For one week each summer my family takes a trip to a lake resort four hours west of my hometown Duluth. We meet all the extended family on my mom's side of the family there. For the rest of the family it was a chance to see relatives and relax on the beach. Ever since I was about twelve years old there was only one thing on my mind from the night we arrived until the morning we left: Fish! Each morning there I woke up at six a.m. to go fishing with whatever cousin was willing to go. We would do one, sometimes two laps of the lake fishing and admiring the beauty of the sunrise in northern Minnesota. Whenever I wasn't fishing I was in the water. I spent hours diving off the floating dock and exploring the underwater forest of weeds and observing the fish that lived there. My family would joke that if I could trade my lungs for gills, I would. Sometimes during the evening I would go down to the dock and just watch the fish live their lives unbothered by me. Their secret underwater world appeals to me in a way that drives me to want to study marine biology. After graduation I want to work in research or conservation, specifically involving coral reefs and sharks. I've always loved sharks. When I was a kid, I'd spend hours watching Shark Week with my sister every summer. As one of the most misunderstood and mistreated animals on the planet, the human impact on their populations could have devastating effects on our ocean and the seafood industry. My hope is to find a way to stop the practice of de-fining sharks and establish protective zones where sharks can breed, with the aim to protect shark species for generations to come. It is my firm belief that the human experience is amplified by the presence of healthy and bio-diverse ecosystems. My career in community service will center around climate and ecological policy. Learning about wildlife is cool, but to help wildlife real action must be taken. This action must be in the form of legislation and enforcement. By showing all of the ties between ecology and human quality of life, I hope to push our politicians to finally act, and save our wildlife. I hope to help lead the human race towards a future where success does not depend on nature's demise. To accomplish this I'm going to need to go to a research university near a coast such as Oregon State or Miami University to major in a subject such as Marine Biology or Ecology. I hope to get started doing hands on research from an early age. It will be difficult but I know it's possible with continued hard work, determination and hope. This upcoming summer I'm planning to become scuba certified to get a head start on familiarizing myself with being underwater. Eventually I'll become knowledgeable enough to begin to push for legislation that helps and animals and people.

Is it normal to write better than you talk? For as long as I can remember I have always had trouble getting words out of my mouth. When trying to express the ideas there is a mental roadblock stopping me from speaking eloquently. My mouth stops cooperating when I speak, and is aggravated if I am nervous in any way. The sides of my mouth feel like they are full of saliva and my words feel congested. Variations of the same sentence blend together until they emerge from my mouth an unintelligible combination of the two. For the longest time I wondered if anyone would ever be able to hear the ideas I have to say. Until my senior year when I took my dual-enrollment college composition class. This class is where I learned about real writing for the very first time. Before I took this class I thought I hated writing. I would stare at a blank page or document for what felt like hours before I even had a semblance of a clue of what to write. This teacher’s name was Mr, Sorenson and was the first English teacher that I had that walked me through each and every step of the writing process. I learned the proper way to do everything, from formatting and citations, to transitions and claims. After learning the basics of how to write I gained confidence in my abilities. Later that semester I began to write in my free time; something I had never done before in my previous eighteen years of life. When writing, I finally began to feel as if I could properly convey everything that I was trying to say. The breakneck tempo of conversation no longer pressured my thoughts as I tried to find the words. I started to notice that once I began to type, the words flowed from my fingertips in language and clauses that my vocal chords could only dream of conjuring. This feeling, while exhilarating, led to overinflated and lengthy essays. I had to learn how to filter what I was putting into my papers. Peer editors became essential to my writing formula. By keeping me in check and removing irrelevant information they help keep my writing concise and down to earth. Even with methods in place to keep my writing short and effective I found I still had lots to say. On the final research paper for my college composition class, the minimum length was five pages. After an entire semester of research and work on my cloning research paper, I was unwilling to stop at that limit. I felt my work would be incomplete if I cut corners and did not paint an accurate picture of the idea and concept I was trying to illustrate. My final paper ended with a final length of thirteen pages of content and three pages of works cited. I hope to continue these writing standards into university as I continue my academic career. Much of university academics is writing based, and the ability to express my ideas on paper will be invaluable in the coming years. I am grateful that I decided to take my college comp class when I did. It is thanks to this class that I discovered my passion and talent for writing. I plan to keep writing both academically and recreationally to keep my skills sharp and become more adept in this new and infinite medium I have discovered. Through the pen, I have found my voice; and I intend to use it to the fullest extent of my power.

