“Joie de Vivre” is roughly translated as a joy for living-this describes how I approach life. I truly live life to its fullest and enjoy all kinds of new experiences. In today’s world the pressures to excel, be the best, and give until depleted are all too familiar to teens like me. I feel what sets me apart from other students is my ability to engage in a wide variety of life experiences while ensuring my physical and mental well-being. I excel academically and have worked hard for my 4.41 GPA. I’ve taken mostly honors and college credit courses and as a graduating senior, will have 29 college credits. I am also an athlete and have varsity lettered in 4 sports, swimming, soccer, cross-country, and track and field. I have also been a member of a club soccer team for several years. I find time to give back as well. I have volunteered over 100 hours at The Newport Aquarium educating guests about conservation and natural resources. I am very active in animal rescue and have volunteered for several years by fundraising, fostering, and working on adoption events. I have coordinated a local food drive for food-insecure children in my community as well as several other events such as blood drives and organ donation awareness events. I plan to continue giving back throughout college. Giving back is important to me. Currently, I work two jobs as a lifeguard and have worked for the past 3 years. While academics, sports, volunteering, and working are integral to my life they don’t show the full picture, the heart of who I am, and what drives me to live life to its fullest. I almost lost my youngest brother when he was a baby. He required a liver transplant to survive, and although he received his gift right in time, his life has not been without its struggles. I learned young that life is unpredictable. Each day is a gift and each one of us only has so much time on this earth to become the best versions of ourselves, live life to the fullest, and make a difference I plan to use my time on this earth to experience all this world has to offer and follow my passions. Animals and the environment are huge passions of mine. I intend to feed these passions through dual majors in environmental earth science and sustainability. My ultimate goal is to work with wildlife and conservation to preserve our great outdoors. I thrive when I am outdoors and why I feel so strongly that current and future generations should be able to experience all nature has to offer. Nature helps me alleviate stress and center myself. Camping, hiking, climbing, kayaking, skiing, fishing, and simply exploring are some of my favorite things to do in nature. When not outdoors, I am an avid reader and I love to bake. Like any other teen, my friends are a huge part of my life. We enjoy concerts, movies, dancing, football games, and all other typical teen activities. I like to think of myself as a very well-rounded individual with my priorities in check. I am a strong-willed adventurous person with the determination needed to succeed. My ability to excel in many different facets of life and live life to the fullest sets me apart from others. I greatly appreciate your time learning a little bit more about me and thank you for your consideration for this scholarship.

I’ve been blessed with the ability to follow my passions and give back to my community. I have a lot of experience volunteering for different organizations. I have dedicated my time to working blood drives, food drives, etc. However, there are two causes that I’m most passionate about, animal rescue and conservation/marine life. I’ve no memory of when animal rescue started. it was always part of my childhood. My family “officially” started fostering for Pawprints Animal Rescue seven years ago when I was ten. I distinctly remember the 4 adorable calico kittens. Since we have fostered over 70 cats and dogs. It’s been amazing, heartbreaking and so worth it all at the same time. My bedroom is an optimal “foster room” for felines when they need to be isolated from family pets or other fosters. This means I often have a litter of kittens or a cat or two living in my bedroom. Many of the kittens we take are feral and need socialization. They hiss, growl, and lunge out of fear. My job has been socializing, holding, and loving an angry kitten in a blanket while getting it used to humans. It’s unbelievable how quickly a feral kitten can transform into a loving creature. I’ve watched animals come into my home, and my bedroom, who have been starved and very sick. To see these animals heal completely and THRIVE is indescribable although it’s not always the outcome. We’ve had losses. One particularly difficult loss was Jan. She was part of the Brady bunch litter who was living in my bedroom. My mom had taken another to the vet, I was responsible for the five others. I won’t ever forget picking up little Jan and realizing she was gone. No warning, no sickness, just gone. It was devastating. We’ve lost others as well. It never gets easier yet we keep going and I intend to continue volunteering in some capacity in animal rescue forever. I may not be able to foster, but there are always ways I can help raise money and awareness for homeless animals in our community. Assisting with vet visits, transports, and fundraising are just a few things I have done and plan to continue. So much fundraising is needed to properly vet the animals. I’ve assisted with many fundraisers, from lemonade stands to quarter auctions, online auctions, and everything in between. In addition to my experience volunteering in animal rescue, I’ve also dedicated a significant amount of time following my passion for conservation and aquatic life. I volunteered as a Summer Naturalist for the Wave Foundation at the Newport Aquarium. As a volunteer, I interpreted exhibits and educated guests about the welfare of aquatic animals, natural resources, and conservation. I assisted in the care of the Horseshoe crabs, whelks, and invertebrates. One day while working the tide pool I found my voice when a small child was violent towards a sea anemone. Discovering my ability to advocate for others and make a difference was the drive I needed to pursue a future education and career in conservation as an Environmental Scientist. The opportunities to give back are limitless as are the rewards. I’ve learned much in my time volunteering, not only about the world around me but also about myself. My experiences have catalyzed growth and confidence. I intend to continue giving back throughout my time in college and well beyond following my heart. I feel that volunteering my time and energy towards a cause I am passionate about is a win-win for everyone.

