Our daily choices have a significant impact on the environment, and it is important to recognize the role we play in contributing to climate change and environmental degradation. Every decision we make, from what we eat to how we commute, has an environmental consequence, and it is up to us to take responsibility for our actions and strive to live sustainably each day. One of the most significant ways our daily choices impact the environment is through our consumption of resources. The production and transportation of goods and services require energy, which often comes from burning fossil fuels. This process contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary cause of climate change. By choosing to reduce our consumption of goods and services and opting for more sustainable alternatives, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Another way our daily choices impact the environment is through our transportation choices. The use of personal vehicles, particularly those powered by fossil fuels, contributes significantly to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing to walk, bike, or use public transportation instead of driving, we can reduce our carbon footprint and improve air quality. Additionally, our dietary choices can have a significant impact on the environment. The production of meat, particularly beef, is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By choosing to reduce our consumption of meat and other animal products and opting for plant-based alternatives, we can reduce our environmental impact and support more sustainable food systems. Living sustainably each day requires conscious effort and commitment. I strive to reduce my environmental impact by making conscious choices each day. I choose to walk or bike instead of driving whenever possible, and I take public transportation when necessary. I also make an effort to reduce my consumption of meat and dairy products and opt for plant-based alternatives. In my home, I make sure to turn off lights and electronics when not in use, reduce water usage by taking shorter showers, and compost food waste to reduce methane emissions. I avoid buying new products whenever possible and instead choose to repair or purchase used items. When that isn't possible, I strive to support local and sustainable businesses and purchase products made from environmentally friendly materials. In conclusion, our daily choices have a significant impact on the environment, and it is up to us to take responsibility for our actions and strive to live sustainably each day. By making conscious choices to reduce our consumption of resources, choose sustainable transportation options, adopt a plant-based diet, and go against consumerism, we can reduce our environmental impact and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Playing high school, collegiate, and women’s rugby has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. Rugby is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, endurance, and teamwork. It has taught me discipline, resilience, and leadership, and has helped me develop important life skills that have carried over into all aspects of my life. One of the most significant ways rugby has impacted my life is through the friendships I have made. Rugby is a sport that requires a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork. I have made lifelong friends through the sport, and these relationships have provided me with a support network of people that love me unconditionally and have been invaluable in both good times and bad. Rugby has taught me the importance of working together as a team and relying on my teammates for support, both on and off the field. I know I can go to any rugby club in the world and find a fun, kind, and accepting community that will welcome me with open arms. Rugby has also taught me the value of discipline and hard work. Playing throughout high school, college, and adulthood requires significant time and energy. To succeed, I had to be disciplined in my training, nutrition, and recovery. Rugby has taught me the importance of setting goals, working hard to achieve them, and persevering through setbacks and challenges. I've learned that even on my toughest days, I will always feel better after practicing and exercising with my best friends in an environment that values me even when I'm at my worst. Another important way rugby has impacted my life is through the leadership skills I have developed. As a player, I have had the opportunity to lead my team on and off the field as team captain, president, social media manager, safety officer, and events coordinator. I have learned how to motivate and inspire my teammates, how to communicate effectively, and how to make difficult decisions under pressure. These skills have carried over into other areas of my life, and have helped me become a more effective leader in my personal and professional life. Finally, rugby has taught me the importance of resilience. Rugby is an incredibly physical sport, and injuries are a common occurrence. I have had to overcome injuries and setbacks throughout my rugby career, and each time I have emerged stronger and more resilient. Rugby has taught me that setbacks are an inevitable part of life, but that with hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude, anything is possible. In conclusion, playing rugby for over a decade has had a significant positive impact on my life. It has taught me the importance and value of teamwork, discipline, resilience, and leadership. It has provided me with lifelong friendships and valuable life skills that have carried over into other areas of my life. I am grateful for the opportunities rugby has provided me, and I will always cherish the memories and experiences I have had on and off the pitch. Without rugby, I would not be the person I am today.