In times of crisis truly strong leaders relinquish control. Many would think that this is the exact last thing a group would want from a leader. When times get hard people want their leaders to take charge; they want to be told that everything is under control. They want to hear that their leader has all of the answers and knows exactly what to do. Truly strong leaders know that in order to truly lead they must submit to a higher power. That being the knowledge shown to us by science over millennia of work. The relationship between science and those in power has been tumultuous throughout the course of human history. When Galileo made a revolutionary discovery about the very nature of our universe he was persecuted for challenging the beliefs of the church. Oftentimes rulers feel scientific progress and the advancement of knowledge is a threat to their rule. They try to persecute scientists and paint them as liars and traitors saying they do not have the best interest of the people in mind. In other cases leaders view science as an ally to help them accomplish their goals. In England in the 1850s london citizens would dump their sewage directly into the city’s river and drinking water. This would cause massive outbreaks of disease such as cholera and create horrible smells around the city. London’s parliament took action and listened to the advice of early scientists who believed the cause of the outbreaks and smell to be from the sewage. They constructed a massive sewer system to keep human waste out of the river that is still partially in use today. By listening to scientists and acknowledging that they did not know everything they were able to solve their problems. A good example of these two philosophies in action was the Covid-19 pandemic. When the pandemic started the administration in power in America felt that they didn’t need to listen to the doctors and scientists about the disease calling them liars and labeling them as fear mongers. They believed it was overblown and not cause for significant concern. By leaving decisions to the states they allowed some states to do nothing to stop the spread, and as a result over half a million people died. Then the next year the new administration came in and was on the same team as science. They were able to admit their lack of expertise in the field and acknowledged that the scientists knew more. After they listened to scientists; the amount of cases dropped and the nation and economy began to heal. To run well leaders need science to advise and assist them about the best course of action for their people. In the same way that the government needs science, science needs the government. Not all fields of science are inherently profitable. In a capitalist society, this means that they have trouble acquiring research funding. Science needs the government to help fund it with grants and other programs to help conduct its research. World leaders do this because they believe in science’s ability to help themselves and their people. In this process the symbiotic relationship between the two begins to become clear. The sustainability of this cycle relies upon the ruling class’s opinions on science. If our leaders don’t trust science, then science loses its funding; and there is no one to advise the leaders about complex topics. This turns governing into a high stakes guessing game. The state of the relationship between leaders and scientists will ultimately shape the futures of our homes, towns, countries, and world.

People always say change is inevitable. While this statement may hold true for many things it is becoming increasingly accurate to describe our climate. During my time in Duluth Minnesota I have seen record high snowfalls and record lows. Our summers have been hotter and drier, and our weather has been more erratic with each passing year. Every year it becomes clearer that The climate is changing and it is unfortunately going to fall on the shoulders of the everyday person to protect it. There’s multiple ways to handle this issue but the fastest way is to switch our energy sources. By pivoting away from fossil fuels and using clean energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric and nuclear power we can cut our carbon footprint significantly. With worldwide agreements like the Paris Climate Accords we can work towards our survival as a species. It is only with a global community, encouragement and support that we can survive these struggles. A stricter pact with low carbon emissions allowance is necessary for global progress and community. The most influential thing that we the individual can do for our cause is to vote for climate. By voting for candidates that will stand up for our environment we can show the people in power that we won’t stand down while they destroy our home and hold the 1% accountable for their actions. To save our planet, we all need to switch our households towards renewable power such as solar or nuclear power. We need to limit senseless consumerism from overseas locations. It is also important that those killing the planet be held accountable for their actions and encouraged to stop. If the vast majority of world citizens stand up and make a stand then we can save our species from extinction.

My name is Chris Lopez and I am from a small town in northern Minnesota called Duluth. I have lived here as long as I can remember. The primary source of Duluth’s charm is the way it interacts with nature, and how accessible and visible nature is to all its residents. While living in Duluth you are never far away from a public park, stand of trees or body of water. Even in the busiest parts of downtown there are trees on the sidewalk, flower gardens and bushes. Growing up I thought that this level of exposure to nature was commonplace. I would spend all my days outside playing in our forests, lakes and parks. It wasn’t until I was older and had visited places like Chicago, Minneapolis and Washington DC that I realized that what the environment I had grown up in was truly special and unique compared to a majority of other cities. I began to feel bad for those who spent so little time around nature. It was around then that the field of landscape architecture came to my attention. I started to consider it as a possible career opportunity. I had always loved the outdoors and the public parks and greenspaces I had grown accustomed to in my hometown. The idea of being able to help design the natural spaces that so many people use and enjoy every day was alluring for me. I had always liked drawing pictures of landscapes and other natural things and I could see myself doing this for a living. I would enjoy being able to give beautiful natural spaces to those who need them. I believe that nature enhances the human experience. It is important for us to remember where our species originated from . In today's day and age many people in larger cities can go entire days without seeing a patch of grass or trees. The sense of hopelessness and apathy felt by so many is heavily influenced by them residing in steel and concrete mega forests. By providing greener spaces for citizens to gather with friends, have picnics, and soak up all that Mother Nature has to offer we can begin to chip away at urban depression and apathy. In becoming a landscape architect I hope to one day design parks and other outdoor spaces in our cities and towns. I can have pride in my work designing outdoor spaces each and every time me and my kids spend time in the places I helped to create. With your support I can accomplish my goals with less debt and bring my dreams to reality at less of a cost to myself in the future allowing myself to share these spaces and memories with my kids sooner. In continually taking steps to design our homes along with nature, we can learn to coexist with the environment that created us and feel more complete throughout our day to day lives.

