My interest in agriculture stems from the remarkable women in my life: my aunts, my teacher, and my grandmother. Two of my aunts, who attended the University of Utah, developed a deep passion for working with horses, cattle, and dogs. They not only pursued these passions academically but also shared their knowledge with me, teaching me valuable animal care skills on their ranches. I spent many summers learning how to groom horses, care for cows and calves, and develop a strong work ethic. These experiences were both exciting and inspiring, and they sparked a lifelong passion for agriculture at a young age. By 4th grade, my fascination with animals had blossomed, and I met Mrs. Drake, my favorite teacher, who played a significant role in shaping my educational journey. Mrs. Drake went above and beyond to provide us with hands-on experiences with animals, teaching us about wildlife conservation, ecosystems, and the importance of respecting nature. Whether caring for young fish in her tank, studying the behavior of a class tarantula, or learning about the intricacies of animal behavior, she sparked my love for the natural world. Her passion for animals and the environment solidified my desire to pursue a career in agriculture and veterinary care. My grandmother, though aging, continues to inspire me, particularly with her wisdom on natural remedies, health, and gardening. She taught me to care for her ducks, chickens, and other small livestock, instilling in me a deep respect for animals. Together, we spent hours tending to her garden, growing everything from vegetables like corn, tomatoes, and beets to herbs like rosemary and sage, and flowers like marigolds and sunflowers. She imparted invaluable lessons on sustainable gardening practices, showing me how to manage pests naturally and how small adjustments to planting routines could yield significant improvements in crop quality. The patience she taught me while planting seeds, nurturing sprouts, and hand-picking weeds has stayed with me, as well as the wisdom of cultivating crops without the use of harsh chemicals. Now, as I work toward my goal of becoming a veterinarian, I dream of one day owning a ranch where I can combine my love for animals with sustainable farming. I want to create an environment where animals thrive in a natural and caring setting, and I hope to share my passion with others. Agriculture, to me, is not just about tending to the land or caring for animals; it’s about creating a space where love, care, and service come together to improve lives. It’s about building a deep respect for nature and passing that knowledge on to future generations. These incredible women have not only nurtured my ambitions but also instilled in me values like hard work, dedication, and a strong respect for the environment. Their influence has sparked my lifelong fascination with life on the farm, and the lessons they’ve shared with me are something I will carry with me always. Whether I’m caring for animals, planting crops, or sharing stories from my childhood, I will always honor their efforts and the wisdom they imparted to me. As I pursue my career in veterinary care and agriculture, I hope to pass on these same lessons to others, ensuring that the values of hard work, compassion, and respect for nature continue to be passed down through generations.

Growing up, I had an aunt who was only 12 when I was born. By the time I was 4, she was 16, and to me, she was the coolest person ever. She could have been doing other things, but instead, she chose to spend hours playing with me. She did my makeup, taught me how to draw and color, and always joined in my imaginative games without worrying about how childish or weird they might seem. Her presence was a constant source of joy. During high school, she worked on a nearby farm, and I remember how she’d share stories about the animals she cared for and the tasks she did. Naturally, I became fascinated with animals and the world of farming. Then, years later, she took me on a week-long trip to the ranch where she worked, helping care for horses and even giving riding lessons. That experience was transformative. I discovered that my true passion was working with animals—their unpredictability, their realness, and the satisfaction of knowing I could make a difference in their lives. Even in the early mornings, the heat, and the hard labor, I felt a sense of fulfillment that nothing else had given me. The work was challenging, but knowing that I was helping made it worth every effort. That experience cemented my desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. For me, the greatest satisfaction comes from the individual level of care. I find true purpose in knowing that I made a meaningful difference in someone's life or the life of an animal. This is why I am preparing to become a veterinarian. I admire how veterinarians not only work hard to improve the quality of life for animals but also take steps to maintain it. Even when it’s not possible to improve their quality of life, they always act in the best interest of the animal. This is the kind of impact I want to make—doing everything I can, no matter how difficult, to help animals in every situation. I plan to major in Biology and Veterinary Technology because I find life, in all its forms, infinitely fascinating. The more I learn about biology, the more it fuels my desire to help animals in any way I can. I am committed to putting in the hard work required to make a real difference and to pursuing a career where I can provide the care and attention animals deserve.