The days lasted forever and once over, another began. This pattern is on repeat. Every. Single. Day. I didn’t realize at the time how overwhelmed, anxious and depressed I’d become. I was in sixth grade balancing a new school, a rigorous schedule for drama club, and soccer, and navigating life as a preteen. I sought help. With my parents’ help, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, I saw a therapist, started medication, reigned in my schedule, and actively sought ways to improve my mental status. As a senior now, I no longer experience those feelings of hopelessness yet the memory remains as a vivid reminder that life can change at any point. I never want to revisit that dark place. The difficulties that I experienced in the 6th grade awakened me to prioritize my mental health in a society that places a stigma on mental illness. Mental health touches everything single aspect of life and it is of the utmost importance to prioritize just as one would their physical health. One way I stay mentally well is by staying physically well. I’m involved in several sports and train nightly. Being active, social, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy plays a huge part in my mental well-being. What also helps is my time spent in nature. It centers me and lessons any anxiety. I have started fishing, camping, climbing, and hiking. Fresh air and sunshine on my face outside are often all I need to boost my mood and center myself. My favorite is camping at Red River Gorge in Kentucky for a whole weekend. Volunteering is also good for my mental wellness. I adore animals and volunteering for an animal rescue fills my heart. I feel good making a difference and helping these homeless animals. I also enjoy volunteering for several other groups in my community such as Hoxworth Blood Center, organizing blood drives, volunteering for Trust for Life to increase awareness of organ donation, and hosting an organ donation drive in my community. I also have organized a community food collection drive for food insecure kids in my community. Giving back is uplifting in and of itself and knowing you are helping others in need is a wonderful feeling. As much my volunteer work helps nme stay mentally well, my social supports do the same. I’ve grown and changed since I was that depressed 6th-grade girl. Now instead of desperately trying to fit in with everyone, I have a solid group of supportive friends who I can confide in and talk to when I am stressed. Having tried and true friends who help me overcome challenges and always have my back has helped me stay mentally well. Unfortunately, not everyone has this support. Many people simply do not have the means, opportunities, or know strategies to promote mental well-being. There is still a stigma around mental illness in our country despite its prevalence. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in every 5 adults suffers from mental illness to some degree, and yet it’s still stigmatized. Will everybody meet the criteria for an official mental illness at some point? Who knows? Or cares? We are all human and inevitably will face challenges to our mental well-being. I hope that using my voice to share my experience and validate others’ experiences will help to educate the world about mental illness and some strategies to promote mental well-being. I will forever be a voice for those who feel so lost they have none.

