Combating climate change and helping others have always been passions of mine, so joining my high school’s environmental club was an amazing experience. Not only does local gardening positively impact the air quality, but it also reduces carbon emissions by reducing both transportation distances and water runoff. By putting in the work, I’ve seen how lovingly everyone in the community takes care of the plants and advocates for the environment. Through this club, I have also ameliorated climate conditions by leading the charge in putting recycling bins in every classroom as a way to reduce plastic waste. Another way this club has reduced plastic waste is by conducting a metal water bottle sale. Reusable water bottles diminish the need for plastic water bottles, which are often discarded into landfills or dumped into the ocean, injuring marine life. This club has allowed me to further explore my passions in environmental protection, has opened my eyes to problems I wasn’t aware of and has reminded me how good it feels to contribute to the well-being of the community.

The first time my mom took me to the library, I was immediately charmed. The sleek, marble columns surrounding the entrance and the large, hand-carved sign made the building look regal. The outside was juxtaposed by a comforting interior filled with bean bags and cartoon animal wallpaper. As the years have passed, I’ve continued to visit this library, except I’ve moved on from the youth section to the adult section. There I’ve discovered gems like The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom. One of the main themes asserted in this book is that constantly looking at clocks takes away from everyday enjoyment. Reading this book taught me to slow down and think more carefully about my actions. I also realized that while scheduling time maximizes efficiency, it doesn’t allow one to enjoy every moment of each day to the fullest. At the time, I was overextended with activities and never had time for a break. Albom’s book led me to spend my time on activities I was passionate about, and I became happier because of it. Books and reading have shaped my past and brought me to this moment, just as they pave my way forward.

The wisest words that I have ever heard are “When you are measuring life, you are not living it.” This is a quote from my favorite book 'The Time Keeper' by Mitch Albom. By reading this book, I learned to slow down and think more carefully about my actions. When we are going through everyday life, there are some parts that we want to be over quicker. I found myself wishing that the hands on the clock would move at two times speed whenever I was at school or home. In order to better appreciate my time, I started to joke around with my co-workers and school friends. I also realized from this quote that while scheduling time maximizes efficiency, it doesn’t allow you to enjoy every moment of each day to the fullest. By not scheduling my time, I allowed myself to live more spontaneously. For the first time, I began taking walks and biking around my neighborhood. I stopped setting my alarm at a specific time every day, and got up when I pleased, which caused me to be more rested and better enjoy my day. This quote changed my outlook on life. I became more patient, made new friends, and focused less on keeping time.

“When you are measuring life, you are not living it.” This is a quote from my favorite book The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom. By reading this book, I learned to slow down and think more carefully about my actions. When we are going through everyday life, there are some parts that we want to be over quicker. I found myself wishing that the hands on the clock would move at two times speed whenever I was at school or home. In order to better appreciate my time, I started to joke around with my co-workers and school friends. I also realized from this quote that while scheduling time maximizes efficiency, it doesn’t allow you to enjoy every moment of each day to the fullest. I stopped setting my alarm at a specific time every day, and got up when I pleased. This caused me to be more rested and better enjoy my day. This quote changed my outlook on life. I became more patient, made new friends, and focused less on keeping time.

Madame Curie, a woman who literally died for her work. By trying to further investigate radioactivity, Marie Curie discovered the elements polonium and radium. Due to overexposure, her studies led her to contract aplastic anaemia, and eventually die. Curie’s work was not in vain; she invented the X-ray, which continues to be instrumental to provide medical aid to millions of people.