I dream of my future self as a public servant in agriculture, someone who is passionate about sustainable and equitable farming practices, knowledgeable about the latest technologies and innovations in the field, and dedicated to serving the needs of the farming community and the wider public.

I strive to learn more about the ever-changing and developing world growing around us through the multi-facets of animal science. This passion for animals, specifically farm animals including horses, chickens, goats, etc., came from my childhood growing up around farms and the longevous agricultural scene in Alabama. While growing up being raised around the farm animals on the nearby ranch across from my house, many suffered untimely and preventable fates after spending years with many of these animals. If only there were access to a veterinarian who could operate on larger animals. A specific memory I recall that changed my view on wanting to work on domesticated animals vs. larger animals was on July 19, 2017, Daisy Parton (named after Dolly Parton) was getting weaker by the second at first, not being able to move around much to wholly lying on the ground panting heavily. My neighbors were away during this time and watched in confusion about what was happening to this once joyful cow. Only later did I find out after asking the older man that lived next door that she had gotten an infection; sadly, due to how far out we were, the specialist couldn't make it in time, and she later passed away in late July. The event brought to my attention how there is overcrowding in the animal science industry, with people main wanting to specialize in domesticated or small animals. This leaves many places across the states without large, specializing veterinarians for towns away. All animals deserve to live good lives and shouldn't have to cut their lives short due to overpopulation in specific specializations.