Emma McLaughlin

Since the beginning of middle school, I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in agriculture later in life. While I did not grow up on a farm and I do not come from a family that is involved in agriculture, I immediately fell in love with farming and raising livestock when I moved from the middle of State College out to the Pennsylvania Furnace area. Animals have always been my favorite part of the agriculture industry, and for the past eight years I have had my heart set on becoming a veterinarian one day. Through 4-H and FFA, I was able to let my passion for agriculture thrive throughout middle and high school as I gained more experience from raising my projects, attending conferences, and working with industry professionals.
A little over a year ago, my dream of going to Penn State for animal science came true. While I was extremely familiar with our agriculture programs and the opportunities they had to offer in high school, I knew that Penn State would offer more than I ever could have imagined. So far, being a University Park student has not disappointed. I am currently an active member of the PSU Block and Bridle club, Dairy Science club, and Pre-veterinary club. For the next three years, I intend to dedicate my time and effort towards these clubs and be as involved as I can to keep them running smoothly. I currently serve as co-chair in both Block and Bridle and Dairy Science, but I am hoping to be elected and serve as an officer in both clubs in the next year or two.
Outside of participating in school clubs, I plan to continue raising and showing my livestock and setting up various summer internships between the rest of my years at Penn State. Once I have enough credits to declare a major, I plan to major in animal science following the science track, which is more science focused and an excellent option for students hoping to continue on to veterinary school. I also plan to minor in one health, which focuses on the well-being of humans and animals through the integration of human and veterinary medicine and environmental science.
Once I have earned a degree in animal science from Penn State, I am hoping to move on to veterinary school and eventually become a veterinarian one day. I am currently interested in being a mixed vet, and working with livestock as well as companion/pet animals. After working on various types of farms and raising livestock for around eight years, I know that farming and working with large animals is something I will want and need to do for the extent of my career and beyond.