I have always been passionate about nature and agriculture. When I was little I used to play with farm animals instead of dolls. If you asked seven-year-old me what she wanted to be when she grew up she would have said a farmer without hesitation. As I got older I started looking more into our agriculture system. Growing up all over the world I saw the systems and practices used by other countries. It opened my eyes to all that is possible, but also all that is wrong. I saw hunger, pollution, overuse of resources, and putting profit over people. When I was in middle school I went on a school trip called Caring For Coral. This was a 1-week trip to a small island in the Philippines called Puerto Galera. The tip was run by two of my friends' dads, who have also taken their families and mine there before on vacation. So this was not my first trip there but this was the one that made a lasting impact. On the trip, I was able to do research on the local coral reefs and work hand in hand with the community to combat the problem of pollution from the source. Here it was on land where I found my calling. Working with local organizations and schools to be able to know people and how they live changed my view of the world. That experience made me realize that there is a bigger issue that is calling for my attention. Now when you ask me what I want to do when I grow up the answer is far more complex. I want to change the world, or as much as I can. I want to change the way we look and approach agriculture and sustainability. I want to reshape the food industry’s priorities, shifting the focus from profit to people and the environment. I believe everyone should know where their food comes from and feel empowered to demand better. Food is fuel. So once people don’t have to worry about where to get their next meal, think of what else we can achieve. After school, my goal is to change the agricultural system. How exactly I plan on doing this has changed but the goal has remained the same. Currently, my goal is to open community gardens in areas that lack access to green spaces and fresh, affordable produce. My other goal is still to achieve the same goal but in a different way. I would also like to open an educational farm that focuses on sustainability and regenerative agriculture near urban areas that are open to the public. But no matter how I get there I hope to be making a change in areas of nutrition, sustainably, agriculture, and education. Access to healthy, affordable food should not be a privilege; it’s a fundamental necessity. Most of the issues I know about I thought were ones that are newer issues. However, through this class, I realized many of the fights I am looking to be at the front of battles we have been fighting long before me and even my parents and grandparents. I also realized how so many of these issues are not talked about and accepted as part of life. But for me that is unacceptable. Knowing how deep these issues go made me realize that they will be even harder than I thought, but I am not even more determined to make an impact. Change is hard, but it is often necessary.

I have not only been surrounded by people dealing with mental health challenges but have also faced my own struggles with mental health. One person who has played a particularly significant role in this aspect of my life is my grandmother. After my mother and I moved from Chicago to Virginia following her divorce from my father, my grandparents joined us from Pennsylvania. Instead of going to daycare, I spent my days with my grandmother, who became like a second parent to me. She had a beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers. While I played with worms, she would sit outside and tend to her plants. This routine became a cherished part of our lives. Even as she faced her own mental health struggles—diagnosed later in her life—our time in the garden remained a source of comfort and joy. Despite the challenges she encountered and the medications she was prescribed, the garden was more than just a place to grow plants; it became our sanctuary, a space where we bonded and created lasting memories. These memories of my grandmother have inspired my future goal of establishing a nonprofit organization focused on creating community gardens in areas with limited access to green spaces. Gardens have always been a source of peace and happiness for me, and I believe they can provide similar benefits to others. My experiences with my grandmother showed me the profound impact that spending time in nature can have on mental well-being. Creating and maintaining these gardens would not only honor her memory but also give others the opportunity to experience the same sense of joy and tranquility. Building community gardens in underserved areas can make a significant difference, especially in urban environments where access to outdoor spaces is limited. Research has shown that connecting with nature can improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. A garden offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, providing a space where people can relax, reflect, and rejuvenate. I envision these community gardens as more than just green spaces; they would serve as community hubs where people can come together, share experiences, and find mutual support. The act of gardening fosters a sense of accomplishment and belonging, promoting both mental and emotional health. By ensuring these gardens are safe, clean, and welcoming, we can help bridge the gap for those who might otherwise miss out on the therapeutic benefits of nature.

Growing up, I wasn’t the type of kid who played with Barbie dolls. My joy came from bugs, dirt, and my mom’s small garden in our city backyard. On many days, my mom would hose me off outside to prevent me from tracking dirt through the house. I’m pretty sure every pair of pants I owned was stained with grass. Raised by a single mom who is an educator, I spent many summers with our extended family in a small town in Pennsylvania, surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast, open pastures filled me with happiness. Without siblings, I spent hours outside, lost in my imagination. That sense of wonder is what sparked my love for horticulture and agriculture. Today, I still carry that same childlike curiosity about the natural world. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of soil beneath my feet or watching the plants in my garden stretch toward the sun. My bedroom now looks like a blend of a plant nursery and a lab—I propagate everything I can and save seeds from fruits and vegetables just to see what happens, much to my mother’s dismay. As I grew older, I became increasingly interested in how food is produced. I’ve conducted multiple research projects on food systems, and with each project, I uncover more flaws in the way food is grown and distributed. My goal after finishing school is to transform the way we view food production. I plan to set up a non-profit that creates community gardens in areas with limited access to green spaces and fresh, affordable produce. I want to reshape the food industry’s priorities, shifting the focus from profit to people and the environment. Transparency is key—I believe everyone should know where their food comes from and feel empowered to demand better. Much of today’s food is grown by corporate organizations that use harmful chemicals, antibiotics, and unsustainable practices, with little regard for the environment or the surrounding communities. Access to healthy, affordable food shouldn’t be a privilege—it’s a necessity. By supporting local farms, establishing community gardens, and reducing reliance on factory farming (CAFOs), we can cut greenhouse gas emissions, reinvest in local economies, reduce animal waste, increase access to fresh produce, and improve public health. This issue deserves more attention because it directly affects the fuel we put into our bodies. No one should have to choose between affordability and quality when it comes to food.

Growing up, I wasn’t the type of kid who played with Barbie dolls. My joy came from bugs, dirt, and my mom’s small garden in our city backyard. On many days, my mom would hose me off outside to prevent me from tracking dirt through the house. I’m pretty sure every pair of pants I owned was stained with grass. Raised by a single mom who is an educator, I spent many summers with our extended family in a small town in Pennsylvania, surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast, open pastures filled me with happiness. Without siblings, I spent hours outside, lost in my imagination. That sense of wonder is what sparked my love for horticulture and agriculture. Today, I still carry that same childlike curiosity about the natural world. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of soil beneath my feet or watching the plants in my garden stretch toward the sun. My bedroom now looks like a blend of a plant nursery and a lab—I propagate everything I can and save seeds from fruits and vegetables just to see what happens, much to my mother’s dismay. As I grew older, I became increasingly interested in how food is produced. I’ve conducted multiple research projects on food systems, and with each project, I uncover more flaws in the way food is grown and distributed. My goal after finishing school is to transform the way we view food production. I plan to set up a non-profit that creates community gardens in areas with limited access to green spaces and fresh, affordable produce. I want to reshape the food industry’s priorities, shifting the focus from profit to people and the environment. Transparency is key—I believe everyone should know where their food comes from and feel empowered to demand better. Much of today’s food is grown by corporate organizations that use harmful chemicals, antibiotics, and unsustainable practices, with little regard for the environment or the surrounding communities. Access to healthy, affordable food shouldn’t be a privilege—it’s a necessity. By supporting local farms, establishing community gardens, and reducing reliance on factory farming (CAFOs), we can cut greenhouse gas emissions, reinvest in local economies, reduce animal waste, increase access to fresh produce, and improve public health. This issue deserves more attention because it directly affects the fuel we put into our bodies. No one should have to choose between affordability and quality when it comes to food.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature farms out of anything I could find. It included everything from chicken coops to farm stands. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling is my feet in the dirt and watching the plants in my garden inch towards the sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant, despite my mother’s protests. In high school, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion to my school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision, and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. When we are children, our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be on a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion that shaped so much of my identity. I am currently a student at North Carolina State University where I am still pursuing my passion. Black or African Americans only make up 6.28% of the student body and approximately 4% are two or more races. These numbers further push me to show that though I am a minority I can achieve greatness. This can be reflected not only in my academics but also in the clubs and events I have been a part of and the connections I have made in my short amount of time here. In the future, I want to further my passion for gardens and plants by starting a non-profit to build community gardens in communities that don’t have access to beautiful green spaces and fresh, affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and, in addition, show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They can drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion in the future. I want to inspire others with what I am standing up for and what I have achieved in the face of adversity.

