My pie-in-the-sky dream is to live a life guided by curiosity, purpose, and freedom, one that exists beyond cubicles, concrete buildings, and purely urban spaces. I want to travel through wild places, learn from the ecosystems and species that live there, and dedicate my work to conserving them. This dream feels just out of reach, not because it is unrealistic, but because the path toward it runs directly through systems that are restrictive. In today’s world, meaningful conservation work requires education, funding, and credibility, and gaining those things takes time. Still, I believe that if I am willing to do the work now, the dream does not have to disappear, it simply has to mature. The spark of this dream traces back to where I grew up, Mount St. Helens. I was able to witness something rare, an entire ecosystem rebuilding itself after a volcanic explosion. Over years of visiting McBride Lake, a salamander spawning ground near the head of the Kalama River, I watched cattails spread, trees take hold, and salamander populations rebound. At the same time, I saw the harm humans continued to cause, trash left behind, fire pits filled with melted plastic and metal, and little regard for the life quietly persisting there. That contrast left a lasting impression on me. Nature was doing everything it could to recover, while humans often made that recovery harder. Watching that unfold shaped how I see responsibility, stewardship, and my place within the natural world. As I grew older, I realized that caring deeply was not enough. If I wanted to make a difference, I needed to understand ecosystems scientifically and contribute meaningfully to conservation research. But as a woman in STEM, I need to be louder, harder-headed, and passionate about my studies than some of my peers. That realization pushed me to take my academics seriously. As a student at Washington State University, I have worked on multiple research projects, including collaborations with Ph.D. candidates and one project involving NASA. I am part of the Honors College and have earned recognition such as the Honors Roll, Distinguished Scholar, and Top Scholar awards. These experiences have taught me how much I still have to learn, and how much impact careful, informed research can have. It also taught me that academic credibility goes a long way, which makes my aspirations for myself even higher. Looking forward, I want my education to extend beyond classrooms and laboratories. I plan to continue researching and volunteering abroad at wildlife refuges, conservation centers, clinics, and parks after graduation. Therefore, I have begun building connections in South Africa, and I will be studying abroad in Peru during my junior year to continue learning in South America. In Peru, I will be meeting with indigenous tribes and conducting research on exotic species. Through these experiences, I hope to understand how different cultures coexist with nature and how those relationships can inform Western conservation science. Ultimately, I want to help integrate natural systems into urban spaces in ways that support both human communities and wildlife. Growing up on a farm taught me perseverance, patience, and respect for life. I learned that quitting only creates more work in the long run, and that protecting what cannot protect itself is a responsibility worth carrying. My dream may feel distant, but it is grounded in lived experience, sustained effort, and a willingness to grow. I am not chasing an escape from reality, I am working toward a life where conservation is not just my career, but my way of being.

One of my greatest achievements to date has been my role as a research assistant for a field study on jackrabbits. This experience was more than just a project, it was a glimpse into the future I have been dreaming of since I was a child. It was my first time truly immersing myself in fieldwork, and in doing so, I learned not only about jackrabbits but also about the relationships between wildlife and their environment. I became familiar with topography, data collection, and field research techniques, all while building connections with the incredible people working for the National Forest Service. What made this experience so surreal was the sense of belonging I felt. Staying at the field house, surrounded by passionate researchers and environmentalists, was like stepping into a world I had only dreamt of. Conversations flowed effortlessly, discussions about wildlife conservation, ecological challenges, and research methodologies were all fascinating. For the first time, I wasn't just an on looker of the environmental field, I was a part of it. It was a step forward into a reality I had long envisioned, and it confirmed that this is where I belong. Through this experience, I learned a lot about myself. I realized that I thrive in environments where learning is hands-on, where every moment presents an opportunity to understand nature in a deeper way. I felt that I retained and learned so much more than I have in college. I also discovered how much I value collaboration, working alongside experts who shared my passion was both inspiring and affirming. Most importantly, I recognized that the field of wildlife research isn’t just a career path for me; it’s a calling. It showed me that my love for wildlife conservation is something worth perusing and that I'm capable of achieving it. Looking ahead, I hope to continue working with researchers, whether through habitat assessments, wildlife monitoring, or capture-and-release studies. Understanding even the smallest parts of an ecosystem is an achievement in itself, and I want to contribute to that knowledge. My dream is to be part of efforts that preserve and restore natural environments, ensuring that future generations can experience the beauty of the natural world. Additionally, I want to study abroad and learn about other ecosystems in trouble, I hope to work or volunteer at refugees and rehabilitation centers. This experience was just the beginning, but it solidified my commitment to a life dedicated to learning, discovery, and conservation.

