When I was a child, my mother would often take me camping at Sequoia National Park. I vividly remember the day I first walked through the trunk of a massive sequoia tree. It was apparent that a fire had burned right through its core, yet even so exposed, it grew unwaveringly. After evacuating my home from a wildfire for the second time in just a few years, my eyes were opened to the ways in which the world was changing. I watched as minority communities struggled, pollution worsened, droughts increased, wildfires raged, and the environment I love so much suffered. Unlike the resilient sequoias I admired so much, I learned, humans and wildlife are extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. While studying Environmental Policy at UC Davis, I learned about various factors that cause and perpetuate climate change. I took courses in earth and political science, geology, law, chemistry, and biology, giving me a well rounded understanding of the causes and effects of climate change. However, I discovered that my true passion lies in studying environmental justice and climate policy. My major had tracks we could choose to specialize in, but none of them aligned perfectly with my interests. I worked with my advisor to create my own track called, “Climate Justice and Policy”. This track focused on the intersectionality between environmental justice issues, urban planning, and the biogeochemical science behind climate change. While in university, the most important thing I learned is that science is vital to informing policy decisions. A strong scientific background is necessary to understand the intricacies of climate change which has encouraged me to pursue higher education. Recently, I was accepted into the Climate Science and Policy Masters Program at UC San Diego. This program closely aligns with my aspirations and goals. I am excited at the prospect of designing my own research projects and working closely with the academics and scientists who have been monumental in climate change research. The hands-on research, freedom to explore my interests and the professional experience offered by this program are unmatched and would pave the way for success in my future endeavors. After masters, I aspire to become an environmental lawyer or work at a nonprofit to advocate for climate legislation focused on climate resilience, decarbonization and environmental justice in disadvantaged communities. Outside of my studies, I am both a nanny and a swim coach who works daily with young children and infants. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that working with children continuously motivates me to leave the world better than I found it. It is my personal responsibility to be a good ancestor and ensure our planet is habitable for future generations. I believe humans and wildlife alike have the fundamental right to clean air, water and a safe environment. Though we have missed a crucial window to reverse certain effects of climate change and things seem grim, I will not be complicit in the status quo. I feel called to get involved, make a change, and be an active participant in the global scientific community.

When I was young I always dreamed of pursuing a career in education, hoping to positively influence the next generation in order to change the world for the better. However due to the events of recents years my resolve has shifted. With the Thomas Fire in 2017, both my family and I were forced to evacuate. I was way out of my element. Even though myself and my family were safe, we watched as thousands lost their homes. Every year since then, a major fire has ravaged the state I live in. Just last year I stood in fear as a fire crested over the hill behind my home. I watched in horror on the news that Big Basin National Park, which I had camped at as a child, burned to the ground. Moments like these are seared into my memory forever. These yearly fires have now developed into a pattern that scientists have accredited to climate change. During quarantine, I came to recognize that our climate is the most pressing issue that affects our world. I became impassioned to support my community and get involved in a different way than teaching could achieve. I have since shifted my focus toward environmental sciences so I could work to help communities like mine which have been affected by natural disasters. From there, I started looking into deforestation from logging and fires, the destruction of coral reefs and ecosystems, and conservation work being done all over the globe. Now, as an active member of the Women in STEM club, I learn about others just like me and the field I hope to one day be in. My next steps are to further my knowledge of the environment and wildlife so I can become an effective advocate in efforts to fight against global warming, protect endangered species, and help promote clean energy and water policies. In the future I see myself working with a conservation or advocacy group. I am also considering law school to become an environmental lawyer in order to help protect our planet. I am very outspoken about social and environmental issues. I also want to bring to light the crisis of environmental racism/injustice and pollution in minority communities. I am eager to further my experiences by volunteering and involving myself in small communities. I plan to study abroad to expand my horizons and learn more about the world and environment. With each new idea I learn or challenge I face, I am only more motivated to reach my goals and be the change I want to see in the world.

