Someone in one of my classes said “They are just animals, better them than us,” and for some strange reason that has never left my head. Society doesn’t care about animals as long as we benefit, and in no way is that right. There are different ways of making sure a product is not poisonous or will give you a rash. If you want to see a wild animal, go to the wild or somewhere that humans save animals that are sick or going extinct. When you think that it really doesn’t matter, then you are showing that all you care about is yourself, and you aren’t thinking in the bigger scheme of things. One place that really gets under my skin is Sea World, because there is nothing joyous about it. You know you are an animal activist when….

Every time you see a commercial for Sea World or the circus, your heart cringes and it takes all of you to not start a lecture. Seeing these majestic, beautiful, wild animals broken down so much they have no more spirit in them. These orcas, elephants and tigers have done nothing wrong and they will probably never get a chance to experience the life they were meant to have. I feel sorry for these animals and all of the fellow animals lovers feel the same way and want to help them in any way we can.

Your friends tell you that the circus is in town and they are going, and it takes a lot to not try and slap it out of them. Again, perfect timing for a lecture or a guilt trip about the fact you are supporting the entertainment that uses wild animals for our own enjoyment. If you want to see these animals, go to their natural habitat or a sanctuary for those animals. Also, would you want to be kept in a cage your whole life, forced to do things you hate and being starved?

You are walking down the street and you see someone with fur. Now, I am all for a fashionable faux fur vest or boots with faux fur for details, but when you are bragging about how you have a nice fox throw or some nice rabbit shawl then we are going to have problems. The fur looks better on the animals. If you are cold, go to the North Face or Columbia store. I guarantee it’s going to be a whole lot cheaper and probably warmer. We have plenty ways to stay warm and look good doing it, but if you are selfish enough to be proud of the fact you spend $800 on a mink coat, then a lot of us have lost respect for you. Go to the mall and get some faux fur for less than half the price, and it's cuter because some poor innocent lives were not taken for it.

You are able to do your whole face of make up using cruelty-free products. I am all for makeup and I think it is fun and awesome, but it’s not fun when you know dogs, rats and bunnies suffered for your stupid contour palette. It doesn’t take long to look at a list before you go shopping to see what companies test and don't test on animals, or Google before you buy a product. There are apps you can get so you scan the product, and it tells you right then and there if they are cruelty-free. When I am doing my make up, I love knowing that I helped save those sweet animals from the pain. It’s so easy to do and you may not think so, but if you only use cruelty-free products, you are helping to stop animal testing.

I am proud to say I am an animal activist and I am not ashamed that I am an animal-lover. Seeing animals broken down and in pain is not enjoyable for me, and I don’t understand how it could be enjoyable for anybody. Next time you plan a vacation or go shopping, rethink everything; it won’t take much of your time, it will save you money and you will help every single animal out there that is in need.