For one week each summer my family takes a trip to a lake resort four hours west of my hometown Duluth. We meet all the extended family on my mom's side of the family there. For the rest of the family it was a chance to see relatives and relax on the beach. Ever since I was about twelve years old there was only one thing on my mind from the night we arrived until the morning we left: Fish! Each morning there I wake up at six a.m. to go fishing with whatever cousin is willing to go. Whenever I wasn't fishing I was in the water. I spent hours diving and exploring the underwater forest and observing the fish that lived there. My family would joke that if I could trade my lungs for gills, I would. Sometimes during the evening I would go down to the dock and just watch the fish live their lives unbothered by me. Their lives influence me in a way that drives me to want to study marine biology. After graduation I want to work in conservation, specifically involving coral reefs and sharks. I've always loved sharks. As a kid I'd watch Shark Week with my sister every summer. As one of the most misunderstood and mistreated animals on the planet, the human impact on their populations could have devastating effects on our ocean and the seafood industry. My hope is to find a way to establish protective zones where sharks can breed so we can protect shark species for generations to come. I was always inspired by the famous scientist I learned about in my science classes. It is my firm belief that the human experience is amplified by the presence of healthy and bio-diverse ecosystems. I hope to help lead the human race towards a future where success does not depend on nature's demise. Paying for my education is a great source of stress in my life. By winning the Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship I would be one step closer to covering my tuition. The more funds that I receive from outside sources the less I will have to work throughout college. To me going to college means bettering myself and my mind. By going to college I can gain the skills, knowledge and experience to make a difference in the world. If I can spend less time working I can focus more on my studies and making a significant impact on the natural world. To accomplish this I'm going to need to go to a research university near a coast in a subject such as Marine Biology or Ecology. This upcoming summer I'm planning to become scuba certified to get a head start on familiarizing myself with being underwater. Maybe Someday, I'll return to the lake with my family after I've made a meaningful impact in the world in ways my younger self never thought possible.

Nature and I grew up side by side as friends on the outskirts of the city of Duluth, Minnesota. We used to spend countless hours in the trees observing all of the world's creatures. I would play in the snow in the winter and enjoy the cool lakes in the summer. As I grew older, I took up photography to try and share the beauty of my friend with all those who were unable to know him. But unbeknownst to me, my photos started to capture things within Nature that I had never seen before.Over the years I had changed considerably as I grew up but I had failed to realise just how much he had changed along with me. Nature had become a shell of his former self. His mood was always changing erratically; different from his usual seasonal moods. On Christmas it would rain and on labor day it would snow. He would go months through the winter without bringing snow and then he would erupt with multiple feet of snow in a single week. He would drop the steely demeanor that was commonplace in the winter allowing the sun to shine and the snow to melt, only for the winter cold to return twice as strong the next week. His rains were changing too. There was either too much rain or not enough each summer. Something was different about the friend I had known my entire life. Other than his moods other things were different as well. The animals were struggling to live with him. The birds who had relied upon the consistency of his moods for thousands of years to tell them when to migrate were left confused. Some were leaving too early, struggling to make the trip without enough food, whilst others were leaving too late and being caught in the cold winter storms. There were fewer insects, and because of that, fewer fish. All of Nature's creatures were suffering. I had to do something to help save my old friend. To save Nature I needed to go to college and learn everything I could about what is happening. By studying ecology or environmental science I can understand his ailments and how to help. After I become an expert, I can begin sharing my knowledge and working a job that helps preserve the world as I grew up in it. As much as I wish I could do this alone, I need everyone's help. There is no “planet B” for humanity. Each and every person needs to do their part to save our home, and my friend.

Each and every year humanity’s energy needs continue to rise. With the health and climate of the environment in constant peril and the future of humanity at risk it is important that we meet these growing energy needs with renewable energy sources. It is important that we push lawmakers, companies and our neighbors to invest in these renewable energy sources. A couple of years ago my family had solar panels installed at our home. We were hesitant at first, but upon seeing the constantly rising cost of energy prices my family decided that a stable payment on solar panels would be the better financial option. In addition to being able to set our house to carbon neutral we also sometimes generate extra power that we can sell back to the power grid. After being able to set our household green we have encouraged many of our friends and family to do the same to their homes. It is important that we all encourage each other to pursue green and sustainable options for our own lives. On the national side of things we can vote for and encourage politicians that support green energy. It is important to rid congress of legislators that are deep in the pockets of big oil and their lobbyists. Many of our representatives have shown time and time again that they are willing to put a price tag on the future of my generation and the ones that will follow. It is important that we take a sustainability stand each and every time we go to the polls to decide our future as a country. The place that traditional fossil fuel energy has in our world must be acknowledged for its significance. It can help power remote towns and cities that may not yet have the infrastructure for renewable energy. It has been a reliable source of power for hundreds of years, but by its very nature it is a ticking time bomb until the oil wells eventually run dry. The most beneficial thing that can be done while renewable green energy infrastructure plays catch up with fossil fuels is to support the wide implementation of nuclear energy. Nuclear energy has proved to be one of the safest forms of energy generation for decades. It’s P.R. has been permanently stained by the Chernobyl incident, but it is one of the best zero emission power sources available to us. In conclusion, it is important that we don't meet our new energy needs with more fossil fuels because this practice is unsustainable. We must adopt the philosophy of pushing forward the progress of renewable energies as fast as possible to help save our planet and environment. We must support this philosophy locally, nationally and internationally to help secure the climate for future generations to thrive.

