From my earliest memories, a profound connection with animals has fueled my unwavering desire to become a veterinarian. Growing up, I enthusiastically shared my dream with classmates and teachers, pledging to save animals worldwide. My commitment to animal welfare and compassion is deeply rooted in childhood experiences with family pets and encounters with wildlife. As I embarked on my journey, working at Suburban Animal Hospital as a veterinary assistant provided me with a firsthand understanding of the challenges and triumphs in veterinary practice. However, it was a specific incident during my time at Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital that solidified my conviction; a 2-year-old dog, Jessie, had been brought in after being caught on fire. After working on the dog through countless surgeries and healing sessions, I was able to …show more content…
Volunteering with SIRVS in rural communities further emphasized the interconnectedness of human and animal health, reinforcing my commitment to serving underserved and underrepresented communities. Witnessing the struggles faced by animals in underprivileged areas fueled my determination to make a tangible difference in those communities. This led to my first goal - to provide accessible veterinary care to underserved communities through outreach programs and mobile clinics. Furthermore, my experience volunteering at the Minneapolis Animal Control Center emphasized the wider scope of animal welfare issues and the vital role veterinarians assume in advocacy. This experience heightened my awareness of systemic issues and highlighted the importance of addressing them for lasting change. Throughout my time in undergraduate school at the University of Minnesota, I took multiple classes related to learning about animal behavior and animal welfare. Through my education in these courses, my passion for appropriate and responsible animal handling techniques has