My journey into STEM began with a deep-rooted passion for protecting animals and their environment. In my second year of study at Delaware Valley University, I am pursuing a degree in wildlife management and conservation, aiming to become a field researcher committed to preserving wildlife and ecosystems. My love for nature and dedication to animal welfare motivates me to overcome challenges. I envision a career where my research directly shapes conservation practices, promoting a healthier world for humans and animals. My fascination with animals started early, with my pet rabbit, Chase, as my first “research subject.” At seven, I spent countless hours observing his behaviors—tracking his curious hops, mapping his hiding spots, and conducting “experiments” to learn his food preferences. Chase became more than just a pet; he sparked my curiosity about animal behavior and instilled a lifelong commitment to understanding and protecting wildlife. This curiosity led me to seek hands-on experience in animal care and observation. I began volunteering at the Trevor Zoo, a small but diverse AZA-accredited zoo, where I had the chance to work closely with animals and learn about their unique needs. While I cared for many animals, two species captivated me: Geoffroy’s marmosets and golden lion tamarins. The marmosets’ curious chirps and head tilts as they watched me work were enchanting. Their behaviors taught me the importance of creating environments that allow animals to express their instincts. The golden lion tamarins, however, had a much bolder, territorial nature. Each time I entered their enclosure, they would squeak and “scold” me, defending their space. One day, hoping to build rapport, I tried mimicking their calls, only to find myself in an unintentional yet amusing “debate” with a particularly vocal tamarin. Experiences like these taught me to respect each animal’s unique personality and strengthened my resolve to advocate for their conservation. Choosing a career in STEM allows me to merge my love for animals with the technical skills needed to make a real impact. As a woman in wildlife science, I am committed to advancing research that helps protect endangered species and restore their habitats. The field of STEM benefits greatly from diverse perspectives as women bring innovative approaches and new solutions to complex global issues. In areas like conservation, where creative thinking is crucial, having women’s voices represented enriches the field and strengthens how we address environmental challenges. Through my studies, I continue to gain the skills necessary to contribute effectively to conservation. From ecological surveys to data analysis, I am learning to engage with conservation efforts scientifically. I envision a future where my research supports sustainable practices that balance human activity with ecosystem preservation. STEM offers a powerful platform for advocating for animals and the environment, and I am excited to contribute solutions that protect and sustain wildlife for generations to come. In this career, I hope to inspire others to recognize the significance of each species within the broader ecosystem and the importance of diversity in scientific perspectives. Wildlife conservation is not only about protecting individual animals but also about preserving the intricate web of life that sustains our planet. I am eager to play my part in ensuring future generations can enjoy and learn from Earth’s incredible biodiversity.

Navigating life with both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has presented me with daily challenges that I have had to learn to adapt to. From the moment I wake up, the neurological effects of ADHD, including neurotransmitter shortages, can leave me feeling immobilized, making it difficult even to start my day. The medication alleviates some of this immobility, but my executive functioning, particularly in the morning, remains poor. As a result, I often find myself battling tardiness, something that impacts my confidence and productivity before the day has even begun. Throughout the day, I continue to struggle with focus. ADHD makes it difficult to sustain attention, especially in unstructured environments. I understand the importance of staying focused, but impulsivity and dopamine deficiency often lead me to procrastination. This inner conflict between knowing what I need to do and struggling to do it is a part of my daily experience, yet I am determined to keep finding strategies to overcome it. In addition to ADHD, being on the autism spectrum brings its own set of unique challenges. Diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in third grade, I have always felt somewhat out of sync in social and academic environments. Although I am quite intelligent, my difficulties with organization, focus regulation, and navigating social interactions add significant complexity to my pursuit of success. While some therapeutic interventions have offered temporary support, these challenges remain an ever-present part of my life. Now, as a college student, I am learning to navigate this world without the immediate support of my family, who have always been a central part of my resilience and progress. Despite these adversities, I am passionate about pursuing a career in wildlife management and conservation. Currently, in my second year at Delaware Valley University, I am working toward a degree in wildlife management and conservation, aiming to become a field researcher dedicated to supporting animal and environmental conservation efforts. My love for nature and my desire to contribute to the well-being of ecosystems and wildlife drive me to push past these challenges. I envision myself in the field, conducting research that could influence conservation practices and contribute to a healthier, more balanced world for both humans and animals. To support my goals, I have taken proactive steps in advocating for myself. I work closely with my professors to ensure they understand my commitment and to arrange any necessary accommodations. I believe that success requires a combination of persistence, adaptability, and the courage to ask for help when needed, and I have worked hard to embrace each of these qualities. I have also experimented with various coping strategies, from fine-tuning my medication to employing organizational tools and time-management techniques. Each minor adjustment contributes to my resilience, making me more hopeful about my future as a wildlife biologist. Every day, I learn something new about myself—what I am capable of and what strategies help me thrive. My journey may not be straightforward, but it has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and resilience, qualities I know will serve me well in my future career. I am determined to overcome the obstacles between me and my dreams, and I am excited about the difference I hope to make for the planet and its wildlife.

I have a strong passion for working with animals and studying their behavior, both in captivity and in the wild. I have volunteered at the Trevor Zoo, part of the Millbrook School in Millbrook, NY, for three summers. In my volunteer roles, I care for a large variety of animals, including marmosets, tamarins, lemurs, goats, wolves, keas, tortoises, rheas, Patagonian cavies, and a golden taveta weaver. I participated in and directed tasks including, feeding, refilling water bowls, cleaning enclosures, preparing food, washing dishes, preparing and introducing enrichment, and recording observations of the animals. It was at the Trevor Zoo that I learned I had a passion for studying animals and knew I wanted to pursue a career as a wildlife biologist. Additionally, I spent some time volunteering at the Dreaming of a Chance bird sanctuary at Lilymore Farm, in Pleasant Valley, NY. At this sanctuary, I had the opportunity to work with chickens, ducks, geese, domestic pigeons, an elderly turkey, and a blind turkey vulture. It's also astonishing how many pigeons are abandoned each year, and domestic birds such as these have little to no hope of surviving in the wild. Moved by the plight of these intuitive creatures, I took the initiative to start a fundraiser to raise money for a new enclosure. I was successful in this endeavor, making room for over a dozen recently rescued pigeons. This important work further fed my passion and motivation to pursue conservation and wildlife as a career. I am interested in working in bat conservation. Bats are mammals in the order Chiroptera, the second-largest mammalian order. They are the only mammals capable of true flight. Despite all their positive qualities, humans in Western societies tend to associate bats with negative things such as vampires and often see them as disease-carrying vermin. But these misunderstood mammals play a crucial role in the ecosystem, and many species are endangered or critically endangered. Bat biologists are committed to educating the public on the importance of bats, as well as protecting these mammals for the sake of the ecosystem, which is why I'd like to gain the skills necessary in college to launch a career as a bat biologist. So, why are bats worth protecting? They play several vital roles in the various ecosystems they inhabit. Insect-eating bats are essential sources of natural pest control, consuming large quantities of crop-destroying insects in one night. A study performed on a cocoa farm showed that, without bats present, 22% of the cocoa harvest would be lost to invertebrate pests. Fruit-eating bats are also important as seed dispersers. In addition, many bats feed on nectar from flowers and are effective at pollinating those flowers in the process. Having more surface area on their bodies, bats can carry and deliver pollen from a wide variety of plant species in a single night. Bats are major pollinators of several plants utilized by humans, including agave (the plant used to make tequila). Humans may overlook bats, but the impact they have on our lives is major. By protecting bats, bat biologists preserve the plant products we love and the livelihoods of the farmers who produce them. I hope to use the skills I acquire in college to become a valuable part of the workforce and make a difference in science and the world.