I have not only been surrounded by people dealing with mental health challenges but have also faced my own struggles with mental health. One person who has played a particularly significant role in this aspect of my life is my grandmother. After my mother and I moved from Chicago to Virginia following her divorce from my father, my grandparents joined us from Pennsylvania. Instead of going to daycare, I spent my days with my grandmother, who became like a second parent to me. She had a beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers. While I played with worms, she would sit outside and tend to her plants. This routine became a cherished part of our lives. Even as she faced her own mental health struggles—diagnosed later in her life—our time in the garden remained a source of comfort and joy. Despite the challenges she encountered and the medications she was prescribed, the garden was more than just a place to grow plants; it became our sanctuary, a space where we bonded and created lasting memories. These memories of my grandmother have inspired my future goal of establishing a nonprofit organization focused on creating community gardens in areas with limited access to green spaces. Gardens have always been a source of peace and happiness for me, and I believe they can provide similar benefits to others. My experiences with my grandmother showed me the profound impact that spending time in nature can have on mental well-being. Creating and maintaining these gardens would not only honor her memory but also give others the opportunity to experience the same sense of joy and tranquility. Building community gardens in underserved areas can make a significant difference, especially in urban environments where access to outdoor spaces is limited. Research has shown that connecting with nature can improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. A garden offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, providing a space where people can relax, reflect, and rejuvenate. I envision these community gardens as more than just green spaces; they would serve as community hubs where people can come together, share experiences, and find mutual support. The act of gardening fosters a sense of accomplishment and belonging, promoting both mental and emotional health. By ensuring these gardens are safe, clean, and welcoming, we can help bridge the gap for those who might otherwise miss out on the therapeutic benefits of nature.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature farms out of anything I could find. It included everything from chicken coops to farm stands. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling is my feet in the dirt and watching the plants in my garden inch towards the sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant, despite my mother’s protests. In highschool, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion to my school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision, and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. When we are children, our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to further my passion for gardens and plants by starting a non-profit to build community gardens in communities that might not have access to a beautiful green space and fresh, affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and, in addition, show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They can drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion in the future.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie dolls or traditional toys. My joy came from bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom tended in our city backyard. More than once, she had to hose me off outside so I wouldn’t track dirt through the house. I’m sure every pair of pants I owned had grass stains. My mom, a single parent and an educator, has been my biggest supporter. She let me explore my interests freely and follow my heart, surrounding me with words of encouragement and love. It’s always been just the two of us, and we know each other inside and out. Growing up, I dreamed big. Rather than telling me something was too hard, my mom encouraged me to push myself further and reach even higher. Thanks to her, I’ve had opportunities I never would have otherwise—like the chance to live abroad. Moving internationally was eye-opening, allowing me to see how other countries and cultures work. It also deepened my love for nature and agriculture as I had the chance to explore landscapes I’d only read about. My bedroom, as it stands now, is a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate every cutting I can, and despite my mom’s mild protests, I save seeds from fruits and vegetables to see what I can grow. In high school, I found a way to bring my passion into my school community by revitalizing the garden club. I set up meetings with our principal to share my vision, and she connected me with teachers who could sponsor it. I started fundraising, advertising, clearing out the overgrown garden, and planning collaborations with environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. As children, we imagine magical worlds—whether farms, forests, or other wild places. I was fortunate to grow up in an environment that encouraged this imagination, sparking my lifelong passion for horticulture and shaping my identity. Looking forward, I want to turn this passion into a career by establishing a nonprofit to create community gardens in areas without access to green spaces and fresh, affordable produce. I want to empower people to understand where their food comes from and advocate for food grown sustainably and responsibly. Today, so much of our food comes from corporations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and practices harmful to our environment and communities. My dream is to be part of the solution, to keep this passion alive, and to broaden my horizons in college as I work toward creating positive change.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature farms out of anything I could find. It included everything from chicken coops to farm stands. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling is my feet in the dirt and watching the plants in my garden inch towards the sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant, despite my mother’s protests. In high school, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion to my school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision, and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. When we are children, our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be on a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion that shaped so much of my identity. I am currently a student at North Carolina State University where I am still pursuing my passion. Black or African Americans only make up 6.28% of the student body and approximately 4% are two or more races. These numbers further push me to show that though I am a minority I can achieve greatness. This can be reflected not only in my academics but also in the clubs and events I have been a part of and the connections I have made in my short amount of time here. In the future, I want to further my passion for gardens and plants by starting a non-profit to build community gardens in communities that don’t have access to beautiful green spaces and fresh, affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and, in addition, show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They can drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion in the future. I want to inspire others with what I am standing up for and what I have achieved in the face of adversity.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature farms out of anything I could find. It included everything from chicken coops to farm stands. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling is my feet in the dirt and watching the plants in my garden inch towards the sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant, despite my mother’s protests. In high school, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion to my school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision, and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. When we are children, our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be on a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion that shaped so much of my identity. I am currently a student at North Carolina State University where I am still pursuing my passion. Black or African Americans only make up 6.28% of the student body and approximately 4% are two or more races. These numbers further push me to show that though I am a minority I can achieve greatness. This can be reflected not only in my academics but also in the clubs and events I have been a part of and the connections I have made in my short amount of time here. In the future, I want to further my passion for gardens and plants by starting a non-profit to build community gardens in communities that don’t have access to beautiful green spaces and fresh, affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and, in addition, show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They can drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion in the future. I want to inspire others with what I am standing up for and what I have achieved in the face of adversity.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination.  When I was around seven, I started building miniature farms out of anything I could find. It included everything from chicken coops to farm stands. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice.  It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling is my feet in the dirt and watching the plants in my garden inch towards the sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant, despite my mother’s protests.  In high school, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion to my school and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision, and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club.  When we are children, our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be on a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion that shaped so much of my identity.  I am currently a student at North Carolina State University where I am still pursuing my passion. Black or African Americans only make up 6.28% of the student body and approximately 4% are two or more races. These numbers further push me to show that though I am a minority I can achieve greatness. This can be reflected not only in my academics but also in the clubs and events I have been a part of and the connections I have made in my short amount of time here. In the future, I want to further my passion for gardens and plants by starting a non-profit to build community gardens in communities that might not have access to beautiful green spaces and fresh, affordable produce. I will inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and, in addition, show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it.  I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They can drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion in the future. I want to inspire others with what I am standing up for and what I have achieved in the face of adversity.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. I think every pair of pants I owned had a grass stain on them. When I was around seven, I started building miniature model farms out of anything I could find around the house. Think everything from chicken coops to farm stands. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. Seeing how far my creativity could take me, this farm took over our living room floor. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling for me is to feel my feet in the dirt and watch as the plants in my garden inch towards the shining sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. In high school I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club, and we meet every Monday and have accomplished many tasks in a short period. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to further my passion for gardens and plants by starting a non-profit to build community gardens in communities that might not have access to a beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They can drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie dolls or traditional toys. My joy came from bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom tended in our city backyard. More than once, she had to hose me off outside so I wouldn’t track dirt through the house. I’m sure every pair of pants I owned had grass stains. My mom, a single parent and an educator, has been my biggest supporter. She let me explore my interests freely and follow my heart, surrounding me with words of encouragement and love. It’s always been just the two of us, and we know each other inside and out. Growing up, I dreamed big. Rather than telling me something was too hard, my mom encouraged me to push myself further and reach even higher. Thanks to her, I’ve had opportunities I never would have otherwise—like the chance to live abroad. Moving internationally was eye-opening, allowing me to see how other countries and cultures work. It also deepened my love for nature and agriculture as I had the chance to explore landscapes I’d only read about. My bedroom, as it stands now, is a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate every cutting I can, and despite my mom’s mild protests, I save seeds from fruits and vegetables to see what I can grow. This year, I found a way to bring my passion into my school community by revitalizing the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision, and she connected me with teachers who could sponsor it. I started fundraising, advertising, clearing out the overgrown garden, and planning collaborations with environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. In a short time, we’ve built a vibrant club that meets every Monday, working together toward common goals. As children, we imagine magical worlds—whether farms, forests, or other wild places. I was fortunate to grow up in an environment that encouraged this imagination, sparking my lifelong passion for horticulture and shaping my identity. Looking forward, I want to turn this passion into a career by establishing a nonprofit to create community gardens in areas without access to green spaces and fresh, affordable produce. I want to empower people to understand where their food comes from and advocate for food grown sustainably and responsibly. Today, so much of our food comes from corporations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and practices harmful to our environment and communities. My dream is to be part of the solution, to keep this passion alive, and to broaden my horizons in college as I work toward creating positive change.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature farms out of anything I could find. It included everything from chicken coops to farm stands. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling is my feet in the dirt and watching the plants in my garden inch towards the sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion to my school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision, and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. When we are children, our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to further my passion for gardens and plants by starting a non-profit to build community gardens in communities that might not have access to a beautiful green space and fresh, affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and, in addition, show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They can drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion in the future.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature farms out of anything I could find. It included everything from chicken coops to farm stands. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling is my feet in the dirt and watching the plants in my garden inch towards the sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion to my school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision, and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. When we are children, our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to further my passion for gardens and plants by starting a non-profit to build community gardens in communities that might not have access to a beautiful green space and fresh, affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and, in addition, show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They can drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion in the future.