The Crooked Forest A place for Aliens and supernatural alike A forest bent and gone drippy Like nature itself got slightly...tipsy. The pines all curve in a foreboding way, Like dancers mid-bow, frozen in sway. Some say Rubbish about Aliens playing Others just blame a clumsy landscape. “Perhaps,” said a scientist, scratching his chin, “The trees were shaped by snow or wind.” But the locals scoff, shake their heads with a smirk, “More like a bored Boruta!” A time-traveling wizard? A UFO’s trace? Did Poland’s trees just forget their place? Or maybe, just maybe, they’re pulling a prank, Laughing in sap while they lean at odd ranks. So if you should visit, beware what you see, For the Crooked Forest is no normal spree. If you Stand still too long you might start to don’t lean Don’t stray from straight Or you too might bend in the very same way!

Growing up on a 30-acre horse boarding facility in a wildlife-rich region, I developed a strong appreciation for nature and gained firsthand insights into the significance of environmental conservation. Living alongside a resident deer herd and coyote population allowed me to learn about ecosystem dynamics and how human actions can either support or disrupt the environment. My family and I spent our spare time in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, where I gathered numerous experiences with wildlife including, black bears, cinnamon bears, elk, deer, cougars, and many more. Over the fifteen years I spent there, I witnessed gradual environmental degradation due to increasing human activity. This awareness deepened during the devastating wildfires of 2019 and 2020. My family and I helped in rescuing displaced animals, turning our ranch into an emergency shelter and driving into fire-affected areas with a large trailer to save as many animals as we could. By the end of both fire seasons, nearly all the farm animals in our community had survived, and I take great pride in contributing to that effort. These experiences solidified my commitment to protecting wildlife and advocating for sustainable land management. I felt a humble excitement to help those animals. My passion for conservation has inspired me to pursue a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science at Washington State University. Through my coursework, I am gaining a more profound understanding of biodiversity, habitat preservation, and climate change. This knowledge will help me to contribute to conservation efforts aimed at mitigating environmental harm, especially in protecting ecosystems from habitat destruction like wildfires and human encroachment. Having gone camping, backpacking, hunting, and exploring nature throughout my life, I have watched how human activity has led to the degradation of once pristine environments. These experiences have drilled in me a strong sense of duty to advocate for sustainable practices that protect mother nature. Sustainability also plays a role in my daily life. My family and I strive for self-sufficiency by growing our own food, maintaining a steady population of cows and chickens, and using solar panels to power our fences. We depend on a groundwater well, minimizing reliance on industrialized resources. Nevertheless, I acknowledge that we still leave a considerable carbon footprint in certain areas, particularly when it comes to transportation. The need for farm equipment, travel for horse shows, and transporting hay present ongoing challenges that we are addressing by minimizing unnecessary trips and buying in bulk. Advice for friends and family wanting to reduce their carbon footprint would be implementing simple yet impactful changes. Growing even a small portion of their own food, minimizing waste, supporting renewable energy sources, and conserving water can lead to reducing a carbon footprint.

I'm a 17-year-old girl who grew up in various places. When I was young, my mom and I would often escape to the forests, such as Tillamook or Deschutes. It was always just me and her, along with our friends. My parents got divorced when I was four, and then my life took a positive turn. However, I had to learn about same-sex love because my mom and I were getting married to a woman named Sara, who was a self-made business owner. The surprising part was that we were moving to another state and transitioning from three-acre suburban plots to a 34-acre farm. I was thrilled and easily adjusted to my new small town. Every morning, we passed by wheat fields and dirt roads, listening to old country songs. Being in a small town meant you knew everyone in your grade too. We all grew attachments to each other and knew each other. The same was true for adults too. Anytime we went downtown we would recognize everyone; the sense of community is truly warming. My tomboyish self-felt at home. I spent the next eleven years of my life on a secluded farm in a quiet town. Then COVID-19 hit. You would think COVID-19 would make this town more hidden, but you'd be mistaken. People flocked to small towns and farms because that's all they could do during the pandemic. Over the last three years, I've watched my quiet little town turn into a growing suburb. That's when I became interested in photography, ceramics, and painting. I take close-up pictures of the small things around my farm and town, holding onto what made Ridgefield special. My ceramic pieces portray the beautiful connection between humans and nature. My acrylic paintings express my emotions. My deep connection to something that many people consider obscure will help me make a lasting impact on the world of wildlife ecology. I plan on getting my bachelor's in biology and science to learn how to create more eco-friendly towns. In addition, I want to study abroad so I can understand how different cultures and governments treat their ecosystems. I hope to combine small ideas from around the globe. In all, it will give us a better way to co-exist with nature. I don't want natural boundaries and ugly concrete buildings. I believe we need to rebuild and use different blueprints. Ones that help us co-exist and not control nature