My favorite book is a bit of an unusual one. In my junior year of high school we read the book, Into the Wild by John Krakauer. Which tells the real life story of Chris McCandless, a man who essentially forgoes his life, gets rid of all his possessions and makes his way across the United States to Alaska for his finally adventure. The book follows all the people he interacts with, his struggles, and real life letters he wrote. Tragically, McCandless passes away on his final trip in the Alaskan wilderness. Everyone in my class hated this book, except for me. Some part of me deeply empathized with Chris and his need to escape the real world. This book made me feel like I was also escaping my troubles. I feel that people often misconstrue how stressful it can be to live in such a constricting society with such rigid expectations for what your life should be. For people like Chris and I thats not what we envision for our immediate future. I wish there were more people who talked about this issue the way it was discussed in the book. People in my class called Chris crazy, a heartless person and an adrenaline junkie. In contrast, I believe he was the most realistic picture that could be painted of human nature. Humans were never meant to be confined to this chaotic life. Nature is beautiful and experiencing it is so important. It’s part of the reason I want to become an environmental conservationist and advocate. In that sense, this book gives me hope for my future and makes me feel less alone. I hope others love this book as much as I do.

From a young age I had convinced myself that the world is and always will be awful. Most people can’t imagine it, but I was the most cynical child alive. Growing up in an unsheltered environment I was exposed to all the good and the bad of our world. All I was used to hearing is that knowledge is power, but sometimes ignorance can be bliss. The burden of knowledge falls heavy on young shoulders. I had a hard time connecting to people my age and quite honestly found them immature. While I was busy worrying over how the bills would be paid by my single mother, these kids were too busy crying over a broken toy. The unfairness of it all made me hate other kids. Why did I have to see the real world while they were allowed to be naive and innocent? It seemed so convoluted and upsetting. It was amusing to me because everyone always claimed how extraordinary, extroverted and mature I was. In reality I had curled up inside my brain so tight I couldn’t breathe. The saying “you’re so mature for your age” is honestly an insult to childhood. It roughly translates to, “you’ve been traumatized so early on that you’re ready to join the reality of our messed up society.” As more time passed, getting out of bed became harder and I didn't want to burden my mother with my problems. Being a burden and a failure was my greatest fear. My self esteem hit rock bottom and I found life pointless. I found myself regularly saying “you need to be here for others”. I was living for others, not myself which meant my life purpose had nothing to do with me. I strived to be the best and when I wasn’t, it was devastating. Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing? Why am I here? Why are these simple questions so hard to answer? Now that the cynical child has grown up. I have become a nihilist, a realist, a cynisist, a depressed person who has a hard time seeing the point. But here I am, still standing, still walking, still running. Running towards a future that seems so far away and probably is. I’ll never stop chasing it though, for as long as I live. I know I’m supposed to write about how I overcame my mental illness, my depression, my anxiety, and my sensory issues. The truth is though, it doesn't go away, no matter how many meds, how many talks and how many “solutions” it will stick with me until the day I die. This isn’t a success story, it’s my real unedited story. I’m a never ending work in progress, but it hasn’t stopped me from chasing that metaphorical green light. I will keep going. I’m chasing my dream to help the environment, because if I can’t help myself I want to die knowing I helped something. I need direction and purpose in life and I’ve found it. Nature is the only thing that has never wronged me in this lifetime. It’s gorgeous and needs care and I want to provide that. I will care for the world the way I deserved to be cared for growing up. Even though I’m not sure what tomorrow holds, or even if I’ll be here to see it, I know that I have the willpower to keep going. I have made it this far, so what’s a couple more steps?

Growing up, I was the only one among my friends and peers to be biracial-- half African American, half White. Having been raised by my single white mother, I never felt included or embraced by those around me as I was raised in a predominantly white and Hispanic community. I always felt as if I didn't belong and that somehow my self worth was less than others around me. Furthermore, I felt estranged from my Black heritage since I was distanced from the culture and did not fit the preconceived notions that people had. Despite that, I have been frequently teased for having afrocentric features and curly hair. When it comes to reaching high-level academic achievement, people often make remarks about my intelligence in regards to my race. These types of comments hurt me deeply as I know that race or appearance does not reflect character and intellect. I want to change this backwards mindset not only for myself but anyone else like me. Striving to be the very best version of myself, regardless of what other people think, makes me more resilient and open-minded than ever. I now recognize that things I had once been ashamed of are all important features of who I am. These experiences inspire me to further my education and voice my opinions beyond a school setting. I want to offer my unique perspective of how I overcame adversity and issues of identity to others who might have felt the same as I once did. Due to my mixed background I am extremely flexible when it comes to working with others and can adapt to numerous situations. This allows me to continuously broaden my worldview and think more globally. In the future I see myself working with a conservation or advocacy group. I am also considering law school to become an environmental lawyer in order to help protect our planet. I am very outspoken about social and environmental issues. I also want to bring to light the crisis of environmental racism/injustice and pollution in minority communities. I am excited by the prospect of sharing my ideas and contributing to a diverse community.