For one week each summer my family takes a trip to a lake resort four hours west of my hometown Duluth. We meet all the extended family on my mom's side of the family there. For the rest of the family it was a chance to see relatives and relax on the beach. Ever since I was about twelve years old there was only one thing on my mind from the night we arrived until the morning we left: Fish! Each morning there I wake up at six a.m. to go fishing with whatever cousin is willing to go. Whenever I wasn't fishing I was in the water. I spent hours diving and exploring the underwater forest and observing the fish that lived there. My family would joke that if I could trade my lungs for gills, I would. Sometimes during the evening I would go down to the dock and just watch the fish live their lives unbothered by me. Their lives influence me in a way that drives me to want to study marine biology. After graduation I want to work in conservation, specifically involving coral reefs and sharks. I've always loved sharks. As a kid I'd watch Shark Week with my sister every summer. As one of the most misunderstood and mistreated animals on the planet, the human impact on their populations could have devastating effects on our ocean and the seafood industry. My hope is to find a way to establish protective zones where sharks can breed so we can protect shark species for generations to come. I was always inspired by the famous scientist I learned about in my science classes. It is my firm belief that the human experience is amplified by the presence of healthy and bio-diverse ecosystems. I hope to help lead the human race towards a future where success does not depend on nature's demise. Paying for my education is a great source of stress in my life. By winning the Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship I would be one step closer to covering my tuition. The more funds that I receive from outside sources the less I will have to work throughout college. To me going to college means bettering myself and my mind. By going to college I can gain the skills, knowledge and experience to make a difference in the world. If I can spend less time working I can focus more on my studies and making a significant impact on the natural world. To accomplish this I'm going to need to go to a research university near a coast in a subject such as Marine Biology or Ecology. This upcoming summer I'm planning to become scuba certified to get a head start on familiarizing myself with being underwater. Maybe Someday, I'll return to the lake with my family after I've made a meaningful impact in the world in ways my younger self never thought possible.

“We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.” Carl Sagan said this once about our society over ten years ago and it gets more and more accurate with each passing day. As science and technology advance, students have more and more learning to do before they can make an impact in the field. This can be daunting for many students and turn them towards other fields such as language arts and social sciences. Earlier scientific exposure and education is needed to encourage future students to pursue scientific fields If one looks at the kids programming currently playing on our televisions today, there are dozens of shows focusing on letters, spelling and interpersonal relationships. While these are all essential skills for a well rounded adult there is a striking lack of programming involving science. More programs that involve geology, chemistry, space and animals are needed to round out programming. Kids shows that show how science can be fun are necessary programming for our kids. If children are exposed to the wonders of science at a young age it will help encourage them to pursue it in their careers. While exposing children to more science during their formative years is important it is also important to have more education for them in elementary school. When I was in elementary school we did too much watching videos and reading about science and not enough doing science. I still remember in the first grade when we grew mealworms into beetles and took note about it. Hands on, outdoor experiences with science in elementary school are what will encourage students to be interested in science down the road. After having laid the foundation in elementary school that science is fun one can now begin to trust their students with more complex activities. The seventh grade was when I began to fall in love with science. I can still recall the first time I observed cells under a microscope. My teacher gave us directions and then gave us the responsibility of making our own observations and conclusions. It is important to place emphasis upon giving middle school students autonomy to work on their own. By allowing students to do science on their own they can begin to get a sense for it is something they are truly passionate about. Upon reaching high school, students in theory should have had sufficient exposure to science. In high school it all comes down to providing opportunity. My fondest high school science memory is mfinal in my dual enrollment chemistry class my junior year. My group was given a mysterious liquid and we were required to find what compound was dissolved in it and the concentration of it using only the notes we had collected over the course of the year in our lab notebooks. Whilst I am truly grateful for the experiences I have been able to have I do wish I had the opportunity to take more science classes throughout high school. The more available science classes there are the more likely it is that a student will pick one and be led to a scientific career. In conclusion the best ways to encourage more students to pursue science are early exposure, fun experiences, autonomy, and autonomy. By providing these elements in our curriculums and societies we can ensure a substantial interest in science for generations to come and have a society that is more educated on the science and technology upon which we rely so much.

For one week each summer my family takes a trip to a lake resort four hours west of my hometown Duluth. We meet all the extended family on my mom's side of the family there. For the rest of the family it was a chance to see relatives and relax on the beach. Ever since I was about twelve years old there was only one thing on my mind from the night we arrived until the morning we left: Fish! Each morning there I wake up at six a.m. to go fishing with whatever cousin is willing to go. Whenever I wasn't fishing I was in the water. I spent hours diving and exploring the underwater forest and observing the fish that lived there. My family would joke that if I could trade my lungs for gills, I would. Sometimes during the evening I would go down to the dock and just watch the fish live their lives unbothered by me. Their lives influence me in a way that drives me to want to study marine biology. After graduation I want to work in conservation, specifically involving coral reefs and sharks. I've always loved sharks. As a kid I'd watch Shark Week with my sister every summer. As one of the most misunderstood and mistreated animals on the planet, the human impact on their populations could have devastating effects on our ocean and the seafood industry. My hope is to find a way to establish protective zones where sharks can breed so we can protect shark species for generations to come. I was always inspired by the famous scientist I learned about in my science classes. It is my firm belief that the human experience is amplified by the presence of healthy and bio-diverse ecosystems. I hope to help lead the human race towards a future where success does not depend on nature's demise. Paying for my education is a great source of stress in my life. By winning the John Young Scholarship I would be one step closer to covering my tuition. The more funds that I receive from outside sources the less I will have to work throughout college. To me going to college means bettering myself and my mind. By going to college I can gain the skills, knowledge and experience to make a difference in the world. If I can spend less time working I can focus more on my studies and making a significant impact on the natural world. To accomplish this I'm going to need to go to a research university near a coast in a subject such as Marine Biology or Ecology. This upcoming summer I'm planning to become scuba certified to get a head start on familiarizing myself with being underwater. Maybe Someday, I'll return to the lake with my family after I've made a meaningful impact in the world in ways my younger self never thought possible.

