Neither of my parents has attended college. I could tell it was their lifelong goals, which is why they are so supportive of me and my siblings to go and do what they could not. My father, after getting married to my mother and having me and my siblings, had to stop going to college due to financial troubles. My mother attended a year of nursing school, but could not continue given she could not afford to hire a babysitter for me and my sister, she then had to go on dialysis due to her failing kidneys. She now receives disability assistance, and this along with our father's wages is our primary source of income. Seeing firsthand how difficult it is to raise a family without a college degree has taught me how valuable education truly is, and I'm making it my mission to teach others that it can be done, no matter your background. During my upbringing, I was always fascinated with science and educational shows like Planet Earth, but what kick-started my passion for education was Steve Irwin. He taught me that you can help this planet by educating others. From then on my goal in life is to help educate others all the while making the world a better place, no matter one's background. As a student at Fullerton College, I have thrived both inside and outside the classroom as a role model for my fellow students when it comes to environmental sustainability and leadership. from leading summer day camp programs, volunteering in OC shelter programs, interning at the Santa Ana Zoo. Further back in my life I was also involved in mission trips with building aquaponics for bio-sustainable farming along with being awarded the Eureka science Award by my high school. In the fall of 2021, I will begin attending the University of Humboldt State to earn my bachelor’s degree in Conservation Management, and eventually a master’s degree. During which time I will take part in research internships towards helping with ecological conservation and environmental efforts. I will also be educating the public and communities about our environment and its importance in sustaining it. I will also be spearheading programs in imploring communities about the importance of sustainability. The University of Humboldt is one of the best schools in the country at preparing future leaders in environmental fields and leadership fields when it comes to hands-on/ public education. Even after I enter a career in sustainable conservation, my goals will only aim higher to help preserve and better our environment. Our communities and future generations will determine the fate of our sacred public lands, they just need others to lead and educate them about not only its functionality but its beauty. I believe that educating our next generation is my purpose in life, and as a teacher, I will inspire children from underprivileged backgrounds like mine to overcome their struggles. Growing up I had my fair share of obstacles given my Hispanic background. From teachers not taking me seriously, to bullying and being told I wont make it to STEM to be a teacher because my 'race' was lazy and stupid. Even without being able to afford our own food, my family has never been unsure about the fact that I am going to college. I know that there are resources out there to allow all students to achieve their passions and goals the same way that I know I am about to realize mine; they just need somebody to lead them there.

My siblings and I were not planned, I remember the day when my mom admitted it. She told us though, that keeping us and being a mother to three children was the best thing to ever happen to her, in fact, it saved her life as well as ours. I was in elementary school when I heard her confession and felt touched ever since to fight for future mothers, people, and life, no matter how small. My mom would always explain that it was not easy, but she did it because every life is precious, and every life was special. I have ingrained this in my heart and have taken it into action. I have been advocating ever since from middle school up to the college level with leadership groups, public spaces, and clinics themselves. My activism is mostly with my church, we would first do intensive research on topics, for example, the dangers and risks to mother and child via the procedure, which groups are targeted specifically, resources to help, and how many abortions were happening in state to state. We would take our data and compare it to scholarly articles for proofreading, then setting them to certain area databases so we can further help by educating others in love, patience, and critical information. With that, we were able to have about thirty-four mothers seek help with our programs in one day, and with all of them joining afterward for help and resource. I have changed the hearts of two of my colleges dear to me to rethink their abortion, and they thank you every day. I have and will be advocating for human lives for the rest of my life, so helping others understand comes easily to me. The struggle in the abortion debate is, in many ways, a struggle over language. I strongly support rights and protections for mothers and children and other vulnerable communities. I want to see the laws of this country protect these people. So as much as I'm concerned, I am Pro-Life. My work solely focuses on humanizing the unborn and the processes again, this is why I use the phrase 'prenatal child' to replace a clump of cells or just 'fetus'. This works so much because in the view of those people, who have been hammered by mainstream media, now realize I am not anti-abortion, simply pro-life, a voice for the voiceless. Unfortunately, other groups have used this humanizing language for their own gain; for example, Oprah has profiled activists who urge people to #ShoutYourAbortion, Planned Parenthood now speaks about 'abortion care. and billboards erected by abortion-rights supporters proudly say that abortion is a “family value.” This seeks to hide the fact that by the time most surgical abortions take place, a prenatal child has electrical activity in the brain and a beating heart. We as a society and culture have shifted the language in ways that hide the dignity of the vulnerable over time, but others and I are here to turn the tides in California with statistics, resources, and education; because of every mother, and every life is precious and special in their own way. Thank you to my mother, who never gave up on me or my siblings, by saving one life, she saved many.