In second grade, I was taken out of class for "special testing" and left with a new label identifying me as one of the GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) kids. I excelled in many areas such as sports, writing, and science, however, I always felt like something was holding me back, and like I had to work 20 times as hard as my peers just to get the same results. I struggled with focusing on tasks, following instructions, and staying organized. Despite my successes, I often felt overwhelmed and frustrated, and I wondered if something was wrong with me. I was able to complete high school with relatively few obstacles, but once I started college, the workload and expectations became significantly more difficult than anything I had faced before. My biggest challenge came during my freshman year of college while taking calculus. I was performing poorly on exams despite having a thorough understanding of the concepts and putting in countless hours studying and completing practice problems. I eventually sought out a tutor who soon grew just as perplexed with my poor performance as I was. After a few sessions, she asked me to start vocalizing each step as I solved homework problems and quickly noticed that I was saying the correct steps and answers while writing something completely different. It wasn't until my sophomore year of college that I was eventually diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD. Finally, my struggles began to make sense. Looking back, I now understand why my learning disabilities went unnoticed for so long. As a high achiever, I compensated for my difficulties by relying on my strengths, such as my creativity and workarounds (like solving every problem twice in an attempt to catch any letter or number mixups I might make). Over time, I’ve learned to advocate for myself and not be ashamed of my differences. I am proud of who I am and grateful for the non-linear thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity I attribute to both my dyslexia and ADHD. My experience living with ADHD and dyslexia has fueled my passion for neuroscience and studying the human brain. I want to use my knowledge and skills to help others who struggle with similar challenges, whether through research, education, or advocacy. I believe that my experience living with learning disabilities has given me a unique perspective that can benefit the fields of neuroscience and education. I understand the struggles that individuals with ADHD and dyslexia face, as well as the strengths and abilities that come with these conditions. I am motivated to prove to myself and others that learning disabilities do not have to be a barrier to success. I am proud of my accomplishments thus far and am excited to continue learning and growing in my academic and professional pursuits as a Ph.D. student at the University of Oregon's Institute of Neuroscience, where I will be matriculating in the fall. I hope to research a variety of learning disabilities and conditions that affect the brain and nervous system, such as neurofibromatosis. I am committed to using my education and experiences to make a positive impact in the world, and I believe that receiving this scholarship would help me achieve my goals. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges. As someone who has overcome learning disabilities to pursue higher education, I would be honored to receive this scholarship in remembrance of Dylan. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Life is a journey full of twists and turns, and my personal journey has been no exception. However, it has ultimately led me to my true passion: being a lifelong learner. I have always been interested in a wide range of topics and fields, and obtaining a Bachelor's degree in neuroscience with minors in chemistry, biology, and psychology from Western Washington University was a challenging and rewarding journey that provided me with a strong and interdisciplinary foundation to better understand not only the brain and nervous system but also the world around me. It developed my critical thinking skills and further invigorated my passion for learning. After my graduation in 2020, I decided to take a gap from education to explore other interests and gain real-world experience. I have worked as an emergency medical technician, ski patroller, high explosives researcher, and science educator, providing me with a diverse set of skills and perspectives. As an EMT, I learned how to quickly assess and respond to medical emergencies, while as a ski patroller, I honed my communication and leadership skills. Working as a high explosives researcher allowed me to apply my knowledge of chemistry in a practical setting, and as a science educator, I had the opportunity to share my love of science with others. These experiences taught me valuable lessons and a diverse set of skills and perspectives. Despite enjoying these experiences, I realized that my true passion lay in neuroscience research. I knew that I wanted to continue my education and pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience, which would allow me to conduct cutting-edge research and make meaningful contributions to the field. My gap in education only reinforced my desire to continue learning and growing as a scientist. Neuroscience is the perfect field for someone like me as it is inherently interdisciplinary and can lead to a myriad of research and career opportunities in a number of different specializations. Our brains and nervous systems play a crucial role in everything we do, so for me, it seemed like an obvious field of study. Furthermore, I am committed to becoming a lifelong learner, much like Patrick Stanley, who continually sought out new knowledge and skills to improve himself and his work. Pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience through the University of Oregon will provide me with not only the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in my field but also the opportunity to work alongside other passionate and talented scientists who share my curiosity and dedication. As the first person in my family to pursue a graduate education, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to succeed and to serve as a role model for others. I want to show others that with hard work, dedication, and a love of learning, anything is possible. Pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience is the culmination of my learning journey, and I am excited to see where this path will take me next. In conclusion, my journey through diverse career paths has been both challenging and rewarding. Each job has taught me valuable skills that I can apply to my future career in neuroscience. Pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience is the next logical step for me, and I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This degree will not only allow me to conduct cutting-edge research but also inspire and educate others. With my experience, passion, and commitment to lifelong learning, I am confident that I will make meaningful contributions to the field and serve as a positive influence for others who share my love for learning and personal growth.