“We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.” Carl Sagan said this once about our society over ten years ago and it gets more and more accurate with each passing day. As science and technology advance, students have more and more learning to do each year before they can make an impact in the field. This can be daunting for many students and turn them towards other fields such as language arts and social sciences. Earlier scientific exposure and education is needed to encourage future students to pursue scientific fields If one looks at the kids programming currently playing on our televisions today, there are dozens of shows focusing on letters, spelling and interpersonal relationships. While these are all essential skills for a well rounded adult there is a striking lack of programming involving science. More programs that involve geology, chemistry, space and animals are needed to round out programming. Kids shows that show science can be fun are necessary programming for our kids. If children are exposed to the wonders of science at a young age it will help encourage them to pursue it in their careers. While exposing children to more science during their formative years is important it is also important to have more education for them in elementary school. When I was in elementary school we did too much watching videos and reading about science and not enough doing science. I still remember in the first grade when we grew mealworms into beetles and took note about it. Hands on, outdoor experiences with science in elementary school are what will encourage students to be interested in science down the road. After having laid the foundation in elementary school that science is fun one can now begin to trust their students with more complex activities. The seventh grade was when I began to fall in love with science. I can still recall the first time I observed cells under a microscope. My teacher gave us directions and then gave us the responsibility of making our own observations and conclusions. It is important to place emphasis upon giving middle school students autonomy to work on their own. By allowing students to do science on their own they can begin to get a sense for it is something they are truly passionate about. Upon reaching high school students in theory, should have had sufficient exposure to science. In high school it all comes down to the amount of opportunity provided. My fondest high school science memory is the final in my dual enrollment chemistry class my junior year. My group was given a mysterious liquid and we were required to find what compound was dissolved in it as well as the concentration of it using only the notes we had collected over the course of the year in our lab notebooks. Whilst I am truly grateful for the experiences I have been able to have, I wish I had the opportunity to take more science classes throughout high school. The more available science classes there are, the more likely it is that a student will pick one and be led to a scientific career. In conclusion the best ways to encourage more students to pursue science are early exposure, fun experiences, autonomy, and autonomy. By providing these elements in our curriculums and societies we can ensure a substantial interest in science for generations to come and have a society that is more educated on the science and technology upon which we rely so much.

I-35 brings people from all over straight to my hometown of Duluth. Although it may stretch all the way across the country, I-35 always feels like it leads one place. Home. As you approach Duluth from the south you begin to climb a large hill for several miles before peaking over the crest of the hills that surround the city. Before you emerge the third largest lake in the world and the rolling hills of forest. Nestled at the very tip of Lake Superior is Duluth. I remember driving into Duluth late at night when I was a kid. I would marvel at the sight of the city lights below. Duluth is a near perfect example as to what Minnesota is. Vast forest and freshwater lakes with outdoor spaces around every corner. There is plenty for me to explore with my camera. Home to one of the best curling clubs in the world, I can practice my sport at the Duluth Curling Club. Duluth has two ski hills where I can spend time with my friends and snowboard throughout the winter. Minnesota is the perfect environment for me to do all of the things I enjoy. Ever since I was a kid, I loved taking pictures of various things with my mom’s phone, but it wasn’t until around five years ago when my obsession really took off. That Christmas, I received my first camera and really began to develop my photography. My favorite things to photograph are animals and the various nature scenes in my area. My proudest accomplishment is winning 4 blue medals at the state fair when I entered some of my best photos into the county fair. Another part of photography I enjoy is photographing my friends. I love to see how confident they are after seeing themselves in a way they've never seen before. I love seeing how much someone's confidence can grow even throughout the span of one photoshoot. I take a lot of pride in the fact that most of my friends' profile photos are taken by me. Photography is something that I do both for myself and the people around me. For the past decade of my life, my winters have been nearly fully consumed by curling. It is a sport that requires constant practice and endless concentration to be competitive at. Over the years, I have played on teams with many different people with various roles. However, the past 4 years I have been the skip (Captain) on my team. My teammates and I have over 17 podium finishes and won 3 tournaments. In the past two years, I have been a part of a U21 team trying to qualify for nationals, but my love for curling extends past more than just my own academic success. Three years ago, I started coaching new players for two hours once a week in my club's season-long learn to curl session. I helped teach and demonstrate to over 60 people the basics of curling techniques, strategy, and physics. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to see their growth into balanced curlers over the course of the season. I hope that I will leave a lasting impact on my curling club even after I move to college. I may not have been born in Minnesota but that doesn't mean it doesn't feel like home to me. Although I am sad to leave Minnesota and all the experiences with sports, my hobbies, and friendships, I am truly excited to attend college and explore this new chapter of my life.

