I have inherited an empathetic nature from my mother, who has always taken stray animals under her wing or helped to find them new homes. Our family has grown with cats and dogs that have also been my best friends growing up. Taking care of animals in need has always been important in our house, and I carried that responsibility in high school volunteering at local animal shelters. This past year I have been traveling the country, and walked dogs as a way to explore new cities and find companionship. While being nomadic, I still hope to interact with pets, and compassionately and responsibly give them care as I have since I was little.