Neither of my parents attended college. My father, after marrying my mother and having us, unfortunately, failed to graduate high school. My mother attended a year of nursing school, but could not continue given she could not afford to hire a babysitter for me and my sister. She then had to go on dialysis due to her failing kidney. She now receives disability assistance, and this, along with our fathers' wages is our primary source of income. Seeing firsthand how difficult it is to raise a family without a college degree has taught me how valuable education truly is, and I am making it my mission to make sure our future generations realize this as well through teaching and leadership. During my upbringing, I was always fascinated with science and educational shows like Discovery and Planet Earth. What sparked my passion for education was the late Steve Irwin. He taught me at a young age that one can help the planet by educating others about its wonders and functionality for its communities. From then on my core value has been in helping to educate others and making the world a better place, no matter your upbringing. As a student, I have thrived both inside and outside the classroom as a role model for my fellow students when it comes to environmental teachings and leadership. From leading summer day camp programs, volunteering in shelter programs, and representing clubs on campus. Further back in my life I was also involved in mission teams, building aquaponics as well as being awarded the Eureka science Award by my high school along with a Professionalism Award for choir. In the fall of 2021, I will begin attending the University of Humboldt State to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation Biology, and eventually a Ph.D. in Science Interpretation. During which time I will take part in research internships towards helping with ecological conservation and environmental efforts. I will also be teaching others and communities about our environment and its importance. I will also spearhead programs in imploring communities about the importance of sustainability. The University of Humboldt is one of the best schools in the country at preparing future leaders in not only environmental fields but leadership branches as well when it comes to educating others. Their program in Applied Ecology and Conservation Management will prepare me to change lives. I believe that educating our next generation is my purpose in life, and as a teacher, I will inspire children from underprivileged backgrounds like mine to overcome their struggles. Once I reach my goal, I will be more than simply an educator; I will be an innovator, a mentor, and most importantly, a leader. There needs more work to be done when it comes to equal opportunities for all students. I will make sure my students take advantage of every single opportunity available to them in and out of the classroom. Even without being able to afford our own food, my family has never been unsure about the fact that I am going to college. I know that there are resources out there to allow all students to achieve their dreams the same way that I know I am about to realize mine; they just need somebody to lead them there.

Neither of my parents attended college. My father, after marrying my mother and having us, unfortunately, failed to graduate high school. My mother attended a year of nursing school, but could not continue given she could not afford to hire a babysitter for me and my sister. She then had to go on dialysis due to her failing kidney. She now receives disability assistance, and this, along with our fathers' wages is our primary source of income. Seeing firsthand how difficult it is to raise a family without a college degree has taught me how valuable education truly is, and I am making it my mission to make sure our future generations realize this as well through teaching and leadership. During my upbringing, I was always fascinated with science and educational shows like Discovery and Planet Earth. What sparked my passion for education was the late Steve Irwin. He taught me at a young age that one can help the planet by educating others about its wonders and functionality for its communities. From then on my core value has been in helping to educate others and making the world a better place, no matter your upbringing. As a student, I have thrived both inside and outside the classroom as a role model for my fellow students when it comes to environmental teachings and leadership. From leading summer day camp programs, volunteering in shelter programs, and representing clubs on campus. Further back in my life I was also involved in mission teams, building aquaponics as well as being awarded the Eureka science Award by my high school along with a Professionalism Award for choir. In the fall of 2021, I will begin attending the University of Humboldt State to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation Biology, and eventually a Ph.D. in Science Interpretation. During which time I will take part in research internships towards helping with ecological conservation and environmental efforts. I will also be teaching others and communities about our environment and its importance. I will also spearhead programs in imploring communities about the importance of sustainability. The University of Humboldt is one of the best schools in the country at preparing future leaders in not only environmental fields but leadership branches as well when it comes to educating others. Their program in Applied Ecology and Conservation Management will prepare me to change lives. I believe that educating our next generation is my purpose in life, and as a teacher, I will inspire children from underprivileged backgrounds like mine to overcome their struggles. Once I reach my goal, I will be more than simply an educator; I will be an innovator, a mentor, and most importantly, a leader. There needs more work to be done when it comes to equal opportunities for all students. I will make sure my students take advantage of every single opportunity available to them in and out of the classroom. Even without being able to afford our own food, my family has never been unsure about the fact that I am going to college. I know that there are resources out there to allow all students to achieve their dreams the same way that I know I am about to realize mine; they just need somebody to lead them there.

