My ancestors spanned vast amounts of the world: West Africa, the Caribbean, Native America, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Germany, and Scandinavia. These places represent rich and vastly different cultures, and I want to experience them all. Thus far, my only international travel was a trip to Scotland and Wales. It was incredible to meet relatives I've only heard about, to stay in their homes and get a glimpse into their lives, which seemed in equal parts similar and dissimilar to mine. I sampled local foods, like fish and chips, haggis, rarebit, and more pastries and British candy bars than I probably should have. Prior to the trip, I read travel books and websites about Scotland and Wales, but I realized once I was there that there are so many things you can't learn in books. I wish travel were free, so that everyone had the opportunity to experience different peoples and places. I feel like the world might be a more peaceful place if we all understood one another a little better. That's what the butterfly effect means to me. If everyone could stand in West Africa and imagine being captured by slavers, maybe they would have a better appreciation of what enslaved peoples in the Americas went through. If everyone could stroll through the Culloden battlefield, maybe they could imagine their own people's culture dying and their people undergoing "ethnic cleansing" by the English. If we could all tour Auschwitz, maybe we would more fully understand the dangers of tyranny and racism. If we all strolled the Irish countryside, maybe we could become appropriately outraged at the reality of famine in a world where there is more than enough food to go around. These and others are the experiences I want to have when I travel. On the brighter side, I want to make connections with kind people in other lands. I want to try the local cuisine everywhere, even if the sight and smell of it are foreign to me. I want to learn about and honor local customs, collecting souvenirs along the way to bring home so I will never forget these experiences. I want to tell the stories of my travels in the hopes of inspiring other people to hit the road. I wish I could have known Ms. Moore-Hubbard. I regret that she didn't get to travel to all the places her heart desires, but I am sure that hearing about her daughter's travels meant the world to her. It sounds like she was a terrific mom and such an interesting person. If honored with this scholarship, I will think of her and her sacrifices every time I travel.

My high school Research Methods class has had a huge influence on me. This invite-only class for students who excel in STEM subjects challenged me to find practical solutions to environmental challenges. Under the guidance of our incredible teacher, Mrs. Ali, we built a battery using coconut shells, tested various lawn grasses for sustainability, and developed a formula to create a biodegradable microplastic. The scientific method can be frustrating at times: You do not arrive at results in a straight line. There are setbacks, frustrations, and moments where you wonder if you’re wasting your time. But that moment where you have a breakthrough is worth all the hard work—the moment when you see that the solutions to our environmental challenges are there, if we are willing to work hard enough to find them. All of these experiences led me to the first step in my career path: to major in engineering with an environmental emphasis at an accredited research university. I want to help develop solutions that address real-world challenges such as pollution, energy use, and infrastructure. I’ve always had a natural curiosity about how things work and how they can be improved. I enjoy approaching problems analytically, breaking them down into smaller parts, and testing different solutions until something works. Recently, my research partner and I presented our biodegradable plastics proposal at Northern Illinois University’s Innovation Challenge. Before our presentation, one of the judges approached us and looked at our website. He told us that he would like to put us in contact with NIU scientists and graduate students because he thinks our idea is tangible. To think that an idea two guys cooked up late one night over coffee could possibly be used on an industrial scale is incredible to me. It made me wonder what will be possible once I am in a college engineering program with university resources at my disposal. I can’t wait to find out! My experiences in leading research teams at NIU and Argonne Labs reiterated to me the need for African American leaders in STEM fields. It was very typical for me to be the only Black student and almost always the only one with a leadership role. Also, I found that when discussing environmental concerns with my fellow students and researchers I was the only one to bring up how environmental problems more strongly affect Black/Brown communities and neighborhoods. This has motivated me to always be an advocate and leader for those who lack representation in science and technology. College will be a crucial step in achieving my goals. It will give me the technical knowledge, mentorship, and hands-on experiences necessary to become a successful engineer. I look forward to participating in research, collaborating with other students, and gaining the skills needed to turn innovative ideas into practical solutions. With dedication, hard work, and the support of my community, I am confident that I can use my education to make a meaningful impact. To read about my experience at the NIU Innovation Challenge, go to: https://www.northernpublicradio.org/wnij-news/2026-03-04/nius-new-innovation-challenge-asks-illinois-high-schoolers-to-try-to-solve-real-food-system-problems To read the results of my team's battery experiment (which we presented to scientists at Argonne National Laboratory), go to: https://www.anl.gov/education/romeoville-high-school-esrp-2024