In my opinion, and based on my personal experiences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is amongst the most trivialized mental disorders, and undeservingly so. The difficulties wrought by my condition plague me daily. Among the worst of my symptoms is task paralysis. I struggle to begin even the simplest of tasks. The result is allowing work to pile up until the list is overwhelming. Throughout the day, my focus is somewhat improved for the first few classes, but it wanes. Over time, I have begun to discover what does and does not work for me, in terms of productivity. I dislike unstructured and minimally supervised work. I also dislike assignments with nebulous due dates and questionable necessity. In these scenarios, it is extremely difficult to maintain focus. Impulse control is a significant problem, so no matter how beneficial or necessary a task is, I procrastinate in favor of immediate stimulation. Additionally, I am on the autism spectrum. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in third grade. As an autistic woman, it has been, and continues to be, difficult to succeed in my daily life and academic work. While I am academically gifted, I continue to struggle greatly with regulating focus, organization, and social situations. Beginning college has proved to be extremely challenging as, in addition to focusing on my academics, I'm working on trying to perform the daily tasks that come with living on my own for the first time. I’m committed to being successful, but I know I have many more obstacles to overcome. It is my ambition to focus my career on the conservation of endangered species. I am called to this public service as the challenges to many diverse species grow as our climate continues to change and evolve. There are many species critical to our sustainable environment and I hope to become a champion for such species through advocacy and scientific research. I am a first-year student in the Conservation and Wildlife Management and Honors programs at Delaware Valley University and I am excited by the opportunity to work with animals of various species in person. I want to pursue a degree in wildlife biology in hopes of focusing my research on birds and bats. I know that my disabilities have shaped my career goals. I am drawn to animals because I find interacting with animals and understanding them so much easier than understanding people. Additionally, I am much more able to engage in tasks when they ignite my passion, as animal research does. I know I will always struggle with my disabilities, but I will also always research and try new solutions. With my family support system at a distance, I’m working harder than ever to find ways to lessen the impact of my symptoms. Between medication changes and new strategies, my ability to function is improving over time, and I’m hopeful for the future. I certainly can not say that I have overcome my struggles but I continue to work to overcome them. I hope that my perseverance may be an inspiration to others.

In my opinion, and based on my personal experiences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is amongst the most trivialized mental disorders, and undeservingly so. The difficulties wrought by my condition plague me daily. Among the worst of my symptoms is task paralysis. I struggle to begin even the simplest of tasks. The result is allowing work to pile up until the list is overwhelming. Throughout the day, my focus is somewhat improved for the first few classes, but it wanes. Over time, I have begun to discover what does and does not work for me, in terms of productivity. I dislike unstructured and minimally supervised work. I also dislike assignments with nebulous due dates and questionable necessity. In these scenarios, it is extremely difficult to maintain focus. Impulse control is a significant problem, so no matter how beneficial or necessary a task is, I procrastinate in favor of immediate stimulation. Additionally, I am on the autism spectrum. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in third grade. As an autistic woman, it has been, and continues to be, difficult to succeed in my daily life and academic work. While I am academically gifted, I continue to struggle greatly with regulating focus, organization, and social situations. Beginning college has proved to be extremely challenging as, in addition to focusing on my academics, I'm working on trying to perform the daily tasks that come with living on my own for the first time. I’m committed to being successful, but I know I have many more obstacles to overcome. It is my ambition to focus my career on the conservation of endangered species. I am called to this public service as the challenges to many diverse species grow as our climate continues to change and evolve. There are many species critical to our sustainable environment and I hope to become a champion for such species through advocacy and scientific research. I am a first-year student in the Conservation and Wildlife Management and Honors programs at Delaware Valley University and I am excited by the opportunity to work with animals of various species in person. I want to pursue a degree in wildlife biology in hopes of focusing my research on birds and bats. I know that my disabilities have shaped my career goals. I am drawn to animals because I find interacting with animals and understanding them so much easier than understanding people. Additionally, I am much more able to engage in tasks when they ignite my passion, as animal research does. I know I will always struggle with my disabilities, but I will also always research and try new solutions. With my family support system at a distance, I’m working harder than ever to find ways to lessen the impact of my symptoms. Between medication changes and new strategies, my ability to function is improving over time, and I’m hopeful for the future. I certainly can not say that I have overcome my struggles but I continue to work to overcome them. I hope that my perseverance may be an inspiration to others.

In my opinion, and based on my personal experiences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is amongst the most trivialized mental disorders, and undeservingly so. The difficulties wrought by my condition plague me daily. Among the worst of my symptoms is task paralysis. I struggle to begin even the simplest of tasks. The result is allowing work to pile up until the list is overwhelming. Throughout the day, my focus is somewhat improved for the first few classes, but it wanes. Over time, I have begun to discover what does and does not work for me, in terms of productivity. I dislike unstructured and minimally supervised work. I also dislike assignments with nebulous due dates and questionable necessity. In these scenarios, it is extremely difficult to maintain focus. Impulse control is a significant problem, so no matter how beneficial or necessary a task is, I procrastinate in favor of immediate stimulation. Additionally, I am on the autism spectrum. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in third grade. As an autistic woman, it has been, and continues to be, difficult to succeed in my daily life and academic work. While I am academically gifted, I continue to struggle greatly with regulating focus, organization, and social situations. I’ve worked with countless therapists, with different therapeutic approaches, who are supposed to coach me on how to use tools and techniques to manage the daily struggles brought on by my condition, and, while some have helped a little, most do not, or I am unable to sustain using them for any length of time. Beginning college has proved to be extremely challenging as, in addtion to focusing on my academics, I'm working on trying to perform the daily tasks that come with living on my own for the first time. I’m committed to being successful, but I know I have many more obstacles to overcome. It is my ambition to focus my career on the conservation of endangered species. I am called to this public service as the challenges to many diverse species grow as our climate continues to change and evolve. There are many species critical to our sustainable environment and I hope to become a champion for such species through advocacy and scientific research. I am a first-year student in the Conservation and Wildlife Management and Honors programs at Delaware Valley University and I am excited by the opportunity to work with animals of various species in person. I want to pursue a degree in wildlife biology in hopes of focusing my research on birds and bats. I know I will always struggle with my disabilities, but I will also always research and try new solutions. With my family support system at a distance, I’m working harder than ever to find ways to lessen the impact of my symptoms. Between medication changes and new strategies, my ability to function is improving over time, and I’m hopeful for the future. I certainly can not say that I have overcome my struggles but I continue to work to overcome them. I hope that my perseverance may be an inspiration to others.

