Building My Own Door by Maggie

Building My Own Door by Maggie - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

Milton Berle has a quote that reads, “If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.” I am deeply encouraged by these words of wisdom and plan to explain in this brief writing why I chose this statement to introduce my essay. I also plan to explain how it demonstrates my preparation and determination to help secure more college scholarships outside of my current university merit awards. Continuing to achieve academic excellence and securing more financial aid are absolutely my next biggest educational goals to achieve.
My name is Maggie Huckaby. I reside in the West Tennessee Rural Area. I am a currently entering my sophomore year at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi. I am pursuing an undergraduate degree in Animal and Dairy Sciences/Pre-Veterinary Studies and a future Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. I was selected to be admitted into Mississippi State's Early Entry Veterinary Medicine Program. This award guarantees my entrance into the Mississippi State's College of Veterinary Medicine Doctorate Program directly upon completion of my undergraduate degree without a re-application process. Their Early Entry program is very competitive and distinguished among veterinary programs across the U.S. I am very honored to have already secured my entrance into this elite group.
My desire to become a veterinarian started in middle school. We moved to my grandparent's farm when I was around ten years old. We have raised several farm animals, and being involved in their care has led me to desire to work in animal health as a profession. I started working in my hometown at the Chester County Animal Hospital at the age of 16. I am currently a four-year employee as a kennel assistant. This summer of 2024, I was promoted to Kennel Technician Assistant and was trained to assist the Veterinary Techs during exams.
I also structured my workdays this summer to allow more time for volunteer work and experience. I spent one to two days a week volunteering at the Sheltering Tree Horse Ranch in Savannah, TN. There I assisted with the horse care of the animals involved in the Autism Awareness Equine Therapy Programs. I have loved working these jobs and receiving hands on education over the years. I have been able to discern what veterinary employment is really like: the good days and the bad ones. Moreover, I have found that through it all, I have a deep passion for this profession and am motivated to pursue my current college path. I am very thankful to be accepted into such a prestigious program so early into my college career at Mississippi State.
Receiving this scholarship aid would greatly help me pay for my out-of-state tuition costs for my undergraduate and future Doctorate studies. Since I am a Tennessee resident attending a Mississippi State School, my tuition cost is double the in-state student amount. I chose Mississippi State due to their excellence in the Vet Program Studies. It is also the closest school to me that offers my future degree. And I am happy to say that I was able to receive several academic scholarships from Mississippi State and from local organizations. However, each semester, my parents are attempting to pay my tuition amount without requiring me to take out student loans to cover the remaining cost. I also know that once I start my undergraduate studies, my tuition will increase even more. I do not want my parents to continue to bear this cost by themselves. So, I came up with a plan of spearheading my own scholarship search efforts. Hence, “if opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.” My dilemma is that I did not receive ample academic scholarships even with my high school GPA of 99.3/4.0 and ACT score of 30 to cover my full tuition costs. Therefore, I am building my “own door” and looking outside of what my college has offered me for further financial assistance to assist my parents and to avoid student loan debt.
When my education is completed, I plan to come back to my hometown of Chester County and practice as a Large Animal Veterinarian. Our current closest Large Animal Veterinarians are located in our surrounding counties. I hope to be able to offer that much needed service to our local farmers by coming back and serving my hometown well.
My goals for the next few years are to continue to perform well to enhance my academic excellence at Mississippi State. I will strive to apply for as many scholarship opportunities as possible. I value honesty and hard work. I am determined to keep working towards the goals that God has pointed me to. I am passionate about doing my best and being a good leader. What I am the most passionate about is my faith. God is everything to me. Without Him, nothing would be possible.
And finally, I want to thank you for reading this and considering me for this scholarship. It will definitely help me to build “the door” that will lead to financial relief regarding my current and future tuition costs.