Born and raised a city girl, people often think that it is odd that I am an animal science major, including myself. I always knew that I loved animals, but what I did not know is that my love for animals would extend far beyond the pets that I grew up around.

Coming into college, I thought it was a little strange that my major was listed under the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences. I was not sure exactly what I had gotten myself into and had contemplated changing my major the moment I was given my class schedule. I was not oblivious to the fact that companion animals were not the center of everyone's everyday life, but I was oblivious to how important and unique our farm animals are.

Through my classes and clubs at The Ohio State University, I was given the opportunity to get hands-on with livestock. I had been around livestock before, but only to the extent of a petting zoo so this was a little terrifying for me at first. I got to take on tasks that included milking a cow and even socializing one.

It is because of these experiences that I now have a new favorite animal, but most importantly, I have a better idea of what direction I would like to take my life. Although I always felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb within my major and college due to the fact that all the hands-on experiences with livestock were so new to me, I am glad that I chose this major.

So, with that being said, I challenge you to try new things, take a course that's out of your comfort zone, and don't be afraid to just go for it. If you are like me, you just might find out something about yourself that you did not know before that could be life-changing. I am glad that my love and passion for working with animals no longer has a cutoff zone.