When I was young I always dreamed of pursuing a career in education, hoping to positively influence the next generation in order to change the world for the better. However due to the events of recents years my resolve has shifted. With the Thomas Fire in 2017, both my family and I were forced to evacuate. I was way out of my element. Even though myself and my family were safe, we watched as thousands lost their homes. Every year since then, a major fire has ravaged the state I live in. Just last year I stood in fear as a fire crested over the hill behind my home. I watched in horror on the news that Big Basin National Park, which I had camped at as a child, burned to the ground. Moments like these are seared into my memory forever. These yearly fires have now developed into a pattern that scientists have accredited to climate change. During quarantine, I came to recognize that our climate is the most pressing issue that affects our world. I became impassioned to support my community and get involved in a different way than teaching could achieve. I have since shifted my focus toward environmental sciences so I could work to help communities like mine which have been affected by natural disasters. From there, I started looking into deforestation from logging and fires, the destruction of coral reefs and ecosystems, and conservation work being done all over the globe. Now, as an active member of the Women in STEM club, I learn about others just like me and the field I hope to one day be in. My next steps are to further my knowledge of the environment and wildlife so I can become an effective advocate in efforts to fight against global warming, protect endangered species, and help promote clean energy and water policies. In the future I see myself working with a conservation or advocacy group. I am also considering law school to become an environmental lawyer in order to help protect our planet. I am very outspoken about social and environmental issues. I also want to bring to light the crisis of environmental racism/injustice and pollution in minority communities. I am eager to further my experiences by volunteering and involving myself in small communities. I plan to study abroad to expand my horizons and learn more about the world and environment. With each new idea I learn or challenge I face, I am only more motivated to reach my goals and be the change I want to see in the world.

My favorite book is a bit of an unusual one. In my junior year of high school we read the book, Into the Wild by John Krakauer. Which tells the real life story of Chris McCandless, a man who essentially forgoes his life, gets rid of all his possessions and makes his way across the United States to Alaska for his finally adventure. The book follows all the people he interacts with, his struggles, and real life letters he wrote. Tragically, McCandless passes away on his final trip in the Alaskan wilderness. Everyone in my class hated this book, except for me. Some part of me deeply empathized with Chris and his need to escape the real world. This book made me feel like I was also escaping my troubles. I feel that people often misconstrue how stressful it can be to live in such a constricting society with such rigid expectations for what your life should be. For people like Chris and I thats not what we envision for our immediate future. I wish there were more people who talked about this issue the way it was discussed in the book. People in my class called Chris crazy, a heartless person and an adrenaline junkie. In contrast, I believe he was the most realistic picture that could be painted of human nature. Humans were never meant to be confined to this chaotic life. Nature is beautiful and experiencing it is so important. It’s part of the reason I want to become an environmental conservationist and advocate. In that sense, this book gives me hope for my future and makes me feel less alone. I hope others love this book as much as I do.

Reading is an escape, a fantasy, and a place where anything you want can happen. Since I was young i’ve always used reading as my secret getaway. It was vital to me when things got difficult and I felt stuck inside my own head. I allowed the authors of these stories to take me to a different reality. One of my favorite books to read when I need to de-stress is The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It tells the story of a young girl who tragically loses her parents and is forced to go live with her estranged uncle. This book allowed me to look at my life from an outside perspective and find happiness in the small things similarly to how the main character in the book focuses on growing this beautiful garden regardless of the hardships she faces. Reading allows me to have a private, personal piece of happiness within my imagination. I also think that reading is something we take for granted now with the immediacy of the internet and cellphones , which can be very draining. Books lead to a different type of satisfaction and allow you to take a step back from this fast paced world. I would recommend this method of relaxation to anyone of all ages. Reading still is and will always be my favorite relaxation method.

