Vivian McKinney
Student • Leader • Scientist • Mentor
Passionate about science. Committed to helping others.
I am a high school student who loves asking questions, solving problems, and learning how science can make a difference in people's lives. Through 4-H and FFA, I have discovered that leadership isn't just about holding a position, it's about helping others grow. My experiences in agriculture, science, and mentoring have shaped my goal of pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy and building a career where science and service come together.
From Participant to Mentor
4-H has been part of my life for nearly a decade. It started as an opportunity to learn about llamas and compete in shows. It has grown into one of my most meaningful leadership experiences. Today, as president of my local llama organization, I have the opportunity to mentor younger members and help them develop the skills and confidence that I gained as a young 4-H member.
Being part of 4-H has taught me that leadership isn't simply having a title. It's showing up, helping others, and taking responsibility for the success of the people around you.
Project Lead the Way
I have always been curious to know how things work. That curiosity has led me toward challenging coursework, particularly in mathematics and science. I have pursued AP-level classes while maintaining straight A's, and my favorite learning experiences are the ones where I can move beyond memorizing an answer and actually understand the science behind it.
Indianapolis Zoo Volunteer
For the past two years, I have volunteered at the Indianapolis Zoo, where I have spent more than 150 hours helping visitors discover the science behind the animals they see and ways they can support animal conservation.
Working with a mobile education cart, I interact with children and families throughout the zoo, sharing animal artifacts and talking with visitors about different species, their names, how they function, and how they live in their environments. Every conversation is different, and I've learned how to take something I find fascinating and explain it in a way that makes sense to a young child, a curious parent, or someone's first zoo visit.
My time at the zoo has strengthened my love of science. Whether I'm talking about an animal at the zoo or helping a younger 4-H member learn something new, I enjoy finding ways to make learning engaging and accessible. Indianapolis Zoo Letter of Recommendation.
Leadership through FFA
FFA has challenged me to apply what I learn in the classroom to real world problems. As an FFA officer, I've developed leadership and communication skills while working alongside teammates toward shared goals.
My FFA experiences have also shown me how science, agriculture, business, and communication overlap. Competing at the state and national level taught me how much preparation, teamwork, and persistence matter. One of my proudest experiences was helping my team earn 4th place nationally in Agriculture Sales.
Willoughby Sales
I work here as a part time farm hand. My responsibilities include taking care of anything on the farm. It can be from landscaping / lawn care, taking care of the various livestock, or even working on merchandising for sales and shows.
While working here, I have experienced how animal care is critical to support their business goals, and the value of hard work.
Why Pharmacy?
My goal is to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and eventually build a career in which I can combine my love of science with my desire to make a difference in people's lives.
I like pharmacy because it brings together chemistry, biology, problem solving, and the opportunity to improve people's health. At the same time, I am interested in the science behind medications themselves. The way drugs are designed, developed, tested, and improved. My experiences in the classroom have given me a love for science and laboratory work, while my experiences in 4-H, FFA, and the Indianapolis Zoo have taught me how much I enjoy helping others.
The possibility of contributing to research and the development of new medicines is exciting to me. I see a career in pharmacy and pharmaceutical science as an great opportunity.