Genetics • Exposure to Epstein-Barr virus • Immune system problems • Family history • Environmental factors I was 10 years old, and my beloved 21-year-old cousin, Megan, had just been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. My mother explained that no one was sure exactly what caused this disease, and I asked if they at least had any ideas. We typed “Hodgkin’s Lymphoma possible causes” into her laptop. The last item on the list floored me. "Environmental factors?" I asked my mom. "Does that mean something in the air could have made Megan sick?" She nodded. "Or in the water, or the food supply. But they don't know for sure." I didn't know who "they" were, but I knew wasn't satisfied with this answer. To me, Megan wasn't just a cousin—she was the big sister I never had. She always arrived at our house with something impressive, like her old Pokémon cards or Littlest Pet Shop figurines. She knew secret hacks on my video games and recipes for about 50 different types of slime. She was young and spirited and beautiful, and the idea that something in the air or the water could have made her sick was infuriating to me. Surely, I thought, something can be done about this. I’ve seen how one small idea or action can change things. In 1894, Alexander Cruickshank Houston saved countless lives by adding chlorine to water during a typhoid outbreak. In the 1910s, engineers Edward Arden and William Lockett discovered that aerating sewage with microorganisms dramatically improved decomposition of organic waste, leading to the invention of modern sewage treatment. Today, inventions still abound that help our environment: wind farms, solar panels, carbon capture and storage systems…these planet- and life-saving inventions are being developed all the time. I want to learn from these innovators and, ultimately, I want to be one of them. I’ve already began my journey as a researcher and innovator. For my Research Methods class, I lead a comparative study of lithium-ion batteries with an organic based carbon anode, the results of which we presented to scientists at Argonne National Laboratory. With the organization BLAST, I lead another research team where we tested sustainable alternatives for modern lawn grass. My success in these projects has giving a name and a direction to my drive: environmental engineering. Today, my cousin Megan is cancer-free and living happily with her husband and their jumpy corgi named Bailey. She says the cancer changed her outlook on life, and it changed mine as well. I will devote my life to finding workable solutions for environmental problems, and for finding incentives that will motivate businesses to work with me. The cause for Hodgkin's Lymphoma is still unknown, put there are plenty of other illnesses and deaths that begin with pollutants. I can't singlehandedly save the planet, but maybe I can alleviate some suffering. I have to at least try.

First of all, thank you for sharing a little bit about Aserina's life and legacy. I think it's incredible that someone who didn't have much (living on a "fixed income") dedicated her life to helping others. It seems like sometimes those who struggle are more willing to give--I guess because they understand how hard it is to get by when you don't have much. Thank you for honoring Aserina with the scholarship. I am a high school senior and plan to attend Northern Illinois University (NIU) in the fall. Inspired by my high school Research Methods class--where we applied the scientific method to solve environmental challenges--I plan to major in engineering with an environmental focus. Music is also an important part of my life. I play the alto saxophone in jazz band, marching band, wind symphony, and pep band, and I have been a section leader for the past two years. I plan to continue with marching and jazz band at NIU. Another great thing about NIU is that it is only a one-hour drive from my home, which will allow me to visit my family often and continue to be a big brother to my 11-year-old sister, Amelia. In order to join National Honors Society this year, I had to complete many hours of community service throughout high school. Some of my hours spent volunteering were enjoyable, such as tutoring middle school students and helping out in elementary school libraries. Other jobs were less enjoyable, such as picking up trash after community events and festivals. But one job was life-changing: planning and executing a "Polar Express Night" for children who have been victims of abuse. Creating this magical experience with the organization Illinois CASA required a lot of planning and hard work, but when I put on my conductor costume and collected tickets from the children as they boarded the train, I couldn’t believe the joy and excitement in their eyes. This taught me that education and opportunity should be used not only for personal success but also to uplift others. As a future engineer, I hope to work on projects that improve environmental sustainability and public health, especially in communities that are disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental challenges. Representation in STEM fields is important, and I hope that by pursuing engineering I can help inspire younger students—especially students from underrepresented backgrounds—to believe that they belong in science and technology careers as well. If I could start my own charity, it would be something similar to Illinois CASA. To think that children--our most vulnerable citizens--suffer abuse every day is unthinkable. If I could create spaces and events where these children are safe and feel included and important, I can help in a small way.