The days lasted forever and once over, another began. This pattern is on repeat. Every. Single. Day. I didn’t realize at the time how overwhelmed, anxious and depressed I’d become. I was in sixth grade balancing a new school, a rigorous schedule for drama club, and soccer, and navigating life as a preteen. I had no clue how to seek help. Luckily my mom, who has a background in mental health, noticed the changes in me and sought help. I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I began to see a therapist, started antidepressant medications, reigned in my schedule, and actively sought ways to improve my mental status. My beliefs about mental illness have changed because of my experiences. I used to think of it as something that happens to other people, not me. As a senior now, I no longer experience those feelings of hopelessness yet the memory remains vivid in my mind serving as a reminder that life can change in an instant. I never want to revisit that dark place although life continues to present unique challenges to overcome. Adjusting to the uncertainties of a global pandemic over the past few years has been hard for me. The difficulties that I experienced in the 6th grade awakened me to prioritize my mental health in a society that places a stigma on mental illness. I’ve been able to stay mentally strong while simultaneously working to end the stigma that surrounds mental illness over the past few years by simply sharing my story and validating those who face mental health challenges. The darkness that I experienced was poignant. It shook me and affected me immensely. I believe that all of us struggle with our physical or mental wellness at some point and we all need to be cognizant of this. Our relationships depend on us acknowledging each other’s physical and mental well-being. Having experienced depression and anxiety at such a young age, I feel that I have a better understanding than most. I feel like my relationships with others are more genuine as I can relate to their struggles. Healthy relationships that provide emotional support are a huge factor in my current mental well-being. As a depressed pre-teen starting a new middle school, I was simply trying to be liked by any and everyone. Now I have genuine friends from that I can seek support in times of stress. Even several years later, my experiences with depression and anxiety affect my career aspirations to an extent. I aspire to work as an Environmental Scientist and anxiety and self-doubt at times can rear their ugly head. Will I be accepted into college? How will I afford college? How will I live on my own? What if I am choosing the wrong major? These questions and several more like them, stir up old feelings of anxiousness. However, over the years, I have learned positive ways to counteract anxious thoughts. I am no longer in need of medication to help me function daily. I have learned a great deal about myself from my struggles and intend to utilize this experience in my interactions with all college, social, or work-related interactions. Mental and physical wellness takes effort. Just like eating, sleeping, hydrating well, and exercising to promote physical wellness, I engage in activities that promote my mental wellness. I have found that spending time in nature is hugely beneficial for my mental status. It centers me and lessens any anxiety and boosts my mood. I have started fishing, camping, climbing, and hiking. Fresh air and sunshine on my face outside all year round are often all I need to boost my mood and center myself. My favorite is camping at Red River Gorge in Kentucky for a whole weekend. Volunteering is also good for my mental wellness. I adore animals and volunteering for an animal rescue fills my heart. It’s difficult to feel down while holding and loving a litter of tiny kittens. I feel good making a difference and helping these homeless animals. I also enjoy volunteering for several other groups in my community such as Hoxworth Blood Center, organizing blood drives, volunteering for Trust for Life to increase awareness of organ donation, and hosting an organ donation drive in my community, I also have organized a community food collection drive for food insecure kids in my community. Giving back is uplifting in and of itself and knowing you are helping others in need is a wonderful feeling. Mental wellness is so very important as it has a role in every aspect of life. I am grateful for my mental and physical wellness, but I do not take them for granted. I plan to continue to be a voice for those struggling with their mental illness and use my personal experience to be a support for friends who may experience similar situations. I am grateful for opportunities, such as this scholarship, that put a spotlight on mental illness and help to become a voice for those struggling and those who have gone before us.

