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Alyssa Sanchez

1,885

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

Hi, my name is Alyssa Sanchez and I am a Master's student at University of California, San Diego. My area of study is in Marine Biodiversity & Conservation. I completed my undergraduate degree from San Diego State University in 2016 and have been working as a data analyst full-time for six and one-half years. I have enjoyed working in the field of Corrections and learning about the Mental Health Department, but I am ready for a change to pursue my passions of marine life and sustainability. I have been passionate about the ocean and sustainability since I was four years old. My love for marine mammals, especially orca whales and sea turtles, has continued since then. I was recently inspired during my travels to Hawaii, Samoa, and Tahiti when I had the opportunity to snorkel amongst the oldest and largest coral reefs in the world. I have many diverse volunteer experiences and love to help every corner of my community. Also, I have spent the past few years learning American Sign Language and immersing myself in the Deaf Community. As a Filipino-American who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, I am empathetic to diverse groups of people who have faced challenges and adversity on the road to success. I am grateful for all of the waves I have ridden to get me to this point and I look forward to the bright future I have ahead. Thank you for your consideration.

Education

University of California-San Diego

Master's degree program
2023 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Marine Sciences

San Diego State University

Bachelor's degree program
2011 - 2016
  • Majors:
    • English Language and Literature, General
  • Minors:
    • Linguistics and Anthropology

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Marine Sciences
    • Ocean Engineering
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Marine Biodiversity & Conservation

    • Dream career goals:

    • Data Analyst

      Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility
      2016 – 20204 years
    • Health Program Specialist I

      Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility
      2020 – Present4 years

    Arts

    • PRESSBOX Journal

      Art Criticism
      2015 – 2016

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Second Chance Dog Rescue — Foster Parent
      2008 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Deaf Community Services — Interpreter
      2022 – 2022
    • Volunteering

      San Diego Tattoo Invitational — Assistant
      2017 – 2018
    • Volunteering

      Eastlake High School LBBTQ+ Club — Vice President
      2010 – 2011
    • Volunteering

      La Quinta Art Festival — Mime, usher
      2008 – 2008
    • Volunteering

      Out of the Darkness Walk to Prevent Suicide — Usher & Trash cleanup
      2009 – 2009
    • Volunteering

      Susan G. Komen for the Cure, walk — Usher & Trash cleanup
      2010 – 2010
    • Volunteering

      Chula Vista Animal Care Facility — Dog Walker, Cat enclosure cleaner
      2009 – 2011
    • Volunteering

