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Holly Nesmith

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Trumpet
  • Anthropology
  • Band
  • Biology
  • Conservation
  • Geography
  • Music
  • National Honor Society (NHS)
  • Speech and Debate
  • STEM
  • Trivia
  • Zoology
  • Hiking And Backpacking
  • Writing
  • Environmental Science and Sustainability
  • Tutoring
  • Exploring Nature And Being Outside
  • Advocacy And Activism

Reading

  • Fantasy
  • History
  • Science‎

I read books daily.

Bio

I am the oldest of three, and I have always loved to learn. As a child, I played on the bluff by my house, catching bugs and collecting materials for the little dioramas I would make in my backyard. On clear days, you could see for miles, over the rolling hills on the banks of the Missouri River and out into Nebraska. It seemed like the promised land. Having a university in town brought many opportunities that would have otherwise been unavailable. Each year, when the students left and the population halved overnight, countless doors opened. I attended science camp on campus twice during middle school, and got the opportunity to learn in the actual labs used for research. In high school, I got a job on campus, and got to see what went on behind the scenes. My senior year of high school, I volunteered in a research lab, and was subsequently hired to gather samples for a research study on invasive species in my home state. I am passionate about studying science, exploring nature, conserving wildlife, and protecting natural habitats. I recently had the opportunity to attend a lecture presented by Dr. Jane Goodall where she highlighted the delicate balance of nature. This is what makes me passionate about science – we have only a finite amount of natural resources, and they all affect each other. All living things are connected. Learning as much as we can about our natural world is the first step. Sharing what we learn about the interdependence of all living things is how we can best conserve natural environments and species, and I believe this will be my life’s work.

Education

University of South Dakota

Bachelor's degree program

2025 – 2029

Majors:
  • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
  • Zoology/Animal Biology
Minors:
  • Music

Vermillion High School - 01

High School

2021 – 2025

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Majors of interest:
Zoology/Animal Biology, Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, Anthropology, Geography and Environmental Studies, Anthrozoology, Music
Desired degree modality:
Full-Time
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Research Assistant

    Research · University of South Dakota

    Jan 2025 – Present

  • Freelance Writer

    Online Media · Vermillion Plain Talk

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2022

  • Customer Service

    Pharmaceuticals · Davis Pharmacy

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2025

  • Temporary Assistant

    Information Technology and Services · University of South Dakota

    Jan 2024 – Jan 2024

  • Temporary Assistant

    Information Technology and Services · University of South Dakota

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2023

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Environmental Services
Dream career goals:
Work for the National Park Service or in the Species Survival Program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Work experience:
1 year
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
Nick Lindblad Memorial Scholarship
Music provides a sense of belonging unlike any other high school activity. So while I am continually inspired and moved by the music I create, I want to write about what music activities in high school do for kids beyond just artistic expression. Not every freshman student is equipped for the social structure of high school, and I was one of those kids. For so many students, music is the "soft place to land" that they can't find anywhere else in the school. For me, band was structured socialization; it taught me how to interact with my peers to not only achieve a common goal, but also to have fun, lead, and make new friends. I devote hours upon hours each week to it, and it is absolutely a labor of love. I adore playing the trumpet, but what is more important to me is the tight-knit musical community that I belong to. It is within that community that I hope I have made a positive impact. Band relies heavily on student leadership, with so many students under the oversight of one teacher. Seniors are often asked to lead their sections in the absence of the director, and this year that duty fell to me. I was entrusted with overseeing the entire brass section, numbering over two dozen students, half of whom are freshmen. I remember being young and unsure at that age. In my district, eighth graders have opportunities to interact with the high school band in preparation their freshman year. Due to the pandemic, I did not have that experience. I went in completely blind, and trumpet upperclassmen were a great source of comfort and guidance for me. I knew that I wanted to be that for this years’ freshmen. I try to be there for them, both as an instructor and as an older-sister figure. I am always there to answer questions, and lend them equipment and advice whenever they need it. It makes me so incredibly happy when they feel confident enough to smile at me in the hallways or confess how much they love being in band. I am also deeply proud of the fact that this is the first year no brass player has dropped the class. While I cannot take full credit, I hope that I played a role. Band is an incredible community, and I am so honored to continue this tradition of leadership.
Holly Nesmith Student Profile | Bold.org