Since I was old enough to dig my fingers in the ground, I knew plants were to be mine. There is enchantment in a seedling taking root, in a bed of bare ground transformed into living tapestry, or a dying flower being reborn with kindness. Horticulture brings me peace, I find it's my refuge. When childhood had been unstable, with the weight of my parents' mental illness and my depression, the garden was where I learned quiet. Plants are complex, they have different needs that you have to learn. Growing a plant takes patience, dedication, and genuine love. Caring for them, I learned to care for myself. My passion for this work extends beyond respect, it's a lifeline. While other kids were drawn to sport or art, I found solace in the cadence of pruning, planting, and propagating. Throughout high school, I volunteered at a local conservation trust, where I realized that landscaping is not just about aesthetics, it's about creating spaces for healing. A garden that is well cared for can lift one's spirits, unite people, and even aid in recovery. This realization made me more determined to pursue horticulture as a career. I've since grasped every possibility for learning, from personal projects to handheld landscaping labor, driven by the belief that such work matters. My character is my unwavering dedication. A childhood spent around mentally ill parents was a lifestyle of uncertainty, but it developed in me resourcefulness and pliability. Depression made even crawling out of bed a task once, but I forced myself out into the garden because I understood it would calm me. That same discipline carries me now, whether studying late or laboring in the summer heat to perfect a landscape design. I don’t shy away from hard work; I thrive on it. Financial barriers have also presented a challenge. Compared to more conventional career paths, horticulture scholarships are scarce and difficult to find, and education expenses, especially specialty training, are daunting. This scholarship would help relieve that, allowing me to focus solely on building my craft and making meaningful contributions to this work. Ideally, I'd like to combine horticulture with therapeutic practices, designing healing green spaces for at-risk populations, particularly those that have been touched by mental illness or addiction. Jay Curry's story resonates with me on a personal level: his pride in staying sober, his dedication to creating something beautiful, his impact on his community. Like him, I hope that my work will leave the world in a better state than when I entered it. With this scholarship, I will be that much closer to realizing that dream.

The issue of litter and trash in my community has always been a concern for me. Living in the metro Atlanta area, I’ve noticed how discarded waste not only harms the environment but also diminishes the natural beauty of our neighborhoods. Seeing plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other debris scattered around parks, streets, and waterways motivated me to take action. It struck me that I had to start with myself if I were to witness change. I therefore started picking up trash whenever I noticed some while I went for my daily walks or when I went outside. This was a small action that felt right but also made me realize that more efforts were needed to have an even greater impact. What led me to seek a solution for this problem was a combination of environmental consciousness and duty to my society. I was never indifferent to keeping nature intact, and it pained me to see garbage pile up on land that otherwise had to be clean and scenic. I had to ensure that my actions could assist in making the younger generations inhabit a cleaner and healthier world. Additionally, I consider that a clean society is advantageous to citizens since it promotes pride and togetherness, and I wanted to be part of this shared prosperity. I've so far managed to achieve quite a lot on my own. I have developed a habit of picking up trash where it has been dumped. I've also started working together with volunteer organizations working in metro Atlanta, the particular interest being public cleanliness. My participation has directly facilitated bulk amounts of garbage to be picked up along water bodies, parks, and sidewalks. It has been satisfying to see the immediate impact of my actions, however small, one piece of garbage at a time. I would like to take it to the next level someday by organizing community clean-up activities. I would like to mobilize like-minded individuals who also want to clean up our city. We could cover more ground and make more of an impact with a volunteer group. I also wish to encourage the correct disposal of rubbish and recycling since this is where litter prevention begins. I would also like to encourage a sense of environmental pride in the people of my community so that everyone can take pride in clean public areas.

