Through my pursuit of environmental studies, I plan on assisting in critical research to help slow and prevent climate change. The environment has always been my greatest priority. I was not a friendly child but made friends with the mud and trees. There was nothing I loved more than being outdoors and climbing trees. Now that I have grown older and learned about the problems of this world I still love being outdoors but I'm more concerned with its well-being. I can't go on a hike without seeing the harm humans are doing to the natural environment. I see clear-cutting on every drive I take, I see piles of litter in natural habitats, I see polluted, oily waters and it seems like no one is doing anything about it. Every one of these issues is important to me but the looming danger for the environment is currently climate change. Climate change is what is causing mass extinction, changing weather patterns so hurricanes and wildfires are more common, and acidifying the oceans so habitats are toxic. Climate change is the evil I strive to prevent. I plan on majoring in environmental science in college and getting my master's degree in the subject so that I am more capable of fighting climate change. I will graduate with the knowledge and status I need to do all that I can to fight climate change. My goal is to be a field researcher, collecting data on how best to prevent climate change from whichever branch of environmental science I am permitted to work in. I do not have a preference if it is aquatic-related, air related, or any other part of environmental science as long as I know I am doing worthwhile work in the fight against climate change. I feel that being in the environment and fighting for the environment is the best way I can make a positive impact on the world. It will keep me driven and determined because I will see firsthand what my work is for, and it will give me the best vantage point when taking into account all the environmental needs. Once I become successful in this field I will share my knowledge with the general public. I will speak out for the environment, fighting to protect the only earth humans have. I will use my status in environmental research to persuade people to care and help to stop climate change. Research is only knowledge unless it is applied in practice, but no one will apply it if no one knows the necessity of saving the environment. So I will share the importance of stopping climate change around the globe, urging governments to enforce environmental policies and sharing with citizens how they can help as individuals. With my degree, knowledge, and drive, I plan in making a positive impact on the world by researching ways to help the suffering environment and spreading this understanding around the globe so that more people join the fight against climate change.

I volunteer every month to plant trees and shrubs to rehabilitate the natural habitat of the Pacific Northwest. In addition to that, I also volunteer in my neighborhood with the food bank. I pick up green bags full of food, feminine products, or checks and take them to the food bank to help people in need. At my school I volunteer with the band leadership to help the younger band members with their music.

I want to save the world. I want to discover solutions and enlighten people. I want to help people and animals flourish. I want to help save humanity. This is because the world needs help and no one seems to be doing anything about it. All the news is is horror stories, failures, and hopelessness. I want a loud voice along with solutions. If I study environmental science I will have facts and evidence in my side. And if my voice is loud enough I can shake the world. I can open people’s eyes and help everyone do what is right. While I may not get everyone to help or see the truth, I want to make a difference so the least I can do is try.

Little Boy Heart Alive by Andrew Peterson is the song that inspires me the most. It reminds me of the joys of childhood and curiosity. Whenever I listen to it I feel a mixture of sadness and hope because I miss the carefree days of being a child but I look forward to what I can do in my future.