Kindness in Action For admittance into the National Honors Society, students need to complete 60 hours of community service. Some of my hours spent volunteering were enjoyable, such as tutoring middle school students and helping out in elementary school libraries. Other jobs were less enjoyable, such as picking up trash after community events and festivals. But one job was life-changing: planning and executing a "Polar Express Night" for children who have been victims of abuse. Creating this magical experience with the organization Illinois CASA required a lot of planning and hard work, but when I put on my conductor costume and collected tickets from the children as they boarded the train, I couldn’t believe the joy and excitement in their eyes. This taught me that education and opportunity should be used not only for personal success but also to uplift others. As a future engineer, I hope to work on projects that improve environmental sustainability and public health, especially in communities that are disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental challenges. Representation in STEM fields is important, and I hope that by pursuing engineering I can help inspire younger students—especially students from underrepresented backgrounds—to believe that they belong in science and technology careers as well. Creating Connection Making music is an important part of my identity. It is how I relax, manage stress, and express myself. Playing my saxophone in my high school's wind symphony, jazz band, marching band, and pep band has been my favorite part of high school. This is where I stepped into my first leadership role as section leader, and where I learned that the most important thing about being a leader is making sure everyone feels included. I became skilled at drawing shy underclassmen out of their shells and helping them find their voice. Some people need a little help finding their voice. I tried to create an atmosphere that was fun and where agreeing isn't mandatory, but respect is. One of my most prized possessions is a scrap book that my section made for me at the end of my last marching season. It is filled with pictures and memories and so many kind words about how much my leadership meant to them all. I plan to continue with marching and jazz band in college, where I hope to find a new supportive community. Success is important to me, but so are the connections I will build along the way.

My high school Research Methods class has had a huge influence on me. This invite-only class for students who excel in STEM subjects challenged me to find practical solutions to environmental challenges. Under the guidance of our incredible teacher, Mrs. Ali, we built a battery using coconut shells, tested various lawn grasses for sustainability, and developed a formula to create a biodegradable microplastic. The scientific method can be frustrating at times: You do not arrive at results in a straight line. There are setbacks, frustrations, and moments where you wonder if you’re wasting your time. But the breakthrough moment is worth all the hard work—the moment when you see that the solutions to our environmental challenges are there, if we are willing to work hard enough to find them. All of these experiences led me to the first step in my career path: to major in engineering with an environmental emphasis at an accredited research university. I want to help develop solutions that address real-world challenges such as pollution, energy use, and infrastructure. I’ve always had a natural curiosity about how things work and how they can be improved. I enjoy approaching problems analytically, breaking them down into smaller parts, and testing different solutions until something works. Recently, my research partner and I presented our biodegradable plastics proposal at Northern Illinois University’s Innovation Challenge. Before our presentation, one of the judges approached us and looked at our website. He told us that he would like to put us in contact with NIU scientists and graduate students because he thinks our idea is tangible. To think that an idea two guys cooked up late one night over coffee could possibly be used on an industrial scale is incredible to me. It made me wonder what will be possible once I am in a college engineering program with university resources at my disposal. I can’t wait to find out! My experiences in leading research teams at NIU and Argonne Labs reiterated to me the need for African American leaders in STEM fields. It was very typical for me to be the only Black student and almost always the only one in a leadership role. Also, I found that when discussing environmental concerns with my fellow students and researchers I was the only one to bring up how environmental problems more strongly affect Black/Brown communities and neighborhoods. This has motivated me to always be an advocate and leader for those who lack representation in science and technology. College will be a crucial step in achieving my goals. It will give me the technical knowledge, mentorship, and hands-on experiences necessary to become a successful engineer. I look forward to participating in research, collaborating with other students, and gaining the skills needed to turn innovative ideas into practical solutions. With dedication, hard work, and the support of my community, I am confident that I can use my education to make a meaningful impact. To read about my experience at the NIU Innovation Challenge, go to: https://www.northernpublicradio.org/wnij-news/2026-03-04/nius-new-innovation-challenge-asks-illinois-high-schoolers-to-try-to-solve-real-food-system-problems To read the results of my team's battery experiment (which we presented to scientists at Argonne National Laboratory), go to: https://www.anl.gov/education/romeoville-high-school-esrp-2024

