I am currently a senior at Western Michigan University double majoring in Political Science and Environmental Studies & Sustainability. I transferred to Western after completing my Associate in Science at my local community college. Throughout the duration of my associate degree, I struggled finding passion and a vision for my future career path. One of my last three classes of my degree included "environmental science". This class inspired me beyond belief, and I knew I had to make change in my personal life and educate people on detrimental issues like climate change, pollution, the role of food, and the environment. I am passionate about natural foods and the environment because agricultural and environmental health go hand in hand. We cannot continue our current destructive farming practices that leaves our soils degraded, water polluted, and food contaminated with chemicals from pesticides and herbicides. These practices negatively affect human and environmental health and need to be adapted toward better practices such as crop rotation and intercropping. I am also passionate about natural foods because this is the key to achieving optimum health for humans. Humans cannot feasibly achieve adequate health by continuously eating over processed foods loaded with additives and preservatives. These additives and preservatives have a strong correlation with negative health effects and disrupting our body's optimal functions. Our bodies are designed to eat whole, unprocessed, natural foods in order to supply us with proper nutrition and energy. Natural food such as fruits and vegetables are not processed or man-made and have a significant increase in bioavailability compared to industrially concocted food. Natural food should always consist of the majority of one's diet to maintain and improve overall health. The United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows thousands of chemicals added to our foods that have been banned in other countries for health concerns. The FDA has no feasible way of conducting trials on all food additives and preservatives due to the immense list of substances used. But rather than aiding on the side of prevention by banning substances with a strong connection towards negative human health, a large majority of these substances are allowed in our food. To learn more on these topics I continuously do research. I read many books that discuss physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. I have had my own health struggles and from consulting my doctor who takes a holistic, natural approach, I have been able to learn an immense amount from a professional. Additionally, I read peer-reviewed studies on the links between various additives and preservatives in our food and the effect on human health. I contribute by actively speaking out and informing people about our food system and the environment through my daily encounters with strangers, those who follow me on social media, and the conversations I have with friends and family. I have positively influenced so many individuals in the past few years. I strongly believe in the butterfly effect and that doing your part and being a good role model encourages others to do the same. I have helped so many people adopt better ways of living, and this is only the start of my journey. My degree in Political Science and Environmental Studies & Sustainability will open more doors for opportunity and much needed change.

Being patient both in situations and towards others is important to me because it resembles maturity and wisdom. It resembles maturity and wisdom because it takes time, learning, and life experience to gain patience. Initially patience does not come easy, and our patience is continuously tried throughout our lives. But believing in the process and having faith in what is to come has helped me build patience. Sometimes things in life are delayed for our best interest. We may not know it in the moment, or ever, but trusting the process is an important part of being patient. Additionally, patience towards others is crucial. I was raised on "treat others how you want to be treated". I want people to be kind and patient towards me, so I do the same to others. No one knows what others are going through, what is on their mind, or why they are the way they are. By exercising patience towards others, we are able to understand better. Our current lifestyle is constantly on the go and fast paced. If we slow down and have patience, we are able to enjoy the world around us. Patience is important to me because if people used it more, were kinder to others, and slowed down to enjoy life, this world would be a much happier place.

A healthy lifestyle is not a one size fits all. Everyone's body is different, whether it be size, shape, height, underlying diseases, or genetics. There are many factors that contribute towards one's health. These include knowledge, support, finances, and accessibility. In order to live a long, healthy life it is important for someone to be able to fulfill these four aspects of health. Knowledge is important because people must be able to make informed decisions about products they purchase, food they are eating, and what their surrounding environment consists of. It is important to make informed decisions about products because there are so many toxic, harsh chemicals in everyday items that people blindly put on or in their body. Food nowadays contains an array of chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides, as well as preservatives, additives, and coloring, all which negatively affect health. Choosing whole, minimally or unprocessed foods is a central way to clean up one's diet. It is also important for our surrounding environment to be clean and safe which consists of clean air and water. Support is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay encouraged. Having friends and family to keep you motivated and equally participate in a healthy lifestyle keeps us from falling off track or resorting to unhealthy habits. Finances are important because if we have knowledge, support, and accessibility but no money to buy cleaner, safer, and healthier products or access health services, then how is someone expected to live a healthy life? Healthy products and services must be affordable for all people. Lastly, accessibility is important because people need to have the ability to buy better products, attend a local gym or workout class, seek therapy, or have the ability to access resources and information regarding health.