Neither of my parents attended college. My father, after marrying my mother and having us, unfortunately, failed to graduate high school. My mother attended a year of nursing school, but could not continue given she could not afford to hire a babysitter for me and my sister. She then had to go on dialysis due to her failing kidney. She now receives disability assistance, and this, along with our fathers' wages is our primary source of income. Seeing firsthand how difficult it is to raise a family without a college degree has taught me how valuable education truly is, and I am making it my mission to make sure our future generations realize this as well through teaching and leadership. During my upbringing, I was always fascinated with science and educational shows like Discovery and Planet Earth. What sparked my passion for education was the late Steve Irwin. He taught me at a young age that one can help the planet by educating others about its wonders and functionality for its communities. From then on my core value has been in helping to educate others and making the world a better place, no matter your upbringing. As a student, I have thrived both inside and outside the classroom as a role model for my fellow students when it comes to environmental teachings and leadership. From leading summer day camp programs, volunteering in shelter programs, and representing clubs on campus. Further back in my life I was also involved in mission teams, building aquaponics as well as being awarded the Eureka science Award by my high school along with a Professionalism Award for choir. In the fall of 2021, I will begin attending the University of Humboldt State to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation Biology, and eventually a Ph.D. in Science Interpretation. The University of Humboldt is one of the best schools in the country at preparing future leaders in not only environmental fields but leadership branches as well when it comes to educating others. . During which time I will take part in research internships towards helping with ecological conservation and environmental efforts. I will also be teaching others and communities about our environment and its importance. I will also spearhead programs in imploring communities about the importance of sustainability. Their program in Applied Ecology and Conservation Management will prepare me to change lives. I believe that educating our next generation is my purpose in life, and as a teacher, I will inspire children from underprivileged backgrounds like mine to overcome their struggles. Once I reach my goal, I will be more than simply an educator; I will be an innovator, a mentor, and most importantly, a leader. There needs more work to be done when it comes to equal opportunities for all students. I will make sure my students take advantage of every single opportunity available to them in and out of the classroom. Even without being able to afford our own food, my family has never been unsure about the fact that I am going to college. I know that there are resources out there to allow all students to achieve their dreams the same way that I know I am about to realize mine; they just need somebody to lead them there.

During my upbringing, I was always fascinated with science and educational shows like Discovery, documentaries, and Planet Earth. What sparked my passion for conservation education was the late Steve Irwin. He taught me at a young age that one can help the planet by educating others about its wonders and functionality for its communities. From then on my core value has been in helping to educate others and making the world a better place, no matter your upbringing. As a student, I have thrived both inside and outside the classroom as a role model for my fellow students when it comes to environmental teachings and leadership. From leading summer day camp programs, volunteering in shelter programs, and representing clubs on campus. Further back in my life I was also involved in mission teams, building aquaponics as well as being awarded the Eureka science Award by my high school along with a Professionalism Award for choir. In the fall of 2021, I will begin attending the University of Humboldt State to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation Biology, and eventually a Ph.D. in Science Interpretation. The University of Humboldt is one of the best schools in the country at preparing future leaders in not only environmental fields but leadership branches as well when it comes to educating others. Their program in Applied Ecology and Conservation Management will prepare me to change lives. I believe that educating our next generation is my purpose in life, and as a teacher, I will inspire children from underprivileged backgrounds like mine to overcome their struggles. Once I reach my goal, I will be more than simply an educator; I will be an innovator, a mentor, and most importantly, a leader. There needs more work to be done when it comes to equal opportunities for all students. I will make sure my students take advantage of every single opportunity available to them in and out of the classroom. Even without being able to afford our own food, my family has never been unsure about the fact that I am going to college. I know that there are resources out there to allow all students to achieve their dreams the same way that I know I am about to realize mine; they just need somebody to lead them there.