One of the world’s greatest explorers, Robert Swan wrote, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” These words are poignant. Mother Earth is in peril and we as humans are to blame. Climate change is the single greatest threat to our sustainable future and we have a duty to future generations to wake up and utilize science to make a change before it is too late. I want to be part of the solution and pursue a STEM degree in environmental science. A STEM degree will afford me the know-how and the credentials needed to pursue environmental science as a career and in turn, have to opportunity to make big changes. Science in general is so important as it integral in every facet of life from the air we breath, food we eat, to the universe our little planet earth resides in. Specifically environmental science can be described as an interdisciplinary field that draws on ecology, geology, meteorology, biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics to study environmental problems and the impacts of humans on the environment and vice versa. Unfortunately, humans have taken Mother Earth for granted for too long and have not implemented sustainable processes. We are starting to pay the price for our neglect. Mudslides, rivers/lakes drying up, fires, glacial melting, floods, record heat, and rising shorelines are just some of the problems we face. I plan to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree and specifically focus my studies on natural resources, wildlife, and conservation. During my graduate and undergraduate studies, I plan to partake in local, national, and global fieldwork to study different ecosystems and environmental dynamics. I plan to also find a STEM internship focused on environmental science during my undergraduate studies to get real-world experience and a different perspective on my chosen career. I hope to apply my knowledge of natural science to identify and monitor hazards to humans and the environment and develop restoration plans in my community and beyond. I would like to utilize my skills and knowledge base to advise lawmakers to strengthen existing environmental protections and enact new ones. We as a human race NEED to find mutually beneficial solutions for humanity and Mother Nature and science most definitely can help us. A very influential figure (named by Dr. Seuss) the Lorax once said “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” I care a whole awful lot. The health of humans, animals, and our planet earth is all contingent on making significant positive changes that protect and preserve our natural resources and I am excited to embark on this journey that begins with studying Stem in college. College is an invaluable step in my journey and I look toward the future with optimism and hope. Thank you for allowing me to share a little about my dreams and aspirations and why I feel environmental science is so very important. My education and future career will not only benefit me but dare I say the world as a whole.

There were thirty seconds left in the match. His lips were pursed and his eyes shined bright with determination. He came here to win, he wouldn't settle for anything less. He brought his fist down as fast as he could muster and landed the strike dead on his opponent's face, resulting in a critical hit. Triumph! The unsupervised six-year-old boy had successfully punched the defenseless sea anemone in its home arena “the touch pool” at the Newport aquarium. In defeat the anemone's floating pink tentacles recoiled into its center, taking a defensive and final stance. Across the cold fake rock and salty water stood me, a fourteen-year-old volunteer watching this brawl in horror. My lips fell ajar, briefly brushing up against my microphone in awe of what I had just witnessed. After the utter shock of this moment had passed I urgently announced to this boy and his nearby family, “Please do not punch our animals! Only use a two-finger touch!” as we were trained to say. My voice amplified by the microphone seemed to echo through the crowded room as other visitors began to recite the words to their children. Even the six-year-old boy who had just won a boxing match against one of the sea creatures listened to my words and began to gently pet the back of a horseshoe crab with a two-finger touch. At this moment I came to a new understanding of myself. My words did not only have meaning but the power to create change. After that day I was transformed while I had once tried to blend into the walls like my gecko friends from the reptile section hoping to avoid being asked questions, I now proudly strut from station to station with my worn-out satchel, which was stuffed to the brim with fish scales and shark teeth resting on my hip. With this newfound power and confidence, I spent the rest of my time as a volunteer at the Newport Aquarium trying to make influence others to make a change. I worked the turtle cart vigorously. I let kids play with the replicas of seven species of sea turtles while I encouraged their parents to switch to reusable bags and straws to help not only the sea turtles but their children's quality of life. When my time at the turtle cart was done I would saunter over to the shark tunnel and teach guests that even intimidating creatures with jagged sharp teeth, still deserve to exist. I would hand out shark teeth to engage with guests while I taught them how finning, sport fishing, and overfishingwords threatens sharks' existence. With every person I approached the more I felt a change in myself. By the time I finished my one hundred volunteer hours at the aquarium I had discovered a new passion. I wanted to pursue a career where I could use my words to help protect things that can't speak up for themselves. This started as wanting to be a marine biologist, then a park ranger, and I've finally landed on a solid in-between by aspiring to become an environmental scientist. I want to keep using my to inspire change. I'm not entirely sure how I will, but because of watching a little kid punch a sea anemone, I now know I can.

