The 21-year-old Cabrini College student grew up in a rural Pennsylvania, the state of everything meaty, and I don't mean in a soy way. Although she had encountered other vegetarians, it wasn't until she was exposed to a class at community college that she even considered become a veghead herself.

"My biology professor was vegan, as were several students in my class," says the Laur-girl. "I also took a class on thinking outside the box, and we discussed the 'box' that modern day factory farmed animals endure."

How does her faith play a part in her eating and purchasing habits?

"God gave us dominion over the planet, like the Queen of England [should] rule the people, with love and compassion. Therefore it makes sense not to purchase products produced in cruel ways."

Putting ethics into action, however, has not always been so simple. "Vegetarian, especially, vegan, food is expensive, and the Giant Foods near my house carries nada in the way of energy bars or even nondairy ice cream!"

Fortunately, at Cabrini, which is a Catholic affiliated University, it is a bit easier to be (mostly) vegan. Unlike at her Community College, she has seldom met another vegetarian on campus. She is not promoting vegetarian eating or the ethical treatment of animals on campus. When I ask her why, the answer once again goes back to her faith.

"I carry it [animal rights] around with me in a little place in my heart and hope that people can hear the message of my life."