In my opinion, and based on my personal experiences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is amongst the most trivialized mental disorders, and undeservingly so. The difficulties wrought by my condition plague me daily. Among my worst symptoms is task paralysis. I procrastinate even the smallest task until the pile of tasks needing my attention is completely overwhelming. Throughout the day, my focus is somewhat improved for the first few classes, but it wanes. Over time, I have begun to discover what does and does not work for me, in terms of productivity. I dislike unstructured and minimally supervised work. I also dislike assignments with nebulous due dates and questionable necessity. In these scenarios, it is extremely difficult to maintain focus. Though I am aware that my phone is a distraction, I struggle to keep myself from using it and I have even more trouble transitioning away from it. Even making my phone inaccessible doesn’t always help as I can get just as distracted by my laptop, drawing, or just daydreaming. Impulse control is a significant problem, so no matter how beneficial or necessary a task is, I procrastinate in favor of immediate stimulation. Additionally, I am on the autism spectrum. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in third grade. As an autistic woman, it has been and continues to be, difficult to succeed in my daily life, social life, and academic work. While I am academically gifted, I continue to struggle greatly with regulating focus, organization, and social situations. I’ve worked with countless therapists, with different therapeutic approaches, who are supposed to coach me on how to use tools and techniques to manage the daily struggles brought on by my condition, and, while some have helped a little, most do not, or I am unable to sustain using them for any length of time. Beginning college has been challenging. In addition to trying to focus on my academics, I'm struggling to focus on the daily tasks that come with living on my own. While I’m committed to being successful, I have many more obstacles to overcome. It is my ambition to attain a career as a wildlife biologist. The psychology of animals is fascinating to me and I know that my disabilities are part of the reason I’m drawn to animals. I find it easier to interact with animals than with people. I also find that I am better at organizing myself and my work when that work is related to something I am passionate about. I am enrolled in the Conservation and Wildlife Management and Honors programs at Delaware Valley University. I am excited by the opportunity to work with animals of various species in person. I want to pursue a degree in wildlife biology in hopes of focusing my research on birds or bats. I know I will always struggle with my disabilities, but I will also always research and try new solutions. With college on the horizon and my family support system at a distance, I’m working harder than ever to find ways to lessen the impact of my symptoms. Between medication changes and new strategies, my ability to function is improving over time, and I’m hopeful for the future. I certainly can not say that I have overcome my struggles but I continue to work to overcome them. I hope that my perseverance may be an inspiration to others. I am aware the road to my dream career is rocky. I am also aware that being a conservation biologist isn't the most financially lucrative career and may require me to pursue an advanced degree. My goal is to reduce the debt of my education so that I can pour myself into my passion for supporting conservation without having to compromise my goals due to financial need. This opportunity will help me to remain focused on what matters.

I have a strong passion for working with animals and studying their behavior, both in captivity and in the wild. Since deciding that becoming a wildlife biologist was the path I wanted to pursue, I have been committed to finding a way to make that happen. Fully aware that it is not a financially lucrative career, I’ve been seeking as many opportunities as possible to reduce my future debt so that I may put my passion to work in a meaningful career. I am hoping this scholarship can help me to reach my goal of zero college debt. I came to my passion via community service. I have volunteered at the Trevor Zoo, an educational zoo that is part of the Millbrook School in Millbrook, New York, for the past three summers, and will be spending this summer continuing my work with the wildlife at this incredible facility. I started at the volunteer rank and was promoted to counselor in the second summer. In my role as counselor at this rural AZA (The Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited facility, I cared for a large variety of animals, including marmosets, tamarins, lemurs, goats, wolves, keas, tortoises, rheas, Patagonian cavies, and a golden taveta weaver. In my rank as a counselor, I lead the volunteers through animal care activities. I participated in and directed tasks including, feeding, refilling water bowls, cleaning enclosures, preparing food, washing dishes, preparing and introducing enrichment, and recording observations of the animals. It was at the Trevor Zoo that I learned I had a passion for studying animal behavior and wanted to pursue that as a career. Additionally, I spent some time volunteering at the Dreaming of a Chance bird sanctuary at Lilymore Farm, in Pleasant Valley, New York. At this sanctuary, I had the opportunity to work with chickens, ducks, geese, domestic pigeons, an elderly turkey, and a blind turkey vulture. While working at the sanctuary, I learned quite a bit about the intelligence and behavior of these types of birds, including the fascinating fact that pigeons are now being used, quite successfully, in cancer detection. It's also astonishing how many pigeons are abandoned each year, and domestic birds such as these have little to no hope of surviving in the wild. Moved by the plight of these intuitive creatures, I took the initiative to start a fundraiser to raise money for a new enclosure. I was successful in this endeavor, making room for over a dozen recently rescued pigeons. This important work further fed my passion and motivation to pursue conservation and wildlife as a career. I hope to receive this scholarship to offset the cost of my living expenses and fees and minimize my total debt upon graduation. Studying animal behavior may be my passion, but it is not the most financially lucrative career. I would like to be able to pursue a meaningful career and not have to sacrifice my calling due to overwhelming college debt.