There were thirty seconds left in the match. His lips were pursed and his eyes shined bright with determination. He came here to win, he wouldn't settle for anything less. He brought his fist down as fast as he could muster and landed the strike dead on his opponent's face, resulting in a critical hit. Triumph! The unsupervised six-year-old boy had successfully punched the defenseless sea anemone in its home arena “the touch pool” at the Newport aquarium. In defeat the anemone's floating pink tentacles recoiled into its center, taking a defensive and final stance. Across the cold fake rock and salty water stood me, a teenage volunteer watching this brawl in horror. My lips fell ajar, briefly brushing up against my microphone in awe of what I had just witnessed. After the utter shock of this moment had passed I urgently announced to this boy and his nearby family, “Please do not punch our animals! Only use a two-finger touch!” as we were trained to say. My voice amplified by the microphone seemed to echo through the crowded room as other visitors began to recite the words to their children. Even the six-year-old boy who had just won a boxing match against one of the sea creatures listened to my words and began to gently pet the back of a horseshoe crab with a two-finger touch. At this moment I came to a new understanding of myself. My words did not only have meaning but the power to create change. After that day I was transformed, while I had once tried to blend into the walls like my gecko friends from the reptile section hoping to avoid being asked questions, I now proudly strut from station to station with my worn-out satchel, which was stuffed into the brim with fish scales and shark teeth resting on my hip. With this newfound power and confidence, I spent the rest of my time as a volunteer at the Newport Aquarium trying to influence others to make a change. I worked the turtle cart vigorously. I let kids play with the replicas of seven species of sea turtles while I encouraged their parents to switch to reusable bags and straws to help not only the sea turtles but their children's quality of life. When my time at the turtle cart was done I would saunter over to the shark tunnel and teach guests that even intimidating creatures with jagged sharp teeth, still deserve to exist. I would hand out shark teeth to engage with guests while I taught them how finning, sport fishing, and overfishing threatens sharks' existence. With every person I approached the more I felt a change in myself. By the time I finished my one hundred volunteer hours at the aquarium I had discovered a new passion. I wanted to pursue a career where I could use my words to help protect things that can't speak up for themselves. This started as wanting to be a marine biologist, then a park ranger, and I've finally landed on a solid in-between by aspiring to become an environmental scientist focused on conservation. Am I still the same person? Yes, I am. I still have the passion and desire to make a positive impact on my world, the difference is I now believe that I can. I want to keep using my voice to inspire change. I was not quite sure that I could do this, but because of watching a little kid punch a sea anemone, I now know I can.

One of the world’s greatest explorers, Robert Swan wrote, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” These words are poignant. Mother Earth is in peril and we as humans are to blame. Climate change is the single greatest threat to our sustainable future and we have a duty to future generations to wake up and utilize science to make a change before it is too late. I want to be part of the solution and pursue a STEM degree in environmental science. A STEM degree will afford me the know-how and the credentials needed to pursue environmental science as a career and in turn, have to opportunity to make big changes. Science in general is so important as it integral in every facet of life from the air we breath, food we eat, to the universe our little planet earth resides in. Specifically environmental science can be described as an interdisciplinary field that draws on ecology, geology, meteorology, biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics to study environmental problems and the impacts of humans on the environment and vice versa. Unfortunately, humans have taken Mother Earth for granted for too long and have not implemented sustainable processes. We are starting to pay the price for our neglect. Mudslides, rivers/lakes drying up, fires, glacial melting, floods, record heat, and rising shorelines are just some of the problems we face. I plan to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree and specifically focus my studies on natural resources, wildlife, and conservation. During my graduate and undergraduate studies, I plan to partake in local, national, and global fieldwork to study different ecosystems and environmental dynamics. I plan to also find a STEM internship focused on environmental science during my undergraduate studies to get real-world experience and a different perspective on my chosen career. I hope to apply my knowledge of natural science to identify and monitor hazards to humans and the environment and develop restoration plans in my community and beyond. I would like to utilize my skills and knowledge base to advise lawmakers to strengthen existing environmental protections and enact new ones. We as a human race NEED to find mutually beneficial solutions for humanity and Mother Nature and science most definitely can help us. A very influential figure (named by Dr. Seuss) the Lorax once said “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” I care a whole awful lot. The health of humans, animals, and our planet earth is all contingent on making significant positive changes that protect and preserve our natural resources and I am excited to embark on this journey that begins with studying Stem in college. College is an invaluable step in my journey and I look toward the future with optimism and hope. Thank you for allowing me to share a little about my dreams and aspirations and why I feel environmental science is so very important. My education and future career will not only benefit me but dare I say the world as a whole.

