Paige Gabler is a senior who has recently committed to the University of California-Davis Although she is traveling to the other side of the nation, she is ready to embark on this new college journey.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

What made you choose UC-Davis?

What made me choose U.C. Davis was their animal science program. They have a really good program, and that’s what I want to do.

What made you want to major in animal science ?

Well, I grew up around animals. I have dogs, and I have a cat. I just love animals, that’s what made me choose animal science.

Was UC your first pick?

Honestly, it wasn’t. It was kind of just, like, an idea, and I honestly didn’t think I was gonna get in. But when I got in, I also didn’t think I was gonna go there, but once I saw the school, I was like, wow, this is so, like, the campus is so beautiful, and I just decided to go.

What was your dream college?

I don’t think I ever really had, like, a dream school. I feel like it changed a lot, as I was thinking about what I wanted to major in, and, like, opportunities I wanted, where I wanted to go to school. So I was just open minded. I didn’t really have a dream school?

What do you plan to do after college with your new-found degree?

After college, I hope to go to vet school and become a veterinarian.

Do you have any advice that would help students with college applications?

My advice to someone going through college applications would be to not do it by yourself. Ask for help, because there are very challenging portions. To not stress yourself, make sure to have faith in yourself.