Why I Chose STEM and How I Hope to Make a Difference From the moment I peered through a tidepool and saw a tiny world teeming with life, I knew I was destined to explore the natural world through science. That childhood curiosity has grown into a determined pursuit of a degree in marine biology and sustainable aquaculture, which is a field that fuses biology, technology, and environmental stewardship to address global food security and ocean conservation. As a woman in STEM, my goal is to not only contribute meaningful research to protect our oceans, but also to inspire and mentor the next generation of girls who dream of science but may not yet see themselves in the field. My passion for STEM has never wavered, despite being surrounded by a culture that often subtly—or overtly—suggests women don’t belong in laboratories, research boats, or data-driven careers. The lack of female representation in marine sciences has only strengthened my resolve. I am proud to be part of the wave of change, determined to challenge outdated norms by showing what women are capable of when given the tools and support to thrive. STEM is the language of innovation, and we cannot afford to speak it with only half our voices. I chose this path because the world’s most pressing problems, from climate change to sustainable agriculture, require all minds at the table. I want to be part of building a more inclusive, sustainable future. My goal is to conduct research that informs better policies for marine ecosystems and to work directly with communities impacted by ocean degradation. I also plan to use my platform to advocate for broader access to STEM education for underrepresented girls, especially in rural areas like the one I grew up in. Being a woman in STEM isn’t just about breaking glass ceilings, it’s about redefining the ceiling altogether. With this scholarship, I would be one step closer to completing my education without the financial strain that too often hinders talented young women. It would help me focus more on fieldwork, research opportunities, and outreach without carrying the heavy burden of debt. Above all, I want my journey to show other young women that their curiosity is valid, their ideas matter, and their presence in STEM is not only needed, but powerful. Thank you for investing in women like me. We’re not just studying science; we’re shaping the future.

My name is Haley, and I’m pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture at Unity Environmental University. I’m a first-generation college student, a single mother, and a woman determined to make waves in the male-dominated world of STEM. My passion for marine biology began when I was 12 years old and visited the ocean in Clearwater, Florida for the first time. That trip changed my life. I got to swim with dolphins, stingrays, sharks—and most memorably, manta rays. Gliding through the water beside such intelligent, graceful creatures, I felt something awaken in me. Until that point, I had dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but that ocean experience sparked a deeper calling. I didn’t want to just care for animals, I wanted to understand them in the wild, protect their habitats, and study the fragile ecosystems they depend on. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to work with the ocean and its creatures. As I learned more about climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, I realized marine biology wasn’t just a passion, it was a way to help solve urgent global problems. My studies are focused on sustainable aquaculture, a promising solution to food insecurity and overfishing that can also aid in environmental restoration. Pursuing a STEM degree has been both empowering and challenging. Marine sciences, like many STEM fields, are still dominated by men—especially in leadership and research roles. As a woman, I’ve had to fight for my place in classrooms and conversations. But I’m not discouraged. Instead, I’m more driven than ever to become part of the solution, not just in terms of marine conservation, but in pushing for greater representation of women in science. I want to help create a future where young girls see women leading in labs, underwater research, and ecological innovation. Being a single mom makes this journey even more meaningful. My children are watching me pursue a goal that others might have said was too hard or too late. I want them to grow up knowing that science is for everyone, that education can break cycles, and that women can change the world. My degree isn’t just for me, it’s for my family, and for the communities and ecosystems I hope to serve. College is my opportunity to rewrite my family’s story. I’m the first to attend, and I carry the responsibility and pride of that every day. I know education is the key to building a better life, not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually. It’s given me purpose after surviving domestic violence. It’s given me hope when things felt hopeless. And it’s given me the skills to turn my passion into a real plan for impact. This scholarship would help lift some of the financial burden I carry as a single parent and student. It would allow me to continue my studies with more focus, more energy, and more freedom to explore opportunities in the field. More than anything, it would be an investment in a woman who’s ready to lead, ready to learn, and ready to make a difference. Thank you for believing in the future of women in STEM. I’m proud to be part of it.

My name is Haley, and I’m a student at Unity Environmental University pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture. More than just a title or a line on a résumé, this degree represents a chance to completely rewrite my family’s story, to break generational cycles of struggle, and to give back to the world in a way that truly matters. I am a divorced single mother raising boys who deserve to see what determination, hope, and transformation look like. Life as a single parent is incredibly challenging. Every day, I juggle the roles of caregiver, provider, student, and emotional anchor. This is often while managing financial stress and the guilt of not always being able to give my children everything they need. I’ve had to be strong in ways I never imagined, especially after surviving a violent relationship that nearly took my life. That experience was my breaking point, but also my awakening. I realized then that the only way to create lasting change for myself and my children was through education. College is not just important to me, it is essential. I am the first in my family to attend college, and I carry the weight of that honor with pride and responsibility. For generations, we’ve struggled to get ahead, not because we lacked intelligence or ambition, but because we lacked access and opportunity. My enrollment at Unity Environmental University represents a dream once thought impossible: that someone from my background, with all the odds stacked against her, could not only succeed in higher education but thrive and make a difference in the world. My passion for marine biology began as a child, sparked by a fascination with tide pools, ocean documentaries, and the beauty of sea life. As I grew older, I came to understand that our oceans are in crisis. Pollution, climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction are threatening the biodiversity and stability of marine ecosystems—systems we all rely on whether we live near the coast or not. Sustainable aquaculture, the practice of raising seafood in environmentally responsible ways, is a powerful solution. It has the potential to reduce pressure on wild populations, provide food security for vulnerable communities, and restore balance to our oceans. This is the field I want to dedicate my life to. I plan to use my education not only to work in marine restoration and sustainable food systems, but to advocate for ocean conservation and environmental equity. I believe that science and sustainability must go hand in hand with compassion and community. Through research, education, and fieldwork, I want to support both ecosystems and the people who depend on them. My dream is to be part of projects that rebuild coral reefs, restore coastal habitats, and implement aquaculture programs that nourish communities and protect marine life. But more than anything, I want to be a living example for my children and others like them. Adversity doesn’t define you; it is possible to rise from hardship with strength, purpose, and grace. I want my boys to grow up proud of their mom, not just because she survived, but because she built something better. I want them to understand the power of education, and to see that their future doesn’t have to mirror the past. This scholarship would be more than financial assistance; it would be a lifeline. It would relieve some of the financial pressure that makes balancing school and parenting so difficult. It would give me more time to focus on my studies, to engage deeply with my coursework, and to fully embrace the educational journey I’m on. Most importantly, it would be a vote of confidence and a reminder that others believe in my ability to create real change, both in my family and in the world. I know that making a difference doesn’t always mean making headlines. Sometimes, it means quietly showing up every day, doing the hard work, and refusing to give up. That’s the path I’m on. And with the help of the Alberta Bean Scholarship, I can continue walking toward a future where my family’s story is one of hope, resilience, and transformation, and where my work contributes to the healing of our planet. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students who carry not just dreams, but the will to make them real.