In my opinion, and based on my personal experiences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is amongst the most trivialized mental disorders, and undeservingly so. The difficulties wrought by my condition plague me daily. Among my worst symptoms is task paralysis. I procrastinate even the smallest task until the pile of tasks needing my attention is completely overwhelming. Throughout the day, my focus is somewhat improved for the first few classes, but it wanes. Over time, I have begun to discover what does and does not work for me, in terms of productivity. I dislike unstructured and minimally supervised work. I also dislike assignments with nebulous due dates and questionable necessity. In these scenarios, it is extremely difficult to maintain focus. Though I am aware that my phone is a distraction, I struggle to keep myself from using it and I have even more trouble transitioning away from it. Even making my phone inaccessible doesn’t always help as I can get just as distracted by my laptop, drawing, or just daydreaming. Impulse control is a significant problem, so no matter how beneficial or necessary a task is, I procrastinate in favor of immediate stimulation. Additionally, I am on the autism spectrum. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in third grade. As an autistic woman, it has been, and continues to be, difficult to succeed in my daily life, social life, and academic work. While I am academically gifted, I continue to struggle greatly with regulating focus, organization, and social situations. I’ve worked with countless therapists, with different therapeutic approaches, who are supposed to coach me on how to use tools and techniques to manage the daily struggles brought on by my condition, and, while some have helped a little, most do not, or I am unable to sustain using them for any length of time. Beginning college has been challenging. In addition to trying to focus on my academics, I'm struggling to focus on the daily tasks that come with living on my own. While I’m committed to being successful, I have many more obstacles to overcome. It is my ambition to attain a career as a wildlife biologist. The psychology of animals is fascinating to me and I know that my disabilities are part of the reason I’m drawn to animals. I find it easier to interact with animals than with people. I also find that I am better at organizing myself and my work when that work is related to something I am passionate about. I am enrolled in the Conservation and Wildlife Management and Honors programs at Delaware Valley University. I am excited by the opportunity to work with animals of various species in person. I want to pursue a degree in wildlife biology in hopes of focusing my research on birds or bats. I know I will always struggle with my disabilities, but I will also always research and try new solutions. With college on the horizon and my family support system at a distance, I’m working harder than ever to find ways to lessen the impact of my symptoms. Between medication changes and new strategies, my ability to function is improving over time, and I’m hopeful for the future. I certainly can not say that I have overcome my struggles but I continue to work to overcome them. I hope that my perseverance may be an inspiration to others.

In my opinion, and based on my personal experiences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is amongst the most trivialized mental disorders, and undeservingly so. The difficulties wrought by my condition plague me daily. Among my worst symptoms is task paralysis. I procrastinate even the smallest task until the pile of tasks needing my attention is completely overwhelming. Throughout the day, my focus is somewhat improved for the first few classes, but it wanes. Over time, I have begun to discover what does and does not work for me, in terms of productivity. I dislike unstructured and minimally supervised work. I also dislike assignments with nebulous due dates and questionable necessity. In these scenarios, it is extremely difficult to maintain focus. Though I am aware that my phone is a distraction, I struggle to keep myself from using it and I have even more trouble transitioning away from it. Even making my phone inaccessible doesn’t always help as I can get just as distracted by my laptop, drawing, or just daydreaming. Impulse control is a significant problem, so no matter how beneficial or necessary a task is, I procrastinate in favor of immediate stimulation. Additionally, I am on the autism spectrum. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in third grade. As an autistic woman, it has been, and continues to be, difficult to succeed in my daily life, social life, and academic work. While I am academically gifted, I continue to struggle greatly with regulating focus, organization, and social situations. I’ve worked with countless therapists, with different therapeutic approaches, who are supposed to coach me on how to use tools and techniques to manage the daily struggles brought on by my condition, and, while some have helped a little, most do not, or I am unable to sustain using them for any length of time. Beginning college has been challenging. In addition to trying to focus on my academics, I'm struggling to focus on the daily tasks that come with living on my own. While I’m committed to being successful, I have many more obstacles to overcome. It is my ambition to attain a career as a wildlife biologist. The psychology of animals is fascinating to me and I know that my disabilities are part of the reason I’m drawn to animals. I find it easier to interact with animals than with people. I also find that I am better at organizing myself and my work when that work is related to something I am passionate about. I am enrolled in the Conservation and Wildlife Management and Honors programs at Delaware Valley University. I am excited by the opportunity to work with animals of various species in person. I want to pursue a degree in wildlife biology in hopes of focusing my research on birds or bats. I know I will always struggle with my disabilities, but I will also always research and try new solutions. With college on the horizon and my family support system at a distance, I’m working harder than ever to find ways to lessen the impact of my symptoms. Between medication changes and new strategies, my ability to function is improving over time, and I’m hopeful for the future. I certainly can not say that I have overcome my struggles but I continue to work to overcome them. I hope that my perseverance may be an inspiration to others.

In my opinion, and based on my personal experiences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is amongst the most trivialized mental disorders, and undeservingly so. The difficulties wrought by my condition plague me daily. Among the worst of my symptoms is neurotransmitter shortage-induced immobility. Every morning, I wake up paralyzed. My medication makes movement easier, but paralysis prevents me from taking it. I lay in bed staring at it, sometimes for 30 minutes or longer. By then, time is short, so I’m forced to try to get ready before my meds kick in. I’m nearly always late to class. Throughout the day, my focus is somewhat improved for the first few classes, but it wanes. Over time, I have begun to discover what does and does not work for me, in terms of productivity. I dislike unstructured and minimally supervised work. I also dislike assignments with nebulous due dates and questionable necessity. In these scenarios, it is extremely difficult to maintain focus. Impulse control is a significant problem, so no matter how beneficial or necessary a task is, I procrastinate in favor of immediate stimulation. Additionally, I am on the autism spectrum. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in third grade. As an autistic woman, it has been, and continues to be, difficult to succeed in my daily life and academic work. While I am academically gifted, I continue to struggle greatly with regulating focus, organization, and social situations. I’ve worked with countless therapists, with different therapeutic approaches, who are supposed to coach me on how to use tools and techniques to manage the daily struggles brought on by my condition, and, while some have helped a little, most do not, or I am unable to sustain using them for any length of time. The challenge of college is looming and while I’m committed to being successful, I am certain I will have many more obstacles to overcome. It is my ambition to focus my career on the conservation of endangered species. I am called to this public service as the challenges to many diverse species grow as our climate continues to change and evolve. There are many species critical to our sustainable environment and I hope to become a champion for such species through advocacy and scientific research. I am a first-year student in the Conservation and Wildlife Management and Honors programs at Delaware Valley University and I am excited by the opportunity to work with animals of various species in person. I want to pursue a degree in wildlife biology in hopes of focusing my research on birds and bats. I know I will always struggle with my disabilities, but I will also always research and try new solutions. With college on the horizon and my family support system at a distance, I’m working harder than ever to find ways to lessen the impact of my symptoms. Between medication changes and new strategies, my ability to function is improving over time, and I’m hopeful for the future. I certainly can not say that I have overcome my struggles but I continue to work to overcome them. I hope that my perseverance may be an inspiration to others.