I have not only been around people with mental health struggles, but I have experienced them myself. My family has a history of addiction and depression, and I’ve seen firsthand how these issues affect loved ones especially when it comes to alcohol and nicotine. Witnessing this has made me extremely conscious of what I put into my body and has reinforced my commitment to staying away from harmful substances. Beyond addiction, my family also struggles with depression. One person particularly close to me who has faced this challenge is my grandmother. When my mom and I moved to North Carolina after her divorce, my grandparents relocated from Pennsylvania to be near us. At the time, my mom was in graduate school, and I wasn’t old enough to attend school yet, so I spent my days with my grandma baking, talking, and going on little adventures. She became like a second parent to me. Later in life, she was diagnosed with depression and began treatment. I was young when she started taking medication, and over the years, I’ve seen her improve. However, like many people, she sometimes stops her medication when she feels better, only to struggle again and need to restart it. Watching her experience these ups and downs has made me more aware of the importance of mental health care. I faced my own struggles, especially at the beginning of high school. Moving to a new place, attending a new school, and making new friends was difficult especially since we were still in lockdown. I felt isolated, and when a close friend group fell apart, I had to start over again. It was a tough time, but it didn’t last forever. I was fortunate to have a strong support system, including my mom, who is a counselor with a masters degree in psychology. Mental health was never a taboo topic in my home, which made it easier to ask for help. Through these experiences, I learned how to care for my mental and physical well-being. I found activities that made me feel good like spending time outside, making art, getting a dog, and prioritizing self-care. I realized that tough times pass and that even in the hardest moments, there is still good in life. I am also mindful of my family history, which allows me to take preventative measures to protect my mental health. Im proud of the progress I’ve made and will continue working to improve myself and my life.

I have not only been around people with mental health struggles, but I have experienced them myself. My family has a history of addiction and depression, and I’ve seen firsthand how these issues affect loved ones especially when it comes to alcohol and nicotine. Witnessing this has made me extremely conscious of what I put into my body and has reinforced my commitment to staying away from harmful substances. Beyond addiction, my family also struggles with depression. One person particularly close to me who has faced this challenge is my grandmother. When my mom and I moved to North Carolina after her divorce, my grandparents relocated from Pennsylvania to be near us. At the time, my mom was in graduate school, and I wasn’t old enough to attend school yet, so I spent my days with my grandma baking, talking, and going on little adventures. She became like a second parent to me. Later in life, she was diagnosed with depression and began treatment. I was young when she started taking medication, and over the years, I’ve seen her improve. However, like many people, she sometimes stops her medication when she feels better, only to struggle again and need to restart it. Watching her experience these ups and downs has made me more aware of the importance of mental health care. I faced my own struggles, especially at the beginning of high school. Moving to a new place, attending a new school, and making new friends was difficult especially since we were still in lockdown. I felt isolated, and when a close friend group fell apart, I had to start over again. It was a tough time, but it didn’t last forever. I was fortunate to have a strong support system, including my mom, who is a counselor with a masters degree in psychology. Mental health was never a taboo topic in my home, which made it easier to ask for help. Through these experiences, I learned how to care for my mental and physical well-being. I found activities that made me feel good like spending time outside, making art, getting a dog, and prioritizing self-care. I realized that tough times pass and that even in the hardest moments, there is still good in life. I am also mindful of my family history, which allows me to take preventative measures to protect my mental health. Im proud of the progress I’ve made and will continue working to improve myself and my life.

I have not only been surrounded by people dealing with mental health challenges but have also faced my own struggles. However, one person who has played a particularly significant role in this aspect of my life is my grandmother. After my mother and I moved from Chicago to Virginia following her divorce from my father, my grandparents joined us from Pennsylvania. Instead of going to daycare, I spent my days with my grandmother, who became like a second parent to me. She had a beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers. While I played with worms, she would sit outside and tend to her plants. This routine became a cherished part of our lives. Even as she faced her own mental health struggles—diagnosed later in her life—our time in the garden remained a source of comfort and joy. The garden was more than just a place to grow plants; it became our sanctuary, a space where we bonded and created lasting memories. These memories of my grandmother have inspired my future goal of establishing a nonprofit organization focused on creating community gardens in areas with limited access to green spaces. Gardens have always been a source of peace and happiness for me, and I believe they can provide similar benefits to others. My experiences with my grandmother showed me the profound impact that spending time in nature can have on mental well-being. Creating and maintaining these gardens would not only honor her memory but also give others the opportunity to experience the same sense of joy and tranquility. Building community gardens in underserved areas can make a significant difference, especially in urban environments where access to outdoor spaces is limited. Research has shown that connecting with nature can improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. A garden offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, providing a space where people can relax, reflect, and rejuvenate. I envision these community gardens as more than just green spaces; they would serve as community hubs where people can come together, share experiences, and find mutual support. The act of gardening fosters a sense of accomplishment and belonging, promoting both mental and emotional health. By ensuring these gardens are safe, clean, and welcoming, we can help bridge the gap for those who might otherwise miss out on the therapeutic benefits of nature.