      Clear Blue Sea — Volunteer Coordinator
      2022 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Connie Konatsotis Scholarship
    I am thrilled to apply for the Connie Konatsotis Scholarship and share with you my passion for marine sciences, my aspirations to make a positive impact on the world, and my commitment to breaking down gender barriers in STEAM fields. As a first-year graduate student at UC San Diego, pursuing my Master's in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, I have a deep-seated love for marine sciences and the ocean. Being close to the ocean has always been a source of inspiration for me, and I am fascinated by the complexity and diversity of marine ecosystems. I believe that understanding our oceans and their role in our planet's health is crucial to addressing some of the most pressing environmental issues we face today. Unfortunately, women are still underrepresented in many STEAM sectors, including marine science. Gender-based discrimination, the wage gap, and a lack of encouragement to pursue STEAM contribute to this imbalance. As a woman in STEAM, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and biases that women face in this field. However, I am determined to break through these barriers and represent women in science. I believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to achieving breakthroughs in science and technology, and I hope to be a role model for young women who may be hesitant to pursue STEAM careers. During my undergraduate studies, I was initially hesitant to pursue a degree in STEAM due to the male-dominated field. However, I have since learned a lot and gained confidence in my career. I have worked hard to develop my skills and expertise in marine science, and I am ready to join a STEAM program to make a difference in the world. Currently, I also volunteer for the non-profit organization Clear Blue Sea, whose mission is to remove plastic waste from the ocean and turn it into fuel. I am proud to be part of an organization that is taking action to address the devastating effects of plastic waste on our oceans and marine life. This experience has reinforced my belief that education is a powerful tool to make a difference in the world. I believe that the knowledge and skills I gain through my Master's program will enable me to contribute to environmental conservation efforts and advocate for sustainable practices in the marine industry. Through my Master's program, I hope to learn more about the latest research and advancements in marine science, as well as gain practical experience in the field. I am particularly interested in studying the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems and finding sustainable solutions to help mitigate these effects. I believe that my education and experience can help me make strides toward fighting the effects of climate change and making sustainable choices for the ocean. In conclusion, I am excited to be considered for the Connie Konatsotis Scholarship, as it would help me further my education and pursue my goals of making a positive impact on the world through STEAM. Thank you for your consideration.
    Eco-Warrior Scholarship
    Growing up in an eco-conscious household, sustainability has been an integral part of my life since childhood. My family instilled in me the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling to minimize our environmental impact. We were always conscious of the amount of waste we generated and the impact it had on the planet. Even back in the 90s, when reusable bags were not a popular option, we brought our own reusable tote bags to the grocery store and limited single-use plastic. As I have grown up and moved out of my parent's house, I have continued to make intentional choices to live sustainably. One of the ways I do this is by participating in beach clean-ups. Living in a coastal community, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine life. That's why I volunteer for the nonprofit Clear Blue Sea. Their mission is to "reduce ocean plastic pollution through innovation and technology." I believe that it's important to take action towards preserving our planet and that even small contributions can make a significant impact. In addition to my volunteer work, I also strive to make sustainable choices in my daily life. I compost my food waste to reduce the amount of organic material that ends up in landfills. By composting, I am diverting waste from the landfill and creating a valuable resource for my garden. When I grocery shop, I often choose to shop at Mighty Bin, a local store with a mission to "make sustainable living easy and affordable." Mighty Bin provides plastic-free, package-free, organic, and non-toxic food, personal care, and household products. I enjoy shopping there because it helps me easily make better choices and reduces my environmental impact. Ten years ago, I made the conscious decision to stop eating meat. This choice has significantly reduced my carbon footprint as the meat industry is responsible for a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing meat consumption also has numerous environmental benefits, such as reducing deforestation and minimizing water usage. I have found that there are plenty of delicious and nutritious plant-based options that make me feel better about my food choices. Reducing our carbon footprint is crucial to protecting our planet and ensuring a healthy future for generations to come. Making intentional choices in our daily lives, such as reducing single-use plastic, volunteering for environmental organizations, and choosing sustainable grocery options, can make a significant impact. It is our responsibility to take care of the Earth and make choices that will preserve it for future generations. I am committed to living sustainably and hope to inspire others to do the same.
    Book Lovers Scholarship
    As an avid reader and book lover, I strongly believe that reading is a powerful tool that can change people's lives. Books have the ability to transport us to different worlds, to show us new perspectives, and to help us understand ourselves and others in deeper and more meaningful ways. The right book, in the right hands, can be transformative. If I could have everyone in the world read just one book, it would be "No One Belongs Here More Than You" by Miranda July. This book is a collection of short stories that explore the complexities of human relationships, the struggles of self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life. Each story is unique, and yet they are all connected by a common thread of profound emotional honesty and vulnerability. Through her writing, Miranda July invites us to step into the shoes of her characters and experience their joys, sorrows, and challenges. She explores themes such as love, loss, loneliness, and identity with a rare sensitivity and insight that is both moving and thought-provoking. The stories in this book are not only beautifully written, but they also offer a deep understanding of the human experience. What makes "No One Belongs Here More Than You" so special is the way it captures the essence of what it means to be human. It reminds us that we are all flawed, imperfect, and yet deeply connected to each other. It teaches us to embrace our differences and celebrate our shared humanity. In a world that can often feel divisive and isolating, this message is more important than ever. Furthermore, "No One Belongs Here More Than You" is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their age, background, or interests. The stories are accessible and relatable, yet they also offer a depth of understanding that can resonate with readers on a personal level. In conclusion, if I could recommend just one book to the world, it would be "No One Belongs Here More Than You" by Miranda July. Its profound insights and beautiful prose have the power to touch hearts, inspire minds, and transform lives. This book reminds us of the power of literature to connect us to each other and to the world around us. It is a book that can be read and re-read, and it will continue to offer new insights and perspectives with each reading.