For one week each summer my family takes a trip to a lake resort four hours west of my hometown Duluth. We meet all the extended family on my mom's side of the family there. For the rest of the family it was a chance to see relatives and relax on the beach. Ever since I was about twelve years old there was only one thing on my mind from the night we arrived until the morning we left: Fish! Each morning there I wake up at six a.m. to go fishing with whatever cousin is willing to go. We would do one, sometimes two laps of the lake fishing and admiring the beauty of the sunrise in northern Minnesota. Whenever I wasn't fishing I was in the water. I spent hours diving off the floating dock and exploring the underwater forest of weeds and observing the fish that lived there. My family would joke that if I could trade my lungs for gills, I would. Sometimes during the evening I would go down to the dock and just watch the fish live their lives unbothered by me. Their secret underwater world appeals to me in a way that drives me to want to study marine biology. After graduation I want to work in conservation, specifically involving coral reefs and sharks. I've always loved sharks. When I was a kid I'd spend hours watching Shark Week with my sister every summer. As one of the most misunderstood and mistreated animals on the planet, the human impact on their populations has devastating effects on our ocean and the seafood industry. My hope is to find a way to stop the practice of de-fining sharks and establish protective zones where sharks can breed. All of this comes through putting pressure on lawmakers to protect our oceans with strong legislation so we can protect shark species for generations to come. Without our oceans the planet begins to die. The health of ecosystems in the ocean directly affects the health of ecosystems on land. With my degree in marine biology I can dedicate my life to helping preserve our oceans. By studying life in the ocean I can learn how to better protect it. I'll spend time showing my kids a healthy and thriving ocean ecosystem and sharing my love of nature with them. Paying for my education is a great source of stress for me. By winning the Ventana Ocean Conservation Scholarship I would be one step closer to covering my tuition. The more funds I receive from outside sources the less I will have to work throughout college. I will be able to focus on bettering myself and my mind. By going to college I can gain the skills, knowledge and experience to make a difference in the world. If I can spend less time working I can focus more on my studies and making a significant impact on the natural world. To accomplish this I'm going to need to go to a research university near a coast such as Oregon State or Miami University to major in a subject such as Marine Biology or Ecology. I hope to get started doing hands on research from an early age. It will be difficult but I know it's possible with continued hard work, determination and hope. This upcoming summer I'm planning to become scuba certified to get a head start on familiarizing myself with being underwater. Maybe Someday, I'll return to the lake with my family after I've made a meaningful impact in the world in ways my younger self never thought possible.

For many people, the hardest part of seeking out help with their mental health is the process. Having to leave your home to go to an office they don't know and speak to a person they don't know can be intimidating. To help with this problem I can help develop and support online telehealth platforms. These platforms allow people to connect to a therapist from their own home. They are easily accessible for those that have to work long and unusual hours and may be unable to meet a therapist during traditional hours. Telehealth can often feel much less intimidating as patients feel less vulnerable in their own home. By supporting these cheaper alternatives it will also force traditional mental health counselors to bring down their prices to compete. This will help all persons struggling with mental health have access to cheaper and more easily accessible care.

For one week each summer my family takes a trip to a lake resort four hours west of my hometown Duluth. We meet all the extended family on my mom's side of the family there. For the rest of the family it was a chance to see relatives and relax on the beach. Ever since I was about twelve years old there was only one thing on my mind from the night we arrived until the morning we left: Fish! Each morning there I wake up at six a.m. to go fishing with whatever cousin is willing to go. We would do one, sometimes two laps of the lake fishing and admiring the beauty of the sunrise in northern Minnesota. Whenever I wasn't fishing I was in the water. I spent hours diving off the floating dock and exploring the underwater forest of weeds and observing the fish that lived there. My family would joke that if I could trade my lungs for gills, I would. Sometimes during the evening I would go down to the dock and just watch the fish live their lives unbothered by me. Their secret underwater world appeals to me in a way that drives me to want to study marine biology. After graduation I want to work in research or conservation, specifically involving coral reefs and sharks. I've always loved sharks. When I was a kid I'd spend hours watching Shark Week with my sister every summer. As one of the most misunderstood and mistreated animals on the planet, the human impact on their populations could have devastating effects on our ocean and the seafood industry. My hope is to find a way to stop the practice of de-fining sharks and establish protective zones where sharks can breed. All of this comes through putting pressure on lawmakers to protect our oceans with strong legislation so we can protect shark species for generations to come. I was always inspired by the famous scientist I learned about in my science classes. It is my firm belief that the human experience is amplified by the presence of healthy and bio-diverse ecosystems. I hope to help lead the human race towards a future where success does not depend on nature's demise. Paying for my education is a great source of stress in my life. By winning the Hines Scholarship I would be one step closer to covering my tuition. The more funds that I receive from outside sources the less I will have to work throughout college. To me going to college means bettering myself and my mind. By going to college I can gain the skills, knowledge and experience to make a difference in the world. If I can spend less time working I can focus more on my studies and making a significant impact on the natural world. To accomplish this I'm going to need to go to a research university near a coast such as Oregon State or Miami University to major in a subject such as Marine Biology or Ecology. I hope to get started doing hands on research from an early age. It will be difficult but I know it's possible with continued hard work, determination and hope. This upcoming summer I'm planning to become scuba certified to get a head start on familiarizing myself with being underwater. Maybe Someday, I'll return to the lake with my family after I've made a meaningful impact in the world in ways my younger self never thought possible.

