I hope my work contributes to a healthier and more sustainable world by giving new life to clothes that would otherwise be thrown away. I focus on taking old or unused items and turning them into something more stylish and wearable. My goal is to change the way people think about everyday items, especially right before they decide to throw them out or donate them. A lot of people see donation as the best option, and while it can help, it does not always work the way we think. If clothing is sent directly to people who need it, that is great. But in many cases, items sit in thrift stores for long periods of time. Higher-value pieces are often taken quickly, while more basic items like plain shirts, pants, or jackets are left behind and eventually thrown away. That is where my work comes in. I take those overlooked pieces, especially simple and blank clothing, and repurpose them into something new. Using materials like bleach and paint, I create designs inspired by current fashion trends. Instead of letting these clothes go to waste, I turn them into unique pieces that people actually want to wear. This not only reduces waste but also shows that you do not need to buy new clothes to have something stylish. Another important part of what I do is giving back. I often work with donated clothes from friends, and I try to return that value by sharing what I create with people around me or those in need. Whether it is giving items directly to someone, sharing them within my community, or simply making something meaningful out of something forgotten, I want my work to have a positive impact beyond just the creative process. Looking ahead, I hope to keep growing this idea into something bigger. I would love to expand it into a small business or community project where I can involve more people, maybe even host workshops or events that teach others how to repurpose their own clothing. My goal is to make sustainability feel less like a chore and more like something creative and enjoyable. Overall, I want my work to show that building a more sustainable future doesn’t always require huge changes. Sometimes it starts with simple ideas, like reusing what we already have and finding new ways to make it meaningful again. If I can inspire even a few people to think differently about waste and creativity, I feel like I’m contributing to something that will have a lasting impact over time.

My relationship with my Buddhist faith has slowly become an important part of how I live my life. I was raised as a Catholic and grew up with those traditions, so exploring Buddhism was not something I expected at first. As a Caucasian male, I did not grow up around many people who practiced Buddhism, so it started more as curiosity than anything else. Over time, though, it turned into something that really helped me feel more grounded, especially during times when life felt uncertain or stressful. One of the biggest things Buddhism has taught me is to slow down and be more aware of what is happening in the moment. Instead of reacting quickly or getting overwhelmed, I try to pause and think about how I want to respond. That has helped me handle challenges in a calmer and more thoughtful way. While my Catholic background taught me a lot about values and structure, Buddhism has added a different perspective by focusing more on mindfulness and being present in everyday life. Another part of Buddhism that has really stuck with me is the idea of compassion and understanding others. It reminds me that everyone is dealing with something, even if you cannot see it. Because of that, I try to be more patient and open-minded in my daily life. Coming from a different background, I also try to be respectful and aware as I continue learning about Buddhism, since I know I am stepping into a tradition that has deep cultural roots. This way of thinking has also influenced my future goals. I used to think more about success in terms of money or achievements, but now I care more about doing something meaningful. I want to find a career where I can make a positive impact, especially in areas like sustainability and helping the environment. Spending time outdoors has made me appreciate how important it is to take care of natural spaces, and Buddhism has strengthened that connection by encouraging respect for all living things. Because of this, I want my work to reflect those values and contribute to something bigger than just myself. After I graduate, I hope to give back to my community in ways that feel real and consistent. That could mean volunteering, getting involved in local environmental efforts, or helping with community programs. I also think giving back is not always about big actions. It can be as simple as being kind, listening to others, and showing up when people need support. I want to be someone who makes a positive difference in everyday situations, not just through big plans but through small, meaningful actions. Overall, my Buddhist faith has helped guide me toward a more thoughtful and balanced way of living. It has changed how I see success, how I treat others, and how I think about my future. As I move forward, I hope to keep growing in these values and use them to make a positive impact in both my career and my community.

I recently moved to Orlando from Jacksonville to study sustainable practices. What I didn’t expect was how quickly I’d fall in love with the outdoors here. Between classes, I’ve found myself walking the trails at Blanchard Park or fishing at Lake Claire on campus. Those moments have become some of the most meaningful parts of my day. Growing up, I saw how spaces like that can shape your life and not just your physical health, but your mindset, your habits, and your sense of peace. Being in Orlando has reminded me of that in a really personal way. It’s also pushed me to think about how I can share those experiences with others. There are so many opportunities here to get outside, but a lot of people just need a little nudge. I want to be that person who invites friends, classmates, or even new students to step outside, try something new, and enjoy what’s already around them. That ties directly into how I want to make an impact. I care a lot about environmental management, especially when it comes to fishing and wildlife conservation. I want to be involved in clean-up efforts, promote responsible fishing, and help people understand why protecting these spaces actually matters. Not in a lecture kind of way, but by getting people involved, by showing them firsthand why it’s worth caring about. Environmental justice is another area that’s important to me. Not everyone has the same access to clean water or safe outdoor spaces, and that’s something that deserves attention. I want to support efforts that make those resources more accessible and raise awareness about the communities that are often overlooked when it comes to environmental issues. Even though I don’t come from a baseball or softball background, athletics have still played a big role in my life. Wrestling, especially, shaped who I was in high school. It gave me structure, discipline, and a reason to show up every day. It also taught me that teamwork isn’t just about what happens during practice, it’s the small things too, like early bus rides to tournaments or hanging out after workouts. Those experiences stuck with me. That’s why I also care about nutrition and physical education. I think building healthy habits early on can change the direction of someone’s life. Whether it’s encouraging people to stay active, eat better, or just take care of themselves a little more, I believe those small choices add up over time. At the end of the day, I want to carry forward the kind of impact John cared about, which is helping people connect with the outdoors, take care of their environment, and grow through physical activity. For me, it starts with simple things: inviting someone to go fishing, organizing a cleanup, or just getting people outside. Those small actions can turn into something much bigger. (The photo below is the most recent charity event I went to for my school, a Volleyball Tournament)