Growing up fishing around the Southeast I have learned that many of our ecosystems are far more fragile than we think. In college, my intent is to study wildlife biology and conservation. As a part of my studies, my ideal goal would be to obtain in-depth knowledge of freshwater ecosystems. I would like to eventually bring my focus to the Southeastern streams and rivers I grew up fishing. My passion has always been protecting the waterways we rely on for recreation and sustenance. Many of these river systems have species that are only native to that particular system and nothing similar is found in any other part of the world. One species that especially caught my attention is the Birmingham Darter (Etheostoma birminghamense). This newly discovered species is only native to the Valley Creek river system in Alabama and its associated tributaries. They are critically endangered due to human impact from urbanization, coal mining, and now the proposal of an AI data center. Many outdoors enthusiasts are already petitioning against the data center since the species is protected under the Endangered Species Act. The developers have refused to release the project's environmental and health studies. The impact of the data center would be disastrous to the Valley Creek system, causing it to be completely void of water, eliminating the Birmingham Darter and other aquatic species. These species will be in incredible danger if there are no people like me to help protect them from human impact. After I receive my degree in Wildlife Biology, it is my wish to work directly in the field of studying endangered freshwater species and protecting vulnerable environments. Through Biological surveys, habitat monitoring and population viability analysis I would help conservation agencies collect data to better understand endangered species like the Birmingham Darter. This will help me make a change before similar environments fall victim to human impact and development. Protecting these smaller river systems is especially important since they are sensitive and provide many resources for humans. The Birmingham Darter is such an important fish to us since they are an indicator species; meaning their population tells about the environment's health. When the Birmingham Darter population decreases there is a negative effect on water quality. Protecting the Birmingham Darter will hopefully lead to a trickle down effect in conservation by helping other indicator species in different areas. By pursuing a career in wildlife conservation and biology, I will ideally protect many more freshwater environments before they are ruined by unbridled development. Rivers and streams like Valley Creek are far more than just rivers and streams; they are environments that hold species found nowhere else in the world. Through research and environmental advocacy, I hope to make a lasting difference in protecting the environments that many people overlook.