Growing up, I wasn’t the type of kid who played with Barbie dolls. My joy came from bugs, dirt, and my mom’s small garden in our city backyard. On many days, my mom would hose me off outside to prevent me from tracking dirt through the house. I’m pretty sure every pair of pants I owned was stained with grass. Raised by a single mom who is an educator, I spent many summers with our extended family in a small town in Pennsylvania, surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast, open pastures filled me with happiness. Without siblings, I spent hours outside, lost in my imagination. That sense of wonder is what sparked my love for horticulture and agriculture. Today, I still carry that same childlike curiosity about the natural world. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of soil beneath my feet or watching the plants in my garden stretch toward the sun. My bedroom now looks like a blend of a plant nursery and a lab—I propagate everything I can and save seeds from fruits and vegetables just to see what happens, much to my mother’s dismay. As I grew older, I became increasingly interested in how food is produced. I’ve conducted multiple research projects on food systems, and with each project, I uncover more flaws in the way food is grown and distributed. My goal after finishing school is to transform the way we view food production. I plan to set up a non-profit that creates community gardens in areas with limited access to green spaces and fresh, affordable produce. I want to reshape the food industry’s priorities, shifting the focus from profit to people and the environment. Transparency is key—I believe everyone should know where their food comes from and feel empowered to demand better. Much of today’s food is grown by corporate organizations that use harmful chemicals, antibiotics, and unsustainable practices, with little regard for the environment or the surrounding communities. Access to healthy, affordable food shouldn’t be a privilege—it’s a necessity. By supporting local farms, establishing community gardens, and reducing reliance on factory farming (CAFOs), we can cut greenhouse gas emissions, reinvest in local economies, reduce animal waste, increase access to fresh produce, and improve public health. This issue deserves more attention because it directly affects the fuel we put into our bodies. No one should have to choose between affordability and quality when it comes to food.

My mother was a single parent and an educator. She has been my biggest supporter. She let me explore my interests freely and follow my heart, surrounding me with words of encouragement and love. It’s always been just the two of us, and we know each other inside and out. Growing up, I dreamed big. Rather than telling me something was too hard, my mom encouraged me to push myself further and reach even higher. Thanks to her, I’ve had opportunities I never would have otherwise—like the chance to live abroad. Moving internationally was eye-opening, allowing me to see how other countries and cultures work. It also deepened my love for nature and agriculture as I had the chance to explore landscapes I’d only read about. My bedroom, as it stands now, is a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate every cutting I can, and despite my mom’s mild protests, I save seeds from fruits and vegetables to see what I can grow. Looking forward, I want to turn this passion into a career by establishing a nonprofit to create community gardens in areas without access to green spaces and fresh, affordable produce. I want to empower people to understand where their food comes from and advocate for food grown sustainably and responsibly. Today, so much of our food comes from corporations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and practices harmful to our environment and communities. My dream is to be part of the solution, to keep this passion alive, and to broaden my horizons in college as I work toward creating positive change.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie dolls or traditional toys. My joy came from bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom tended in our city backyard. More than once, she had to hose me off outside so I wouldn’t track dirt through the house. I’m sure every pair of pants I owned had grass stains. My mom, a single parent and an educator, has been my biggest supporter. She let me explore my interests freely and follow my heart, surrounding me with words of encouragement and love. It’s always been just the two of us, and we know each other inside and out. Growing up, I dreamed big. Rather than telling me something was too hard, my mom encouraged me to push myself further and reach even higher. Thanks to her, I’ve had opportunities I never would have otherwise—like the chance to live abroad. Moving internationally was eye-opening, allowing me to see how other countries and cultures work. It also deepened my love for nature and agriculture as I had the chance to explore landscapes I’d only read about. My bedroom, as it stands now, is a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate every cutting I can, and despite my mom’s mild protests, I save seeds from fruits and vegetables to see what I can grow. This year, I found a way to bring my passion into my school community by revitalizing the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision, and she connected me with teachers who could sponsor it. I started fundraising, advertising, clearing out the overgrown garden, and planning collaborations with environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. In a short time, we’ve built a vibrant club that meets every Monday, working together toward common goals. As children, we imagine magical worlds—whether farms, forests, or other wild places. I was fortunate to grow up in an environment that encouraged this imagination, sparking my lifelong passion for horticulture and shaping my identity. Looking forward, I want to turn this passion into a career by establishing a nonprofit to create community gardens in areas without access to green spaces and fresh, affordable produce. I want to empower people to understand where their food comes from and advocate for food grown sustainably and responsibly. Today, so much of our food comes from corporations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and practices harmful to our environment and communities. My dream is to be part of the solution, to keep this passion alive, and to broaden my horizons in college as I work toward creating positive change.

Growing up, I wasn’t the type of kid who played with Barbie dolls. My joy came from bugs, dirt, and my mom’s small garden in our city backyard. On many days, my mom would hose me off outside to prevent me from tracking dirt through the house. I’m pretty sure every pair of pants I owned was stained with grass. Raised by a single mom who is an educator, I spent many summers with our extended family in a small town in Pennsylvania, surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast, open pastures filled me with happiness. Without siblings, I spent hours outside, lost in my imagination. That sense of wonder is what sparked my love for horticulture and agriculture. Today, I still carry that same childlike curiosity about the natural world. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of soil beneath my feet or watching the plants in my garden stretch toward the sun. My bedroom now looks like a blend of a plant nursery and a lab—I propagate everything I can and save seeds from fruits and vegetables just to see what happens, much to my mother’s dismay. As I grew older, I became increasingly interested in how food is produced. I’ve conducted multiple research projects on food systems, and with each project, I uncover more flaws in the way food is grown and distributed. My goal after finishing school is to transform the way we view food production. I plan to set up a non-profit that creates community gardens in areas with limited access to green spaces and fresh, affordable produce. I want to reshape the food industry’s priorities, shifting the focus from profit to people and the environment. Transparency is key—I believe everyone should know where their food comes from and feel empowered to demand better. Much of today’s food is grown by corporate organizations that use harmful chemicals, antibiotics, and unsustainable practices, with little regard for the environment or the surrounding communities. Access to healthy, affordable food shouldn’t be a privilege—it’s a necessity. By supporting local farms, establishing community gardens, and reducing reliance on factory farming (CAFOs), we can cut greenhouse gas emissions, reinvest in local economies, reduce animal waste, increase access to fresh produce, and improve public health. This issue deserves more attention because it directly affects the fuel we put into our bodies. No one should have to choose between affordability and quality when it comes to food.

Growing up, I wasn’t the type of kid who played with Barbie dolls. My joy came from bugs, dirt, and my mom’s small garden in our city backyard. On many days, my mom would hose me off outside to prevent me from tracking dirt through the house. I’m pretty sure every pair of pants I owned was stained with grass. Raised by a single mom who is an educator, I spent many summers with our extended family in a small town in Pennsylvania, surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast, open pastures filled me with happiness. Without siblings, I spent hours outside, lost in my imagination. That sense of wonder is what sparked my love for horticulture and agriculture. Today, I still carry that same childlike curiosity about the natural world. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of soil beneath my feet or watching the plants in my garden stretch toward the sun. My bedroom now looks like a blend of a plant nursery and a lab—I propagate everything I can and save seeds from fruits and vegetables just to see what happens, much to my mother’s dismay. As I grew older, I became increasingly interested in how food is produced. I’ve conducted multiple research projects on food systems, and with each project, I uncover more flaws in the way food is grown and distributed. My goal after finishing school is to transform the way we view food production. I plan to set up a non-profit that creates community gardens in areas with limited access to green spaces and fresh, affordable produce. I want to reshape the food industry’s priorities, shifting the focus from profit to people and the environment. Transparency is key—I believe everyone should know where their food comes from and feel empowered to demand better. Much of today’s food is grown by corporate organizations that use harmful chemicals, antibiotics, and unsustainable practices, with little regard for the environment or the surrounding communities. Access to healthy, affordable food shouldn’t be a privilege—it’s a necessity. By supporting local farms, establishing community gardens, and reducing reliance on factory farming (CAFOs), we can cut greenhouse gas emissions, reinvest in local economies, reduce animal waste, increase access to fresh produce, and improve public health. This issue deserves more attention because it directly affects the fuel we put into our bodies. No one should have to choose between affordability and quality when it comes to food.

