Choosing to study Environmental Science was a decision rooted in my desire to protect the tangible resources that sustain our communities. As a sophomore currently transferring to Oregon State University's Ecampus, I am focused on water resource management. My interest in this field isn't just academic, it's professional. I am currently completing a nine-month internship at Calleguas Municipal Water District, following three months working in a National Park. These experiences have shown me that I am most fulfilled when I am working on the ground, turning policy into practical conservation solutions like the turf replacement and rebate programs I currently manage. My journey as a masculine-presenting lesbian has significantly shaped how I move through these professional spaces. In many ways, my identity and career path share a common thread; they both require a certain level of resilience and a willingness to stand out in traditional environments. Navigating the world as a masculine woman has taught me the importance of authenticity and the strength that comes from being visible in spaces where people like me aren't always expected. It has made me a more observant and empathetic communicator, which is a skill I use every day when explaining conservation goals to a diverse public. I absolutely see myself as someone who gives back to the LGBTQ+ community. I believe that one of the most powerful ways to give back is through representation in specialized, technical fields. By pursuing a career in water management and environmental infrastructure, I hope to show other queer and gender-nonconforming youth that our perspectives are vital in every sector, including those that ensure our natural world remains habitable for everyone. Protecting our environment is an act of service to all people, and I want to ensure that queer voices are part of the conversation on how we manage our future resources. Lastly, this scholarship is important to me because of my current financial circumstances. My mother is an art teacher, and while her work is incredibly meaningful, she is underpaid for the vital role she plays in her students' lives. Because of this, I have had to be very strategic with my own finances. I have consciously chosen to accept lower pay to stay at my current internship, as I know the experience I am gaining at the water district is more valuable for my long-term goals than a higher-paying job in an unrelated field. However, balancing that lower income with the costs of my degree at Oregon State University is a constant challenge. Receiving this support would alleviate that pressure, allowing me to continue my work in the water sector while ensuring I can complete my education without falling into significant debt.

My interest in environmental science grew from a realization that our most basic resources, like water, are often the most vulnerable. This led me to pursue a degree in the field, as I wanted to understand the technical side of conservation rather than just the theory. My path started with three months of land management work in a National Park, which showed me the importance of preserving ecosystems on a large scale. Currently, I am a Water Resources intern at Calleguas Municipal Water District. Managing community projects like turf replacement and rebate programs has shown me that the biggest impact happens at the local level. These experiences have solidified my goal to work in sustainable resource management, where I can bridge the gap between policy and practical application. Through my education at Oregon State University and my future work, I hope to make a positive impact by securing water resources for communities facing climate-related scarcity. I want to ensure that conservation isn't just an abstract goal, but a practical reality for the people who depend on these resources every day.

I see the consequences of climate inaction every day at my internship at Calleguas Municipal Water District. It isn't a theoretical problem for the future; it is the reality of managing a shrinking water supply for a growing community. This experience has taught me that sustainability is a requirement for our survival. If we continue to delay action, the consequence will be the failure of the infrastructure on which our society depends. Sustainability on a global scale requires international cooperation because resources like water and air do not respect borders. However, these international frameworks only succeed when they are supported by the actions of individuals. In my current role, I manage turf replacement and rebate programs that depend entirely on individual participation. These programs show that global sustainability goals are achieved one household at a time. It takes a combination of smart policy and personal commitment to actually move the needle on resource conservation. My perspective was shaped during my three months working in a National Park. I saw that even with federal protection, the land is only preserved if every individual visitor takes personal responsibility for it. Whether it is a national park or municipal water district, sustainability fails without individual accountability. I am pursuing my Environmental Science degree at Oregon State University to help bridge this gap, turning the broad need for global action into practical, local results.