In the future I see myself working with a conservation or advocacy group. I am also considering law school to become an environmental lawyer in order to help protect our planet. I am very outspoken about social and environmental issues. I also want to bring to light the crisis of environmental racism/injustice and pollution in minority communities. I am eager to further my experiences by volunteering and involving myself in small communities. I plan to study abroad to expand my horizons and learn more about the world and environment. Learning is my motivation and knowledge is the path towards my future.

Hello my name is Brooke Parks! I come from a low-income single mother household. I am multiracial and a young woman in STEM. I am currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science Analysis and Policy at the University of California Davis. I am a first year college student and excited to pursue my education and career. I am very passionate about the environment and my main focus is in advocacy and conservation. When I was young I always dreamed of pursuing a career in education, hoping to positively influence the next generation in order to change the world for the better. However due to the events of recents years my resolve has shifted. With the Thomas Fire in 2017, both my family and I were forced to evacuate. I was way out of my element. Even though myself and my family were safe, we watched as thousands lost their homes. Every year since then, a major fire has ravaged the state I live in. Just last year I stood in fear as a fire crested over the hill behind my home. I watched in horror on the news that Big Basin National Park, which I had camped at as a child, burned to the ground. Moments like these are seared into my memory forever. These yearly fires have now developed into a pattern that scientists have accredited to climate change. During quarantine, I came to recognize that our climate is the most pressing issue that affects our world. I became impassioned to support my community and get involved in a different way than teaching could achieve. I have since shifted my focus toward environmental sciences so I could work to help communities like mine which have been affected by natural disasters. From there, I started looking into deforestation from logging and fires, the destruction of coral reefs and ecosystems, and conservation work being done all over the globe. Now, as an active member of the Women in STEM club, I learn about others just like me and the field I hope to one day be in. My next steps are to further my knowledge of the environment and wildlife so I can become an effective advocate in efforts to fight against global warming, protect endangered species, and help promote clean energy and water policies. In the future I see myself working with a conservation or advocacy group. I am also considering law school to become an environmental lawyer in order to help protect our planet. I am very outspoken about social and environmental issues. I also want to bring to light the crisis of environmental racism/injustice and pollution in minority communities. With each new idea I learn or challenge I face, I am only more motivated to reach my goals and be the change I want to see in the world.

Most people love their parents simply because they feel like that’s what they are expected to do. However, I feel that my situation is different. Being a mixed race daughter of a single mother was never easy. Though as a child I never felt the weight of the world on my shoulders because my mom was too busy carrying it on hers. She always made time for me and worked long hours to make sure I could do the activities loved. She encouraged me to see the world freely and learn as much as I could. Even though she knew we didn’t have much she never discouraged me from doing what I was passionate about. So in that sense I never felt the burden of knowing we were poor. Sure I was aware we weren’t the richest and understood our socioeconomic status, but it never made me feel disadvantaged. My mom uplifted me in every way. I knew that if she was drowning she would gladly put me on her shoulders. I am proud to be her daughter and have the pleasure to say I was raised by a strong, independent woman. Only now as a young adult do I see what she sacrificed for me. She inspires me every day to push myself harder and further my education. She’s the reason I’ve never given up on myself. If I could summarize my motivation in life it would be, “If she can do it, so can I”.

From a very young age, I have always struggled with mathematics. With every two steps forward, I had to take one step back. But in recent years, I have found myself embracing the subject. Middle school was the first time I enjoyed math, and while I found some sense of hope, it was fleeting, as I was required to repeat pre-algebra. Though my time before was discouraging, I quickly came to love my Algebra One teacher, Mrs. Sciarillo. She never treated me as if I was less than, as many teachers had before. She encouraged me to put my all into mathematics, and sure enough I ended that year with an A -- my first A in math. In awe, I remember looking at my grades through tears-- all the work I had invested meant something. I was driven to take geometry that summer to redeem my setback from middle school, passing with another A. I started gaining confidence and a newfound joy for math. The following year however, I was once again met with difficulty. I was successful with homework and got tutoring after-school, but my efforts were not reflected in my test scores. It was only until the summer course that I began to understand. Still, I felt unaccomplished, like I was simply making up for lost time. That sense of accomplishment was found my Junior year with my decision to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma. It was daunting as I realized I would be required to take a math class, but recalling all the time spent struggling and studying, I could not let it go to waste. I welcomed the challenge and loved it, even raising my hand in class, unafraid of being wrong. By applying the skills I previously learned, I earned a 5 on the IB exam and an A in the class. Looking at my peers and my history, I am by no means a mathematical genius, but I am proud of my perseverance despite continued difficulties. My patient success is my inspiration, as I know that pushing myself can lead to amazing feats.