I have not only been surrounded by people dealing with mental health challenges but have also faced my own struggles with mental health. One person who has played a particularly significant role in this aspect of my life is my grandmother. After my mother and I moved from Chicago to Virginia following her divorce from my father, my grandparents joined us from Pennsylvania. Instead of going to daycare, I spent my days with my grandmother, who became like a second parent to me. She had a beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers. While I played with worms, she would sit outside and tend to her plants. This routine became a cherished part of our lives. Even as she faced her own mental health struggles—diagnosed later in her life—our time in the garden remained a source of comfort and joy. Despite the challenges she encountered and the medications she was prescribed, the garden was more than just a place to grow plants; it became our sanctuary, a space where we bonded and created lasting memories. These memories of my grandmother have inspired my future goal of establishing a nonprofit organization focused on creating community gardens in areas with limited access to green spaces. Gardens have always been a source of peace and happiness for me, and I believe they can provide similar benefits to others. My experiences with my grandmother showed me the profound impact that spending time in nature can have on mental well-being. Creating and maintaining these gardens would not only honor her memory but also give others the opportunity to experience the same sense of joy and tranquility. Building community gardens in underserved areas can make a significant difference, especially in urban environments where access to outdoor spaces is limited. Research has shown that connecting with nature can improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. A garden offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, providing a space where people can relax, reflect, and rejuvenate. I envision these community gardens as more than just green spaces; they would serve as community hubs where people can come together, share experiences, and find mutual support. The act of gardening fosters a sense of accomplishment and belonging, promoting both mental and emotional health. By ensuring these gardens are safe, clean, and welcoming, we can help bridge the gap for those who might otherwise miss out on the therapeutic benefits of nature.

I have not only been around people with mental health issues but have also struggled with mental health at times. One person who has been especially significant in this regard is my grandmother. My grandparents moved from Pennsylvania to join us after my mother and I relocated to Virginia from Chicago following her divorce from my dad. Instead of going to daycare, I spent my days with her. She had a beautiful garden in her yard, filled with an array of vibrant flowers. While I played with the worms, she would sit outside prune her garden. This routine became a cherished part of our lives, she became like a second parent to me. My grandmother’s struggle with mental health was not diagnosed until later in her life. I was quite young when she began seeking help and was prescribed medication. Despite the challenges she faced, our time together in her garden was a source of comfort and joy. The garden was not just a place where we grew plants; it was a sanctuary for us both. It provided a space for us to bond, create lasting memories. These memories of my grandmother and I inspired my future goal of establishing a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating community gardens in areas where access to green spaces is limited. Gardens have been a source of peace and happiness for me, and I believe they can provide similar benefits to others. My childhood experiences with my grandmother have shown me the profound impact that spending time in nature can have on mental well-being. Helping to cultivate and maintain these gardens would not only honor my grandmother's memory but also offer others a chance to experience the same joy and tranquility. Creating community gardens in underserved areas can make a significant difference. Many people, especially those living in urban environments or regions without readily accessible outdoor spaces, miss out on the numerous benefits of nature. Research has demonstrated that connecting with nature can improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. A garden provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, offering a space where people can relax, reflect, and rejuvenate. I envision these community gardens as more than just green spaces. They would serve as community hubs where people come together, share experiences, and find mutual support. The act of gardening can foster a sense of accomplishment and belonging, promoting mental and emotional health. By ensuring that these gardens are safe, clean, and welcoming, we can help bridge the gap for those who might otherwise be deprived of such beneficial experiences.

My grandparents were born in Jamaica. As they grew up they decided to join the military. They along with my dad got to travel all over to world like Panama and other counties. My grandparents now reside in Pennsylvania. When I visited them I remember driving past the rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures. I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling for me is to feel my feet in the dirt and watch as the plants in my garden inch towards the shining sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. As I got older I started to look more into how food is produced. I have done many research projects and looked into food production many times. However, the more research I do the more flaws I seem to find. When I finish school, my goal is to change how we see food completely. I want to continue to further my passion for agricultural change by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to a green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to market food in a way that focuses not on profit but rather on the people and environment. I want to have full transparency about where your food is coming from. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. The fight for good affordable food should not be a fight, it should be a necessity. By taking a local approach through things like local farms and community gardens and eliminating things like CAFOs you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, put money back into local communities, reduce animal waste, increase access to fresh produce, and reduce diseases. This is a topic that needs a lot more attention and goes unnoticed but should be a topic since it is the fuel we are putting into our bodies. You should not have to sacrifice having access to the best food just because you might not be able to afford it.

Hearing Chappell Roan’s music for the first time I was immediately encaptivatefd by her story telling skills. Her music captures so much emotion. I choose to support her career because myself being not only a woman but a memeber of the LGBTQ+ community identify with the music she puts out into the world. I find her songs espessing emotions that I know all to well but can never seem to put into words. She also creates a close knit sense of community within her can base that I am proud to say I am apart of. Chappell Roan is appoligenically herself, which one day I strive to be. It is nice to see a woman in media who living life for herself and not others. I think it is important for people of every gender, age and more to see people who are not afraid to break the rules. It is important to know that you do not need to appoligize for being yourself, which I think Chappell says beautifully. She is helping not only give a voice to women and the LGBTQ+ community but helping to break down the stigmas about sexuality and sensuality. I hope to se her continue to put her music out there for the people who go through her to find their own voice.

I am a fan of Sabrina Carpenter because I feel in her music and throughout her career she has created a community where women are empowered. Since I was only young when she first started appearing in the media I was able to in a way grow with her. Seeing her change over the years but still remain true to her core I was able to view her as a public figure that I can look to for inspiration. Especially with her more recent music career I have looked at her music and was not only taken away by her amazing voice but also a deeper hidden meaning into what her songs are really saying. No matter how I am feeling I am able to look to her words and music and let her say it for me. I think in the media it is important for girls off all ages and backgrounds to be able to look at a someone, like Sabrina carpenter, who’s music and attitude towards like is positive and motivational. It should show that to be a successful woman you do not have to dance to the music of someone else’s melody, so to speak. Like Sabrina you should be able to find your own rather and be authentic to yourself through all parts of your life, good or bad.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. Sometimes, my mom had to hose me off outside so I didn't track dirt through our clean house. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator. She has been my biggest support. She let me explore my passions and follow my heart. It has always been just us so we know each other inside and out. Growing up and even now I have always had big dreams and ambitions. Instead of telling me I can't do it and how hard it will be she tells me to push myself and reach even higher. I am surrounded with words of encouragement and love. She has also given me so many opportunities I would have not had without her support like moving internationally. When we moved internationally I was able to see the way other countries and cultures worked. I was also able to get outside and immerse myself in nature and research that I would not have had access to. This helped spark my love for nature and agriculture. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club, and we meet every Monday and have accomplished many tasks in a short period. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion for horticulture that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for gardens and plants by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. That is my passion and I have let it push me. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and my mom's small garden in our city backyard. Sometimes, my mom had to hose me off outside so I didn't track dirt through our clean house. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling for me is to feel my feet in the dirt and watch as the plants in my garden inch towards the shining sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. As I got older I started to look more into how food is produced. I have done many research projects and looked into food production many times. However, the more research I do the more flaws I seem to find. When I finish school, my goal is to change how we see food completely. I want to continue to further my passion for agricultural change by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to a green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to market food in a way that focuses not on profit but rather on the people and environment. I want to have full transparency about where your food is coming from. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. The fight for good affordable food should not be a fight, it should be a necessity. By taking a local approach through things like local farms and community gardens and eliminating things like CAFOs you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, put money back into local communities, reduce animal waste, increase access to fresh produce, and reduce diseases. This is a topic that needs a lot more attention and goes unnoticed but should be a topic since it is the fuel we are putting into our bodies. You should not have to sacrifice having access to the best food just because you might not be able to afford it.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and my mom's small garden in our city backyard. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature farms out of anything I could find. It included everything from chicken coops to farm stands. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling is my feet in the dirt and watching the plants in my garden inch towards the sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion to my school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to further my passion for gardens and plants by starting a non-profit to build community gardens in communities that might not have access to a beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They can drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion in the future.

