building a career focused on community outreach, preventive medicine, and education. My goal is to use my degree to not only treat animals but to empower their owners with knowledge and resources that improve their quality of life. Being a first-generation student has also taught me resilience and adaptability. I’ve had to figure out everything on my own, from managing coursework to balancing motherhood and work, but each challenge has made me stronger and more determined to succeed. It’s given me a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to give back, especially to other students who might be walking the same uncertain path I once did. Earning my degree isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a way to break barriers for future generations. I want my daughter to grow up knowing that no dream is too big, and that even when the odds are stacked against you, hard work and faith can create new beginnings. The Phoenix Opportunity Award represents more than financial support, it symbolizes the transformation that education makes possible. Like a phoenix, I’ve had to rebuild from challenges, and each time, I’ve emerged stronger and more focused on my purpose: to serve, to inspire, and to rise.

Three years ago, I became a mother. Holding my daughter for the first time, I realized that I wanted to pursue my education not only for myself, but to show her that dreams are achievable no matter the obstacles. I want her to see that perseverance, hard work, and dedication can open doors, even when life doesn’t follow a straight path. This realization inspired me to return to school at 30 years old, as a first-generation, Mexican-American student, determined to build a better future for both myself and my family. Growing up in a single-parent household, I learned the value of responsibility and resilience early on. My mother worked tirelessly to provide for us, and as the oldest sibling, I often helped at home while balancing school. Life’s challenges made pursuing college immediately after high school feel impossible. I worked, supported my family, and focused on staying afloat, all while keeping my dream of becoming a veterinarian alive in my heart. My daughter’s arrival crystallized that dream: it was time to move forward, not just for me, but to be a role model for her, showing that education and ambition are always within reach. My love for animals and my volunteer work at my local animal shelter have been central to this journey. Since my junior year of high school, I have dedicated myself to caring for abandoned and rescued animals and assisting families during adoptions. Volunteering taught me patience, compassion, and the impact one person can make. It also strengthened my desire to pursue veterinary medicine, a career that combines service, science, and advocacy. These experiences showed me firsthand how access to veterinary care can transform lives, not just for animals, but for the families who love them. Returning to school as an adult and a parent comes with unique challenges. Balancing coursework, family responsibilities, and part-time work requires discipline, focus, and perseverance. There are days when fatigue and doubt threaten to overwhelm me, but the sight of my daughter reminds me why I am here. Every assignment, every late night, and every hurdle is a step toward creating a future where I can lead by example, showing her that setbacks do not define possibility. My long-term goal is to become a veterinarian and open a clinic that provides affordable, accessible care to underserved communities. I want to eliminate barriers, financial, cultural, and linguistic, that prevent families from seeking the care their pets need. By combining my education, volunteer experience, and personal perspective, I hope to uplift both animals and the people who love them, creating meaningful impact in my community. This scholarship would make a significant difference in helping me achieve these goals. It would alleviate financial pressures, allowing me to focus fully on my studies, volunteer work, and preparation for veterinary school. More importantly, it would reinforce the message I hope to instill in my daughter: that education is powerful, perseverance pays off, and no dream is too late to pursue. Geneva Mabry’s story resonates deeply with me because it proves that determination can overcome obstacles at any stage in life. Like her, I am committed to persevering and creating a future defined by purpose, education, and resilience, for myself, my daughter, and the generations who follow.

