Cassidy Stobart

Mrs. Myers

AP English

4 October 2013

Personal Statement

            A deep slumber is indubitably the greatest way to spend your night and early morning. Each and every one of us needs relaxation and calm, quality rest. However, one morning can be entirely different from the rest; this morning can change everything, your whole world, in just a matter of mere hours. One very early morning, around 5 a.m., my father rushed into my room, panting hard, his eyes were fearful and nervous. He quickly woke me and proceeded to tell me that one of my oldest horses, Rhumba, was very sick and he was not sure how much longer she was going to make it.

            Not one person on this planet ever wants to hear the news of any kind of tragedy. My instinct and impulsion caused me to jump out of bed and find the nearest possible set of sweatpants. I was hurrying; the grave tone of my father’s voice had my stomach tied up in millions of knots, knots that even a boy scout would not know how to undo. Rushing out of the house, I felt the cold frost of the  morning smack me on my bare face. I shivered despite my many warm clothes, and I sprinted down to the barn, and to Rhumba’s pasture. When I arrived, I saw her. My poor baby girl was panting heavily, and sweating excessively; the sweat was running down her body and was creating puddles beneath her. She looked stressed, pained, and it was easy to tell how difficult it was for her to breathe. She had white foam pouring out of her nostrils, which was abundant liquid coming straight from her lungs. I felt my throat tighten as I carefully made my way over to her. She flicked her ears in my direction, as despite her painful breathing, she watched me come towards her. Her whole body shook with each struggling breath. Watching her, I felt my own heart begin to beat heavily; I was standing in front of a horse that I had known all my life. I wrapped my arms around her sweat soaked neck. As I held her, every memory of her and I, and my life involving horses, came flooding back into my head. I remembered my first time ever getting on a horse, which was Rhumba, and I was only 2 years old. I recalled Rhumba’s grouchy attitude when someone tried to mess with her while she was eating; that mare loved her grain and hay and was always on her guard to defend her food. However, she always had energy, even in her old age. Rhumba may be old, but if she was in human form, she would be one of the most independent and strong willed woman I have ever come across. Each memory was golden and it frightened me to think that this very morning might be my last with her.

            I immediately asked where the vet was and my parents responded with, “He is on his way right now. Thank God. We need him more than ever”. While waiting, I leaned down next to Rhumba’s nostrils and started wiping the foam away with a paper towel. I breathed next to her, hoping to bring her a calming sense that she was going to be alright. The entire time, she watched each of us: my mom, my dad, and I. All three of us had tears in our eyes. But Rhumba was completely alert; she heard every sound and saw everything that was happening around her. At that very moment my vet arrived and rushed over to aid in whatever way he could. I saw the grave look that settled over his face; however, he told us that he was going to get a few shots. As he got them, he expressed his concern to my mother that he was not sure he could save her but he would try his very best. Taking the shots of lifesaving medication, he injected Rhumba with many different kinds. He told us to wait; we were now playing a game against time. Rhumba continued to breathe heavily, and we all discussed putting her out of her misery. Looking at Rhumba, I was sure it was not her time to leave this earth. We all waited, and just when it deemed our time to say our goodbyes, a miracle occurred. The shots Dr. Jeff had given Rhumba had started to take their effect. Slowly, the foam stopped and although her breathing was heavy, she looked much more relaxed and less scared. I stared in astonishment and my vet smiled with gratitude.

 I still remember this day as if it was yesterday. There are many jobs in the world I could chose to be. However, I have come to have a deep love for science and medicine. Going through high school, I always appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the bodies of animals and humans. With passion and devotion, I studied excessively to educate myself with knowledge to be a veterinarian. My heart grows when it comes to helping animals live a better life. I have owned horses since I was a baby and have dealt with many kinds of accidents, many of which needed a veterinarian instantly. After watching the miracle my vet was able to perform, my entire being yearns to become a vet just like him. He saved my horse’s life, and without him, she still would not be here today. As I look at my journey ahead, I can see all of the hurdles of working with animals. I understand some animals cannot be helped, and they must go for the better. On that fateful day for Rhumba, the saving grace was in my veterinarian’s hands. He acted so calm and knowledgeable. My dream, and my heart soars when I imagine it, is to perform in a career as a vet, saving the lives of animals so that they may live a longer and prosperous life. With this vision embedded within my brain, I cannot wait to begin on the road to knowledge and the power to save. My dream is to be able to accomplish the miracles and overcome what seems impossible, just as my vet saved the life of an animal so dear to me. Now I want to contribute the same back to my society.