Following the dream

Hi, fellow life wanderers and dreamers!

I have nothing else to offer to this world than my PASSION, ENTHUSIASM and HARD WORK. That is why I want to share my story and humbly ask for help.

I've always wanted to make a change in the world, help those in need and not ask anything in return. I love animals more than anything else on this world, I believe they are a miracle that we all are impatiently waiting for, but don't see that it's already there. That is why ever since I was little I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Unfortunately, my parents talked me out of it, they said I wouldn't get paid enough, I wouldn't succeed and would spend the rest of my life in a farm, the main argument was that I would have to hurt the animals (surgeries, drug administration etc). So I backed out of the dream and this is where my life lost its color. I went to medical school, and I did kind of like it. For the first two years I studied with enthusiasm and hope to become a surgeon. On the third year of studies, when I finally had to interact with the patients and be in the hospital, I was so frustrated with the medical system in my country, with the patients themselves, with the quality of health care. I left. I didn't see my future self stuck between hospital walls working 24 hours straight and still be cussed at by some rude patient. Hats off to all the doctors in the world, you are amazing! But it's just not for me.

I have decided to follow the dream, to become a veterinarian, to devote my whole life to those miracles of this world - they bring us so much joy, we should help them! I believe that is my mission. It's not hard to become a veterinarian, I'll be starting my studies in September 2017, but just like with the medic career I have high ambitions. I would love to specialize in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation, I would love to work with/for big cats, such as tigers (definitely tigers!), lions, pumas, panthers, cheetahs, leopards.. you got my point.. Of course I am not in the right country to do that, we don't have them. This is where I need your help.

I would love the opportunity to volunteer in a big cat sanctuary, gain experience and knowledge about the cats that would help me on my journey of becoming a wildlife veterinary specialist. And of course meanwhile I would help the sanctuary and its inhabitants. I have contacted an amazing organisation Big Cat Rescue in Florida, which is one of the most legitimate animal sanctuaries. It took almost two months of e-mailing, interviews and waiting on the answer from lawyers, but they have accepted me and waiting for my arrival in May!

Until now I have been working two jobs and overtime to save up enough money for my travel from Latvia to Florida (and back, I will have to go back home eventually), for visa and living expenses. Unfortunately, working in Latvia for the minimum wage to save up money is not that smart, but I did not have other choice. I have saved up some, but not nearly enough. This is where I ask for your help.

If more than the shown amount of money gets collected, the rest will be donated to Big Cat Rescue. They have been very active lately and would put it to good use. Nothing stays in a pocket!

If you would like to donate to Big Cat Rescue directly, please do by visiting their website.

Thank you for hearing me out! Please help my dream come true..

ooh, I have decided to give out rewards as well. I really like to draw and paint, so any of you who donates 50 $ or more will receive one of my art pieces. (a small sized painting or drawing (probably of a cat :)) ), big ones would be too difficult to send) Please, don't forget to put in a shipping address and be patient. Thank you! Lots of love and best Wishes.