I am most passionate about preserving the natural world. I have five years of experience working in ecological restoration, and I hope to further my impact by receiving a Master's of Landscape Architecture. My goal is to dissolve the divide between the built environment and natural ecosystems through ecological design. I started my current career as a recent graduate and AmeriCorp member. I served for a year under the State of Hawaii's Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Native Ecosystem Protection and Management Section. I moved overseas on a two weeks notice to pursue this opportunity. I had little knowledge about what this endeavor would entail. Upon starting, I quickly realized that this would be the defining challenge of my life. I was required to learn a plethora of new skills previously unknown to me, the rich cultural and natural histories of a new place, and the ecosystems, life forms and environmental issues unique to Hawai'i. I worked through these challenges while on the job in a fast-paced, professional work environment. Physically, I was pushed harder than ever before despite my history as an elite athlete. I worked daily in rough terrain and extreme environmental factors. At times I wanted to give up but I pushed through, and stayed on as a staff member and moved up the ranks. This story highlights my dedication to my passions, fortitude, adaptability, determination, and ability to learn. All of which are required to complete a challenging degree program. I supported myself through my undergraduate and will do so for my graduate studies.