Everyone when they are born has a small hole in their heart. This is nothing to worry about because soon after it closes. However, what sets me apart is that mine never closed. I did not find out about this irregularity in my heat until earlier this year. My father has never had an active role in my life but with college approaching I had to contact him to gather information to help me with my application and enrollment. When I reached out I learned he had a PFO or a Patent foramen ovale. He was diagnosed a few years ago but did not tell me until this year. Since his diagnosis, he has suffered multiple strokes and is now disabled. After learning he had it my mother took me to the doctor as soon as we could get an appointment and we soon after learned I had one as well. This was a frightening experience even if the hole is smaller. This made me look back at all the times something could have happened. Blood clots are a normal thing for people to have but for me, if they go through the hole between my 2 heart chambers it has the chance to go up to my brain. This was a frightening thought but I didn't let it stop me from living my life. The thing with this is it doesn't go away. If I didn't go to the doctor I might have never known I had it. This has opened my eyes to the idea that anyone could be facing a problem even if you can't see it. I still look like me before I knew about the PFO. I just now more aware of things that could impact my health. Even though having a hole in my heart is no way lucky I am made aware of how much I am lucky about. It made me look at my health in a completely new way. It has made me learn that health is important and to always take the best care of your body because from the outside it could look the best but no one knows what could be happening internally. I realized that if I stopped living out of fear of what could happen it probably would have been worse than if I went on, with a few precautions of course. I might slow down but never stop.

I was not in the foster care system. However, I am the daughter of a single mother. My father has never taken an active role in my life since my parents divorced when I was a little younger than I year old. My mother has been my biggest support. She let me explore my passions and follow my heart. It has always been just us so we know each other inside and out. Growing up and even now I have always had big dreams and ambitions. Instead of telling me I can't do it and how hard it will be she tells me to push myself and reach even higher. I am surrounded with words of encouragement and love. She has also given me so many opportunities I would have not had without her support like moving internationally. When we moved internationally I could see how other countries and cultures worked. I was also able to get outside and immerse myself in nature and research that I would not have had access to. This helped spark my love for nature and agriculture. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club, and we meet every Monday and have accomplished many tasks in a short period. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion for horticulture that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for gardens and plants by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. That is my passion and I have let it push me. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.

I have not only been around people with mental health issues but have struggled with it at times. My family has a history of addiction and depression. I have seen many people struggle in my family with addiction especially when it comes to alcohol and cigarettes or other nicotine products. Seeing this I have become extremely conscious to stay away from those types of things and to know what I am putting in my body. In addition to addiction, my family struggles with depression. Someone especially close to me whom I have seen struggle is my grandmother. My grandparents moved down from Pennsylvania when my mother and I moved down after she divorced my dad. She was at the time attending graduate school and I was not yet old enough to go to school. Instead of daycare, I spent my days with my grandma baking, talking, and going on adventures. She became like a second parent to me. She was diagnosed with depression and has been on and off her medication. She was not diagnosed until later in her life. I was young when she started seeking help and was put on medication. Over the years I have seen her improve but she likes to stop her medication sometimes when she feels good thinking she does not need it anymore. It is then followed by a decrease in her mental health resulting in her returning on medication. I have seen the effects that struggling with mental health can have on someone on and off medication Seeing her struggle has made me more aware of my mental health. I struggled a lot at the beginning of high school and a few times since then. My freshman year I moved so I had to attend a new school and make new friends. To add to that we were also still in lockdown. I had trouble making friends but eventually, I did. I also went through one of my friend groups falling apart so I had to start over. I felt alone and stuck. But it didn't last forever. I was lucky to have a mom who is a counselor and has a master's degree in psychology. Mental health was a topic that I had to feel weird talking about at home. I have struggled with my mental health in the past but I was lucky to have a good network of people who supported me and got me through. I have learned to take care of myself and put my mental and physical health first. I did things that made me feel good. I got a dog, spent time outside, made art, and more. I realized that it would pass and there was still so much good even if life seemed hard. I have also become aware of my family history and can take preventative measures to keep my mental health good. I am proud of the advances I have made and I will continue to improve myself and my life.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. Sometimes, my mom had to hose me off outside so I didn't track dirt through our clean house. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling for me is to feel my feet in the dirt and watch as the plants in my garden inch towards the shining sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. As I got older I started to look more into how food is produced. I have done many research projects and looked into the field of food production many times. However, the more research I do the more flaws I seem to find. When I finish school, my goal is to completely change how we see food. I want to continue to further my passion for agricultural change by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to a green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to market food in a way that focuses not on profit but rather on the people and environment. I want to have full transparency about where your food is coming from. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. The fight for good affordable food should not be a fight, it should be a necessity. By taking a local approach through things like local farms and community gardens and eliminating things like CAFOs you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, put money back into local communities, reduce animal waste, increase access to fresh produce, and reduce diseases. This is a topic that needs a lot more attention and goes unnoticed but should be a topic since it is the fuel we are putting into our bodies. You should not have to sacrifice having access to the best food just because you might not be able to afford it.

I have not only been around people with mental health issues but have struggled with it at times. My family has a history of addiction and depression. I have seen many people struggle in my family with addiction especially when it comes to alcohol and cigarettes or other nicotine products. Seeing this I have become extremely conscious to stay away from those types of things and to know what I am putting in my body. In addition, my family struggles with a history of depression. Someone especially close to me whom I have seen struggle is my grandmother. My grandparents moved down from Pennsylvania after my mother and I moved down after she divorced my dad when I was very young. She was at the time attending graduate school and I was not yet old enough to go to school. Instead of daycare, I spent my days with my grandma baking, talking, and going on adventures. She became like a second parent to me. She was diagnosed with depression and has been on and off her medication. She was not diagnosed until later in her life. I was young when she started seeking help and was put on medication. Over the years I have seen her improve but she likes to stop her medication sometimes when she feels good thinking she does not need it anymore. It is then followed by a decrease in her mental health resulting in her returning on medication. I have seen the effects that struggling with mental health can have on someone on and off medication Seeing her struggle has made me more aware of my mental health. I struggled a lot at the beginning of high school and a few times since then. My freshman year I moved so I had to attend a new school and make new friends. To add to that we were also still in lockdown. I had trouble making friends but eventually, I did. I also went through one of my friend groups falling apart so I had to start over. I felt alone and stuck. But it didn't last forever. I was lucky to have a mom who is a counselor and has a master's degree in psychology. Mental health was a topic that I had to feel weird talking about at home. I have struggled with my mental health in the past but I was lucky to have a good network of people who supported me and got me through. I have learned to take care of myself and put my mental and physical health first. I did things that made me feel good. I got a dog, spent time outside, made art, and more. I realized that it would pass and there was still so much good even if life seemed hard. I have also become aware of my family history and can take preventative measures to keep my mental health good. I am proud of my advances and will continue to improve myself and my life.