Climate change is not a distant threat; it is a present reality shaping our economy, public health, and natural ecosystems. The consequences of inaction are no longer theoretical. Rising global temperatures intensify extreme weather events, disrupt agriculture, increase water scarcity, and displace communities. If governments and industries fail to act decisively, today’s environmental challenges will become tomorrow’s humanitarian and economic crises. Mandatory sustainability policies, including structured recycling programs and emissions regulations, are necessary because voluntary participation alone has proven insufficient. When environmental protection depends solely on individual goodwill, progress is inconsistent and often slow. Clear standards create accountability, drive innovation, and level the playing field so that responsible companies are not economically disadvantaged. History shows that regulation often stimulates technological advancement; the same can be true for clean energy, sustainable manufacturing, and waste reduction systems. However, climate change does not recognize national borders. Carbon emitted in one country affects the entire planet. International cooperation is therefore essential. Global agreements encourage shared responsibility, technology transfer, and coordinated emissions reductions. Wealthier nations, which historically contributed more to greenhouse gas emissions, have a particular responsibility to support developing countries in building sustainable infrastructure. While policy and international collaboration are critical, individuals also play a meaningful role. Personal choices—reducing waste, conserving energy, supporting sustainable businesses, and voting for leaders who prioritize environmental responsibility—create cultural momentum. Collective action begins with individual awareness. Building a sustainable future requires leadership at every level: global, national, local, and personal. If we delay action, the costs will multiply. If we act decisively and collaboratively, we can transform environmental responsibility into an opportunity for innovation, economic growth, and long-term global stability.

Do you think about batteries? I think about batteries a lot. It seems like they've come a long way in a short time. They power all of the devices we love to use, like our phones and our laptops. But where is all that energy coming from? What happens if we run out? These questions were on my mind when it was time to select a topic for my Research Methods class. This class, offered at my high school for select students who excel in STEM subjects, is all about the scientific method. We decide on a topic, apply the scientific method, conduct experiments, and then have the amazing opportunity to present our findings to scientists at Argonne National Laboratory. Our hypothesis was this: Can an organic-based carbon anode battery produce the same--or better--results as a traditional graphite battery? To find out, we made an anode out of coconut shells and built a coin-cell battery. Then we tested our battery against a traditional graphite battery. The results? Well, at first, we were discouraged. The coconut battery wasn't holding as much charge as the graphite battery. But, after repeated use, out battery bounced back! In fact, in performed better over time than the graphite battery in terms of specific capacity. This gives us hope that one day, plant-based waste materials, like coconut shells, could one day replace graphite, making batteries eco-friendlier and more sustainable. Enviornmental issues affect all of our communities. Within walking distance of my high school is a large oil refinery. I can see it from the windows of some of my classrooms. Sometimes I watch the smoke rising out of it and wonder exactly what is being released into our air and water. As a kid, I would think, "They should do something about that." Then you grow up a little and think, "Who is 'they'?" So, I figured I should become "they" myself. My goal is to major in environmental engineering in college to learn about ways to help our planet. The dream is to invent something that can help, then work with businesses and find incentives for them to use my invention(s). Maybe I can't save the world, but I want to do my part to leave it in better shape than I found it. Thank you for your consideration! If you'd like to learn more about my battery experiment, you can visit this site: https://www.anl.gov/education/romeoville-high-school-esrp-2024