In my academic and professional goals, I am motivated by the natural world and a sustainable future for the environment and humanity. In college, I hope to get an ecology degree and eventually a master's in ecological studies. This advanced training will give me the tools to tackle climate change, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. I aim to work at the interface of ecology and urban development so that human progress does not cost the planet's health. Giving back to my community has been a huge part of my growth personally and professionally. Perhaps the most meaningful contribution has been through my work with Trees Atlanta, a nonprofit that protects and expands the city's urban forest. I have planted trees and maintained green spaces. Through these activities, I've grown closer to the environment and learned about the power of collective action in making things happen. My favorite was building enclosures for endangered turtles for a local conservation project. That involved planning, working together, and paying attention to detail so the turtles could have a safe and sustainable environment. It was really rewarding to see how our efforts directly benefited a vulnerable species. This taught me about ecosystem balance and how human actions can harm or protect nature. I have also been a tree keeper and a trash collector around Atlanta. So whether it's pruning branches, mulching tree beds, or picking up litter in parks and waterways, I know what small, consistent efforts can make a community come alive. From something as small as giving trees along the road a little bit of maintenance. To help plant trees in an entire neighborhood. Seeing a community take action to help restore just a piece of this world was very satisfying Volunteering with Trees Atlanta and working on conservation have made me reflect on the balance between human development and environmental preservation. I know firsthand how small things like planting a tree or building a turtle enclosure can improve air quality, reduce urban heat, create habitats for wildlife, and build community pride. Such experiences inspired me to learn more about the natural world and to work for more sustainable practices for people and the planet. I think they have also reinforced for me that protecting ecosystems is a social and economic issue too. My experiences have motivated me to promote solutions that combine ecological health with human progress. Which will use my education and my career to find new ways to protect the environment while creating communities. I hope to be a change agent whether through research, policy advocacy, or community engagement so that future generations can experience the wonders of nature. In conclusion, I have an environmentalist aspiration for my academic and professional goals. Volunteering with Trees Atlanta and doing conservation work like turtle enclosures and green space redevelopment has allowed me to give back to my community and has inspired me to become an ecological studies major. Which will leave a legacy preserving the beauty of our ecosystems while promoting human development for a just and prosperous world for all.

AP classes opened doors to new ways of thinking, pushed me to the limit and prepared me for college and beyond. Not every student has access to these transformative experiences, though. Most students, especially in underserved or underfunded areas, do not have the resources to offer all Advanced Placement courses or the support systems to help students succeed in them. That creates an uneven field where many students miss out on rigorous academic programs that could shape their futures. I believe we need deliberate and comprehensive steps to expand AP offerings in all schools throughout the state - environmental science, computer science, and the arts, which are so relevant today. We also need to allocate funding and resources fairly so that all students, regardless of zip code or income, can benefit. Initially, state education departments and local school districts would be asked to identify schools without AP programs. Through assessments, we can better understand the needs of those schools - lack of qualified teachers, inadequate funding for materials, or insufficient infrastructure for advanced coursework. This data would be the foundation for advocating for state and federal grants to fund teacher training, curriculum development, and materials for these courses. Investing in teacher professional development is critical to any AP program. Teacher training and confidence are needed to deliver challenging content and support students through these rigorous courses. Other than money, local universities, nonprofits, and community organizations could help bridge that gap as well. These partnerships may mentor and tutor students struggling with the rigor of AP classes. For example, college students or professionals in relevant fields might tutor or mentor high school students. This kind of support can make all the difference to students who have no academic support at home or who are the first in their families to study advanced studies. Another idea is virtual AP courses. Rural or underfunded students may find high-quality online education life-changing. The virtual AP courses would let students take classes that their schools could not afford to offer in person. So this approach expands access without excluding students from remote areas. Hence, schools would need to provide technology and internet access, along with support systems for students to navigate online learning. In-person check-ins or study groups could also be added to virtual courses to encourage student collaboration. Expanding AP opportunities is one step toward a more equitable education system. I would also recommend initiatives around mentorship and college readiness. Such programs might prepare them for rigorous coursework and support them in their long-range academic and career goals. Workshops on time management, study techniques, and test-taking strategies, for instance, might help students prepare for AP classes. Mentorship programs might also connect students with professionals or college students who can help with college applications, career paths, and navigating higher education. We can give students the tools and guidance to succeed so they can follow their passions and learn critical skills to help them in the future. In conclusion, my state's educational opportunities, especially AP classes, have shaped my academic journey and future goals. They made me think critically, work hard, and dream big. Still, more can be done to ensure that all students can experience such life-changing moments. AP programs expanded, funding increased, and strong support systems were built to create an equitable and empowering education system where all students can thrive. This is the future I see and a future worth fighting for. We can create a world where all students can succeed - regardless of background.