I have not only been around people with mental health issues but have struggled with it at times. Someone especially close to me whom I have seen struggle is my grandmother. My grandparents moved down from Pennsylvania when my mother and I moved down after she divorced my dad. Instead of daycare, I spent my days with her. She had a beautiful garden in her yard filled with flowers. She would sit outside with me as I would play with the worms and she would prune her garden. She became like a second parent to me. She was not diagnosed until later in her life. I was young when she started seeking help and was put on medication. In the future, I want to create a nonprofit organization to create community gardens in communities where people might not have access to green spaces. When I was young I always helped my grandmother in her garden and still do. We were able to bond and create lasting memories. I think that everyone should have access to somewhere where they can go outside take a breath and smell the flowers. Being outside immersed in nature is often something that people overlook. Much research has been done on how connecting with nature can help you. Just because you live in a city or somewhere where you might not have access to a clean and safe outdoor space shouldn't limit you from that experience.

rowing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. Sometimes, my mom had to hose me off outside so I didn't track dirt through our clean house. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature model farms out of anything I could find around the house. Think everything from chicken coops to farm stands. Every animal had its place and every field had its crops. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. Seeing how far my creativity could take me, this farm took over our living room floor. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling for me is to feel my feet in the dirt and watch as the plants in my garden inch towards the shining sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club, and we meet every Monday and have accomplished many tasks in a short period. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion for horticulture that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for gardens and plants by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to a beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They can drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. Sometimes, my mom had to hose me off outside so I didn't track dirt through our clean house. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature model farms out of anything I could find around the house. Think everything from chicken coops to farm stands. Every animal had its place and every field had its crops. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. Seeing how far my creativity could take me, this farm took over our living room floor. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling for me is to feel my feet in the dirt and watch as the plants in my garden inch towards the shining sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club, and we meet every Monday and have accomplished many tasks in a short period. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion for horticulture that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for gardens and plants by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to a beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They can drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent summers with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures memorized me. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature model farms from anything I could find around the house. Think everything from chicken coops to farm stands. Every animal had its place and every field had its crops. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling is my feet in the dirt and watching as the plants in my garden inch towards the sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a jungle and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save seeds from the kitchen despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered until mom stepped on too many toy animals. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for gardens and plants by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to green spaces and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products and show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They have the power to drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator. She has been my biggest support. She let me explore my passions and follow my heart. It has always been just us so we know each other inside and out. Growing up and even now I have always had big dreams and ambitions. Instead of telling me I can't do it and how hard it will be she tells me to push myself and reach even higher. I am surrounded with words of encouragement and love. She has also given me so many opportunities I would not have had without her support. When we moved internationally I saw how other countries and cultures worked. I was also able to get outside and immerse myself in nature and research that I would not have had access to. This helped spark my love for nature and agriculture. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and fouded the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion for horticulture that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for gardens and plants by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. That is my passion and I have let it push me. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. Sometimes, my mom had to hose me off outside so I didn't track dirt through our clean house. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature model farms out of anything I could find around the house. Think everything from chicken coops to farm stands. Every animal had its place and every field had its crops. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. Seeing how far my creativity could take me, this farm took over our living room floor. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling for me is to feel my feet in the dirt and watch as the plants in my garden inch towards the shining sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club, and we meet every Monday and have accomplished many tasks in a short period. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion for horticulture that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for gardens and plants by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to a beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They have the power to drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.

I have not only been around people with mental health issues but have struggled with it at times. My family has a history of addiction and depression. I have seen many people struggle in my family with addiction especially when it comes to alcohol and cigarettes or other nicotine products. Seeing this I have become extremely conscious to stay away from those types of things and to know what I am putting in my body. In addition to addiction, my family struggles with depression. Someone especially close to me whom I have seen struggle is my grandmother. My grandparents moved down from Pennsylvania when my mother and I moved down after she divorced my dad. She was at the time attending graduate school and I was not yet old enough to go to school. Instead of daycare, I spent my days with my grandma baking, talking, and going on adventures. She became like a second parent to me. She was diagnosed with depression and has been on and off her medication. She was not diagnosed until later in her life. I was young when she started seeking help and was put on medication. Over the years I have seen her improve but she likes to stop her medication sometimes when she feels good thinking she does not need it anymore. It is then followed by a decrease in her mental health resulting in her returning on medication. I have seen the effects that struggling with mental health can have on someone on and off medication Seeing her struggle has made me more aware of my mental health. I struggled a lot at the beginning of high school and a few times since then. My freshman year I moved so I had to attend a new school and make new friends. To add to that we were also still in lockdown. I had trouble making friends but eventually, I did. I also went through one of my friend groups falling apart so I had to start over. I felt alone and stuck. But it didn't last forever. I was lucky to have a mom who is a counselor and has a master's degree in psychology. Mental health was a topic that I had to feel weird talking about at home. I have struggled with my mental health in the past but I was lucky to have a good network of people who supported me and got me through. I have learned to take care of myself and put my mental and physical health first. I did things that made me feel good. I got a dog, spent time outside, made art, and more. I realized that it would pass and there was still so much good even if life seemed hard. I have also become aware of my family history and can take preventative measures to keep my mental health good. I am proud of the advances I have made and I will continue to improve myself and my life.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. Sometimes, my mom had to hose me off outside so I didn't track dirt through our clean house. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature model farms out of anything I could find around the house. Think everything from chicken coops to farm stands. Every animal had its place and every field had its crops. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. Seeing how far my creativity could take me, this farm took over our living room floor. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling for me is to feel my feet in the dirt and watch as the plants in my garden inch towards the shining sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club, and we meet every Monday and have accomplished many tasks in a short period. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion for horticulture that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for gardens and plants by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to a beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They have the power to drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. Sometimes, my mom had to hose me off outside so I didn't track dirt through our clean house. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature model farms out of anything I could find around the house. Think everything from chicken coops to farm stands. Every animal had its place and every field had its crops. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. Seeing how far my creativity could take me, this farm took over our living room floor. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling for me is to feel my feet in the dirt and watch as the plants in my garden inch towards the shining sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club, and we meet every Monday and have accomplished many tasks in a short period. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion for horticulture that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for gardens and plants by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to a beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They have the power to drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. Sometimes, my mom had to hose me off outside so I didn't track dirt through our clean house. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature model farms out of anything I could find around the house. Think everything from chicken coops to farm stands. Every animal had its place and every field had its crops. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. Seeing how far my creativity could take me, this farm took over our living room floor. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling for me is to feel my feet in the dirt and watch as the plants in my garden inch towards the shining sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club, and we meet every Monday and have accomplished many tasks in a short period. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion for horticulture that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for gardens and plants by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to a beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They have the power to drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. Sometimes, my mom had to hose me off outside so I didn't track dirt through our clean house. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me encaptivated. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. To me, they were perfect and beautiful. The way the green spread out along the horizon. The rows and rows of corn that reached the sky. When I was around seven, I started building miniature model farms out of anything I could find around the house. Think everything from chicken coops to farm stands. Every animal had its place and every field had its crops. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. Seeing how far my creativity could take me, this farm took over our living room floor. It was that wonder that sparked my love for agriculture and the environment. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling for me is to feel my feet in the dirt and watch as the plants in my garden inch towards the shining sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. That passion for agriculture pushed me to look into it more. Especially in high school when I had more freedom with research when the opportunity arose this was the topic I always chose and even on my own time I would watch documentaries and read articles. However, the more I looked into it the more I realized the flaws. Going back to Pennsylvania I saw the farms differently. The farm fields were a little less green and how the cows never seemed to leave the barn. I realized that those things in the field were not spraying water but pesticides and I was no longer told to look out the window when a truck came by taking animals to the slaughterhouse. Over the research I have done and what practices I see, I now see the negative effects that the current agriculture system is having on the health of the environment. I have taken a deeper look into specifically Factory farming and Concentrated animal feeding operations or CAFOs but even the way we grow produce has had its toll on us. Antibiotic-resistant diseases, improper disposal of waste, and manure and pesticide runoff into local waters just to name a few. As seeing those issues is important it is just as important to make an impact you must ask yourself; “What now?” So I did. I looked at the possibilities and found what really sparked something inside of me. Starting this year when I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal and the head of gardening for Virginia Beach to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club, and we meet every Monday and have accomplished many tasks in a short period. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for agricultural change by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to a green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. By taking a local approach through things like local farms and community gardens and eliminating things like CAFOs you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, put money back into local communities, reduce animal waste, increase access to fresh produce, and reduce diseases. This is a topic that needs a lot more attention and goes unnoticed but should be a topic since it is the fuel we are putting into our bodies. You should not have to sacrifice having access to the best food just because you might not be able to afford it.