An important perspective of life I learned as a teenager is that we cannot piece together or predict our future outcomes but looking back we are always able to connect the dots and realize why circumstances happen the way they do. Faith in the future and a positive perspective is how I keep a growth mindset. I believe every person who enters or exits my life serves a purpose. Over the course of my life thus far, I have learned that while some people will bring goodness to my life and teach me wonderful things, others teach me what I do not want out of life. Friendships fall apart, relationships end, loved ones pass away, and jobs are lost, but life keeps going. It is these hardships that teach us resilience, strength, and courage. Instead of dwelling on the negative, I look for the positive in every situation. I ask myself, "what is this teaching me?" and "what can I learn from this?". By keeping an open mind and being receptive to continuously learn, I have established a growth mindset that will carry me through life.

A practical solution to helping more people who struggle with mental health is to make counseling and therapy more affordable and accessible. I have heard numerous times from people that the cost of counseling deters them from getting help. By lowering the cost of counseling, people without insurance have a better chance at seeking out therapy. Those with insurance would also have a smaller co-pay. Depending on the level of trauma in the patients life, a patient could attend dozens of sessions with a therapist. The average cost of therapy without insurance is $75-$150. Ten visits could tally up to $750-$1500. Due to the high costs, many people would rather suffer with their illness instead of pay out of pocket or they have no financial means to access therapy. Additionally, therapists are not a “one size fits all”. It is important to have a wide range of therapists accessible that come from different backgrounds and life experiences in order to relate to their patients and have some commonality. Patients and therapists must have a connection in order for treatment to be highly effective. In conclusion, if the cost of therapy was greatly reduced, less people would be deterred from attending due to financial burden. Having a wide range of therapists who specialize in different illnesses and come from different backgrounds creates a safe space and sense of commonality which would help encourage people to attend therapy and keep coming back.

I am currently a senior at Western Michigan University double majoring in Political Science and Environmental Studies & Sustainability. I transferred to Western after completing my Associate in Science at my local community college. Throughout the duration of my associate degree, I struggled finding passion and a vision for my future career path. One of my last three classes of my degree included "environmental science". This class inspired me beyond belief, and I knew I had to make change in my personal life and educate people on detrimental issues like climate change, pollution, and the policies surrounding such topics. At first glance, climate change and pollution seemed like a simple fix. Reduce carbon emissions, convert to green energy, reduce consumption, steer away from plastic, and create eco-centered policies. The more I learned and peeled back the layers of history and policies, the more I realized how complex environmental policy is. Each party of government has their own agenda they wish to complete. Corruption, lobbyist, fake news, and party interest all delay the vital process of implementing environmental policy that is widespread enough to protect the health of the people and the environment, while also not destroying the economy or putting the United States further in debt. Good environmental policies will create more jobs and be economically efficient. It must appeal to both sides of the aisle in government in order to obtain widespread support. In order to combat climate change I believe we need to diversify energy options and incentivize green energy. A solar tax law that reduces barriers for households to establish rooftop solar panels and allows these households to sell surplus back to the energy grid will incentivize households to adopt green energy and not be tied down by costs. Additionally, a carbon pricing policy would benefit the country as a whole and facilitate reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that fuel climate change. Carbon pricing and some of its components include: Carbon Tax, Emission Trading System (ETS), and Crediting Mechanism. Carbon pricing combats emissions through command and control and market mechanisms. Carbon tax puts a direct price on greenhouse gas emissions and requires economic actors to pay for every ton of carbon pollution emitted. Emission trading system sets a limit on total direct GHG emissions from specific sectors and sets up a market where the rights to emit (in the form of carbon permits) are traded. ETS allows polluters to meet emission reduction targets flexibly and at the lowest cost. Crediting mechanism assigns credits for emission reductions that occur as a result of a project (by a business or government) or policy, which can then be bought or sold. Entities seeking to lower their emissions can buy the credits to offset their actual emissions. This method entails an officially established third-party verifier to sign off on the emission reduction before it is credited. Effective carbon pricing lowers the cost and increases the economic efficiency of reducing emissions. To evaluate carbon pricing's success, states should be required to record the amount of renewable energy sourced over time. An increase in renewable energy is a valuable indicator that carbon pricing is working. Another policy evaluation is to measure statewide carbon emissions. This would involve having businesses and energy companies recording and annually submitting a report of carbon usage as well as their energy sources. This would work best on a local level as it would be more accurate. In conclusion, if energy diversification and incentivization were implemented, carbon and greenhouse gas emissions would decrease. This would effectively combat climate change and reduce the detrimental effects associated with it.