One of the world’s greatest explorers, Robert Swan wrote, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” These words are poignant. Mother Earth is in peril and we as humans are to blame. Climate change is the single greatest threat to our sustainable future and we have a duty to future generations to wake up and make a change before it is too late. I want to be part of the solution and continue my education in STEM while studying environmental science in college. A STEM degree will afford me the know-how and the credentials needed to pursue environmental science as a career and in turn, have to opportunity to make big changes. Environmental science can be best described as an interdisciplinary academic field that draws on ecology, geology, meteorology, biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics to study environmental problems and the impacts of humans on the environment and vice versa. Unfortunately, humans have taken Mother Earth for granted for too long and have not implemented sustainable processes. We are starting to pay the price for our neglect. Mudslides, rivers/lakes drying up, fires, glacial melting, floods, record heat, and rising shorelines are just some of the problems we face. I plan to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree and specifically focus my studies on natural resources, wildlife, and conservation. During my graduate and undergraduate studies, I plan to partake in local, national, and global fieldwork to study different ecosystems and environmental dynamics. I plan to also find an internship during my undergraduate studies to get real-world experience and a different perspective on my chosen career. I hope to apply my knowledge of natural science to identify and monitor hazards to humans and the environment and develop restoration plans in my community and beyond. I would like to utilize my skills and knowledge base to advise lawmakers to strengthen existing environmental protections and enact new ones. We as a human race NEED to find mutually beneficial solutions for humanity and Mother Nature. A very influential figure (named by Dr. Seuss) the Lorax once said “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” I care a whole awful lot. The health of humans, animals, and our planet earth is all contingent on making significant positive changes that protect and preserve our natural resources and I am excited to embark on this journey that begins with a degree in STEM. College is an invaluable step in my journey and I look toward the future with optimism and hope. Thank you for allowing me to share a little about my dreams and aspirations and why pursuing a STEM degree in environmental science will not only benefit me but dare I say the world as a whole.

One of the world’s greatest explorers, Robert Swan wrote, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” These words are poignant. Mother Earth is in peril and we as humans are to blame. Climate change is the single greatest threat to our sustainable future and we have a duty to future generations to wake up and make a change before it is too late. I want to be part of the solution and study environmental science in college. This is why attending college is so important to me. It will afford me the know-how and the credentials needed to pursue environmental science as a career and in turn, have to opportunity to make big changes. Environmental science can be best described as an interdisciplinary academic field that draws on ecology, geology, meteorology, biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics to study environmental problems and the impacts of humans on the environment and vice versa. Unfortunately, humans have taken Mother Earth for granted for too long and have not implemented sustainable processes. We are starting to pay the price for our neglect. Mudslides, rivers/lakes drying up, fires, glacial melting, floods, record heat, and rising shorelines are just some of the problems we face. I plan to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree and specifically focus my studies on natural resources, wildlife, and conservation. During my graduate and undergraduate studies, I plan to partake in local, national, and global fieldwork to study different ecosystems and environmental dynamics. I plan to also find an internship during my undergraduate studies to get real-world experience and a different perspective on my chosen career. I hope to apply my knowledge of natural science to identify and monitor hazards to humans and the environment and develop restoration plans in my community and beyond. I would like to utilize my skills and knowledge base to advise lawmakers to strengthen existing environmental protections and enact new ones. We as a human race NEED to find mutually beneficial solutions for humanity and Mother Nature. A very influential figure (named by Dr. Seuss) the Lorax once said “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” I care a whole awful lot. The health of humans, animals, and our planet earth is all contingent on making significant positive changes that protect and preserve our natural resources and I am excited to embark on this journey that begins with attending college. College is an invaluable step in my journey and I look toward the future with optimism and hope. Thank you for allowing me to share a little about my dreams and aspirations and why attending college will not only benefit me but dare I say the world as a whole.