Hello my "paw"sitive friends!
Have you been spreading positivty lately? I sure hope so!
I'd love to share with you on this flashback friday.
The picture you see above is younger me with my even younger brother pretending to be my "vet tech assistant" at Wichita's Exploration Place. We loved pretending to save animals together and look at x-rays while trying hard to revive sick and injured pets. It was serious stuff as you can tell from the expression on our faces. Ha Ha!
Ever since I can remember, I have always had a close place in my heart for animals and healthcare. I'd always be out investigating nature and exploring my curiosity with the animal world around me. I wondered how the human body worked and everytime i'd have a Dr. checkup, i'd ask him or her questions about how he or she did their job.
My aunt would buy me veterinarian books and picture books with information about different animal breeds and animal anatomy. I'd study the books with great detail and imagine what it would like to sew stitches. I even asked Santa for a complete suture kit from amazon once. I was very passionate!
When my elementary teachers would ask, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I always knew the answer. I was very interested in medical science, helping people, and animals too. What better career to have than be a veterinarian! It seemed so natural to me.
However, everytime i'd mention my dreams to an adult their reaction was almost always the same. "Oh wow! I hope you've saved up enough for college!" Yet, I never let that deter me from wanting to pursue my dream. I knew their reaction meant that coming from a middle class-household meant hard work if I were to accomplish this dream.
I knew whenever my parents would tell me no at the grocery store, that money was tight for my family. My dad is a hard working machinist, and my mom is a full-time student teacher for Wichita State University. I understand the struggles my mom has had going back to school full time. Its been hard with only having one income, but we've been blessed to get by. I am so proud of her and I know her hard work will also pay off one day. Like her, I know that my hard work will pay off too and I wasn't about to let anything get in the way of my educational goals.
I began to have even more determination for my future after being welcomed into the Miss Kansas Organization as a Sunflower princess. Their mission statement had an impact on me. Which is, "To prepare great women for the world and prepare the world for great women."
I witnessed strong and intelligent women not only reach their goals for education but reach them debt-free. I witnessed a community cheering and coming together for those women's passions. They helped them in creating real change in the world while lifting them up in leadership. Without a doubt, I knew I wanted to be a part of this organization.
I've gained friendships with so many more motivated women like myself. This has boosted my confidence and kept my eyes towards that dream i've had since childhood. I no longer say "if" I become a veterinarian, I now say "when" I become a veteriarian. I know that this organziation is preparing me to put my best foot foward, to let my light shine, and change the world. If you dream it, you CAN do it with the Miss Kansas Organization.
Next year I will be a freshman in highschool and I am already confident in my choices for college. Not many freshmen in my graduating class can say that as confidently as I can. I am delighted that I know the path I want to be on and the Miss Kansas Organization has a mission to keep me on that path. Because of the Miss Kansas Organization I understand the importance of citizenship and being a difference maker in the community.
I've been able to give back through community service in my hometown and advocate to causes that I deeply care about. I've been able to speak to girls who remind me so much of myself and have future dreams too.
I can't say whether or not my journey with the Miss Kansas Organization will leave me with a crown on my head. However, I do know it will leave me with the opportunity of a lifetime and the chance to add Dr. to the front of my name.
If your unfamilar with this organization, I highly urge you to get to know what they are all about. They are shaping the future leaders of tommorow in exciting ways and doing it all with style!
Read all about our current Miss Kansas and Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen at:
https://www.misskansas.org/
Lend some "paw"sitive support and ask how you can get involved with this organization today. I'm positive you'll be glad you did.
Till next time friends,
Kayla Lowmiller
Future Dr. of Veterinary Medicine