In our Future Readiness class at my high school, our teacher, Mr. Haehnlein, was advising us on how to choose our college majors. One particular nugget of advice stuck with me: "Think about what matters to you most." "Well when you put it like that," I thought, "There's only really one answer. Because if we don't have our planet, we don't have anything." Sustainability is everything. I’ve always been a driven and successful student. I knew I needed to pay attention to my teachers, get my work done, and ace tests. But until that day with Mr. Haehnlein, I hadn’t truly understood what I was striving for, other than the satisfaction of doing a good job and making my parents proud. Now I had a clear motivation: To find ways to make our environment healthier, safer, and more sustainable. I am not tasking myself with saving the world, but I’ve seen how one small idea or action can change things. In 1894, Alexander Cruickshank Houston saved countless lives by adding chlorine to water during a typhoid outbreak. In the 1910s, engineers Edward Arden and William Lockett discovered that aerating sewage with microorganisms dramatically improved decomposition of organic waste, leading to the invention of modern sewage treatment. Today, inventions still abound that help our environment: wind farms, solar panels, carbon capture and storage systems…these planet- and life-saving inventions are being developed all the time. I want to learn from these innovators and, ultimately, I want to be one of them. So far, I believe I've taken the necessary steps to attain my goal. As a high school student, I've maintained a 4.5 GPA, participated in many extracurriculars, and passed all of my AP exams (some with perfect scores). I’ve also began my journey as a researcher and innovator. For my Research Methods class, I lead a comparative study of lithium-ion batteries with an organic based carbon anode, the results of which we presented to scientists at Argonne National Laboratory. With the organization BLAST, I lead another research team where we tested sustainable alternatives for modern lawn grass. My success in these projects has giving a name and a direction to my drive: environmental engineering. I will devote my life to the pursuit of environmental sustainability. Every problem has a solution, and what matters to me most is to find them. So thank you, Mr. Haehnlein, to helping me find my direction in life. And thank you, Future Green Leaders, for your consideration.

To me, Black excellence is about showing the world the power, resilience, and creativity of Black people. It is not just about awards, titles, or recognition—it is about the mindset of striving for more, uplifting others, and refusing to settle for less than our potential. I see Black Excellence in the leaders, artists, and activists who inspire me, but I also see it in everyday people: my parents working tirelessly for our family, my teachers pushing us to believe in ourselves, and my friends and I supporting one another through challenges. It is not limited to the spotlight (though as a jazz soloist, I do enjoy the spotlight at times!). It is woven into the determination, kindness, and strength of people who may never be on the front page of a newspaper but still change lives. I try to embody Black excellence in my everyday life by holding myself to a high standard, even when no one is watching. In school, that means challenging myself with AP classes, asking questions, and not being afraid to take up space in classrooms where I might be one of the only Black students. When I achieve, I know I am not only succeeding for myself but also opening doors for others who will come after me. I also embody Black excellence by using my talents to uplift others. As a section leader in my school’s marching band, I know the younger students are watching me. I try to lead by example, whether it’s showing discipline during practice, encouraging someone who is struggling, or balancing my commitments between band, sports, and academics. I want them to see that excellence is possible through consistency, teamwork, and passion. Outside of school, I strive to represent my family and community well. I know that my actions reflect more than just me, so I practice respect, integrity, and perseverance. When I face obstacles, I remind myself that my ancestors endured far greater challenges so that I could have opportunities they only dreamed of. That perspective gives me strength to keep pushing, even when things feel overwhelming. Black excellence, to me, is not about perfection—it is about persistence. It is about using every day as a chance to grow, to give, and to prove that our voices and contributions matter. I embody Black Excellence by believing in my own potential, pursuing it with determination, and carrying others along with me as I climb. In the end, Black Excellence is about legacy. It is about living in a way that honors those who came before and inspires those who will come after. I may only be a high school student now, but every grade I earn, every leadership role I take, every kind word I offer, and every goal I set is part of that legacy. That is what Black excellence means to me, and that is how I live it every single day.

In our Future Readiness class at my high school, our teacher, Mr. Haehnlein, was advising us on how to choose our college majors. One particular nugget of advice stuck with me: "Think about what matters to you most." "Well when you put it like that," I thought, "There's only really one answer. Because if we don't have our planet, we don't have anything." Sustainability is everything. I’ve always been a driven and successful student. I knew I needed to pay attention to my teachers, get my work done, and ace tests. But until that day with Mr. Haehnlein, I hadn’t truly understood what I was striving for, other than the satisfaction of doing a good job and making my parents proud. Now I had a clear motivation: To find ways to make our environment healthier, safer, and more sustainable. I am not tasking myself with saving the world, but I’ve seen how one small idea or action can change things. In 1894, Alexander Cruickshank Houston saved countless lives by adding chlorine to water during a typhoid outbreak. In the 1910s, engineers Edward Arden and William Lockett discovered that aerating sewage with microorganisms dramatically improved decomposition of organic waste, leading to the invention of modern sewage treatment. Today, inventions still abound that help our environment: wind farms, solar panels, carbon capture and storage systems…these planet- and life-saving inventions are being developed all the time. I want to learn from these innovators and, ultimately, I want to be one of them. So far, I believe I've taken the necessary steps to attain my goal. As a high school student, I've maintained a 4.5 GPA, participated in many extracurriculars, and passed all of my AP exams (some with perfect scores). I’ve also began my journey as a researcher and innovator. For my Research Methods class, I lead a comparative study of lithium-ion batteries with an organic based carbon anode, the results of which we presented to scientists at Argonne National Laboratory. With the organization BLAST, I lead another research team where we tested sustainable alternatives for modern lawn grass. My success in these projects has giving a name and a direction to my drive: environmental engineering. I will devote my life to the pursuit of environmental sustainability. Every problem has a solution, and what matters to me most is to find them. So thank you, Mr. Haehnlein, to helping me find my direction in life. And thank you, Future Green Leaders, for your consideration.

