Public service requires improving lives not only in the present but in the future as well. I believe I can serve others through STEM research that eliminates challenges communities face after natural disasters. My research will focus on water purity, specifically how natural disasters affect water systems in surrounding areas. Access to clean drinking water is a luxury that many people, including me, take for granted. Once disaster strikes, the damage of infastructures introduce harmful bacteria into waterways and pollutants into the air. Survivors face immediate challenges after the destruction. Even after roads are cleared and homes are rebuilt, water can still be contaminated and a serious concern. If given the opportunity to continue this research, I hope to be on-site after a disaster to gather information, hoping to identify patterns in how bacteria, contaminants, and other hazards affect water quality. The end goal would be to use these findings to develop solutions that help prepare for and recover from these events, reducing the risk of illness. For those living in Tornado Alley, we could identify effective ways to maintain emergency supplies of purified water for several months on end. For communities affected by disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis, the development of accessible methods to safely purify water can help reduce the loss of so many lives. My interest in this topic only recently became a thought in the web of things I want to accomplish. During my anthropology course, our final project was to research a world problem and try to create a solution. I could have gone with the obvious choices of world hunger or world peace, but I would not be pushing myself enough. I read around 5 articles on water pollution and the health risks associated with it. The projects that are already being made and the research being conducted did not have enough support behind them to create a change on a global scale, in my opinion. With the desire to become a pediatric surgeon and seeing how this also affects hospitals, it became clear that I would focus my research on something so small, but extremely challenging. Understanding these processes helps prevent illness while stopping the development of a public health crisis. Plus, there could be a difference between how each natural disaster affects water purity. For example, a tornado may have more bacterial contamination than an earthquake due to the ripping of trees and dirt, but an earthquake may increase exposure to airborne pathogens that affect public health. Through my coursework in chemistry and biochemistry classes, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how contaminants move through ecosystems and how different purification methods remove these harmful substances. The ability to take observations and create evidence-based solutions is one of the most effective ways science can help society. Public service and scientific research help develop solutions that turn research into action. I hope that by studying and creating effective experiments, we as a society can support those facing some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable.

Public service means doing the right thing for others because it’s the right thing to do. I believe that if you have time or a skill that can help someone, you should use it. Being part of a community means looking out for one another. I’ve learned through my own experiences that helping others not only makes a difference for them, but it also helps you grow as a person. Most of the ways I’ve served my community have been through the arts. I’ve spent a lot of time volunteering at Rabbit Run Theater. I usher for performances, help with setting up and tearing down sets, and assist with cleaning and preparing the theater for different seasons. Rabbit Run is special to me because it’s where I first found my voice. When I was seven years old, I had my first acting role in a play there. That experience gave me confidence and showed me that even I, the strange kid, had a place. It helped shape who I am today, and I volunteer there now because I want to give that same opportunity to others. Besides Rabbit Run, I also volunteer as a junior teacher with the Rockola Twirlers. I help younger kids learn routines and build their skills. It feels good to encourage them and help them grow in something they enjoy. I’ve also worked the sound board for the Fine Arts Association during performances. It’s behind-the-scenes work, but it’s important, and I’ve learned how every role matters in making something successful. Through the National Honor Society, I’ve been involved in even more service. I’ve tutored classmates and younger students who needed help in different subjects. I’ve helped with community holiday events, like creating Christmas cards for senior citizens and filling Easter eggs. These experiences have helped me see how much work goes into building a strong and connected community. All of these things have made me realize that service isn’t always about doing something big or being recognized. It’s about showing up, being reliable, and doing what needs to be done. Whether it’s helping backstage at a play or explaining a chemistry problem to someone, it matters. Looking ahead, I want to continue serving others through a career in medicine. I plan to study medicine in college and eventually become a doctor. I know this will take a lot of time and effort, but I’m motivated by the chance to help people in a meaningful way. With a medical background, I’ll be able to volunteer at health clinics, work in communities with less access to care, and support people during some of the most difficult times in their lives. I want to use my knowledge and skills to make people’s lives better. Public service has already been a big part of my life, and I want it to stay that way. I want to give back, whether that is helping to set up stages or giving immunizations. Helping others makes me feel connected to my community. That’s what public service me.