Service Engagement

In Cincinnati, there is an animal shelter called Stray Animal Adoption Program (SAAP). This volunteer based shelter helps rescue dogs and other various animals from abusive situations, kill shelters, and takes in dropped off animals and any strays. They match each animal, mostly dogs, to a foster family to take care of them while they try to find their “furever” home. Some dogs get adopted quickly, while others have been living with their foster parents for years. Although seeing so many dogs in the shelter can be heartbreaking, seeing these animals find new and loving families to take care of them overshadows these unhappy feelings with joy. The adoption process is a big step in most animal shelters like SAAP, where they need as much help as they can get. I became involved with SAAP the summer going into my Junior Year of high school, and assist with taking care of the dogs during adoption events and help families find a dog that suits them. Helping animals find a caring family to take care of them after going through so much pain in their life has always been a major ambition of mine. As many know, my love for animals is never-ending and I am always willing to give a helping hand for programs like SAAP.

Why did I choose to be a Biological Sciences Scholar?

Biological Sciences has always been a major interest in my life. From wanting to take care of all kinds of animals, to delving deeper into what makes up an organism, to simple wilderness hikes, I have always had a passion for biology. When I was accepted into the Scholars program at The Ohio State University, I had many options that I could choose from. As soon as I saw that Biological Sciences was one of the scholars programs, I immediately ranked it as my top choice as it had always been a major part of my life. Not only do I feel passionately about biology and all it entails, but I feel that a biology career suits the type of person I am. I am genuinely interested in the subject, I have enough drive and focus to complete what I want to with my degree, and I manage my time and organize tasks well. I feel that to be in Biology, one needs enough passion and focus to accomplish your own goals, which are the character traits that I have.