Growing up on a farm, I was exposed to the natural world at an early age. One of the most significant things I learned was the inevitability of death. On the farm, death was a common occurrence, and I learned to accept it as a natural part of life. However, as I grew older, I became aware of more significant threats to wildlife populations, such as poaching, translocation, and climate change. This newfound awareness of the challenges facing wildlife compelled me to take action to help animals. I developed a passion for preserving their natural habitats and protecting them from harm. One of my proudest moments was venturing into one of the large wildfires in my area to rescue animals. I remember feeling pure joy as I helped these animals in need. However, I also realized that we humans can be a significant threat to wildlife. A human-made fire forced thousands of animals out of their pastures and into tiny, packed stalls, waiting while their paddocks burnt down. We have a responsibility to protect them from harm. My childhood forest was the source of my inspiration to major in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences. Every year, my family and I would travel to a spring that is the source of the Kalama River, where a tree on a cliffside with roots forms a rim around the pool of fresh mountain water. The nearby salamander breeding ground was a favorite spot of mine, and I watched as the effects of climate change and human activity began to change the ecosystem. The salamander population has since declined, and the breeding population along that river has shrunk. I have come across dried-out salamander bodies left by people who mostly likely thought that the salamander knew its way home. A clear indication of the need for a better understanding of nature and its creatures. I firmly believe that it is our responsibility to protect wildlife and their habitats, not just for their sake but also for our own. The loss of biodiversity can have far-reaching consequences, not just for wildlife, but for human populations as well. By promoting a better understanding of the natural world and its creatures, we can work together to create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come. As I continue my studies, I am eager to research different and innovative ways to enable humans to coexist with wildlife sustainably and respectfully. I want to be part of the solution to the challenges facing wildlife conservation, and I believe that every little effort counts. I have witnessed how human activities like logging, mining, and road construction can have a devastating effect on wildlife populations. However, I have also seen how conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and the reintroduction of endangered species, can make a tangible difference. Ultimately, my goal is to promote a better understanding of nature and its creatures, encourage people to coexist with them sustainably and respectfully, and protect these essential resources. There is a growing recognition that we must protect wildlife and their habitats, and I want to be a leading part of it. By working together, we can ensure a brighter future for all species, including our own.

Ever since I could remember, any school project I could make into an animal-themed project, I would. In seventh grade, I even remember making an ecosystem project about the effect of the mass destruction of the amazon rainforest on wildlife my hyper-fixation for about a month. So much so that my teacher made me turn in my project early so that she didn't have to grade more work than the project required. My passion for animals has stemmed from the fact that I have grown up on a horse-boarding farm since I was four. Therefore my life has been surrounded by large animals since I could remember. Contributing to that many of my adult friends have exotic pets and travel to Africa yearly to volunteer with helping to trim rhino horns. I will look up to them forever. my parents and our vet are very close friends. I remember wanting to skip school because it was vet day and I wanted to watch our vet as she cleaned our horse's teeth. Even as I watched her put down "heart" horses I was curious about the anatomy of the horse. Often I would watch closely as she would ensure that the animal has passed, studying where she would place her hands to feel the heartbeat that wasn't there. I know that is not the field I want to go into. but Equine medicine is where my love for animals started and it will always bring nostalgia. Ever since I binge-watched every episode of Dr. Jeff known to man, I knew I just wanted to be a reliable person in the field I chose to go into. Whether that's studying an animal for hours to understand a problem better or making a tough call and putting an animal down. I will admit my future is fuzzy, I don't know where I will be able to afford college and that's put a hamper on my want to research precise jobs and colleges that fit me to a T. But I can see that I want to be the person that an animal is happy to see because they know I will make them feel better and build trusting relationships with possibly dangerous animals to understand, for example, the hierarchy of wild dogs. Adding to that I want my clients to not worry about if a vet will be able to come and help, I want to bring assurance and build a trusting relationship with each client. I plan on majoring in biology and zoology. Biology helps a person understand the natural principles of mammals and is where every medical-seeking student starts their journey. Zoology will help me understand, in more detail, the animal kingdom. where I go from there is a branch I have yet to reach.