Monumental Moment

This narrative is about my journey in becoming vegetarian. I have always cared for animals, but it wasn’t until high school that I realized the impact of eating meat in today’s society.

In 2022, I decided to eliminate red meat from my diet. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to become completely vegetarian, so I took a small step in the right direction. Because I am a long distance runner, I need the nutrients that are most commonly found in meats more than others. I knew it was possible to be a successful runner on a plant-based diet, but I didn’t research how to get these nutrients in other ways. This led to anemia and a frustrating outdoor track season during my last year of high school.

Upon graduating, I began to worry about my choice of eliminating meat from my diet. How was I going to run in college without eating meat? Could I afford a healthy, plant-based diet? Would I learn to cook nutrient dense meals for myself? Would I be judged by my future teammates? So I started eating red meat again, along with all other meat, and I continued to feel bad about it. As time went on, I became even more passionate about protecting living things and the environment, and I became educated on the consequences of factory farming.

I decided that if I wanted to feel good about what I was eating, I would need to stop eating animals. I researched, met with a dietician, talked to my doctor, and tried out many different recipes. I figured it out, and it was never as hard as society made it out to be. I now feel confident in what I am eating, feel great running, and know that my decision is reducing my carbon footprint and not contributing to animal cruelty. I am not perfect, and you don’t have to be either to make a difference. Living consciously with animals and the environment in mind goes a long way.

In 2026, I am still working towards being a better human for our animals and Earth. I am making progress each day, and am now educating myself on the negative impacts of the dairy industry.

These photos dive into my journey in becoming vegetarian, the hardships I had to face, and the sacrifices I make in choosing to live this way.