My name is Abigail Simpson. I am a Western Michigan University senior double majoring in political science and environmental sustainability. I have interned on a political campaign, volunteered at various places within my community, and worked a job all while attending college. I have learned how to juggle schoolwork, a job, and volunteering while earning a 3.9 grade point average. I excel at everything I put my mind to no matter the circumstances. I have worked extremely hard to be where I am today but I have never given up and have only become stronger and more resilient through my journey. My career goal after graduation is to become an Environmental Health Specialist. In short, I would recognize, measure, and assess hazardous environmental agents and recommend and implement ways to control such hazards. My personal goals are to continue my journey of mental and physical health. I enjoy learning about health and educating others on the substances we put in our bodies. I believe there is a huge connection between the environment, pollution, food, and exercise that influences human's overall well-being. My degree thus far has allowed me to connect to many individuals and positively influence their lifestyle habits. Helping others brings me a sense of fulfillment and purpose. My career and personal goals will maximize my ability to give back and help those in need. My overall goal is to be healthy and happy and positively impact as many people as possible throughout my life. I consistently give back to others and my community. I have volunteered numerous times at my local food bank to help package, organize, and distribute food. I have volunteered for the local animal shelter and helped create new outdoor play areas for dogs who need more socialization before adoption. I also sewed burp clothes and baby blankets for Bronson Hospital. Additionally, I have donated hundreds of dollars over the years to organizations such as World Vision to help those in need abroad. My dollars have provided food, shelter, clothes, farm animals, and medical supplies to those in third world and war-torn countries. I will continue to donate my time and money to those who need it more than I do. I want a life of fulfillment. Not a life of money, cars, houses, and clothes. True fulfillment comes from helping others and giving back, which is what I intend to dedicate my life towards. What excites me the most about the world is the need and desire for change. Having a mission to do better and improve is what I thrive for. I certainly hope our future consists of a clean, pollutant free world. But until then I will do my part to help clean it up. By speaking out about political and social issues, I have encouraged many people to vote and do their part. I have encouraged people to also vote with their dollars by buying products from companies that care about the consumer and the environment. Through communication, understanding, and movements that call for action, the world can be the place we need it be. I strongly believe in the butterfly effect and that doing your part and being a good role model encourages others to do the same. I have helped so many people adopt better ways of living, and this is only the start of my journey. My degree will open many doors for opportunity and I cannot wait to see what my future holds.

