This morning, I’m placing ants on my sundew, careful with my tweezers. Hours later, the tentacles have curled around the small insects. Instead of dogs and cats, my beloved pet is a carnivorous plant, Tarantula the sundew. Our friendship has grown from years of developing my love for the environment. Today, I’m a passionate nerd saying to anyone who will listen, “those are cattails—they reduce bacterial contamination in water.” They’re water quality doctors and aquatic environment heroes, just like I aspire to be. But before that, I’m a nine-year-old reading my favorite book, Almanac 2017, in my bedroom. Engrossed by glacial volcanoes in Iceland and glass frogs with visible organs, I miss my mom calling me for dinner. I eventually come after more than one “just one more page,” rambling about how I just learned that the baobab tree looks like it’s growing upside down. I’m in sixth grade now. Gone are the days of once-a-week science classes; now I can dive into the subject as more than just a hobby. For one assignment, I remember an ecologist I recently read about: Rachel Carson (still a huge inspiration to me), the anti-pesticide warrior. Her efforts directly led to the banning of DDT and paved the way for the modern environmental movement. One day my environmental activism can inspire tangible change too. I’m in ninth grade now. I’m discussing a shared interest with my labmates: plants. Of course, I’m ranting about carnivorous plants and how waterwheels are superior to Venus flytraps because they’re 10 times faster. Eventually, an idea for a botany club comes up: an opportunity to share our mutual love of plants. The next year, I make the club a reality. I organize soil acidity experiments, invite local guest speakers, and even bring in Tarantula. Copious hours of planning have enabled me to widen my peers’ perspectives to include the critical role of plants in our environment. I’m in eleventh grade now. In calculus, a friend introduces me to a volunteering group called Friends of the San Ramon Creek, which becomes a fixture in my weekly plans. I’m not just testing water quality parameters in a campus lab, but standing on creek beds with electrodes in hand to measure dissolved oxygen and nitrate levels. As well as learning about how invasive species are dangerous, I’m actively helping remove the Arundo donax that threatens my community’s biodiversity. Every reed cut is one step closer to regaining a thriving creek ecosystem. It’s the summer after eleventh grade now. I’m at Brown Environmental Leadership Labs: Eastern Sierras. I’m exposed to a new world of science: geology. Who knew rocks were so cool? I’m standing in the Long Valley Caldera, holding a pristine piece of obsidian. I’m hiking four miles through the Bristlecone Pines to see the oldest individual organisms in the world: 5,000-year-old beings thriving in a harsh environment. In Tuolumne Meadows, I’m measuring the alkalinity of a stream and hugging trees to estimate biomass. This is how I imagine my future life: contributing to environmental science with my groundbreaking research. I want to investigate the world with my research; step outside the lab because that’s the only way to truly understand the natural world. I want to protect the environment; it holds the very flora and fauna I first fell in love with in my childhood. I want to continue exploring Mother Earth, and also help heal her. Today, I’m in my backyard finding insects to feed Tarantula. Tomorrow, I’ll be living in a field station, trekking out to my research sites to find a way to preserve our only home.

The queer community has been a large part of my life for the past few years. I've been working with the Gender Sexuality Alliance for five years. Helping advocate for my high school to open alternate changing rooms, transgender students now have a locker room they can be comfortable in. I've helped organize district-wide updates on gender and sexuality in the health class curriculum. Through these efforts, I strive to make my community a better place for people of all genders and sexualities. However, my experience hasn't all been smooth sailing. At 17 years old, I've completed another chapter in the chronicle of my quest to bypass my appearance: not trying to overcome an inherently vain personality but living free from the pressure to always match certain expectations. My short, androgynous-presenting body alone cannot tell the story of a 3 year and counting gender journey, but rather the lessons I've learned through being transgender show that there is queer joy and positivity in the seeming "struggle" in identity. This experience has not only helped me move beyond visual judgment but given me a new socioemotional mindset. My most recent gender discovery has given me a sense of stability, connection, and freedom. If it's this satisfying to pursue my gender even with the presence of society's judgment, I can also pursue my passions. It doesn't matter that people think it's weird that I'm obsessed with plants and aquatic processes; I'll stay a proud science nerd because that's who I am. Along with staying true to my beliefs, this experience has given me a dedication to action. I've joined efforts to make my school a safer place for fellow transgender students and offer my advice and support to any questioning peers. In college, I will continue to help others discover a more fitting identity even if they're completely lost. I will continue to diligently volunteer with a local environmental organization even if people say it doesn't make a difference. I refuse to be restrained by society's superficial limitations. My experience as a transgender teen has given me an open mindedness to new ideas, commitment to my passions and morals, and an eagerness to make an impact. Instead of viewing my identity as an obstacle, I've embraced it. This acceptance has allowed me to grow in confidence as a person. My transgender experience has impacted my life in unexpected ways: helping secure my interest in environmental science and teaching me how to help other people. The future is uncertain, but I will face it with my head held high because I know who I am.

To make my surroundings a nondiscriminatory environment, I’ve joined organizations and started projects that support groups with insufficient resources. I’ve diligently participated in non-profits, clubs, and tutoring in order to contribute to the development of my community. For two years, I’ve been a volunteer with the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area, a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on volunteers to provide their services. I aid in music therapy—sharing my love for music, ensuring that sessions run smoothly, and supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Throughout my time with the organization, I’ve made friends with the regulars, giving them the opportunity for conversations and encouragement. It is a great privilege to be able to fill other people’s lives with happiness and hope. To help students from my school thrive, I began independently tutoring during my senior year. Aware of the demand for extra help outside of school and my experience in a wide range of subjects, I provide specific insights to certain subjects and relevant advice to the high school experience. I’ve been able to help students go from C’s to A’s on tests, giving them a deeper understanding of the material. It gives me great joy to watch my pupils grow and improve in an academically supportive environment. I’ve also supported the queer community, having been in a Gender Sexuality Alliance for five years. Helping advocate for my high school to open alternate changing rooms, transgender students now have a locker room they can be comfortable in. Furthermore, I helped organize district-wide updates on gender and sexuality in the health class curriculum. In middle school, I was simply part of a safe space for queer students. In high school, I’ve been a conscientious member of additional committees to help make school a better place for students of all genders and sexual orientations. I also frequently volunteer with a local organization called the Friends of the San Ramon Creek (FSRC). From measuring water parameters to monitor the local creeks to cleaning trash from the highway ramps to planting native species, it is important to me to participate in the conservation of my community's environmental wellbeing. Additionally, I play an active role in FSRC's mitigation of a local invasive species called Arundo donax. Not only aiding in removal efforts, I started an action plan to raise awareness and facilitate communication about the reed's disruption of creek ecosystems. Through this, I've involved myself and others in the revival of the town's biodiversity. Additionally, I founded my school’s Botany Club. As president, I’ve created numerous opportunities for my peers. I’ve arranged guest speaker visits, including an employee of a local garden center where we discussed the importance of native species and proper planting practices. I’ve offered environmental volunteering, with over 30 hours from myself alone in just one year. I’ve shared my scientific expertise through hydrangea soil acidity experiments, microscope mycology lessons, carnivorous plant demonstrations, and much more. Educating those around me has been a fulfilling experience where I can share my passions. On and off campus, I’ve dedicated myself to find ways to support my peers, my community, and the environment. I plan on continuing these efforts in college and beyond, devoted to ensuring support that fits each community’s unique needs and preserving the natural world.

Today, I’m a passionate nerd saying to anyone who will listen, “those are cattails—they reduce bacterial contamination in water.” They’re water quality doctors and aquatic environment heroes, just like I aspire to be. But before that, I’m a nine-year-old reading my favorite book, Almanac 2017, in my bedroom. Engrossed by glacial volcanoes in Iceland and glass frogs with visible organs, I miss my mom calling me for dinner. I eventually go to the table after more than one “just one more page,” rambling about how I just learned that the baobab tree looks like it’s growing upside down. I’m in sixth grade now. Gone are the days of once-a-week science classes; now I can dive into the subject as more than just a hobby. For one assignment, I remember an ecologist I recently read about: Rachel Carson (a huge inspiration to me to this day), the anti-pesticide warrior. Her efforts directly led to the banning of DDT and paved the way for the modern environmental movement. One day my environmental activism can inspire tangible change too. I’m in ninth grade now. I’m discussing a shared interest with my lab mates: plants. Of course, I’m ranting about carnivorous plants and how water wheels are superior to Venus fly traps because they’re 10 times faster. Eventually, an idea for a botany club comes up: an opportunity to share our mutual love of plants. The next year, I commit to making the club a reality. I organize hydrangea soil acidity experiments, invite speakers from local garden centers and volunteer organizations, and even bring in Tarantula to meet my club. Copious hours of planning have enabled me to widen my peers’ perspectives to include the critical role of plants in our environment. I’m in eleventh grade now. I’m sitting in calculus when a senior friend introduces me to a volunteering group called the Friends of the San Ramon Creek, which will become a fixture in my weekly plans. I’m not just testing water quality parameters in a campus lab, but standing on creek beds with electrodes in hand to measure dissolved oxygen and nitrate levels. As well as learning about how invasive species are dangerous, I’m actively helping remove the Arundo donax that threatens my community’s biodiversity. Every reed cut is one step closer to regaining a thriving creek ecosystem. It’s the summer after eleventh grade now. I’m at Brown Environmental Leadership Labs: Eastern Sierras. I’m exposed to a whole new world of science: geology and volcanology. Who knew rocks could be so cool? I’m standing in the Long Valley Caldera, holding a pristine piece of obsidian. I’m hiking four miles through the Bristlecone Pines to see the oldest individual organisms in the world: 5,000-year-old beings thriving in a harsh environment. In Tuolumne Meadows, I’m measuring the alkalinity of a stream and hugging trees to estimate biomass. This is how I imagine my future life: contributing to environmental science with my groundbreaking research. I want to investigate the world with my research; step outside the lab because that’s the only way to truly understand the natural world. I want to protect the environment; it holds the very flora and fauna I first fell in love with in my childhood. I want to continue exploring Mother Earth, and also help heal her. I've faced many obstacles--being Jewish Asian American, queer, transgender, and neurodivergent. No matter what others think about my identity, I stay committed to my passions and beliefs. I'll continue being a science nerd because that's what I love, and I'll continue exploring my gender identity because that's who I am.

Growing up obsessed with plants and natural science, my love exploded in high school. It rapidly became a passion for environmental science that I continue sharing with my community. From founding my school’s Botany Club to researching at pre-college programs, I’ve solidified my passion for the natural world and preserving the critical basis of life for all organisms on Earth through my education. At Brown pre-college, I carried out research about the critical role of dissolved oxygen in water bodies, developing my scientific knowledge and preparing myself for a future career. I learned just how crucial this water parameter is to the survival of aquatic ecosystems: low levels can cause irreparable damage. Bringing this knowledge to my own community through continued research at school has stimulated my bi-monthly volunteering in local watershed stewardship efforts. I also attended Brown Environmental Leadership Labs in aquatic and geologic sciences. I deepened my knowledge of hydrology and sustainability, gaining experience conducting research and labs in a professional environment. I started an Action Plan, an environmental conservation project in my own community, to aid a volunteer organization with the removal of a local invasive species, Arundo donax. I’ve raised awareness and facilitated communication about this reed’s disruption of creek ecosystems, involving myself and others in the revival of our town’s biodiversity. Additionally, I founded my school’s Botany Club. As president, I’ve created numerous opportunities for my peers. I’ve arranged guest speaker visits, including an employee of a local garden center where we discussed the importance of native species and proper planting practices. I’ve offered environmental volunteering, with over 30 hours from myself alone in just one year. I’ve shared my scientific expertise through hydrangea soil acidity experiments, microscope mycology lessons, carnivorous plant demonstrations, and much more. Educating those around me has been a fulfilling experience where I can share my passions. Working with my local environment, I’ve had the opportunity to make an impact in my own community. I’m looking forward to continuing my trajectory, working alongside world-renowned professors, activists, and other dedicated students to challenge myself, expand my knowledge, and prepare for the future. This is how I imagine my future life: contributing to environmental science with my groundbreaking research. I want to investigate the world with my research; step outside the lab because that’s the only way to truly understand the natural world. I want to protect the environment; it holds the very flora and fauna I first fell in love with in my childhood. I want to continue exploring Mother Earth, and also help heal her. Today, I’m in my backyard finding insects to feed my pet sundew. Tomorrow, I’ll be living in a field station, trekking out to my research sites to find a way to preserve our one and only home.

