Rebekah Gaber

Over the years, I have set many goals for myself both in my education and in my extracurricular activities and have enjoyed the challenges and growth they have provided. My parents have instilled in me from a young age that “if you are going to do something, you might as well do it right.” I may not always be the best at something I take on, but I can put forth the effort to do my best and I apply this outlook to all aspects of my life. The goals I’ve set for the next stage of my life are made possible by the work ethic and drive I have developed throughout my youth and they are directed toward where I see myself in four to five years.

Looking ahead, I picture myself finishing an Animal Science – Pre-Veterinary degree at the University of Findlay, preparing to enter a school of Veterinary Medicine and working toward becoming a licensed veterinarian. To make this vision a reality, I hope to participate in the Early Admission program established at Findlay. This program provides students the opportunity to begin the application process to Veterinary Institutions during the third year of undergraduate study in order to start veterinary school the following year. In preparation, I plan to take full advantage of the unique hands-on experience that the University of Findlay has to offer and explore different internships that will expand my knowledge. By participating in a rigorous program, I want to push myself both physically and mentally so that I have matured and developed enough to handle the demanding career I have chosen.

Over the past few summers, I have had the opportunity to shadow a local large animal veterinarian and experience the unique relationship he has formed with his clients over the years. This experience gave me deeper insight into the agricultural industry and bolstered my decision to study the field of veterinary medicine as well as opened my eyes to the challenges this career presents daily. His mentorship led me to develop a fascination with this occupation and realize this is the field to which I want to make a commitment.

My long-term goal is to contribute to agricultural communities like the one in which I grew up and help keep small town farming alive. As the United States becomes increasingly commercialized, family farms and dairies struggle to compete with the corporations that can provide bulk products at cut rate prices. We, as a country, cannot forget the small family farms and ranches that have provided dairy, meat and produce for their communities over the years. These people are the fabric of our society and have contributed their entire lives to this industry, paving the way for new generations to make a living in agriculture. Thus, I want to use my degree in Veterinary Science to help care for livestock and preserve this way of life.