1. What led you to your field of study?
I am an animal science major here at NCSU, and I would say that many things led me to choose this field of study. Like many animal science majors, I grew up loving animals, and as a kid, if you love animals everyone tells you that you should be a veterinarian. So that’s what I chose at the age of seven, and this has never changed but has further solidified. Since I grew up riding horses but I was not exposed to agriculture, it wasn’t until my freshman year of high school that I was exposed to the agriculture industry for the first time. Learning about the importance and severity of having a successful agriculture industry influenced my decision to pursue my field of study in hopes of becoming a food animal veterinarian and using what I have learned to make an impact on North Carolina agriculture.
2. How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved over time?
To me success is not defined by the amount of money you make but by the amount of happiness you experience because of what you do. I used to think that striving to make the most money you could was the ultimate goal, but as I have experienced different hands-on activities related to animal agriculture here at NCSU I have truly realized that happiness is worth more than money. Each time I work with a cow or spend time at the farms I am filled with passion and motivated to keep going. I believe that success is finding what makes you happy and being able to help others do the same.
3. Has there been an event hosted by GSP that has stuck out to you?
An event hosted by GSP that has stuck out to me was my freshman year retreat. I came to NCSU not knowing anyone. I am the only person from my high school that went to NCSU so I was scared that this transition would be very lonely for me. Yes, it was still hard and I was extremely homesick but the first-year retreat helped me tremendously by giving me a support system. I actually met my best friend at the retreat, Brynna Glover. We met on the first day of the retreat and hit it off immediately. We have been inseparable ever since. The sense of community that I felt that first week of retreat has never wavered in the three years I have been a part of the program and for that I am forever grateful.
4. If you were to be remembered by one thing, what would you hope to impart on your community?
If I were to be remembered by one thing I would hope to be remembered for my compassion. I grew up exposed to two different perspectives on life and by a variety of individuals with experiences different from my own. I realize that the answer is not always black and white but somewhere in the middle and it is what you have been through that influences how you respond to these choices. I try my best to understand everyone’s perspective and I believe that it is not my place to judge someone but to listen to them and help them in any way I am able.
5. Is there a person who has significantly influenced your life? What impact did they have?
To pick one person who has significantly influenced my life would be impossible, because I would not be who I am today without my parents. My mother and father have been my biggest supporters my entire life. They have encouraged me every step of my journey and have emphasized that there is nothing I cannot achieve through hardwork and dedication. My mother has shown me that doing your best is all anyone could ever ask for and to always believe in myself. She believes in me even when I do not believe in myself. My father has shown me that hard work pays off, he works harder than anyone I have ever met and is the most selfless person I know. The both of them have always taught me to work hard and help others along the way.
- Categories:
