I have always been interested in the natural environment and its creatures. When I was four, I had a microscope and would study the microorganisms in a drop of pond water. Years later, I won my school's science fair studying the question of how heat affects the microscopic organisms in pond water. I am an avid hiker. Every step on the path is an opportunity to experience and learn about the natural world. Each summer, my family would spend weeks camping. One summer, I was fascinated by the salamander and tiny insects that looked like fairies. Another year at Lake Minnewaska, I was amazed when I found a puddle with hundreds of spring peepers screaming their mating calls, then horrified when I saw a water snake swallow a bullfrog whole. My passion for studying and preserving the environment certainly formed during these trips with my family. As a teenager, I had the opportunity to study marine science for two summers through a scholarship program. One summer, we studied the Long Island Sound, went whale watching in the Atlantic Ocean, and even performed a seal Necropsy. We kayaked through the estuaries, and I learned of the fragility of marshland habitats. My studies at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry allow me to spend the summers at the Cranberry Lake Environmental Lab Station, where I collect water samples and study the effects of air pollution on our waterways and, therefore, the animals depending on this water. I can tell you it is devastating. For example, the population of tadpoles is greatly reduced even in the course of one year, and conversely, the mosquito population has grown. Not only are the mosquitoes pests, they also carry diseases. This is a small, observable negative consequence of human dependence on fossil fuels; there are thousands more. You don't have to be a scientist to realize that climate change is a fact and that its harmful effects reach all aspects of life on planet Earth. At my college, I not only learn the skills to measure and observe the effects of climate change and study the creatures whose habitats become increasingly endangered, but every part of our campus life is focused on engaging in environmentally conscious solutions. ESF practices what it teaches. The sustainability mission is evident because all members work together to reduce the operational footprint. We are taught to be the agents of change, and the change isn't just a theory. The student union building employs CHP and is heated and powered by clean energy. The entire campus has an efficient hot water loop, and there is an initiative to decarbonize by using steam to produce low-temperature hot water throughout campus, and other geothermal heat pumps and geothermal energy storage are in the works. The campus has also invested in solar energy and has committed to having a completely electric fleet of vehicles. A smaller initiative is the Resource Exchange, which is simply a website where you can post furniture and other property you'd like to get rid of or look for things you may need. And one of my favorite campus actions is the Bee Campus USA. ESF has joined with other universities in expanding the habitats of pollinators by officially eliminating the use of pesticides, in addition to holding educational programs for surrounding schools. I see myself using all the knowledge of sustainable engineering, research, recycling, and education in every facet of my life. I'll make the smallest carbon footprint possible and be an environmental researcher working in the field and the lab to measure and reach the goal of zero carbon emissions.

I have always been interested in the natural environment and its creatures. When I was four, I had a microscope and would study the microorganisms in a drop of pond water. Years later, I won my school's science fair studying the question of how heat affects the microscopic organisms in pond water. I am an avid hiker. Every step on the path is an opportunity to experience and learn about the natural world. Each summer, my family would spend weeks camping. One summer, I was fascinated by the salamander and tiny insects that looked like fairies. Another year at Lake Minnewaska, I was amazed when I found a puddle with hundreds of spring peeps screaming their mating calls, then horrified when I saw a water snake swallow a bullfrog whole. My passion for studying and preserving the environment certainly formed during these trips with my family. As a teenager, I had the opportunity to study marine science for two summers through a scholarship program. One summer, we studied the Long Island Sound, went whale watching in the Atlantic Ocean, and even performed a seal Necropsy. We kayak through the estuaries, and I learned of the fragility of marshland habitats. My studies at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry allow me to spend the summers at the Cranberry Lake Environmental Lab Station, where I collect water samples and study the effects of air pollution on our waterways and, therefore, the animals depending on this water. I can tell you it is devastating. For example, the population of tadpoles is greatly reduced even in the course of one year, and conversely, the mosquito population has grown. Not only are the mosquito pest they also carry diseases. This is a small, observable negative consequence of human dependence on fossil fuels; there are thousands more. You don't have to be a scientist to realize that climate change is a fact and that its harmful effects reach all aspects of life on planet Earth. At my college, I not only learn the skills to measure and observe the effects of climate change and study the creatures whose habitats become increasingly endangered, but every part of our campus life is focused on engaging in environmentally conscious solutions. ESF practices what it teaches. The sustainability mission is evident because all members work together to reduce the operational footprint. We are taught to be the agents of change, and the change isn't just a theory. The student union building employs CHP and is heated and powered by clean energy. The entire campus has an efficient hot water loop, and there is an initiative to decarbonize by using steam to produce low-temperature hot water throughout campus, and other geothermal heat pumps and geothermal energy storage are in the works. The campus has also invested in solar energy and has committed to having a completely electric fleet of vehicles. A smaller initiative is the Resource Exchange, which is simply a website where you can post furniture and other property you'd like to get rid of or look for things you may need. And one of my favorite campus actions is the Bee Campus USA. ESF has joined with other universities in expanding the habitats of pollinators by officially eliminating the use of pesticides, in addition to holding educational programs for surrounding schools. I see myself using all the knowledge of sustainable engineering, research, recycling, and education in every facet of my life. I'll make the smallest carbon footprint possible and be an environmental researcher working in the field and the lab to measure and reach the goal of zero carbon emissions.

I have always been interested in the natural environment and its creatures. When I was four, I had a microscope and would study the microorganisms in a drop of pond water. Years later, I won my school's science fair studying the question of how heat affects the microscopic organisms in pond water. I am an avid hiker. Every step on the path is an opportunity to experience and learn about the natural world. Each summer, my family would spend weeks camping. One summer, I was fascinated by the salamander and tiny insects that looked like fairies. Another year at Lake Minnewaska, I was amazed when I found a puddle with hundreds of spring peeps screaming their mating calls, then horrified when I saw a water snake swallow a bullfrog whole. My passion for studying and preserving the environment certainly formed during these trips with my family. As a teenager, I had the opportunity to study marine science for two summers through a scholarship program. One summer, we studied the Long Island Sound, went whale watching in the Atlantic Ocean, and even performed a seal Necropsy. We kayak through the estuaries, and I learned of the fragility of marshland habitats. My studies at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry allow me to spend the summers at the Cranberry Lake Environmental Lab Station, where I collect water samples and study the effects of air pollution on our waterways and, therefore, the animals depending on this water. I can tell you it is devastating. For example, the population of tadpoles is greatly reduced even in the course of one year, and conversely, the mosquito population has grown. Not only are the mosquito pest they also carry diseases. This is a small, observable negative consequence of human dependence on fossil fuels; there are thousands more. You don't have to be a scientist to realize that climate change is a fact and that its harmful effects reach all aspects of life on planet Earth. At my college, I not only learn the skills to measure and observe the effects of climate change and study the creatures whose habitats become increasingly endangered, but every part of our campus life is focused on engaging in environmentally conscious solutions. ESF practices what it teaches. The sustainability mission is evident because all members work together to reduce the operational footprint. We are taught to be the agents of change, and the change isn't just a theory. The student union building employs CHP and is heated and powered by clean energy. The entire campus has an efficient hot water loop, and there is an initiative to decarbonize by using steam to produce low-temperature hot water throughout campus, and other geothermal heat pumps and geothermal energy storage are in the works. The campus has also invested in solar energy and has committed to having a completely electric fleet of vehicles. A smaller initiative is the Resource Exchange, which is simply a website where you can post furniture and other property you'd like to get rid of or look for things you may need. And one of my favorite campus actions is the Bee Campus USA. ESF has joined with other universities in expanding the habitats of pollinators by officially eliminating the use of pesticides, in addition to holding educational programs for surrounding schools. I see myself using all the knowledge of sustainable engineering, research, recycling, and education in every facet of my life. I'll make the smallest carbon footprint possible and be an environmental researcher working in the field and the lab to measure and reach the goal of zero carbon emissions.

Taking a leave of absence from Goucher College was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made. Finances played a large part in this decision but there were other contributing factors as well. As I began my junior year as a biology major, I started to focus on my career aspirations. I have varied interests and wanted the solid foundation a liberal arts education could give me. I had been challenging myself with several higher-level biology and chemistry classes; however, I was unsure if biology was my passion. I started talking to my advisor about changing majors. Changing majors at this point would mean a minimum of three extra semesters. Without the aid of my merit scholarship, this was financially unfeasible. Sadly, I had no choice but to leave the college I loved and all the friendships and connections I had made. I decided to take a leave to prudently plan my next steps. For goals to be achievable they must be specific, measurable, accomplishable, relevant, and time-bound. So, I made a few smaller goals. I set out to find a job related to biology to save money and learn more about my passions. I also wanted to explore classes in other subjects at an affordable price. I achieve the goal of finding a job and enrolling in classes within a week of leaving college. Next, I committed to stay with this plan for one year. This would accomplish many of my goals of learning more about my commitment to biology, saving money, and taking a variety of classes. Currently, I am working 27.5 hours a week as a nurse’s aide in an elementary school. I am also enrolled in four classes at Suffolk County Community College. I am two months away from achieving my one-year goal of working and exploring other subject areas. I have learned that I am a successful employee. I haven't saved enough money to finish my college degree, so my next goal is to continue working at my nurse's aide job until I can pay for two years of college without taking out student loans. I have learned that my path in life is not always linear as I expected. Sometimes having the courage and flexibility to deviate from the straight path is a journey of transformation. I have found maturity and resilience I didn’t believe I possessed. It has also been an opportunity to do an honest appraisal of my weaknesses and take steps to address and improve myself.

Taking a leave of absence from Goucher College was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made. Finances played a large part in this decision but there were other contributing factors as well. As I began my junior year as a biology major, I started to focus on my career aspirations. I have varied interests and wanted the solid foundation a liberal arts education could give me. I had been challenging myself with several higher-level biology and chemistry classes; however, I was unsure if biology was my passion. I started talking to my advisor about changing majors. Changing majors at this point would mean a minimum of three extra semesters. Without the aid of my merit scholarship, this was financially unfeasible. Sadly, I had no choice but to leave the college I loved and all the friendships and connections I had made. I decided to take a leave to prudently plan my next steps. I can home to New York where I would be able to work and save money to transfer to a college with a strong Liberal Studies program. Currently, I am working 27.5 hours a week as a nurse’s aide in an elementary school. I am also enrolled in three classes at Suffolk County Community College. I have learned that my path in life is not always linear as I expected. Sometimes having the courage and flexibility to deviate from the straight path is a journey of transformation. I have found maturity and resilience I didn’t believe I possessed. It has also been an opportunity to do an honest appraisal of my weaknesses and take steps to address and improve myself. In High School, I had a 504 for ADHD and I was very successful without medication and with the modifications of extended time and assistive technology for writing. When I started college I decided not to use these modifications. I started seeing a professional for my ADHD and decided to try medication. It took two prescriptions and several weeks over the summer to adjust the dosage. However, when I started my junior year I found the medication was making me anxious. Under professional direction, I weaned myself off the ADHD medication and have started cognitive behavioral therapy. This time has helped me discover that although I loved my previous college it didn’t offer the variety of liberal arts classes and opportunity to graduate on time. I learned I am successful in art, humanity, history, and economy classes. I would love the opportunity to successfully finish my undergraduate career as a Global or Liberal Studies major. I would welcome the opportunity to do research at a university. Work experience or internships in environmental studies would also be an opportunity to learn more about my future career path. I want to extend my passion for learning by attending graduate school in the future.

I am traveling to travel abroad in my senior year with some classmates. I am an introvert. It is hard for me to find the courage to connect with other students. I know it’s important to interact with others, just as it is imperative to connect globally. Planning this trip has motivated me to reach out to others despite my hesitancy. Humans thrive when they cooperate. Remaining isolated prevents me from sharing my gifts with others. It’s difficult for me to connect with my peers. But now I have something in common with them. I engage in discussions outside of class about our trip. The nations on our planet are united in a time of global interdependence. I can't wait to travel outside the US for the first time to gain a global perspective. The way I learn about cultures that differ from mine is by reading. A story that has changed my perspective is The Kite Runner. I imagine the streets of Kabul and how they’ve changed through the decades. In the 70’s when a military coup ended the monarchy kites were still flying. And then in the 80’s when the Soviets invaded, Russian tanks barreled down its streets. By 2000 Kabul was nearly destroyed and the Taliban patrolled its ruined streets. A descriptive book can make you feel like you are a part of the setting, but having the opportunity to walk the streets and use all my senses to experience these cities brings it to a new level. Formal and informal institutions speak volumes about what the citizens of a nation value and play a major role in defining their society. I hope to use all my senses to experience the cities of the world. In Paris, I can imagine standing under the Arc de Triomphe and not only seeing the architecture and learning about its history but at the same time taking in the sight and sound surrounding the Arch in real-time. Noticing how people are dressed, the foods they eat, and hearing the music they listen to. I can make the world a better place through storytelling. I want to study culture to learn about who we are and in what ways we can improve and evolve as a global community. If I can stir passion in others, I can change the world. To change the world I must see the world. I want to experience this trip with the eyes of a storyteller. I hope to observe the similarities by seeing the differences in architecture, languages, traditions, monuments, artwork, clothing, food, and attitudes. I want to discover what is universal. What binds humanity together? What themes will resonate with a global audience?