“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better” Albert Einstein. I love nature because it is a reminder that life is a balance. For instance, the environment is self-regenerative. The environment has perfect stability based on the circle of life. Every living being from microorganisms to big predators has a vital role for the environment to be self-sufficient. Nature proves that magic exists in this world by making varied species coexist in the same place. Hence, I appreciate the environment by doing outdoor activities. To list, I like hiking, camping, swimming, kayaking, and others. A big part of valuing nature is by taking care of the surroundings. Consequentially, practicing sustainability every day is one way to appreciate and care for nature. To take care of the environment, it is necessary to stop creating waste that will not decompose naturally. Nature is a magical reminder of balance and beauty, which is why I love it.

A life without relaxation is one living in survival mode. Taking care of mental health is one of the most necessary and important strategies one must learn. For me, relaxing has been an acquired habit. When I was young, I used to struggle with anxiety and hyperactive disorders. It was not until I learned strategies to relax that I found my happiness. One of the best techniques to relax is by meditating five minutes after waking up. Practicing mindfulness helps me to be more centered in the present and stop worrying about external factors. Painting abstract art also helps me cope with my feelings because I can express myself without utilizing any words. Relaxing and taking care of my mental health is a powerful weapon to function better. When I am meditating, painting, cooking, or exploring nature, I feel disconnected from all my preoccupations and worries. Being in touch with my own mind is a vital key to success. To live an initiative-taking, creative and loving life it is necessary to reserve time to take care of one’s own mind. There are many ways to achieve that. For some, relaxing is drinking a cup of hot coffee, for others, it is driving around listening to music. Every person has their own way of relaxing, and that is what makes it so powerful.

Self-care is the key for a happy life. I was a negative person because I found flaws in everything. This changed the moment I started to practice self-care. This action made me realize how marvelous life is. For me, self-care is being able to love myself to the fullest. There is not one way to properly practice self-care; each person has their own practices and rituals. For me practicing self-care consists of staying in touch with my loved ones, meditate, practice growth mindset, and spending time in the nature. Hanging out with my loved ones makes me happy, it is a reminder that life is made to enjoy and love others. Another way I practice self-care is by meditation. Taking ten minutes a day before sleeping to meditate is energizing. Meditation is the art of focusing on yourself in a calm space. The third way is to keep up a growth-mindset. Having a growth-mindset allows me to deal with frustration, maintain motivation, and facing challenges with a positive mind. This is beneficial for academic life. Finally, the last way I like to practice self-care is by spending time in the nature. Nature is a beautiful remainder of balance. Spend some time in the beach, forest, lake or wherever in nature is helpful to meet a relaxed time in my busy life. The impact self-care has in my life is a game changer. It helps me cope with anxiety, stay focused on my studies and keep a positive attitude. I find self-care a vital instrument to be the person I am, a strong, independent, and positive woman. Practicing self-care is all abound finding strategies to do daily that work to remind you that you are beautiful, worth it and that you can do anything you wish for.

This is my first time studying in a United States College. My name is Gali and I just transferred from Mexico City to Broward College. The thing that inspires me to go #Back2SchoolBold is having this new amazing opportunity to get a fresh start, to be able to have a better education to pursue my future goals. This new chapter is scary because everything is new, but I am ready to be bold and meet my goals. I can say that my back to school inspiration comes from after the American dream, and starting a new life with new friends in this country. School is the best investment, as long as we remember the goal the inspiration to keep studying will never fade away. I am sure the Bold community is going to be very helpful in this journey. Happy back to school for all!

"Why do I believe it is important to fight for environmental policy?" I was born and raised in Mexico City, a beautiful city with lots of culture and ancient history behind. Even though this place is amazing, the truth is that everywhere I turn to look there is trash. Mexico City is one if not the most populated city in the word, and environmental policy and legislation is not our strong area. In Mexico, big companies are polluting the water, soil, and air daily. Without any restrictions or limits, this creates an unnatural imbalance which also causes poverty. My name is Gali, and I am studying a BA in Sustainability Studies. I am passionate about wanting to change the way we, humans, look at the world. To think outside the box that society puts us in is very important to me and I believe that is the first step to realizing we are doing something wrong. The earth is in a perfect balance that can restore itself but that changed after agriculture was born, since that moment animals aren't our neighbors anymore. To really effect change for the environmental policy alliances between the government sector and the business sector are a key. In order to curb the Climate Crisis the Paris agreements aren´t enough. The nations and companies need a stronger initiative to start making the changes that are needed now, not at a national scale but at a global one. The United States is one of the top five countries damaging the earth, but it is also a technologically advanced country. Here, if you want to create new technologies to stop climate change, it is possible. My second proposal to help curb the climate change crisis involves the food industry. Many meals go to waste before even arriving on a plate. The food industry creates almost one quarter of the greenhouse gases. This occurs because it wastes lots of water, the meat industry releases lots of methane and transporting food also creates pollution. On the contrary, there are about 800 million malnourished humans even though some countries can get access to food that's not even made in their territory. Day by day I realize it is our duty to change environmental policy, that we are the ones deciding the future of the earth. I am confident that in this generation the change will be made, this is only going to be possible by creating alliances between nations and big powerful corporations. I, Gali Polichuk, am committing to start this change by studying and preparing myself to leave this world better that we received it with an environmental restored balance.