Navigating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and being on the autism spectrum has presented daily challenges for me. The neurotransmitter shortage-induced immobility, a prominent symptom of ADHD, leaves me paralyzed each morning. Medication offers relief, but the struggle to take it persists. The resulting tardiness to school becomes a constant battle. Throughout the day, my focus fluctuates, with unstructured and minimally supervised work posing significant challenges. Despite being aware of distractions like my phone, impulse control issues lead to procrastination for immediate stimulation. Being on the autism spectrum, diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome in third grade, compounds these difficulties. While academically gifted, I grapple with focus regulation, organizational issues, and social situations. Therapeutic interventions have offered limited success, and the looming challenge of college adds to the uncertainty of overcoming these obstacles. Despite these adversities, my ambition is to become an ethologist, specializing in the study of animal behavior. Fascinated by the psychology of animals, I find solace in their company and excel in organizing work related to my passion. The prospect of working with diverse species at Delaware Valley University's Conservation and Wildlife Management and Honors programs excites me. I aim to pursue a wildlife biology degree, focusing on birds, bats, or small monkeys like marmosets. My struggle with disabilities persists, but I persistently seek new solutions. With college approaching and family support at a distance, I actively explore ways to mitigate symptoms. Through medication adjustments and new strategies, my functional abilities are gradually improving, instilling hope for the future. Transitioning from indecisiveness in high school, my career trajectory evolved from fleeting dreams of being an astronaut to considering video game design. The pressure to choose a career and college intensified, but my passion for animals became a focal point. Volunteering at the Trevor Zoo during the 10th grade exposed me to the intricacies of animal care, sparking a deep-seated desire to work with them. Initially drawn to animal behavior science, the struggle to find a suitable college major led me to Delaware Valley University's Zoo Science program. However, a transformative nature documentary shifted my perspective towards field science. The allure of studying diverse wildlife, from eyelash vipers to tiny birds, became irresistible. Inspired by the charm of bats, I explored their world through research. Green and Gold Day at Delaware Valley University provided clarity, leading to a decisive switch to Conservation and Wildlife. This change brought relief and a newfound sense of direction. Despite my inherent indecisiveness, this choice felt compelling, aligning my passion with a tangible career path. In conclusion, my journey reflects the dynamic nature of personal interests, evolving from childhood dreams to the practicality of Conservation and Wildlife. The hands-on experience at the Trevor Zoo and the realization of the vibrant field of field science solidified my choice, providing a clear sense of purpose in my academic and professional pursuits.

Over the course of the past two summers, my commitment to wildlife conservation and animal welfare has been exemplified through my volunteer work at the Trevor Zoo. Beginning as a humble volunteer, I progressed to the role of a counselor in my second year, showcasing not only my dedication but also my ability to take on increasing responsibilities. The spectrum of animals I cared for included marmosets, tamarins, lemurs, goats, wolves, keas, tortoises, rheas, Patagonian cavies, and a golden taveta weaver. My duties encompassed a wide range of tasks, from the fundamental aspects of feeding and refilling water bowls to the more intricate responsibilities of cleaning enclosures, preparing specialized diets, and leading fellow volunteers through various animal care activities. In my capacity as a counselor, I assumed a leadership role, directing and guiding volunteers to ensure the well-being of the zoo's diverse inhabitants. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of wildlife but also allowed me to refine crucial organizational and leadership skills that are integral to the successful operation of a zoo environment. Expanding my reach in animal care, I extended my volunteer efforts to the Dreaming of a Chance bird sanctuary at Lilymore Farm. Here, my duties involved the care of chickens, ducks, geese, domestic pigeons, an elderly turkey, and a blind turkey vulture. A testament to my proactive approach, I initiated and successfully executed a fundraising campaign aimed at constructing a new enclosure. This endeavor not only highlighted my commitment to the welfare of animals but also showcased my ability to mobilize resources for a meaningful cause, resulting in the creation of a safe haven for over a dozen recently rescued pigeons. These experiences led me to connect with my passion for studying wildlife and a dedication to purse this as a career was born. Currently enrolled at Delaware Valley University, I am pursuing a degree in Wildlife Management/Conservation while actively participating in the Honors program. My career aspirations revolve around becoming an ethologist, specializing in animal behavior. The fascinating intricacies of animal psychology drive my academic pursuits, and I am eager to contribute to the field through both research and practical applications. Seeking this scholarship is a strategic decision aimed at alleviating the financial burden associated with living expenses and tuition fees, ultimately minimizing the debt I will carry upon graduation. I acknowledge that a career in animal behavior may not be the most financially lucrative, but my commitment remains unwavering. This scholarship will provide the support needed to pursue my passion without compromising on career choices due to financial constraints, enabling me to focus wholeheartedly on my academic and professional journey. It is an investment not only in my education but also in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the welfare of animals without the encumbrance of overwhelming college debt.

For the past two summers, my commitment to wildlife conservation and animal welfare has been exemplified through my volunteer work at the Trevor Zoo. Beginning as a humble volunteer, I progressed to the role of a counselor in my second year, showcasing not only my dedication but also my ability to take on increasing responsibilities. The spectrum of animals I cared for included marmosets, tamarins, lemurs, goats, wolves, keas, tortoises, rheas, Patagonian cavies, and a golden taveta weaver. My duties encompassed a wide range of tasks, from the fundamental aspects of feeding and refilling water bowls to the more intricate responsibilities of cleaning enclosures, preparing specialized diets, and leading fellow volunteers through various animal care activities. In my capacity as a counselor, I assumed a leadership role, directing and guiding volunteers to ensure the well-being of the zoo's diverse inhabitants. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of wildlife but also allowed me to refine crucial organizational and leadership skills that are integral to the successful operation of a zoo environment. Expanding my reach in animal care, I extended my volunteer efforts to the Dreaming of a Chance bird sanctuary at Lilymore Farm. Here, my duties involved the care of chickens, ducks, geese, domestic pigeons, an elderly turkey, and a blind turkey vulture. A testament to my proactive approach, I initiated and successfully executed a fundraising campaign aimed at constructing a new enclosure. This endeavor not only highlighted my commitment to the welfare of animals but also showcased my ability to mobilize resources for a meaningful cause, resulting in the creation of a haven for over a dozen recently rescued pigeons. Currently enrolled at Delaware Valley University, I am pursuing a degree in Wildlife Management/Conservation while actively participating in the Honors program. My career aspirations revolve around becoming an ethologist, specializing in animal behavior. The fascinating intricacies of animal psychology drive my academic pursuits, and I am eager to contribute to the field through both research and practical applications. Seeking this scholarship is a strategic decision aimed at alleviating the financial burden associated with living expenses and tuition fees, ultimately minimizing the debt I will carry upon graduation. I acknowledge that a career in animal behavior may not be the most financially lucrative, but my commitment remains unwavering. This scholarship will provide the support needed to pursue my passion without compromising on career choices due to financial constraints, enabling me to focus wholeheartedly on my academic and professional journey. It is an investment not only in my education but also in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the welfare of animals without the encumbrance of overwhelming college debt.

