I have always been an animal lover. I don’t remember when I started to love animals, but they have made a huge impact on my life. Growing up we had dogs and cats, but I have a special place in my heart for large animals. I’ve wanted to become a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. So I could help any animal, whether it was a bird that hit my window or my dogs when they were sick. I am more than willing to do whatever it takes to get out and be with animals; whether it’s walking dogs, cleaning up pens, or assisting neighbors. My family always knew that I would continue my education in animal science and help those animals in need. My passion for animals is one of my best attributes. I've always loved being with my dogs, taking every opportunity to groom them, teach them new things, and prepare for our next adventure. One of the earliest memories I have of animals is every Sunday I would go to my great-grandmother's farm. While at the farm, my grandma would take my cousins and I out to put water in the trough for the Holstein calves. It was always so much fun caring for these animals. After my great-grandmother passed away, we stopped returning to her house for Sunday dinners. I would no longer go to the farm and missed the interaction with the livestock. Recently in high school, I was able to rebuild that connection with my love for livestock. I have dealt with many different types of large and small animals. I love when I get the chance to work with these animals and learn more about them every day. I enjoy sharing my love for animals whether it is volunteering my time to teach children at a local elementary school, advocating for veterinarian science at STEM fairs, or teaching my peers about the wonderful animals around us. This fall I am attending Utah State University in Logan, Utah. I will be majoring in their Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science courses. During my time at college, I hope to foster animals for the New Vision Vet and Shelter. After college, my plan is to work under a veterinarian near me until I have the opportunity to open my own animal rescue and veterinarian clinic. My goal for my future clinic is to be a lot like the clinic that I currently go to. A few years ago my childhood dog was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Sadly, he passed away in September 2019, but throughout the process, the veterinarian staff supported my family. They were compassionate and kind trying to help us through his diagnosis. They have also provided great care for my other dogs who have been to them on numerous occasions. My 5-year-old goldendoodle has severe anxiety making it challenging to take him anywhere, especially the veterinarian's office. The staff at the clinic, go out of their way to care for him in a patient and kind manner. I have learned so much from their kindness. It has been a blessing to have all of these animals in my life and they encourage me to pass on my love of animals. My aim is to help all animals and their owners through grief, hardship, and to maintain their animals' health. Having a pet in your life is something special and our pets deserve the best possible care. I hope you consider me for this scholarship, it would greatly help me in achieving my dreams.

I have a growing interest in the field of large animal medicine, and I would like to pursue large animal medicine in my future career. In high school, I enjoyed my animal science courses where we focused a great deal on large animals. As part of the program, we had the opportunity to care for cattle, horses, lambs, and goats. I have experienced vaccinating all of these animals, dehorning them, and castrating them. In fact, I have participated in all of these activities. While I did not grow up around these animals, I did always have a soft spot for them. It is exciting to be able to work with all animals, but I enjoy being around goats the most. I love working with goats the most because of their size, personality, and overall systems. However, I am always willing to work with any animal regardless of its size. I have always had a deep love for animals, and they have always played a big part in my life. It is an exciting time for me as I look forward to a future career in veterinary science, learning new skills and working with all animals.