• Genetics • Exposure to Epstein-Barr virus • Immune system problems • Family history • Environmental factors I was 10 years old, and my beloved 21-year-old cousin, Megan, had just been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. My mother explained that no one was sure exactly what caused this disease, and I asked if they at least had any ideas. So we sat together and typed “Hodgkin’s Lymphoma possible causes” into her laptop. The last item on the list floored me. "Environmental factors?" I asked my mom. "Does that mean something in the air could have made Megan sick?" She nodded. "Or in the water, or the food supply. But they don't know for sure." I didn't know who "they" were, but I knew wasn't satisfied with this answer. To me, Megan wasn't just a cousin—she was the big sister I never had. She always arrived at our house with something impressive, like her old Pokémon cards or Littlest Pet Shop figurines. She knew secret hacks on my video games and recipes for about 50 different types of slime. She was young and spirited and beautiful, and the idea that something in the air or the water could have made her sick was infuriating to me. I’ve always been a driven and successful student, even as a young child. I knew I needed to pay attention to my teachers, get my work done, and ace tests. But until that afternoon spent researching Hodgkin’s Lymphoma online, I hadn’t truly understood what I was striving for, other than the satisfaction of doing a good job and making my parents proud. Now I had a clear motivation: To find ways to make our environment healthier and safer. I am not tasking myself with saving the world, but I’ve seen how one small idea or action can change things. In 1894, Alexander Cruickshank Houston saved countless lives by adding chlorine to water during a typhoid outbreak. In the 1910s, engineers Edward Arden and William Lockett discovered that aerating sewage with microorganisms dramatically improved decomposition of organic waste, leading to the invention of modern sewage treatment. Today, inventions still abound that help our environment: wind farms, solar panels, carbon capture and storage systems…these planet- and life-saving inventions are being developed all the time. I want to learn from these innovators and, ultimately, I want to be one of them. As a high school student, I believe I’ve exemplified Stelios Aktipis’s drive for academic excellence and innovation. On top of maintaining a 4.5 GPA, participating in many extracurriculars, and passing all of my AP exams (some with perfect scores), I’ve also began my journey as a researcher and innovator. For my Research Methods class, I led a comparative study of lithium-ion batteries with an organic based carbon anode, the results of which we presented to scientists at Argonne National Laboratory. With the organization BLAST, I led another research team where we tested sustainable alternatives for modern lawn grass. My success in these projects has given a name and a direction to my drive: environmental engineering. Today, Megan is cancer-free and living happily with her husband and their corgi named Bailey. She says cancer changed her outlook on life, and it changed mine as well. I will devote my life to finding workable solutions for environmental problems, and for finding incentives that will motivate businesses to work with me. The cause for Hodgkin's Lymphoma is still unknown, put there are plenty of other illnesses and deaths that begin with pollutants. I can't singlehandedly save the planet, but maybe I can alleviate some suffering. I have to at least try.