In my opinion, and based on my personal experiences, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is amongst the most trivialized mental disorders, and undeservingly so. The difficulties wrought by my condition plague me daily. Among the worst of my symptoms is neurotransmitter shortage-induced immobility. Every morning, I wake up paralyzed. My medication makes movement easier, but paralysis prevents me from taking it. I lay in bed staring at it, sometimes for 30 minutes or longer. By then, time is short, so I’m forced to try to get ready before my meds kick in. I’m nearly always late to school. Throughout the school day, my focus is somewhat improved for the first few classes, but it wanes. Over time, I have begun to discover what does and does not work for me, in terms of productivity. I dislike unstructured and minimally supervised work. I also dislike assignments with nebulous due dates and questionable necessity. In these scenarios, it is extremely difficult to maintain focus. Though I am aware that my phone is a distraction, I struggle to keep myself from using it and I have even more trouble transitioning away from it. Even making my phone inaccessible doesn’t always help as I can get just as distracted by my laptop, drawing, or just daydreaming. Impulse control is a significant problem, so no matter how beneficial or necessary a task is, I procrastinate in favor of immediate stimulation. Additionally, I am on the autism spectrum. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in third grade. As an autistic woman, it has been and continues to be, difficult to succeed in my daily life and academic work. While I am academically gifted, I continue to struggle greatly with regulating focus, organization, and social situations. I’ve worked with countless therapists, with different therapeutic approaches, who are supposed to coach me on how to use tools and techniques to manage the daily struggles brought on by my condition, and, while some have helped a little, most do not, or I am unable to sustain using them for any length of time. The challenge of college is looming and while I’m committed to being successful, I am certain I will have many more obstacles to overcome. It is my ambition to attain a career as an ethologist. An ethologist is a biologyist that specializes in the study of animal behavior. The psychology of animals is fascinating to me and I know that my disabilities are part of the reason I’m drawn to animals. I find it easier to interact with animals than with people. I also find that I am better at organizing myself and my work when that work is related to something I am passionate about. I have developed an interest in various animals, including marmosets, but I am currently leaning towards ornithology, as many species of birds have developed great intelligence independently from primates, making them similar yet different from humans. I have been accepted Conservation and Wildlife Management and Honors programs at Delaware Valley University and I am excited by the opportunity to work with animals of various species in person. I want to pursue a degree in wildlife biology in hopes to focus my research on birds, bats, or possibly small monkeys such as marmosets. I know I will always struggle with my disabilities, but I will also always research and try new solutions. With college on the horizon and my family support system at a distance, I’m working harder than ever to find ways to lessen the impact of my symptoms. Between medication changes and new strategies, my ability to function is improving over time, and I’m hopeful for the future. I certainly can not say that I have overcome my struggles but I continue to work to overcome them. I hope that my perseverance may be an inspiration to others.

I have volunteered at the Trevor Zoo, part of the Millbrook School in Millbrook, NY, for the past two summers. I started at the volunteer rank and was promoted to the counselor rank the second summer. I cared for a large variety of animals, including marmosets, tamarins, lemurs, goats, wolves, keas, tortoises, rheas, Patagonian cavies, and a golden taveta weaver, and, in my rank as a counselor, I lead the volunteers through the animal care activities. I participated in and directed tasks including, feeding, refilling water bowls, cleaning enclosures, preparing food, washing dishes, preparing and introducing enrichment, and recording observations of the animals. It was at the Trevor Zoo that I realized that I had a passion for working with animals and studying their behavior both in captivity and in the wild. I obtained an additional volunteer position at the Dreaming of a Chance bird sanctuary at Lilymore Farm, in Pleasant Valley, NY. During my time at this sanctuary, I had the opportunity to work with chickens, ducks, geese, domestic pigeons, an elderly turkey, and a blind turkey vulture. While working at the sanctuary, I learned quite a bit about the intelligence and behavior of these types of birds, including the fascinating fact that pigeons are now being used, quite successfully, in cancer detection. It's astonishing how many pigeons are abandoned each year, and domestic birds such as these have little to no hope of surviving in the wild. Moved by the plight of these fascinating and intuitive creatures, I took the initiative to start a fundraiser to raise money for a new enclosure. I was successful in this endeavor, making room for over a dozen recently rescued pigeons. I have proud to have been accepted into the Wildlife Management and Conservation program at Delaware Valley University. I have also been asked to participate in the Honors program. I plan to study to become an ethologist (a zoologist specializing in animal behavior). The psychology of animals is fascinating to me and I hope to have many opportunities to study their behavior and contribute to conservation in a meaningful way. I hope to receive this scholarship to offset the cost of my living expenses and fees and minimize my total debt upon graduation. Studying animal behavior may be my passion, but it is not the most financially lucrative career. I would like to be able to pursue a meaningful career and not have to make sacrifice my calling due to overwhelming college debt.

I have volunteered at the Trevor Zoo, an AZA-accredited teaching zoo, part of the Millbrook School, for the past two summers. I started at the volunteer rank and was promoted to the counselor rank in the second year. At the zoo, I cared for a large variety of animals, including marmosets, tamarins, lemurs, goats, wolves, keas, tortoises, rheas, Patagonian cavies, and a golden taveta weaver. My tasks included but were not limited to feeding, refilling water bowls, cleaning enclosures, preparing food, washing dishes, preparing and introducing enrichment, and recording observations of the animals. I also volunteered at the Dreaming of a Chance bird sanctuary at Lilymore Farm. I worked there in the Spring of 2022 and the Fall of 2023. At the sanctuary, I worked with chickens, ducks, geese, domestic pigeons, an elderly turkey, and a blind turkey vulture. This job consisted mostly of feeding, waterer filling, and egg collection. While working at the sanctuary, I learned quite a bit about the intelligence and behavior of these types of birds. I also started a fundraiser to raise money for a new enclosure and am pleased to state that I raised enough funds to build an enclosure for over a dozen recently rescued pigeons. My volunteer work has enabled me to explore my passion and choose a career path. As a result, I was able to identify a very specialized college and program to support my goals. I am looking to attain a career as an ethologist (a zoologist specializing in animal behavior). The psychology of animals is fascinating to me. I have developed an interest in various animals, including marmosets, but I am currently leaning towards a bird-focused career, as many species of birds have developed great intelligence independently from primates, making them similar yet different from humans. I have been accepted into both the highly-selective Zoo Science and Honors programs at Delaware Valley University and I am excited by the opportunity to work with animals of various species in person. I initially wanted to pursue a degree in Zool Science in hopes to focus my research on birds (or possibly small monkeys such as marmosets) in hopes that my research into animal behavior might provide the world with valuable insights to further conservation efforts or support research into human behavior. Delaware Valley University also offers a 4+1 Master’s program in Organizational Leadership, which I may pursue if given the opportunity and if I feel it will benefit my career as an ethologist.