During my sophomore year of water polo, I was determined to get on varsity. However, to my dismay, I was held back on junior varsity. Moreover, the team I was placed on was broken and divided. Thus, I was both shocked and excited when I was chosen as team captain, yet also worried that my teammates wouldn’t trust me. Our first few games went as well as they could. Everyone --including myself-- played as individuals rather than as a team. Something had to change if we wanted to be successful the rest of the season. It was only once we played against the toughest team in our league that our teamwork improved drastically. The varsity coach pulled me aside and said, “I want you to convince the rest of your team to forfeit. If you can then you can come with varsity to their next tournament.” She feared that a humiliating loss would affect our reputation. Nonetheless, I was appalled that she wanted us to give up and even attempted to bribe me as well. I informed my team of what was said, including what she offered me, and expressed that I would much rather lose the game than forfeit. I was pleasantly surprised when they unanimously agreed we would play. We lost that match by two points, but that was the closest game we played against that team. Personally, losing that game was like a drop in the ocean because I had finally earned my teammates’ respect and trust. That year I improved not only as a player but also as a person; learning what it meant to be a leader and how it felt to be relied on. When I made varsity the next year, I applied the lessons I learned to help create a more cohesive team.

Growing up, I was the only one among my friends and peers to be biracial-- half African American, half White. Having been raised by my single white mother, I never felt included or embraced by those around me as I was raised in a predominantly white and Hispanic community. I always felt as if I didn't belong and that somehow my self worth was less than others around me. Furthermore, I felt estranged from my Black heritage since I was distanced from the culture and did not fit the preconceived notions that people had. Despite that, I have been frequently teased for having afrocentric features and curly hair. When it comes to reaching high-level academic achievement, people often make remarks about my intelligence in regards to my race. These types of comments hurt me deeply as I know that race or appearance does not reflect character and intellect. I want to change this backwards mindset not only for myself but anyone else like me. Striving to be the very best version of myself, regardless of what other people think, makes me more resilient and open-minded than ever. I now recognize that things I had once been ashamed of are all important features of who I am. These experiences inspire me to further my education and voice my opinions beyond a school setting. I want to offer my unique perspective of how I overcame adversity and issues of identity to others who might have felt the same as I once did. Due to my mixed background I am extremely flexible when it comes to working with others and can adapt to numerous situations. This allows me to continuously broaden my worldview and think more globally. At the University of California Davis, I am be exposed to a variety of people that I can gain valuable insight from, as well as learn more about myself. In doing so, I can have more comprehensive knowledge and in depth conversations about race, culture and identity. I am excited by the prospect of sharing my ideas and contributing to a diverse community.

When I was young I always dreamed of pursuing a career in education, hoping to positively influence the next generation in order to change the world for the better. However due to the events of recents years my resolve has shifted. With the Thomas Fire in 2017, both my family and I were forced to evacuate. I was way out of my element. Even though myself and my family were safe, we watched as thousands lost their homes. Every year since then, a major fire has ravaged the state I live in. Just last year I stood in fear as a fire crested over the hill behind my home. I watched in horror on the news that Big Basin National Park, which I had camped at as a child, burned to the ground. Moments like these are seared into my memory forever. These yearly fires have now developed into a pattern that scientists have accredited to climate change. During quarantine, I came to recognize that our climate is the most pressing issue that affects our world. I became impassioned to support my community and get involved in a different way than teaching could achieve. I have since shifted my focus toward environmental sciences so I could work to help communities like mine which have been affected by natural disasters. From there, I started looking into deforestation from logging and fires, the destruction of coral reefs and ecosystems, and conservation work being done all over the globe. Now, as an active member of the Women in STEM club, I learn about others just like me and the field I hope to one day be in. My next steps are to further my knowledge of the environment and wildlife so I can become an effective advocate in efforts to fight against global warming, protect endangered species, and help promote clean energy and water policies. With each new idea I learn or challenge I face, I am only more motivated to reach my goals and be the change I want to see in the world.