Neither of my parents attended college. My father, after marrying my mother and having us, unfortunately, failed to graduate high school. My mother attended a year of nursing school, but could not continue given she could not afford to hire a babysitter for me and my sister. She then had to go on dialysis due to her failing kidney. She now receives disability assistance, and this, along with our fathers' wages is our primary source of income. Seeing firsthand how difficult it is to raise a family without a college degree has taught me how valuable education truly is, and I am making it my mission to make sure our future generations realize this as well through teaching and leadership. During my upbringing, I was always fascinated with science and educational shows like Discovery and Planet Earth. What sparked my passion for education was the late Steve Irwin. He taught me at a young age that one can help the planet by educating others about its wonders and functionality for its communities. From then on my core value has been in helping to educate others and making the world a better place, no matter your upbringing. As a student, I have thrived both inside and outside the classroom as a role model for my fellow students when it comes to environmental teachings and leadership. From leading summer day camp programs, volunteering in shelter programs, and representing clubs on campus. Further back in my life I was also involved in mission teams, building aquaponics as well as being awarded the Eureka science Award by my high school along with a Professionalism Award for choir. In the fall of 2021, I will begin attending the University of Humboldt State to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation Biology, and eventually a Ph.D. in Science Interpretation. The University of Humboldt is one of the best schools in the country at preparing future leaders in not only environmental fields but leadership branches as well when it comes to educating others. Their program in Applied Ecology and Conservation Management will prepare me to change lives. I believe that educating our next generation is my purpose in life, and as a teacher, I will inspire children from underprivileged backgrounds like mine to overcome their struggles. Once I reach my goal, I will be more than simply an educator; I will be an innovator, a mentor, and most importantly, a leader. There needs more work to be done when it comes to equal opportunities for all students. I will make sure my students take advantage of every single opportunity available to them in and out of the classroom. Even without being able to afford our own food, my family has never been unsure about the fact that I am going to college. I know that there are resources out there to allow all students to achieve their dreams the same way that I know I am about to realize mine; they just need somebody to lead them there.

Neither of my parents attended college. My father, after marrying my mother and having us, unfortunately, failed to graduate high school. My mother attended a year of nursing school, but could not continue given she could not afford to hire a babysitter for me and my sister. She then had to go on dialysis due to her failing kidney. She now receives disability assistance, and this, along with our fathers' wages is our primary source of income. Seeing firsthand how difficult it is to raise a family without a college degree has taught me how valuable education truly is, and I am making it my mission to make sure our future generations realize this as well through teaching and leadership. During my upbringing, I was always fascinated with science and educational shows like Discovery and Planet Earth. What sparked my passion for education was the late Steve Irwin. He taught me at a young age that one can help the planet by educating others about its wonders and functionality for its communities. From then on my core value has been in helping to educate others and making the world a better place, no matter your upbringing. As a student, I have thrived both inside and outside the classroom as a role model for my fellow students when it comes to environmental teachings and leadership. From leading summer day camp programs, volunteering in shelter programs, and representing clubs on campus. Further back in my life I was also involved in mission teams, building aquaponics as well as being awarded the Eureka science Award by my high school along with a Professionalism Award for girls choir. In the fall of 2021, I will begin attending the University of Humboldt State to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation Biology, and eventually a Ph.D. in Science Interpretation. The University of Humboldt is one of the best schools in the country at preparing future leaders in not only environmental fields but leadership branches as well when it comes to educating others. Their program in Applied Ecology and Conservation Management will prepare me to change lives. I believe that educating our next generation is my purpose in life, and as a teacher, I will inspire children from underprivileged backgrounds like mine to overcome their struggles. Everybody knows that our younger generations are our future, but unfortunately, public education is nowhere near the institution that it once was. Although we live in an entirely new world, we continue to, unfortunately, teach using the same methods and procedures that have been used for years. Our inclination to stay in the ways of the past is the reason we are lagging behind other countries like Switzerland, China, and Japan. Once I reach my goal, I will be more than simply an educator; I will be an innovator, a mentor, and most importantly, a leader. As Americans, we have educational opportunities that our ancestors, as well as children from other nations even today, never could have imagined, but there needs more work to be done when it comes to equal opportunities for all. I will make sure my students take advantage of every single opportunity available to them. Even without being able to afford our own food, my family has never been unsure about the fact that I am going to college. I know that there are resources out there to allow all students to achieve their dreams the same way that I know I am about to realize mine; they just need somebody to lead them there.