My name is Abigail Simpson. I am a 21 year old Western Michigan University senior double majoring in political science and environmental sustainability. I transferred to WMU after earning my associate degree in science at my local community college. I have interned on a political campaign, volunteered at various places within my community, and worked a job all while attending college. I have learned how to juggle school work, a job, and volunteering while earning a 3.9 grade point average. I am not a mediocre student or woman. I excel at everything I put my mind to no matter the circumstances. I have worked extremely hard to be where I am today. I have struggled with mental illness and health issues for a good portion of my life and although these circumstances can be discouraging and defeating, I have never given up and have only become stronger and more resilient because of it. My career goal after graduation is to become an Environmental Health Specialist. In short, I would recognize, measure, and assess hazardous environmental agents and recommend and implement ways to control such hazards. My personal goals are to continue my journey of mental and physical health. I thoroughly enjoy learning about health and educating others on the substances we put in our bodies. I believe there is a huge connection between the environment, pollution, food, and exercise that influences human's overall well-being. My degree thus far has allowed me to connect to many individuals and positively influence their lifestyle habits. Helping others brings me a sense of fulfillment and purpose. My career and personal goals will maximize my ability to give back and help those in need. I had so much support when I struggled with my illnesses, and I want to give that support, love, and encouragement back to those who need it. My overall goal is to be healthy and happy and positively impact as many people as possible throughout my life. What excites me the most about the world is the need and desire for change. Having a mission to do better and improve is what I thrive for. I find myself drawn towards people and places that need help and fixing. My career would not exist if the Earth was pollution free. I certainly hope our future consist of a clean, pollutant free world. But until then I will do my part to help clean it up. I consistently give back to others and my community. I have volunteered numerous times at my local food bank to help package, organize, and distribute food. I have volunteered for the local animal shelter and helped create new outdoor play areas for dogs who need more socialization before adoption. I also sewed burp clothes and baby blankets for Bronson Hospital. Additionally, I have donated hundreds of dollars over the years to organizations such as World Vision to help those in need abroad. My dollars have provided food, shelter, clothes, farm animals, and medical supplies to those in third world and war-torn countries. I will continue to donate my time and money to those who need it more than I do. I want a life of fulfillment. Not a life of money, cars, houses, and clothes. True fulfillment comes from helping others and giving back, which is what I intend to dedicate my life towards.

A necessary change I want to see in my community, country, and the world is more people adopting an ecocentric way of life and belief system. Ecocentrism recognizes that all of Earth's ecosystems are of central importance and aims to undo the destructive human centered way of life. By adopting these practices humans will be able to unify with each other and the environment and treat Earth with the respect and dignity it deserves. In turn, providing a prosperous future for those still to come. The adoption of an ecocentric way of life will benefit all beings and drastically improve the lives of all organisms. Mass consumption, waste, pollution, desertification, deforestation, climate change, ocean acidification, increase in disease abundance, and mass extinction are problems humans face as a result of their destructive and selfish lifestyles. By being more aware, drastically changing lifestyle habits, speaking out about environmental issues, and collective action, future life on Earth has a chance. To make a difference locally I first had to change myself. I drastically reduced spending and buying unnecessary items. Instead of throwing away items I no longer needed I donated them to local charities to give a second life to used items. I started recycling services at my residence and educated myself, family, and friends on how to recycle correctly. I research eco-friendly products, such as those made from recycled materials, limit my purchase of plastic items, take re-usable bags to the store, and carry a re-usable water bottle with me. I reduced my consumption of meat products and started purchasing organic. By doing this I have encouraged the vast majority of my friends, family, and co-workers to adopt the same Earth conscious practices. Additionally, I created flyers for those in my neighborhood to encourage them to start recycling services and how to recycle properly. I successfully persuaded many people at previous jobs to ditch disposable water bottles and straws and use a re-usable one. I have successfully encouraged many friends and family members to reduce their consumption of meat products, especially beef products which are a major contributor to climate change. Encouraging others to make lifestyle changes affects more people than those I actively talk to and influence. People in their circle will see the changes and hopefully adopt and spread similar practices, further continuing the cycle of change. By actively speaking out and informing people, I have positively influenced so many in the past few years. I strongly believe in the butterfly effect and that doing your part and being a good role model encourages others to do the same. I have helped so many people adopt better ways of living, and this is only the start of my journey. My degree in political science and environmental sustainability will open more doors for opportunity and change and I cannot wait to see what my future holds.