From sixth grade, I’ve been interested in environmental issues, particularly global warming and greenhouse gas emissions. Ever since, I’ve contemplated how detrimentally different the planet could look in the future, considering those issues disproportionately and negatively affect different communities, especially areas with higher concentrations of people of color. My senior project in high school was even about how concrete, the most manufactured building material globally, can be produced more sustainably. My desire for a more environmentally just world ultimately drove me to study engineering in college (in addition to my interest in math and science courses). Whether it's alternative, green, efficient ways to source and make heavily manufactured products, or innovating new projects entirely, I envision my pursuit of an engineering degree will help me achieve those goals. As someone who has gotten deep satisfaction from helping others, I believe that becoming an environmental engineer is one of the best ways I can make an impact on the world and simultaneously fulfill myself and my interests by helping others in meaningful ways. Admittedly, I struggled academically throughout my freshman spring semester with my Science and math courses. I was taking four STEM classes this semester: Calculus I, Physics, Computer-Aided Design, and Chemistry. This was the most STEM courses I’ve ever taken simultaneously, and to add to that, I was in the honors section of my Calculus I course. I managed to pass each course, but my grades in Chemistry and Calculus deflated my GPA significantly. Initially, seeing that reflected on my academic record was unbearably discouraging.. However, even though it bothers me immensely, those grades have become just as motivating as they were discouraging in the past, as it gives me even more reason to become better. One of my short-term goals is to bring my GPA to a 3.0 or higher by the end of the fall 2025 semester and progressively raise it afterwards. Howard Univeristy has a credit replacement system, so I’ve chosen to retake calculus to work towards my goal while also ensuring I truly comprehend all the material within the course. Another short-term goal I have is to increase my involvement on campus. I’m a member of the Howard University Water & Environment Association (HUWEA), which is dedicated to promoting healthy resource practices for the community. In the past, I’ve attended HUWEA meetings and panels that focused on how to live more sustainably in big and small ways, both individually and as a community; additionally, how to spread awareness and educate others about sustainable practices. During my sophomore year, I want to either intern or become a part of the council for the organization, an opportunity I regret not taking advantage of as a freshman. I want to help HUWEA progressively reach more people and increase its engagement because environmental injustice affects the community collectively. This connects to why being a minority in my dream career is so significant. I mentioned previously that environmental injustice affects non-white communities significantly more than white ones. As a Black-American environmental engineer, I could help ensure that environmentally sustainable solutions are conjured that can genuinely help marginalized groups, just as much as they contribute to the well-being of the planet.