Math has always been there for me. Now, that's not to say I've never struggled in that area. In fact, just a few weeks ago, I was contemplating dropping my Calculus AB class. About ten other students dropped it, and the class was so daunting that it seemed impossible. However, after a conversation with my teacher and thinking about how much math has done for me, I stayed just a few more days. I passed that exam with flying colors and everything turned out fine. Math has never betrayed me. Sure, I've come out with a few cuts and bruises, but it's always there for me. Math is structured and, although seemingly unpredictable sometimes, organized. I can always count on it to be there for me. Everything you see is created by math. The Ancient Egyptians created those perfect pyramids using math. The Mayans created the science of astronomy and calendar systems using math. The Aztecs were known for their incredible architecture, made by using math. All of these civilizations have used the same math we use today to build themselves. They have stood the test of time as some of the most incredible and technologically proficient civilizations ever to exist, and it was all because of math. Unfortunately, many people think math is useless, that we'll never need to find the derivative of an equation or find concavity in our day to day lives. We might not, but also all of the concepts used in math do make our lives more interesting. Sure, not everyone is going to be a mathematician or physicist; however, landscapers and interior designers, careers that seem less "scientific" use math. Everyone depends on math to live. It is architecture, medicine, automotive vehicles, technology, etc. When people complain that what they learned in math class never helped, I often wonder if that's true. How did they get from home to here? A vehicle made by using math. How did they get over their flu a few weeks ago? By using antibiotics which were made by using math to get the proper dosage. Everything we're surrounded by is created by math, so it only makes sense to learn that math, to learn how and why we exist and everything around us exists.

As an aspiring environmental scientist, it's very important to me that I start positive habits early in life. A lot of these habits I learned as a child, not even for the environment, but I bring them with me every day. One of my habits that I've been trying to discipline myself more on lately is how I purchase clothing. I only buy clothing when I either absolutely need it or see something at a yard sale that I know I will wear constantly. I try to never buy new unless I'm in a crunch. I wear my clothing until it pretty much wears out. I used to be obsessed with how I looked to others. When I realized that buying from SHEIN or ROMWE, fashion sites that support fast fashion and sweat shops, was doing more damage than good, I deleted the apps and went through my entire closet. I now only thrift and rarely go shopping. It might not seem like a big difference but I feel a lot more confident in my habits. I also actively advocate for the environment. As an officer of many groups at school - student council, Leo Club - I try to have as many environmental volunteer opportunities as possible for others to participate in. I also actively volunteer at Crowley's Ridge State Park. I work with the park interpreter to clean up the park and also work with her on programs that educate locals and children. By doing both of these, I hope to share my love for nature and educate others on how to care for it. It may not be much, me having these daily habits but if I can share what I do, others might follow in my path. Who knows? Maybe we can reverse climate change.

Almost everyone has a point in their lives where they realize "this is what I want to do." Not even ten pages in, this book made me realize that I didn't just want to be an environmental scientist, but I could actually be one. I read Letters to a Young Scientist by Edward O. Wilson during a time in my life when I lacked confidence in every aspect of myself, including my ability to become a scientist. Letters to a Young Scientist consists of Wilson telling his story as a scientist studying ants. Small insects indeed, but important. He was able to become incredibly successful in his research of them and he didn't need to be a genius to do so. He just needed passion. That's all. My classes at school always portrayed scientists as geniuses with high IQs like Einstein or Marie Curie. I was convinced that if I wanted to dedicate my life to environmental research, I would have to be a mathematical and scientific genius. I was wrong. Being a scientist means being part of a team. I would work with others in order to explore the questions of the universe. I can not explain how much comfort that brought me. Not because I would not have to do all the work myself or anything like that. I understood finally I wouldn't be alone in life and I became excited for my future career instead of scared. It changed my perspective of life. Wilson encourages his readers to always pursue their dreams no matter what obstacles stand in their way. They just have to work for it. As cliché as that sounds, Wilson was able to put my future in perspective and instilled in me a confidence I never had before.

Nature is wild. It's not something that needs to be tamed like the rest of the world, although some people try. It is unpredictable and gorgeous. It comforts me. When I feel anxious or depressed, simply going outside and breathing in the fresh air calms me. I volunteer at a local state park, Crowley's Ridge State Park. There, I am outside constantly either picking up trash or working with the park interpreter to educate locals and school groups. I go there as much as I possibly can. It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. The environment there has barely been touched by humans and in that way it grows every which way, no one telling it what to do. I love to wander the trails (and go a little bit off them) and just silently appreciate it. My family goes on many vacations a year. We don't do anything crazy, just nearby activities. Recently we went to Meramec Caverns. This place was mesmerizing. The caves had these stagnant rivers going throughout the caverns into pure darkness. Only recently was I introduced to these caverns like these and it changed my perspective on nature. I hadn't been underground before and it only furthered my appreciation for nature. These caves took millions and millions of years to form. The biggest stalactite and stalagmite took 34 million years to form. It was so big, it made its own water source. When my family goes on trips, we always encourage nature trips. They are so relaxing and beneficial to physical and mental health. My family taught me a lot about the appreciation of nature in all forms and I can only hope I can pass it on to future generations.