As an only child living in Savannah, Georgia, I was left to my own devises quite often. My loving parents both had to work to support us financially in a low to middle class economy, which left me alone with my animals, art, and music frequently. I would occasionally tell people that my parents and I “lived in a zoo.” To clarify, this was not to say we lived in filth or chaos. Growing up my small family had a ton of animals (two rabbits, roughly eleven cats, three fish, three dogs, a tortoise, a guinea pig, and a duck). Over the years, I began to think of our pets as my siblings. We’d argue, they’d break my things, we took care of one another, and in general loved each other unconditionally, as most siblings do. More than that, they were my companions and protectors. Having spent the majority of my free time with them, I learned to listen and understand animal behavior. Through discovering their wants, needs, and emotions, I came to the realization that these creatures of various size and genetics are not much different than people. Sure they couldn’t speak human language, but they felt and feel emotions the way we do. My parents compensated for my loneliness and lack of siblingship by welcoming new family members in our home, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. In large part, both my parents and my pets are the reason I wish to join a career working with and for animals. Educating people through visuals and life changing experiences, caring for animals who have a difficult time taking care of themselves, rehabilitating, and working outdoors are my main goals for the future.