"The doctor said she is going to lose her hair," my mother told me. "I wanted to let you know beforehand, so you won't be shocked when it happens." I nodded, trying to envision by beautiful, 21-year-old cousin without her long chestnut locks. If I'm being honest, it frightened me a little. I was only 10 years old, and I feared that the first time I saw Megan without hair, I would gasp, make a face, or react in some other inadvertent way that would make her feel worse about her cancer. "It's a curable cancer called Hodgkins Lymphoma," my mom explained gently. The doctors are hopeful she can be cured." I noticed she slipped the word "hopeful" in there. Why did we need hope if the cancer was "curable"? Besides, I heard the adults in my family speaking in hushed tones, uttering phrases like, "stage 4b" and "highest legal chemo cocktail." And I saw the fear in their eyes. To me, Megan wasn't just a cousin. When she came to babysit me, she always arrived with something impressive, like her old Pokémon cards or Littlest Pet Shop figurines. She knew secret hacks on my video games and recipes for about 50 different types of slime. I couldn't believe something as awful as cancer was happening to Megan. I realize now that I was naive, but at the time I thought cancer only happened to older people, and that there was always a clear answer as to why the cancer had come: they had smoked for many years, or the cancer ran in their family. But Megan didn't smoke, and up until her diagnosis, our family had been cancer free. "They're not sure what causes it," my mother explained. "Sometimes, we don't know why these things happen." "But something made it happen," I insisted. She nodded. "Yes. But they don't know what that something is yet." I didn't know who "they" were, but I wasn't satisfied with this answer. My mother opened her laptop and together we looked up "causes of Hodgkin's Lymphoma." The website echoed my mother's claim that no one knows the cause, but offered some possibilities: Genetics Exposure to Epstein-Barr virus Immune system problems Family history Environmental factors The last one that floored me. "Environmental factors?" I asked my mom. "Does that mean something in the air could have made Megan sick?" She nodded. "Or in the water, or the food supply. But they don't know for sure." And there was "they" again. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. There wasn't much that could be done to avoid the other risk factors. Her genes were her genes, and there are only so many precautions you can take to avoid viruses. But it seemed to 10-year-old me that if humans put the pollutants in the air, water, or food, that humans can--and should--take them out of the air, water, and food. Megan's doctors were right to be hopeful. After a long fight, Megan was declared cancer-free. Six years later, she is living happily with her husband and their jumpy little corgi named Bailey. She says the cancer changed her outlook on life, and it changed mine as well. I vowed to become "they." I will devote my life to finding workable solutions for environmental problems, and for finding incentives that will motivate businesses to work with me. The cause for Hodgkin's Lymphoma is still unknown, put there are plenty of other illnesses and deaths that begin with pollutants. I can't singlehandedly save the planet, but maybe I can alleviate some suffering. I have to at least try.

In my community, I have served as both a summer camp counselor (two summers) and a lifeguard at our local pool (one summer). I have also volunteered at our recreation center and hosted a "Polar Express Night" through an organization called Illinois-CASA for children who have experienced neglect or abuse. In each of these roles, I have gotten to know the children in my community and strived to keep them safe. From these experiences, I have learned that there are three steps to take if you want to be an anti-bullying advocate: build relationships, be proactive, and empower children with the tools they need to protect themselves. The first step is to get to know the children in your care and gain their trust. This begins by being a good listener! Let them immerse you in their world and tell you all about the things that are important to them. Let them show you that Pokémon card for the 100th time or tell you about that Roblox game they are playing online with their friends. Ask them about their friends and listen when they interact with other children. The more you know about them and their world, the better equipped you are to help them. If you see tensions rising between two children or groups of children, don't wait for something bad to happen before you intervene. If you are proactive, you can stop trouble before it starts. Do something to change the momentum: engage the children a team-building activity, move on to snack time (if you think hunger/low blood sugar might be exacerbating the situation), or even partner the two children who aren't getting along for an activity if you think time together working toward a common goal might help. And, of course, communicate any problems to your supervisor and with the children's families at pick-up time. The third step is empowerment. Knowing that you, another counselor, or the adults in a child's life won't always be present to sense a potential bullying situation and stop it in its tracks, it is important to give the child some tools to protect themselves. Make sure they know it's not ok to talk to strangers online or give them any personal information. Let them know that if another child or adult is making them feel bad, they should tell them to stop it--and if they don't, the child should find a trusted adult and ask for help. My parents, teachers, and other members of my community always kept me safe, so I feel a responsibility to pay that forward and help protect the new generation of children. I admire the mission and work of the Matthew E. Minor Awareness Foundation, as their goals seem in line with my goals when I am working with children. It's a sad fact that all children aren't protected as I was, and it's good to know that there are organizations out there that are willing to step in and provide support to our most vulnerable citizens when needed.