College: What I’ve Been Waiting For by Julia

College: What I’ve Been Waiting For by Julia - November 2016 Scholarship Essay

I’m so excited for college, and even though I’m a little nervous, I can't wait to finally see where my career path will take me. I haven't fully decided on what exact career I want yet, but I’ve made up my mind that I want to get a degree in animal science or zoology with a minor in marine biology. I’ve been waiting my whole life to become involved in a job with animals, and this feels like my first big step towards my goal.
When I was little, I dressed up like a veterinarian and walked around pretending to heal my cats and stuffed animals. Now, this fantasy of helping animals could become a reality. I’ve put so much work throughout my life so far to be involved with animals as much as possible, from owning my own livestock to shadowing vets on the weekends. My favorite part of high school has been raising pigs in FFA to auction off at the county fair, because to the time you have to spend with your animal, as well as learning about how an actual business works with managing costs when you raise your pigs. In college, I hope I can finally connect with other people with the same passions as me, and further develop my knowledge in animal science and zoology. In high school, I’ve taken Oregon wildlife, marine biology, and currently I’m taking animal science and AP biology, even though I have more than enough science credits, just because it interests me so much.
I’m preparing myself as much as I can in high school, but I feel like I can’t choose just one career. Right now I’m stuck between the medical side of animal science or research with zoology. I’m hoping that while I’m taking my first year of classes, I can officially declare what I’m studying towards, and put as much time and effort in as possible to reach my goal.