Being a first-generation Mexican-American student means carrying both pride and responsibility. It means honoring the sacrifices my family made while also breaking new ground for myself and for my siblings who look up to me. My passion for education comes not only from my own ambitions, but also from my desire to continue the legacy of resilience and perseverance that defines so many immigrant families, including mine. I was raised by my mom, who has always been my greatest role model. Growing up without my dad in the picture, I watched my mom work tirelessly to provide for us and to give me opportunities she never had. She taught me that education is the path to independence and to a future filled with possibilities. Her sacrifices, working long hours, managing countless responsibilities, and still being present for us, are the foundation of my motivation. As a first-generation student, I often felt like I was navigating uncharted territory. My family did not have a blueprint for college applications, financial aid, or the process of pursuing higher education. I had to learn these steps on my own, sometimes through trial and error. At times, it was intimidating and overwhelming. But each challenge taught me independence, resourcefulness, and determination. I came to understand that while my mom could not provide me with direct guidance in these areas, she gave me something even more valuable: the courage to keep pushing forward no matter how difficult the path. Being Mexican-American also gives me a deep sense of connection to my community. I grew up in a culture where family, faith, and hard work are at the center of life. I carry those values with me into everything I do. My heritage reminds me that every achievement I earn is not just mine, it belongs to my family and to the generations before me who dreamed of opportunities they never had. My journey is about honoring them as much as it is about building a future for myself. One of the experiences that has shaped both my career goals and my character is volunteering at my local animal shelter. Since my junior year of high school, I have dedicated time every week to caring for abandoned and rescued animals. This work has taught me responsibility, patience, and compassion. It has also reinforced my commitment to becoming a veterinarian. Watching animals recover with proper care, and seeing families adopt them into loving homes, reminds me that veterinary medicine is about more than science, it is about healing, advocacy, and giving both animals and people a second chance. Volunteering at the shelter has shown me firsthand how service can create real impact, and it has deepened my desire to dedicate my education and career to helping others. Being a first-generation, Mexican-American student is more than just an identity. It is about showing my siblings that they, too, can aim high. It is about honoring the sacrifices of my mom, who worked hard so I could have opportunities she never did. And it is about using my education to serve others, ensuring that the doors I walk through are left open for those who come after me. I am passionate about this journey because I know education has the power to transform not only my life, but the lives of my family and my community. Like José Melendez, I believe that perseverance and faith in education can create a legacy that lasts for generations.

From a young age, I felt drawn to animals, especially those that were overlooked, misunderstood, or neglected. Growing up in a low-income, multicultural household, I often witnessed families struggling to care for their pets due to limited resources or lack of access to veterinary care. Many times, animals suffered not because their owners didn’t care, but because help was too far, too expensive, or the language barrier was too intimidating. That experience left a lasting mark on me, and it’s the foundation of why I’ve chosen to pursue a career in the veterinary field. Today, I’m a first-generation college student and single mother working my way to become a veterinarian. My long-term goal is to create a mobile, bilingual veterinary clinic that serves both rural communities within the U.S. and in Mexico. These are areas where pets are often treated as family, but veterinary care is either inaccessible or unaffordable. I want to change that. I want to show families that their pets’ lives matter, and that compassionate, respectful, and culturally aware care is available, even outside the walls of a traditional veterinary clinic. My journey hasn’t been easy. Being a full-time student while raising a child on my own means that every decision, from textbooks to childcare, is weighed carefully. I work part-time to help cover expenses and stay focused on my academic goals despite the pressure of limited finances and time. But even in the face of these challenges, my dedication to the veterinary field has never faltered. In fact, it’s only grown stronger. I’ve volunteered at animal shelters, helped with low-cost spay/neuter programs, and participated in educational outreach events for pet owners in Spanish-speaking communities. I’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as a conversation or a basic vaccine can prevent suffering, and how many families appreciate the knowledge when it’s offered with empathy and without judgment. These experiences have proven that this is not just a career path for me, but my life's calling. I am pursuing veterinary medicine not just because I love animals, but because I believe every animal deserves access to quality care, regardless of their owner's income or zip code. I want to become a provider who not only treats pets but empowers pet owners with the knowledge and resources to keep their pets healthy for life. This scholarship would bring me closer to that vision. It would ease the financial burdens that weigh heavily on students like me, allowing me to focus more on my studies, hands-on training, and opportunities to serve. More importantly, it would remind me that there are people and organizations who believe in uplifting future animal care professionals from underrepresented backgrounds.