In my opinion, and based on my personal experiences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is amongst the most trivialized mental disorders, and undeservingly so. The difficulties wrought by my condition plague me daily. Among the worst of my symptoms is neurotransmitter shortage-induced immobility. Every morning, I wake up paralyzed. My medication makes movement easier, but paralysis prevents me from taking it. I lay in bed staring at it, sometimes for 30 minutes or longer. By then, time is short, so I’m forced to try to get ready before my meds kick in. I’m nearly always late to school. Throughout the school day, my focus is somewhat improved for the first few classes, but it wanes. Over time, I have begun to discover what does and does not work for me, in terms of productivity. I dislike unstructured and minimally supervised work. I also dislike assignments with nebulous due dates and questionable necessity. In these scenarios, it is extremely difficult to maintain focus. Though I am aware that my phone is a distraction, I struggle to keep myself from using it and I have even more trouble transitioning away from it. Even making my phone inaccessible doesn’t always help as I can get just as distracted by my laptop, drawing, or just daydreaming. Impulse control is a significant problem, so no matter how beneficial or necessary a task I procrastinate in favor of immediate stimulation. Additionally, I am on the autism spectrum. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in third grade. As an autistic woman, it has been and continues to be, difficult to succeed in my daily life and academic work. While I am academically gifted, I continue to struggle greatly with regulating focus, organization, and social situations. It is my ambition to attain a career as an ethologist (a zoologist specializing in animal behavior). The psychology of animals is fascinating to me. Due to my disabilities, I find it easier to interact with animals and can focus my attention better on work I am passionate about. I have developed an interest in various animals, including marmosets, but I am currently leaning towards a bird-focused career, as many species of birds have developed great intelligence independently from primates, making them similar yet different from humans. I have been accepted into the highly-selective Zoo Science and Honors programs at Delaware Valley University and I am excited by the opportunity to work with animals of various species in person. I initially wanted to pursue a degree in Zool Science in hopes to focus my research on birds (or possibly small monkeys such as marmosets). I know I will always struggle with my disabilities, but I will also always research and try new solutions. With college on the horizon and my family support system at a distance, I’m working harder than ever to find ways to lessen the impact of my symptoms. Between medication changes and new strategies, my ability to function is improving over time, and I’m hopeful for the future. I certainly can not say that I have overcome my struggles but I continue to work to overcome them. I hope that my perseverance may be an inspiration to others.

In my opinion, and based on my personal experiences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is amongst the most trivialized mental disorders, and undeservingly so. The difficulties wrought by my condition plague me daily. Among the worst of my symptoms is neurotransmitter shortage-induced immobility. Every morning, I wake up paralyzed. My medication makes movement easier, but paralysis prevents me from taking it. I lay in bed staring at it, sometimes for 30 minutes or longer. By then, time is short, so I’m forced to try to get ready before my meds kick in. I’m nearly always late to school. Throughout the school day, my focus is somewhat improved for the first few classes, but it wanes. Over time, I have begun to discover what does and does not work for me, in terms of productivity. I dislike unstructured and minimally supervised work. I also dislike assignments with nebulous due dates and questionable necessity. In these scenarios, it is extremely difficult to maintain focus. Though I am aware that my phone is a distraction, I struggle to keep myself from using it and I have even more trouble transitioning away from it. Even making my phone inaccessible doesn’t always help as I can get just as distracted by my laptop, drawing, or just daydreaming. Impulse control is a significant problem, so no matter how beneficial or necessary a task is, I procrastinate in favor of immediate stimulation. Additionally, I am on the autism spectrum. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in third grade. As an autistic woman, it has been and continues to be, difficult to succeed in my daily life and academic work. While I am academically gifted, I continue to struggle greatly with regulating focus, organization, and social situations. It is my ambition to attain a career as an ethologist (a zoologist specializing in animal behavior). The psychology of animals is fascinating to me, and as a result of my disabilities, I find it easier to interact with animals. I also find I can direct my focus better on things that I am passionate about, such as this. I have developed an interest in various animals, including marmosets, but I am currently leaning towards a bird-focused career, as many species of birds have developed great intelligence independently from primates, making them similar yet different from humans. I have been accepted into the highly-selective Zoo Science and Honors programs at Delaware Valley University and I am excited by the opportunity to work with animals of various species in person. I initially wanted to pursue a degree in Zool Science in hopes to focus my research on birds (or possibly small monkeys such as marmosets). I know I will always struggle with my disabilities, but I will also always research and try new solutions. With college on the horizon and my family support system at a distance, I’m working harder than ever to find ways to lessen the impact of my symptoms. Between medication changes and new strategies, my ability to function is improving over time, and I’m hopeful for the future. I certainly can not say that I have overcome my struggles but I continue to work to overcome them. I hope that my perseverance may be an inspiration to others.

In my opinion, and based on my personal experiences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is amongst the most trivialized mental disorders, and undeservingly so. The difficulties wrought by my condition plague me daily. Among the worst of my symptoms is neurotransmitter shortage-induced immobility. Every morning, I wake up paralyzed. My medication makes movement easier, but paralysis prevents me from taking it. I lay in bed staring at it, sometimes for 30 minutes or longer. By then, time is short, so I’m forced to try to get ready before my meds kick in. I’m nearly always late to school. Throughout the school day, my focus is somewhat improved for the first few classes, but it wanes. Over time, I have begun to discover what does and does not work for me, in terms of productivity. I dislike unstructured and minimally supervised work. I also dislike assignments with nebulous due dates and questionable necessity. In these scenarios, it is extremely difficult to maintain focus. Though I am aware that my phone is a distraction, I struggle to keep myself from using it and I have even more trouble transitioning away from it. Even making my phone inaccessible doesn’t always help as I can get just as distracted by my laptop, drawing, or just daydreaming. Impulse control is a significant problem, so no matter how beneficial or necessary a task, I procrastinate in favor of immediate stimulation. Additionally, I am on the autism spectrum. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in third grade. As an autistic woman, it has been and continues to be, difficult to succeed in my daily life and academic work. While I am academically gifted, I continue to struggle greatly with regulating focus, organization, and social situations. It is my ambition to attain a career as an ethologist (a zoologist specializing in animal behavior). The psychology of animals is fascinating to me. I have developed an interest in various animals, including marmosets, but I am currently leaning towards a bird-focused career, as many species of birds have developed great intelligence independently from primates, making them similar yet different from humans. I have been accepted into the highly-selective Zoo Science and Honors programs at Delaware Valley University and I am excited by the opportunity to work with animals of various species in person. I initially wanted to pursue a degree in Zool Science in hopes to focus my research on birds (or possibly small monkeys such as marmosets). I know I will always struggle with my disabilities, but I will also always research and try new solutions. With college on the horizon and my family support system at a distance, I’m working harder than ever to find ways to lessen the impact of my symptoms. Between medication changes and new strategies, my ability to function is improving over time, and I’m hopeful for the future. I certainly can not say that I have overcome my struggles but I continue to work to overcome them. I hope that my perseverance may be an inspiration to others.

