The Orangesoft Scholarship looks to reward a female STEM student with funds to help improve their skills in their chosen field. I am grateful for Orangesoft and the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Below is the prompt and my essay.
Write an essay on the following topic: Tell us about yourself and how you plan to make a positive impact on the world through a STEM career.
A Small Cat’s Big Influence by Abigail Urbanavage
Nyla was my best friend, the biggest constant in my life for over a decade. One of the most painful things I’ve ever had to do was watch her health deteriorate and accept when it was time to say “goodbye.” She had gone from her chubby, prime of life to becoming a skinny creature with kidney failure. Our vet prescribed daily fluid injections to keep her hydrated and comfortable. She would have needed to return to the hospital to get them. Instead, I asked if I could learn to administer the fluids at home. Our vet agreed, demonstrating the process to me.
Providing Nyla with care and comfort brought me an unexpected sense of peace and satisfaction despite the daunting emotions of pain and grief. I was incredibly proud of myself for stepping up and being able to put Nyla’s needs before mine. She was my first patient! This experience taught me about selflessness and sparked a lifelong dream inside of me. Nyla’s imprint on my heart inspired me to want to provide compassionate care to animals in need and pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
A wonderful part of my journey has included volunteering at a feral cat shelter. I started helping at Forgotten Cats after adopting a cat from them. Forgotten Cats hosts a trap, neuter, vaccinate, release program. This program controls feral cat populations and prevents disease outbreaks in cat colonies, humans, and domestic pets. It gratifies me to give some cats a chance at a loving domestic life and improve the lives of feral cats who prefer the streets.
I learned to identify distress signs in the cats and how to react in fast-paced situations. Some cats do not make it through surgery. Yet, I always do my best to positively impact the other cats instead of becoming discouraged. I also formed strong emotional bonds with so many amazing cats. Making these connections with each cat is for their benefit. Unfortunately, once these cats are adopted, it is bittersweet.
When I started working at an animal hospital, the lessons I learned at Forgotten Cats came to the forefront. I realized I must again make bittersweet connections with patients. Still, I should be able to treat them with care and compassion no matter how difficult the circumstances.
My service with Forgotten Cats benefits the local community while satisfying my yearning to give back and gain relevant experience. The perfect combination for me! I built emotional strength and learned valuable lessons that will help me succeed in the veterinary field, where I can positively affect the lives of thousands more animals. When I become a vet, I plan to perform surgeries for organizations like Forgotten Cats, creating opportunities for animals to live fuller and healthier lives. In turn, those animals will give their owners undying love and appreciation, much like Nyla gave me. Nyla’s love changed my life and sparked my dedication to animals’ well-being. I want to continue paying that forward to animals and my community.