I am a survivor of intimate partner violence—a reality I never imagined for myself until I lived it. For a long time, I believed love meant sacrifice, and that silence was safer than speaking up. It wasn’t until I narrowly escaped with my life that I understood just how dangerous that silence could be. That experience not only changed the course of my life, but it also opened my eyes to the deeper issue: many people, including my abuser, never learned the emotional tools necessary to build healthy, respectful relationships. Education, I’ve come to realize, is one of our most powerful tools to prevent intimate partner violence—by teaching emotional intelligence, communication skills, and self-awareness from a young age. Emotional intelligence is not something we’re born with; it’s something we learn. Yet, it is often neglected in traditional education. We are taught to read, write, and solve equations, but we are rarely taught how to understand our own emotions, manage them effectively, or recognize the emotional needs of others. After surviving what I went through, I became deeply committed to changing that. I believe that if emotional education were more widely implemented—in schools, community programs, and even workplace training—we could stop violence before it starts. Through my education, I’ve begun to rebuild not only my future but also my understanding of what a healthy relationship looks like. I’ve learned that emotional intelligence includes recognizing red flags, establishing boundaries, managing anger, and developing empathy—all essential skills in preventing abuse. My studies have also shown me that many abusers are themselves products of trauma and environments where emotional growth was stunted. This doesn’t excuse their actions, but it does point to a cycle that can be broken—through education, awareness, and early intervention. I envision a future where emotional intelligence is treated with the same importance as academics. Where young people learn how to express their needs respectfully, resolve conflict without aggression, and recognize when they or someone they love may be in danger. As someone working toward a college degree, I hope to be part of this change—not only by continuing to heal and grow myself, but by advocating for emotional wellness programs in schools and supporting organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention. Surviving intimate partner violence left me with deep scars, but also with a strong purpose. I no longer see education just as a means to a job or a title—it is a lifeline. It gave me the language to name my trauma, the tools to process it, and the hope to imagine a future without violence. It taught me that no one is beyond learning or healing, and that prevention must begin long before violence occurs. This scholarship would not only help me continue my academic journey, but it would also support a survivor who is dedicated to being part of the solution. I am living proof that education saves lives—and with your help, I hope to make that truth a reality for many others.

Climate change, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity are not just headlines to me—they are deeply personal. Growing up with a love for the outdoors and a family that values the beauty of the natural world, I developed a profound respect for our planet. From tide pools to mountain trails, every place I’ve explored has fueled my curiosity and desire to protect Earth’s delicate balance. That’s why I’m pursuing a degree in Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture, with the hope of helping communities and ecosystems adapt to a changing world. One of the most promising strategies I believe can make a lasting difference is sustainable aquaculture. Our oceans are being overfished at alarming rates, while agricultural practices on land often harm marine ecosystems through runoff and habitat destruction. By investing in sustainable aquaculture—farming seafood in environmentally responsible ways—we can relieve pressure on wild populations, reduce the carbon footprint of food production, and provide nutritious protein sources to communities in need. I hope to one day work on the frontlines of developing these systems, particularly in regions vulnerable to food insecurity and climate disruptions. Beyond aquaculture, I’m passionate about habitat restoration. Coral reefs, mangroves, and wetlands are critical not only for biodiversity but also for storm protection and carbon sequestration. I envision being part of teams that use science-backed practices to replant seagrasses, reestablish oyster beds, and bring life back to dying coastlines. These efforts can restore balance to ecosystems while strengthening the resilience of coastal communities. Education is the foundation of my future impact. Through coursework, fieldwork, and community involvement, I’m learning not just the science behind environmental systems but also the human dimensions of sustainability—how policy, economics, and cultural values all intersect with conservation. I believe the most meaningful innovations come when science is applied in ways that respect local knowledge, uplift communities, and prioritize long-term harmony over short-term gain. Ultimately, I see my career as more than a job; it’s a responsibility. I want to be a bridge between people and the planet, helping others see that environmental health is human health. Whether it's through restoring marine habitats, advancing sustainable food systems, or educating others about the importance of biodiversity, I am committed to being part of the solution. This scholarship would not only support my education but also my mission to make a tangible, lasting difference in the world. Thank you for investing in students like me, who live with a deep sense of purpose and hope for the future.