Neither of my parents has attended college. My father failed to graduate high school. My mother attended a year of nursing school, but could not continue due to rasing me and my sisters. She then had to go on dialysis due to her failing kidney. She now receives disability assistance, and this, along with our fathers' wages is our primary source of income. Seeing firsthand how difficult it is to raise a family without a college degree has taught me how valuable education truly is, and I am making it my mission to make sure all of our nation’s children realize this as well. During my upbringing, I was always fascinated with science and educational shows like Discovery, or Planet Earth, but what kick-started my passion for education was Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall. They taught that one can help the planet by educating others no matter your gender or upbringing. As a student, I have thrived both inside and outside the classroom as a role model for my fellow students when it comes to environmental teachings and leadership. From leading summer day camp programs, volunteering in OC shelter programs, interning at the Santa Zoo, being involved in mission trips building aquaponics for suitable farming as well, and even being awarded the Eureka science Award by my high school. In the fall of 2021, I will begin attending the University of Humboldt State to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation Biology education, and eventually a Master’s Degree. The University of Humboldt is one of the best schools in the country at preparing future leaders in not only environmental fields but leadership fields as well when it comes to education, making it a point to not discriminate against gender or background. Their program in Applied Ecology and Conservation Management will prepare me to change lives and educate others. I believe that educating our next generation of girls is my purpose in life, and as a teacher, I will inspire children from underprivileged backgrounds like mine to overcome their struggles. Everybody knows that children are our future doe this planet, but our education system needs changes and more encouragement for girls of all ages. Once I reach my goal, I will be more than simply an educator; I will be an innovator, a mentor, and most importantly, a leader for them. I will make sure my students take advantage of every single opportunity available to them. Even without being able to afford our own food, my family has never been unsure about the fact that I am going to college. I know that there are resources out there to allow all students to achieve their dreams the same way that I know I am about to realize mine; they just need somebody to lead them there.

The words from my professor remain present in my mind today, "It’s not the change of weather that will end us, but our waste.". This alarmed me because human beings create massive amounts of waste than natural resources, how can we possibly catch up? For example, in kitchens during cooking, skins of vegetables are thrown out, waste is generated. Another example is used batteries, electronic items, plastic items, torn clothes, etc. Many of these products are generally thrown and go to landfills. Currently, landfills are carried out of mixed waste which precedes to pollution. Landfills produce methane a greenhouse gas that travels to our ecosystem if not captured. Due to its unpredictable generation period, only about ten percent of the methane produced in landfills is taken and utilized while the rest goes to our environment. We can do better and it is very possible to do so. Waste is being generated whenever a process is carried out which leads to generation of by-product or co-product which is useless and hence thrown. Now, the key is to isolate the waste at the source where it is being generated. Once it is segregated it can be treated appropriately. Combined waste creates a problem as the organic and inorganic resources cannot be utilized or recycled if mixed. To counteract this, the household waste generated could be separated at the source. Recyclable waste goes to their respective recycling facility and similarly, e-waste can go to electronic recycling centers where the raw materials are processed and recovered. Food waste can go to either biogas production, composting, or used to generate electricity. This can be done at the household level and community level/ city level. This segregation will help to treat each waste easily. With these types of sustainable separation and proper uses for waste, we can cut back on waste in landfills, reduce our carbon footprint, and make a cleaner bountiful environment for our future generations. My professor’s words still present in my mind about waste being our downfall, but now I say, another man's waste is humankind’s treasure.

Rachel Carson The Not So Silent Spring. “ The human race is challenged more than ever before to demonstrate our mastery not over nature but of ourselves.” - Rachel Carson All my life I've always had a love and passion to understand the Natural Sciences in the world around me, due to that I've had many influencers in my life, one of course is the well-known Steve Irwin but the other is not so well-known but incredibly important to me as I was growing up, and her name is Rachel Carson. She was a writer, scientist and early ecologist before the science was well developed. When I was little I always read many books about the environment and biology, I remember her book Silent Spring one of her most famous pieces. It was important because while she was studying and conducting research into the effects of pesticides on the environment and our food chain she published her influential work which was the Silent Spring. This held much controversy due to the fact that her findings condemned and questioned the use of pesticides on the environment including the infamous DDT which was later banned over the years. This was amazing to see for me as a child because I have never heard of a female scientist until then, and to see that her love for natural sciences was passionate like mine was. I was deeply influenced with how she would perceive the world and its ecosystems and connect that world with ours in a respectful way. But due to the booming chemical industry back then, she was attacked by many chemical companies, but she did not back down on her claims and research which influenced many female STEM majors including myself, reminding us to put our planet first before corruption. Her book would lead to a presidential commission which largely endorsed her research and findings and helped shape of growing environmental consciousness. Because of her bravery, love and dedication to the environment, she was remembered as an early activist who wanted to preserve the world for our future Generations. My hope and goal with my STEM major is to do the same if not more, to finish what Rachel Carson has started. I want to make the world aware of our ecosystems, discover ways to have us as humans work with the environment around us while sustaining it, allowing for future generations to enjoy our beautiful planet for years to come.