From local government to high school clubs, I have learned the power of being involved in community service. I am currently in my second term as Student Representative of the Bordentown Township Environmental Commission. Through my experience working with the township, I have learned how resolutions are passed, projects are approved, and new development and complaints are handled. I researched and proposed a recycling program through TerraCycle, an international zero-waste recycling company, where we purchased a snack wrapper collection box to reduce Bordentown’s waste. I have tabled at multiple community events encouraging residents to sign green pledges, assisted in planning a pumpkin drive, and proposed another recycling program with plastic film. I helped my township receive a silver certification from Sustainable Jersey for our achievements. Through my time on the Environmental Commission, I became familiar with the program, Sustainable Jersey. After some research and guidance, I discovered an additional branch of the program intended for schools. I proposed the program, Sustainable Jersey for Schools, at a Bordentown Regional Board of Education meeting and it passed! A green team composed of staff was created with a mission to integrate sustainability into the district. To assist the School Board carry out these projects, I founded the Sustainability Club. The purpose of the new Sustainability Club I started at my high school is for students to learn, find what they are passionate about, and take action. I established seven different committees so members can be directly involved. Helping with the planning process ignites a passion and develops members into future environmental leaders. Every month we choose a theme to focus our efforts. In November’s theme of waste, we partnered with the Environmental Commission to install wrapper collection boxes throughout the district. Our monthly themes break down into weekly educational subtopics like food waste, where we taught our members the impacts of methane gas and how to compost. Right now, we are planning our new milkweed garden for Monarch Butterflies! We are excited for future plans with the School Board to reduce the district's carbon footprint, documentary nights, and Ecobrick making. My volunteer work with the Environmental Commission and Sustainability Club leaves a great impact on my community by building a greener future. Knowing that the Sustainable Jersey program and Sustainability Club will continue for years after my high school graduation inspires me to keep advocating for what I believe in. During our club’s elections, I heard speeches about how excited people were that there was a club dedicated to the environment. Members would say things like, “It’s about time Bordentown had a club solely for the environment.” It makes me so happy when I see members discussing environmental issues, suggesting ideas, and taking initiative. I love that I have formed a safe space that is open to everyone’s ideas and action-oriented. Before I created the Sustainability Club, I was made fun of at times for my eco-friendly habits like using reusable snack bags. Interestingly enough, one student who ridiculed me actually became a prominent officer in our club. I am proud to give an outlet for other students to feel supported. Beyond Bordentown, I am also involved with the student-run organization, New Jersey Students Sustainability Coalition. Their mission is to connect environmentally passionate students to resources and to share experiences. They played a major role in my inspiration to take action throughout high school. I served as Southern Regional Coordinator for one year and I am currently a mentor in their mentorship program. I am guiding a student in creating an environmental education video for her middle school. I love helpings others on their journey! Outside of promoting a healthy environment, I have consistently volunteered with multiple community service clubs to support those financially struggling in our area. There are multiple homeless shelters in outdated motels in my town, some of which are students’ homes. Key Club partners with local churches on the Isaiah Project, where we cook and deliver hot meals to the motels. Sometimes during study hall, I would join in making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as well. I have also distributed toiletry self-care packages to the motels with resources we gathered from civic programs throughout our community. It was eye-opening to hear people’s stories. I saw single mothers living in one room with their small children with just a microwave and mini-fridge. Serving necessities to people suffering hardships made me realize my privilege and how difficult it is for people to get back on their feet. Our contributions truly make a difference in people’s lives. In addition, I planned and executed a successful coat drive for the homeless. Our small Interact club is very proud of the twenty-five bags of coats we collected. It was heartening to see our community come together during such a troubling time and to know that our coats will immediately go to those in need this winter. Providing nourishment and necessities not only warms those in need, but warms our hearts seeing what we can accomplish together. Overall, my experiences with the community have changed the way I interact with the world. Civic engagement has influenced me to pursue a career in sustainability that builds a lasting legacy for future generations to not just survive, but thrive. My dream is to become a Chief Sustainability Officer, where I tailor my acquired knowledge of sustainable practices to corporate needs. There has been a recent surge of companies developing new strategies for their business to be “green”. I intend to help businesses execute efficient supply chains with the lowest feasible ecological footprint. Sustainable management will preserve soil, water, and air quality for future generations. Outside of my career, service will always play an important role in my life. I aspire to volunteer in non-profits like Rotary or Kiwanis to remain rooted in my community.