I am a child of a first responder, and I always wanted to hear "Strong work, Declan!" It was always a goal! It did not matter if I was building a fence, getting good grades, or cleaning a beach; I wanted to hear that phrase! But watching a first responder also teaches you selfless service. Service for the community and neighbors, and never putting yourself before others. Dad works hard! I was always amazed that he could work a 24-hour shift, go to another job, and still make it to one of our events. That is selflessness. And it instilled in me an incredible work ethic and the desire to help my community. And while I always thought his job was so cool, I knew I wanted to help the environment as much as I wanted to help people. I had to do some research, but I found something that will fit. Throughout my time in 4-H, I have given many talks about invasive species. Spotted Lanternfly, Asian Crab, so many animals that are hurting our community. I always wanted to help! Putting the word out was my answer to help. But as I aged, I knew that wasn't enough. When I was about ten years old, a 4-H leader wrote in my wildlife project book that I would make an incredible DNREC Officer. So I began to research, and I loved that a park ranger or wildlife officer can not only help the environment and enforce laws, but also educate the public on how they too can help the environment. Park ranger, wildlife officer, yes! That's it! That's how I help the community and the environment! To me, this was the answer! I plan to attend a four-year college and study wildlife. My career goal is to be a ranger or officer. I am dyslexic, so school has always been a struggle. Then I added ADHD to that, and my inability to focus, well, I thought it was going to be the end of my career story. But almost 6 years ago, my little brother was born with Down syndrome. Jay is incredible, but he struggles. First, it was physical. Walking took forever for him and lots of therapy. But now he runs and climbs better than all of us! Then it was his speech. More therapy and sign language. And while the world may not always understand what he says, we do. And he is getting better every day. I realized that DS and his challenges do not define my brother. Dyslexia and ADHD do not define me! I have learned how to focus, slow down, relax, and mentally allow myself to concentrate. I have to work harder to achieve goals, but I CAN achieve them. I have been honored with National 4-H trips, medals, and a Diamond Clover for community service. This is 4-H's version of the Eagle Scout project. And just this past year, I received a leadership medal from JROTC. These are things I could never have thought of achieving if I had not believed in myself and my abilities, and had the work ethic and desire for selfless service. I owe this to 4-H, JROTC, and a first responder yelling in the background.... "Strong work, Declan!"