Family trauma and isolation shaped my struggles with mental health during the time of my hardest times in life. I felt alone, like I had a weight no one else could see or understand. But why go on? Does any of this matter? " I kind of felt like I was in a fog and could not get out. My social anxiety made reaching out even harder. And I felt invisible - like my pain mattered to no one - and I did not know how to stop it. My friends saved me, honestly. They never gave in to me when I pushed them away or shut down because of my anxiety. But they kept coming even though I could not be there for myself. When I finally started talking they listened and told me I wasn't alone. It was like a little light in the dark, and slowly I started to believe that maybe things could get better. Not that they had all the answers - just that they cared enough to help me take those first steps toward healing. In all this I learned two things that changed everything for me. The first realization was realizing how important it is to have people in your life who care about you. Friends showed me that love and support may not come where you expect them to but they can make all the difference when you're down. I also learned that I have to believe in myself. If I can not see my own worth, who else can? But slowly I started to understand that my life has value and I should fight for it. I learned how to live through these experiences, not just survive. They showed me that you can ask for help, you can not be okay and that healing is not something you have to do alone. And today, I try to be like my friends were for me - someone who listens, who shows up, and who reminds people that they matter. My mental health struggles are part of my story, but they do not define me. Their lessons have made me stronger and more empathetic and motivated to build a life of connection, kindness and hope. I also learned that healing is not linear. Days when things still feel heavy, but I know how to reach out and help those who love me. I learned to be kind to myself, to celebrate small victories and to keep moving forward when it's hard. But most of all, I know my struggles have not made me weak - they've strengthened me to help other people going through something similar. And if I can say one thing to anyone struggling: DO NOT GIVE UP! You're not alone, even when you feel like you are. People care about you - even if you can not see it right now - but they do. And you're worth fighting for - not just with those around you - but with yourself too. This has taught me life is messy and hard but beautiful and worth living. If I can just make one person feel less alone, all the work will be worth it.

My passion for saving the environment stems from a profoundly personal relationship with nature and its profoundly inspirational effect on my life. In times of strife and desperation, I was soothed by nature's beauty be it the calm of the forest, the openness of the ocean, or the mere pleasure of seeing flowers bloom. These experiences made me consider how rich and resilient our world is, and how much we stand to lose if we don't do something to rescue it. This prompted me to devote my life to combating climate change and rescuing the environment for future generations. I wish to be capable of empowering others to experience the same peace, inspiration, and healing in nature that I experienced. The scholarship is an important step in helping me toward my goal of studying environmental science and ecology in college. I look forward to gaining the knowledge and skills to be a part of the solution to the complex problems of climate change. Through studying ecology, sustainable development, and environmental policy, I hope to be in a position to understand the interdependence of natural systems and human activities that endanger them. I would like to learn more about renewable energy technology, waste reduction, and conservation strategies for reducing the effects of climate change. My long-term career aspiration is to assist organizations, governments, and communities in adopting sustainable practices and policy advocacy for the well-being of our planet. This scholarship will allow me to undertake these studies and translate my passion into action. Systemic change is what we need, but what we are doing as individuals goes a long way in lowering our collective carbon footprint. To my friends and family, I would give them daily tips to make their lives easier so that they could live more sustainable lives. One of the simplest and most helpful things is composting small amounts of organic trash, including grass clippings and kitchen scraps. Composting will prevent the necessity for landfills and create very nutritious, rich soil for plants to grow in. To others who are challenged with planting, composting is a great mode of soil fertilization with the result being lush, lovely flowers and gardens. I would also invite them to practice such habits as reducing single-use plastic consumption, conserving energy, and supporting local and sustainable businesses. Minor adjustments, replicated in communities, amount to enormous environmental gains. Finally, I care about the protection of the environment because I would like to leave the world with all its beauty and glory to the coming generation. With my future studies, I am going to halt global warming problems and encourage others to follow in my footsteps. I think that together as a society, or even as individuals, we can create a sustainable future in which the world and humanity can flourish. This scholarship will enable me to take the first step towards such a vision, and I pledge to use this opportunity to be actively engaged in making the world a healthier and more sustainable place.

