Since I was young, I have always wanted to be a veterinarian and have never envisioned myself in any other profession. Growing up in a military family, frequent moves exposed me to diverse ecosystems, fueling my passion for wildlife and conservation. After moving to Virginia, I was accepted into my county’s competitive Governor’s School program, where my studies are focused on biology and research. My research team advanced to the 2024 Virginia State Science Fair for our Microbiology project, and we are currently conducting research aimed at improving healthcare access in the Sub-Saharan Africa by studying the antimicrobial abilities of native plants. Participating in STEM focused events at a young age sparked my interest in science and learning. Now, I give back by volunteering through my school’s Science National Honor Society, where I have been an active member for two years and currently serve as president. I have led STEM outreach events at local elementary schools, judged science fairs, and volunteered as a camp counselor for an invention-focused summer camp. As president, play a crucial role in leading meetings, event organization, and encouraging members to engage in our mission of promoting STEM education. Beyond academics, I also lead in athletics. As captain of my school's cross-country team my senior year, I was responsible for leading workouts, fostering team unity, and ensuring that everyone felt included. I learned that my positive attitude and strong work ethic inspired others on the team. During tough workouts, I led by example, pushing forward and inspiring my teammates to do the same. Going into winter track, I was chosen as Captain because of my strong impact during the cross-country season. Leading my team reinforced my belief in the power of encouragement and inclusion, which I apply not only in sports but also in other aspects of my life. Moving frequently as a child made me very aware of how exclusion affects young people. In middle school, I witnessed a classmate being ostracized by my own friends because of her weight. I made an effort to talk to her, resulting in making one of my closest friends to whom I still speak to today. As I continued to include her in conversations and activities, my friends began to see her in a different light and welcomed her into our group. The experience made me realize how simple acts of inclusion can shift perspectives and make a lasting difference in someone’s life. Now, I actively ensure that no one in my community feels left out, whether on my team, at school, or in other social settings. Online, I take steps to combat cyberbullying and maintain a safe digital environment. When I come across hateful comments on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, I report them. Unfortunately, some students at my high school have created anonymous accounts specifically to mock and harass others. Rather than engaging with these accounts, I report them and encourage my friends to do the same. While it may seem like a small action, collectively standing against cyberbullying makes a great difference. After high school, I plan to major in Pre-Vet Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, followed by veterinary school. My goal is to become a wildlife or exotic animal veterinarian and conduct research that contributes to advancing conservation efforts. However, veterinary school comes with a significant financial burden. As the eldest of three siblings, I want to minimize the financial stress on my parents and myself by seeing alternative ways to fund my education, including applying for scholarships like this one. Winning this scholarship would bring me closer to my goal of becoming a veterinarian.