From a very young age, I knew I wanted to work with animals. They've always fascinated me! I've been fortunate to volunteer in animal shelters, work in a veterinary clinic, and visit zoos and sanctuaries throughout the world. Caring for animals, advocating for their well-being, and learning about their behaviors has become my passion. I feel so fortunate that my childhood dreams now guide my future aspirations As a child, my fascination with animals was more than just begging my parents to spend more time with animals; it was a deep-seated passion that has shaped my academic ambitions and career aspirations. I spent countless hours exploring the fields and canals near my home, captivated by the diversity of wildlife around me. Whether observing a pod of manatee seeking warmth at the spillway or rescuing an injured bird, each encounter deepened my appreciation for the animals of the world and ignited a desire to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare as a veterinarian.   My journey towards a career in animal science began with volunteering at our local animal shelter. Witnessing firsthand abandoned and injured animals sparked a sense of responsibility within me. I realized that through knowledge and compassion, I could advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. This realization guided my academic choices throughout high school, where I focused on rigorous biology and anatomy courses to build a solid foundation for my future studies.   My job at an animal clinic has been an eye opening experience. Initially, I held somewhat naïve ideas about working with animals all day. The reality has been far more challenging and rewarding. Despite the unexpected reality of working in a clinic, I embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. I have begun learning invaluable lessons in the complexities of animal health care. Every day at the clinic, I get to be a part of cases that test my knowledge and solidify my determination to become a skilled veterinarian.   Looking ahead, I am excited and ready to continue my education at a university that shares my passion for scientific inquiry and animal welfare. I am prepared to immerse myself in rigorous coursework and contribute to cutting-edge research in animal and veterinary science.   As I embark on this journey, I am mindful of the challenges ahead. Becoming a veterinarian is not simply a career choice for me; it is a lifelong commitment to serving animals and advocating for their well-being. I am determined to apply my education and experiences to make a meaningful difference in the field of veterinary medicine.   My passion for animals and my commitment to becoming a veterinarian define my aspirations. I am eager to embark on this academic journey, knowing that each step brings me closer to realizing my childhood dream and making a significant impact in the lives of animals!

Sitting in class, focusing on the lesson being. Having an ADHD brain can often be referred to as a disorder or even a disability. I can see that for sure. I, however, prefer to see its advantages. I’m a great multi-tasker. I can get multiple things done simultaneously. I can listen to one conversation while actively participating in another. I can engage in more than one activity at a time. But these advantages didn’t just happen without first having learned to recognize the potential problems. I’ve learned that in order to be successful, it is critical for me to make lists. It is essential for me to think about and plan a rough itinerary of each day. I’ve had to learn that sometimes the lists and itineraries need to change and I’ll need to be flexible. I have learned that it is important for me to communicate with my teachers about my differences. For example, my preference in seating is the back of a classroom, not the front. Not because I don’t want to be close to the teacher-because actually that would be great! But because for me, the distractions are fewer if I’m not turning around to look for them! I’ve learned that if I ask for clarification by repeating what I’ve heard, it will remembered better than if I just hear it. I have learned that highlighting, organizing, sometimes reorganizing my notes will help to make my studying more effective. I have learned what it takes for me to be successful; I have learned to maximize on my ADHD advantages! At times, I get overwhelmed or just feel lazy and I let my guard down. When this happens, things quickly start to spiral! Suddenly I’m behind on my homework. I’m arguing with my parents and sister. I might be annoyed with my friends. I’m fortunate that my parents tend to notice this and they see my anxiety heightened. I’m fortunate that I’ve learned that if I start to feel anxious I have the support of my family. They help me to regroup, make lists, get things back in order. And once things are back in order, I can get back to maximizing productivity! To help keep my ADHD and anxiety in check, I’ve also learned the importance of making sure to have an afternoon or atleast a few hours of “downtime” each weekend. This downtime helps me regulate and process things that are going on around me. This time helps me to prepare for the lists, itineraries, organizing. This time is essential for me to be successful. This time is essential in helping me to maximize on my ADHD advantages!

As a brand new driver with a new-to-me car, I went to a local mechanic to get an oil change and to get established as a client. When I returned to pick up my car, I was presented with thousands of dollars in recommendations of various things, including an oil leak, that needed to be fixed to ensure my car ran smoothly. Fortunately, my mom was with me when I received this shocking information. After a few minutes of trying to absorb what we’d been told, my mom asked the mechanic, “Is it safe for her to drive the car home?” The mechanic said yes, and to home we went. After talking with my father, and then my father talking with the mechanic, we decided to take the car to another mechanic for an inspection. The second mechanic was dumbfounded by the recommendations of the first mechanic. The second mechanic also found that the supposed leak was a very messy spill, possibly made by the first. I was so disappointed and felt that this event was an example of the stereotype of women being taken advantage of in areas we may not understand or may not be knowledgeable. With this event fresh in my mind, I decided to utilize and enroll in the automotive elective course offered at my high school. Through this program, I was able learn a great deal of basic information about auto mechanics. I’ve also been able to learn about my car specifically whenever I take it to the mechanic for checkups or oil changes. After learning about my first experience, the group of mechanics at this second shop have been very helpful in teaching me along the way in hopes I will not have another situation like the first! My next step in becoming a more self-aware car owner and driver will be in participating in a community program offered by our local sheriff’s department. This program, “The Florida Sheriff’s Teen Driver Challenge” teaches defensive driving as well as vehicle dynamics and understanding your own vehicle. I am not only planning to participate in this program myself, but I have gathered a group of friends as well as my younger sister to participate. The experience with my car - going from a situation of being unprepared and without a foundation of knowledge, to learning basic information, to continuing to learn, to encouraging my peers to also becoming more knowledgeable- has taught me that sometimes education extends outside of a traditional classroom. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn a little through the automotive program, and am looking forward to learning more alongside friends and sister.

From a very young age, I knew I wanted to work with animals. They've always fascinated me! I've been fortunate to volunteer in animal shelters, work in a veterinary clinic, and spend my vacations visiting zoos and sanctuaries across the country. Caring for animals, advocating for their well-being, and learning about their behaviors have become my passions. I feel so fortunate that my childhood dreams now guide my future aspirations!   My sense of purpose has been shaped through my unique upbringing. I am adopted, and my birth family's path was marked by challenges, including my birthmother's struggles with drug abuse. Despite these difficulties, the stability provided by my adoptive family and the unwavering support of my birth-grandmother have been pillars of strength in my life. This background has instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude and a strong desire to give back to the world that has provided me such good fortune. When I graduate from my undergraduate program and start veterinary school, I will be the first-generation graduate in my birth family!   My journey towards a career in animal science began with volunteering at our local animal shelter. Witnessing firsthand abandoned and injured animals sparked a sense of responsibility within me. I realized that through knowledge and compassion, I could advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. This realization guided my academic choices throughout high school, where I focused on rigorous biology and anatomy courses to build a solid foundation for my future studies.   Looking ahead, I am mindful of the challenges to come. Becoming a veterinarian is not merely a career choice for me; it is a lifelong commitment to serving animals and advocating for their well-being. I am determined to leverage my education and experiences to make a meaningful difference in the field of veterinary medicine and a significant impact in the lives of animals worldwide.