The necessity for obligatory recycling, sustainability, and international collaboration to combat climate change is an urgent matter that cannot wait. The destruction caused to our world has been done mostly by forces outside of any single person enormous corporations and industries that value profit over environmental conservation. However, though the problem might appear daunting in its magnitude, we as a nation still have the ability to unite and create real change. The cost of doing nothing is too great to bear: swelling seas, catastrophic natural disasters, and the permanent destruction of ecosystems imperil not just the planet but humanity's future itself. These issues are global in nature, necessitating international collaboration and collective responsibility to tackle them effectively. Though individually it is not possible to reverse the harm caused by centuries of industrial destruction, together our actions can build a tide of transformation. We need to demand stricter environmental laws, promote sustainable consumption, and hold corporations responsible to effect systemic change. Required recycling, for instance, is not only a personal duty but a collective pledge to resource conservation and waste reduction. Sustainability is a matter of developing systems that are good for people and the planet so that future people can inherit an earth that is habitable and flourishing. The struggle against climate change is not one of blame but one of responsibility. It is the awareness that, while the problem has been made by the powerful, it must be addressed by the many. If we can unite nationally, generationally, and communally, a sustainable world is ours to create. It is an opportunity to look beyond ourselves and to question what sort of world we wish to leave? Together, we can turn the tide and our legacy will be one of strength, unity, and promise for a brighter future.

In middle school, I attended a science fair on urban green spaces and their relation to local ecologies. Standing in front of my display, I noticed something: amid dozens of students presenting, few looked like me. The moment stayed with me. It wasn’t just feeling out of place but realizing the lack of diversity in STEM meant many perspectives, experiences, and ideas were excluded. This realization deepened my passion for ecology and commitment to greater representation in STEM careers. Diverse representation in STEM is vital because innovation requires varied perspectives. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are fields built on solving problems that affect people from all walks of life. Without the voices of underrepresented groups like African Americans, women, and other minorities, solutions remain incomplete. For instance, climate change and pollution disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Without diversity in ecology and environmental science, we risk overlooking these disparities and failing to create equitable solutions. Representation ensures all communities' needs are considered, leading to more inclusive and effective outcomes. Beyond practicality, representation inspires the next generation. Growing up, I rarely saw scientists who looked like me in textbooks or media. When young people don’t see themselves in these fields, they may feel STEM isn’t for them. This lack of representation creates a cycle of low diversity, missing countless opportunities. By diversifying STEM, we bring fresh ideas and show young people from all backgrounds they belong. I want to be part of that change, inspiring others who look like me to pursue their passions in STEM while contributing my unique perspective to ecology. I’ve seen how diversity fuels creativity and collaboration. In high school, my team designed a community garden for our neighborhood. Our group included students from different cultural backgrounds, each bringing unique ideas. One suggested incorporating plants from their heritage, while another proposed a rainwater harvesting system used in their home country. The result was a garden that benefited the environment and celebrated our community’s diversity. This experience showed me firsthand how diverse perspectives lead to richer, more innovative solutions. As I prepare to major in ecology in college, I am committed to increasing diversity in STEM. I plan to use my education to address environmental challenges in underserved communities and serve as a role model for young people of color. By breaking barriers and amplifying underrepresented voices, we can create a future where STEM fields reflect the diversity of our world and everyone can contribute to solving global problems. Representation in STEM isn’t just about equity it’s a necessity for progress. It ensures solutions are inclusive, equitable, and effective. It inspires the next generation to dream bigger and reach further. And it enriches science and technology with the full spectrum of human experience. I’m proud to be part of this movement and excited to see how my contributions, and those of others like me, will shape the future of STEM.