In my opinion, and based on my personal experiences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is amongst the most trivialized mental disorders, and undeservingly so. The difficulties wrought by my condition plague me daily. Among the worst of my symptoms is neurotransmitter shortage-induced immobility. Every morning, I wake up paralyzed. My medication makes movement easier, but paralysis prevents me from taking it. I lay in bed staring at it, sometimes for 30 minutes or longer. By then, time is short, so I’m forced to try to get ready before my meds kick in. I’m nearly always late to school. Throughout the school day, my focus is somewhat improved for the first few classes, but it wanes. Over time, I have begun to discover what does and does not work for me, in terms of productivity. I dislike unstructured and minimally supervised work. I also dislike assignments with nebulous due dates and questionable necessity. In these scenarios, it is extremely difficult to maintain focus. Though I am aware that my phone is a distraction, I struggle to keep myself from using it and I have even more trouble transitioning away from it. Even making my phone inaccessible doesn’t always help as I can get just as distracted by my laptop, drawing, or just daydreaming. Impulse control is a significant problem, so no matter how beneficial or necessary a task, I procrastinate in favor of immediate stimulation. Additionally, I am on the autism spectrum. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in third grade. As an autistic woman, it has been, and continues to be, difficult to succeed in my daily life and academic work. While I am academically gifted, I continue to struggle greatly with regulating focus, organization, and social situations. It is my ambition to attain a career as an ethologist (a zoologist specializing in animal behavior). The psychology of animals is fascinating to me. I have developed an interest in various animals, including marmosets, but I am currently leaning towards a bird-focused career, as many species of birds have developed great intelligence independently from primates, making them similar yet different from humans. I have been accepted into the highly-selective Zoo Science and Honors programs at Delaware Valley University and I am excited by the opportunity to work with animals of various species in person. I initially wanted to pursue a degree in Zool Science in hopes to focus my research on birds (or possibly small monkeys such as marmosets). I know I will always struggle with my disabilities, but I will also always research and try new solutions. With college on the horizon and my family support system at a distance, I’m working harder than ever to find ways to lessen the impact of my symptoms. Between medication changes and new strategies, my ability to function is improving over time, and I’m hopeful for the future. I certainly can not say that I have overcome my struggles but I continue to work to overcome them. I hope that my perseverance may be an inspiration to others.

In my opinion, and based on my personal experiences, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is one of the most trivialized mental disorders, and undeservingly so. The difficulties wrought by my condition plague me on a daily basis. Among the worst of my symptoms is neurotransmitter shortage-induced immobility. Every morning, I wake up paralyzed. My medication makes movement easier, but paralysis prevents me from taking it. So I lay in bed staring at it, sometimes for 30 minutes or longer. By then, I can’t wait another half-hour for the meds to take effect, so I’m forced to get dressed while fighting immobility. As a result, I’m nearly always late for school. Once I arrive at school, my focus is typically only somewhat impaired for the first few classes, but it wanes throughout the day. Through this, I’ve found what does and doesn’t work for me, in terms of productivity. I dislike unstructured and minimally supervised work. My cell phone distracts me, and I often end up using it until I no longer enjoy it, and then continue to use it. Impulse control is another difficult symptom, and because of it, no matter how beneficial or necessary a task is, I tend to procrastinate it in favor of immediate stimulation. I also dislike assignments with nebulous due dates and questionable necessity. Fewer assignments mean an increased weight for each assignment, which can negatively impact my average. The issues I have because of my disability are issues I’ll always struggle with, but I’m constantly researching my condition and searching for new solutions. Between medication changes and new strategies, my ability to function is improving over time, and I’m hopeful for the future. I am looking to attain a career as an ethologist (a zoologist specializing in animal behavior). The psychology of animals is fascinating to me. I have developed an interest in various animals, including marmosets, but I am currently leaning towards a bird-focused career, as many species of birds have developed great intelligence independently from primates, making them similar yet different from humans. I have been accepted into the highly-selective Zoo Science and Honors programs at Delaware Valley University and I am excited by the opportunity to work with animals of various species in person. I initially wanted to pursue a degree in Zoo Science in hopes to focus my research on birds (or possibly small monkeys such as marmosets). I hope that my perseverance may be an inspiration to those with similar struggles.

I have volunteered at the Trevor Zoo, an AZA-accredited teaching zoo that is part of Millbrook High School, for the past 2 summers. At the zoo, I have cared for a large variety of animals, including marmosets, tamarins, lemurs, goats, wolves, keas, tortoises, rheas, Patagonian cavies, and a golden taveta weaver. My tasks included but were not limited to: feeding, refilling water bowls, cleaning enclosures, preparing food, washing dishes, preparing and introducing enrichment, and recording observations of the animals. I particularly enjoy the enrichment and observation work as it relates to my dreams of studying animal behavior as part of my career. I also volunteered at the Dreaming of a Chance bird sanctuary at Lilymore Farm. Dreaming of a Chance is dedicated to rescuing abandoned domestic pigeons from around the Hudson Valley and educating the public about proper bird care, the effects of abandonment on the environment, as well as how to spot and help abandoned domestic birds. Many pigeons are abandoned from dove releases, racing pigeons who are no longer able to race, and breeding. At the sanctuary, I worked with chickens, ducks, geese, domestic pigeons, an elderly turkey, and a blind turkey vulture. This job consisted mostly of feeding, waterer filling, and egg collection. While working at the sanctuary, I learned quite a bit about the intelligence and behavior of these types of birds, including how pigeons are being used in tumor detection. I also started a fundraiser to raise money for a new enclosure, making room for over a dozen recently rescued pigeons. I am looking to attain a career as an ethologist (a zoologist specializing in animal behavior). The psychology of animals is fascinating to me. I have developed an interest in various animals, including marmosets, but I am currently leaning towards a career as an ornithologist, as many species of birds have developed great intelligence independently from primates, making them similar yet different from humans. I will be attending Delaware Valley University so I can work with animals of various species in person. I was accepted into their highly selective Zoo Science program and will be afforded the opportunity to participate in their robust hands-on experience program. I'm excited about the opportunity to be able to work closely with a wide variety of exotic animals and fine-tune my career options. I am hoping to work with the faculty to design my own research project combining my interest in animal behavior and psychology and learn more about how animal behavior can inform and impact human behavior.