For one week each summer my family takes a trip to a lake resort four hours west of my hometown Duluth. We meet all the extended family on my mom's side of the family there. For the rest of the family it was a chance to see relatives and relax on the beach. Ever since I was about twelve years old there was only one thing on my mind from the night we arrived until the morning we left: Fish! Each morning there I wake up at six a.m. to go fishing with whatever cousin is willing to go. We would do one, sometimes two laps of the lake fishing and admiring the beauty of the sunrise in northern Minnesota. Whenever I wasn't fishing I was in the water. I spent hours diving off the floating dock and exploring the underwater forest of weeds and observing the fish that lived there. My family would joke that if I could trade my lungs for gills, I would. Sometimes during the evening I would go down to the dock and just watch the fish live their lives unbothered by me. Their secret underwater world appeals to me in a way that drives me to want to study marine biology. After graduation I want to work in research or conservation, specifically involving coral reefs and sharks. I've always loved sharks. When I was a kid I'd spend hours watching Shark Week with my sister every summer. As one of the most misunderstood and mistreated animals on the planet, the human impact on their populations could have devastating effects on our ocean and the seafood industry. My hope is to find a way to stop the practice of de-fining sharks and establish protective zones where sharks can breed. All of this comes through putting pressure on lawmakers to protect our oceans with strong legislation so we can protect shark species for generations to come. I was always inspired by the famous scientist I learned about in my science classes. It is my firm belief that the human experience is amplified by the presence of healthy and bio-diverse ecosystems. I hope to help lead the human race towards a future where success does not depend on nature's demise. Paying for my education is a great source of stress in my life. By winning the One Chance Scholarship I would be one step closer to covering my tuition. The more funds that I receive from outside sources the less I will have to work throughout college. If I can spend less time working I can focus more on my studies and making a significant impact on the natural world. To accomplish this I'm going to need to go to a research university near a coast such as Oregon State or Miami University to major in a subject such as Marine Biology or Ecology. I hope to get started doing hands on research from an early age. It will be difficult but I know it's possible with continued hard work, determination and hope. This upcoming summer I'm planning to become scuba certified to get a head start on familiarizing myself with being underwater. Maybe Someday, I'll return to the lake with my family after I've made a meaningful impact in the world in ways my younger self never thought possible.

For one week each summer my family takes a trip to a lake resort four hours west of my hometown Duluth. We meet all the extended family on my mom's side of the family there. For the rest of the family it was a chance to see relatives and relax on the beach. Ever since I was about twelve years old there was only one thing on my mind from the night we arrived until the morning we left: Fish! Each morning there I wake up at six a.m. to go fishing with whatever cousin is willing to go. We would do one, sometimes two laps of the lake fishing and admiring the beauty of the sunrise in northern Minnesota. Whenever I wasn't fishing I was in the water. I spent hours diving off the floating dock and exploring the underwater forest of weeds and observing the fish that lived there. My family would joke that if I could trade my lungs for gills, I would. Sometimes during the evening I would go down to the dock and just watch the fish live their lives unbothered by me. Their secret underwater world appeals to me in a way that drives me to want to study marine biology. After graduation I want to work in research or conservation, specifically involving coral reefs and sharks. I've always loved sharks. When I was a kid I'd spend hours watching Shark Week with my sister every summer. As one of the most misunderstood and mistreated animals on the planet, the human impact on their populations could have devastating effects on our ocean and the seafood industry. My hope is to find a way to stop the practice of de-fining sharks and establish protective zones where sharks can breed. All of this comes through putting pressure on lawmakers to protect our oceans with strong legislation so we can protect shark species for generations to come. I was always inspired by the famous scientist I learned about in my science classes. People like Charles Darwin, Jane Goodall or my personal favorite Rachel Carson. Darwin made the biggest advancement to the field of ecology in history during his time in the Galapagos. By observing differences in animals around him he was able to crack the code of evolution. Rachel Carson was the author of Silent Spring. She brought to attention the devastating ecological effects of certain pesticides in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Her book brought about meaningful legislative change and saved the bald eagle and many other species from extinction. It is this kind of drive and passion that I hope to use in my career to make a legal difference in our world. It is my firm belief that the human experience is amplified by the presence of healthy and bio-diverse ecosystems. I hope to help lead the human race towards a future where success does not depend on nature's demise. To accomplish this I'm going to need to go to a research university near a coast such as Oregon State or Miami University to major in a subject such as Marine Biology or Ecology. I hope to get started doing hands on research from an early age. It will be difficult but I know it's possible with continued hard work, determination and hope. This upcoming summer I'm planning to become scuba certified to get a head start on familiarizing myself with being underwater. Maybe Someday, I'll return to the lake with my family after I've made a meaningful impact in the world in ways my younger self never thought possible.

Gold medals are surprisingly heavy. I understand why athletes are always letting other people put them on because even world class athletes would get neck pain from that thing. I got to wear John Shuster's gold medal when I was 12. He's always been my favorite Olympian to cheer for ever since and the reason I dedicated myself to the sport. In 2018 the Winter Olympics were held in Korea. 2018 was also the year that my sport curling was thrown into the public spotlight. I will always remember the celebration after the Men's Curling team won gold. With Korea being fourteen hours ahead of Duluth Minnesota what was an afternoon game for our athletes was about 2 in the morning back home. This was a must see event for anyone at our curling club. The upstairs bar and downstairs locker rooms were filled to the brim with people. News crews from Fox and NBC were filming in the corner. People were wearing flags on their shoulders and dancing on tables. It was a frenzied atmosphere unlike any I'd experienced before or since. Four of the five athletes on the team were from Duluth. Our olympians are a major source of pride in our curling community. They were all well known and frequent visitors to the club. John Shuster is a common sighting on any given morning on the ice. He goes down to practice on most weekdays directly after maintenance right when the ice is fresh. He's always very approachable and willing to give me advice, tips or even just have a conversation about how my team has been doing. Shuster is the one who inspired me to start a U21 team to try and go to the national championships. We play the same position and I like his strategy and how he consults all of his teammates to get their opinions when it comes to making decisions. My family always looks forward to watching team Shuster in the Olympics every four years no matter the time zone. Him essentially being a family friend of ours makes us that much more invested in his success. His kindness and intelligence are apparent whenever you watch him on the ice. He's my favorite olympian to watch because he inspires me to become the best person, and curler, that I can be.

