North Hills Senior High School
Senior? Yes
Elite top 100? Yes
Letters of recommendation: Letter of Recommendation 1, Letter of Recommendation 2
I have a love for animals and a love to serve others and have been fortunate to be able to blend the two together by volunteering throughout the Pittsburgh community. My experiences in each of those life-affirming and supportive places have shaped my dream of pursuing a career in veterinary medicine and animal rehabilitation. My volunteering with animals has led to my realization that I want to spend the rest of my life caring for them, especially because I see the patience and love animals share with people in need. I strongly believe that we are all called to serve one another.
My favorite volunteer experiences have been at Glade Run Adventures, which is dedicated to individuals who have mental, physical, and behavioral needs and also special abilities. I wanted to assist in giving children who have disabilities, like my younger brother, an opportunity to overcome obstacles and connect with the healing power of animals. I have been serving at Glade Run Adventures since I was twelve years old, and it is a significant part of my life. Being named a Jefferson Award finalist allowed me to present Glade Run Adventures with a thousand-dollar donation from a generous donor.
As a Junior Volunteer (JV) mentor with the program, I act as a “mom” for other JVs, and I lead them in all tasks and help them to learn. I teach JVs how to act around the horses safely and how to care for them. I also teach JVs how to interact with the children in Glade Run’s programs who have differing abilities. JVs are expected to be a good model for the campers, so I serve as a model for them and I help monitor their behavior and their interaction with the campers. I have learned to be a good listener to the children, the animals, and the directors of the program.
I am able to make a difference in people’s lives and I like that the behind-the-scenes work is accomplished without fanfare. Everything we do is to help make the campers’ and animals’ experiences enjoyable and life-giving. Every time I’m at Glade Run I get dirty, tired, and sneezy, as I’m allergic to the animals and hay, but it’s worth it since I’m able to spend my time making other people’s and animals’ lives better. Seeing a smile on one of the camper’s faces or having a horse lean into me and nuzzle its head on my shoulder is the biggest reward I could receive from volunteering at Glade Run.
My dream as a veterinarian is to volunteer or work for a nonprofit agency here or overseas that rescues and conserves wildlife. Over time I hope to develop an innovative program at home or abroad that benefits individuals with disabilities by providing them with animal-assisted therapy with rescued animals. Animals and people can heal each other, and I am grateful to be pursuing a path that will help to facilitate that healing for others and create a lasting difference.