I have not only been around people with mental health issues but have struggled with it at times. My family has a history of addiction and depression. I have seen many people struggle in my family with addiction especially when it comes to alcohol and cigarettes or other nicotine products. Seeing this I have become extremely conscious to stay away from those types of things and to know what I am putting in my body. In addition to addiction, my family struggles with depression. Someone especially close to me whom I have seen struggle is my grandmother. My grandparents moved down from Pennsylvania when my mother and I moved down after she divorced my dad. She was at the time attending graduate school and I was not yet old enough to go to school. Instead of daycare, I spent my days with my grandma baking, talking, and going on adventures. She became like a second parent to me. She was diagnosed with depression and has been on and off her medication. She was not diagnosed until later in her life. I was young when she started seeking help and was put on medication. Over the years I have seen her improve but she likes to stop her medication sometimes when she feels good thinking she does not need it anymore. It is then followed by a decrease in her mental health resulting in her returning on medication. I have seen the effects that struggling with mental health can have on someone on and off medication. Seeing her struggle has made me more aware of my mental health. I struggled a lot at the beginning of high school and a few times since then. My freshman year I moved so I had to attend a new school and make new friends. To add to that we were also still in lockdown. I had trouble making friends but eventually, I did. I also went through one of my friend groups falling apart so I had to start over. I felt alone and stuck. But it didn't last forever. I was lucky to have a mom who is a counselor and has a master's degree in psychology. Mental health was a topic that I had to feel weird talking about at home. I have struggled with my mental health in the past but I was lucky to have a good network of people who supported me and got me through. I have learned to take care of myself and put my mental and physical health first. I did things that made me feel good. I got a dog, spent time outside, made art, and more. I realized that it would pass and there was still so much good even if life seemed hard. I have also become aware of my family history and can take preventative measures to keep my mental health good. I am proud of the advances I have made and I will continue to improve myself and my life.

I have not only been around people with mental health issues but have struggled with it at times. My family has a history of addiction and depression. I have seen many people struggle in my family with addiction especially when it comes to alcohol and cigarettes or other nicotine products. Seeing this I have become extremely conscious to stay away from those types of things and to know what I am putting in my body. In addition to addiction, my family struggles with depression. Someone especially close to me whom I have seen struggle is my grandmother. My grandparents moved down from Pennsylvania when my mother and I moved down after she divorced my dad. She was at the time attending graduate school and I was not yet old enough to go to school. Instead of daycare, I spent my days with my grandma baking, talking, and going on adventures. She became like a second parent to me. She was diagnosed with depression and has been on and off her medication. She was not diagnosed until later in her life. I was young when she started seeking help and was put on medication. Over the years I have seen her improve but she likes to stop her medication sometimes when she feels good thinking she does not need it anymore. It is then followed by a decrease in her mental health resulting in her returning on medication. I have seen the effects that struggling with mental health can have on someone on and off medication Seeing her struggle has made me more aware of my mental health. I struggled a lot at the beginning of high school and a few times since then. My freshman year I moved so I had to attend a new school and make new friends. To add to that we were also still in lockdown. I had trouble making friends but eventually, I did. I also went through one of my friend groups falling apart so I had to start over. I felt alone and stuck. But it didn't last forever. I was lucky to have a mom who is a counselor and has a master's degree in psychology. Mental health was a topic that I had to feel weird talking about at home. I have struggled with my mental health in the past but I was lucky to have a good network of people who supported me and got me through. I have learned to take care of myself and put my mental and physical health first. I did things that made me feel good. I got a dog, spent time outside, made art, and more. I realized that it would pass and there was still so much good even if life seemed hard. I have also become aware of my family history and can take preventative measures to keep my mental health good. I am proud of the advances I have made and I will continue to improve myself and my life.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. Sometimes, my mom had to hose me off outside so I didn't track dirt through our clean house. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator. She has been my biggest support. She let me explore my passions and follow my heart. It has always been just us so we know each other inside and out. Growing up and even now I have always had big dreams and ambitions. Instead of telling me I can't do it and how hard it will be she tells me to push myself and reach even higher. I am surrounded with words of encouragement and love. She has also given me so many opportunities I would have not had without her support like moving internationally. When we moved internationally I was able to see the way other countries and cultures worked. I was also able to get outside and immerse myself in nature and research that I would not have had access to. This helped spark my love for nature and agriculture. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club, and we meet every Monday and have accomplished many tasks in a short period. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion for horticulture that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for gardens and plants by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. That is my passion and I have let it push me. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.

Growing up, I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. Sometimes, my mom had to hose me off outside so I didn't track dirt through our clean house. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature model farms out of anything I could find around the house. Think everything from chicken coops to farm stands. Every animal had its place and every field had its crops. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. Seeing how far my creativity could take me, this farm took over our living room floor. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling for me is to feel my feet in the dirt and watch as the plants in my garden inch towards the shining sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club, where I am also part of our chair. I have now built a growing club, and we meet every Monday and have accomplished many tasks in a short period. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion for horticulture that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for gardens and plants by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to a beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They have the power to drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. Sometimes, my mom had to hose me off outside so I didn't track dirt through our clean house. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature model farms out of anything I could find around the house. Think everything from chicken coops to farm stands. Every animal had its place and every field had its crops. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. Seeing how far my creativity could take me, this farm took over our living room floor. It was that wonder that sparked my love for plant science. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling for me is to feel my feet in the dirt and watch as the plants in my garden inch towards the shining sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club, and we meet every Monday and have accomplished many tasks in a short period. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion for plant science that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for gardens and plants by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to a beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They have the power to drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.

Growing up, I was never one to play with Barbie or dolls. I found joy in bugs, dirt, and the small garden my mom had in our city backyard. Sometimes, my mom had to hose me off outside so I didn't track dirt through our clean house. I believe every pair of pants I owned had grass stains on them. I was raised by a single mom who is an educator, so we spent many summers together with our extended family, who live in a small town in Pennsylvania surrounded by farmland. The rolling hills of corn and the vast pastures made me happy. Without another sibling, I would spend hours outside alone with my imagination. When I was around seven, I started building miniature model farms out of anything I could find around the house. Think everything from chicken coops to farm stands. Every animal had its place and every field had its crops. This farm was my prized possession. When I had to go to bed, I left warning notes so nobody would touch anything, as I would be sure to notice. Seeing how far my creativity could take me, this farm took over our living room floor. It was that wonder that sparked my love for horticulture. I still hold that same childlike wonder for the natural world. Now the greatest feeling for me is to feel my feet in the dirt and watch as the plants in my garden inch towards the shining sun. My bedroom resembles a cross between a plant nursery and a lab. I propagate everything I can and save fruit and vegetable seeds to plant and see what happens, despite my mother’s protests. This year, I saw an opportunity to bring my passion into the school community and revitalize the garden club. I set up a meeting with our principal to share my vision and she connected me with teachers she thought would sponsor the club. I started fundraising, advertising, cleaning out the overgrown garden, and planning partnerships with the environmental science classes and the Surfrider Club. I have now built a growing club, and we meet every Monday and have accomplished many tasks in a short period. When we are children our imagination takes us to magical places, whether it be to a farm or somewhere completely different. I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my imagination was ignited and not hindered unless my mom stepped on too many toy animals. It was holding that passion for horticulture that shaped so much of my identity. In the future, I want to continue to further my passion for gardens and plants by setting up a non-profit to start community gardens in communities that might not have access to a beautiful green space and fresh affordable produce. I want to inform people that they should know where their food is coming from and fight for food that comes from a good place. Much of our food now is grown by corporate organizations that use chemicals, antibiotics, and other unhealthy products on our food and in addition show little care for the effects it’s having on the environment and communities around it. I use those memories of when I was little to remind myself of how far I have come and that even if it's something small, you should always follow the sparks. They have the power to drive you and lead you where you need to be. I have kept my dream alive and am excited to explore this passion and broaden my horizons in college.