In elementary school I remember being confused as to why all my classmates would moan and groan whenever it was time for math. While I certainly didn't prefer it to recess I still enjoyed math and never struggled with it. In eighth grade when I had the ability to decide to skip a year of math I jumped at the opportunity. In my Sophomore year I took Honors bio and it was there that everything clicked. I decided I wanted to go into life sciences. We were learning about Darwin's journey to the Galapagos and how he came up with the theory of evolution. I was fascinated by the ideas of natural selection, competition, and survival of the fittest. I wanted to know every niche that every plant and animal occupied in their ecosystems and what would happen if one was removed. As I furthered my interest I decided that I wanted to do something that had more relation to conservation. It was during my summers watching shark week and other nature shows on TV with my sister that I became deeply invested I the natural world and sharks in particular. As a kid I was always deeply saddened hearing about extinction, pollution and deforestation. I decided that I wanted to go into Marine Biology to study and protect our oceans from overfishing and warming temperatures. I want to conserve shark populations around the globe and off the coast of California and Mexico. As some of the most misunderstood animals on the planet sharks are a keystone species in marine ecosystems. They serve to keep fish populations in control. Less fish means more phytoplankton that consumes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It's my belief that figuring out how to use the Carbon siphoning abilities of our ocean is key to solving the climate crisis. Being of Mexican descent in a time of unprecedented racism towards is challenging. I've been called a border hopper and alien in casual conversation more times than I should have. The political environment has only increased the usage of these labels and microaggressions. Becoming an influential scientist in the biology field I hope will inspire other Mexican kids to aspire to what they could do with their future. I want to break the stereotype of Mexicans being roofers and tradesmen only. I want to go into STEM to help conserve and protect biodiversity and the environment. When living side by side with nature it is my belief that this amplifies the human experience. My hope is to my life this way to help and inspire future generations to do the same.

For at least two weeks every couple months I develop the "Minecraft phase". The well known phenomenon where this peaceful game consumes every waking thought. Something about Minecraft is so special to me partially because it has changed so much in the ten years I've played yet it still feels very much the same. The same desire to explore I had at age eight is still just as strong if not stronger now than it was then. I have trouble building in survival Minecraft for the one reason that I can never be satisfied with a place to settle down. For me the best part of Minecraft is the endlessly generated world just waiting to be explored. When I'm looking for a place to settle down I can't help but wonder what lies just outside my render distance. The idea that just 15 chunks away there is a whole new environment unique to my world that no one else has ever seen makes me walk thousands of blocks in any given direction. My favorite memory was the first time I found a mushroom island. A mooshroom paradise within a mountainous lagoon with the sides wrapping around it and forming a cave-like entrance. I was ecstatic being 2000 blocks from spawn and having finally A place I felt was suitable for the castle of my eight year olds dreams. Minecraft will always have a significant place in my heart and the hearts of millions in my generation and the next. Within one game there is something for every type of person. A player can build whatever their heart desires in creative, fight a multitude of bosses and baddies in survival and explore the world to their heart's content.

For one week each summer my family takes a trip to a lake resort four hours west of my hometown Duluth. We meet all the extended family on my mom's side of the family there. For the rest of the family it was a chance to see relatives and relax on the beach. Ever since I was about twelve years old there was only one thing on my mind from the night we arrived until the morning we left: Fish! Each morning there I wake up at six a.m. to go fishing with whatever cousin is willing to go. We would do one, sometimes two laps of the lake fishing and admiring the beauty of the sunrise in northern Minnesota. Whenever I wasn't fishing I was in the water. I spent hours diving off the floating dock and exploring the underwater forest of weeds and observing the fish that lived there. My family would joke that if I could trade my lungs for gills, I would. Sometimes during the evening I would go down to the dock and just watch the fish live their lives unbothered by me. Their secret underwater world appeals to me in a way that drives me to want to study marine biology. After graduation I want to work in research or conservation, specifically involving coral reefs and sharks. I've always loved sharks. When I was a kid I'd spend hours watching Shark Week with my sister every summer. As one of the most misunderstood and mistreated animals on the planet, the human impact on their populations could have devastating effects on our ocean and the seafood industry. My hope is to find a way to stop the practice of de-fining sharks and establish protective zones where sharks can breed, with the aim to protect shark species for generations to come. It is my firm belief that the human experience is amplified by the presence of healthy and bio-diverse ecosystems. I hope to help lead the human race towards a future where success does not depend on nature's demise. To accomplish this I'm going to need to go to a research university near a coast such as Oregon State or Miami University to major in a subject such as Marine Biology or Ecology. I hope to get started doing hands on research from an early age. It will be difficult but I know it's possible with continued hard work, determination and hope. This upcoming summer I'm planning to become scuba certified to get a head start on familiarizing myself with being underwater. Eventually I'll return to the lake and explore it in ways younger me never thought possible.