To make my surroundings a nondiscriminatory environment, I’ve joined organizations and started projects that support groups with insufficient resources. I’ve diligently participated in non-profits, clubs, and tutoring in order to contribute to the development of my community. For two years, I’ve been a volunteer with the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area, a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on volunteers to provide their services. I aid in music therapy—sharing my love for music, ensuring that sessions run smoothly, and supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Throughout my time with the organization, I’ve made friends with the regulars, giving them the opportunity for conversations and encouragement. It is a great privilege to be able to fill other people’s lives with happiness and hope. To help students from my school thrive, I began independently tutoring during my senior year. Aware of the demand for extra help outside of school and my experience in a wide range of subjects, I provide specific insights to certain subjects and relevant advice to the high school experience. I’ve been able to help students go from C’s to A’s on tests, giving them a deeper understanding of the material. It gives me great joy to watch my pupils grow and improve in an academically supportive environment. I’ve also supported the queer community, having been in a Gender Sexuality Alliance for five years. Helping advocate for my high school to open alternate changing rooms, transgender students now have a locker room they can be comfortable in. Furthermore, I helped organize district-wide updates on gender and sexuality in the health class curriculum. In middle school, I was simply part of a safe space for queer students. In high school, I’ve been a conscientious member of additional committees to help make school a better place for students of all genders and sexual orientations. I started an Action Plan, an environmental conservation project in my own community, to aid a volunteer organization with the removal of a local invasive species, Arundo donax. I’ve raised awareness and facilitated communication about this reed’s disruption of creek ecosystems, involving myself and others in the revival of our town’s biodiversity. As well as educating about how invasive species are dangerous, I actively help remove the Arundo donax that threatens my community’s biodiversity. Every reed cut is one step closer to regaining a thriving creek ecosystem. The volunteering group is called the Friends of the San Ramon Creek, which is a fixture in my weekly plans. We not only remove invasive species but also plant native species, measure water quality parameters in the local watershed, and clean up trash. Every summer of high school, I’ve been a counselor at a student-run band camp, Camp Allegro. Through building a cohesive team, being a positive role model, and providing solicitous mentorship, I’ve become an empathetic leader who also helps my peers reach their full potential. Over 117 hours at Camp Allegro, I’ve learned that the most important part about being a team leader isn’t trying to be “the best,” but building a harmonious team. Additionally, I guide the erratic middle schoolers towards high school level productivity, turning them into focused musicians. On and off campus, I’ve dedicated myself to find ways to support my peers and my community. I plan on continuing these efforts in college and beyond, devoted to ensuring support that fits each community’s unique needs.

At 17 years old, I’ve completed another chapter in the chronicle of my quest to bypass my appearance: not trying to overcome an inherently vain personality but living free from the pressure to always match certain expectations. My short, androgynous-presenting body alone cannot tell the story of a 3 year and counting gender journey. The constant uncertainty surrounding the expression of my identity has been a challenge emotionally and academically. What name am I allowed to have on my official documents? Do I want my cisgender teammates to know that I'm transgender? How can I access gender-affirming healthcare without family support or a tolerant government? Being in school as a transgender individual comes with dozens of obstacles to navigate. I take pride in being able to persevere through negative experience with bigoted peers and administration while never losing the dedication to not sacrifice my identity for ease of life. This experience has not only helped me move beyond visual judgement, but given me a new socioemotional mindset. My most recent gender discovery has given me a sense of stability, connection, and freedom. If it’s this satisfying to pursue my gender even with the presence of society’s judgement, I can also pursue my passions. It doesn’t matter that people think it’s weird that I’m obsessed with plants and aquatic processes; I’ll stay a proud science nerd because that’s who I am. Along with staying true to my beliefs, this experience has given me a dedication to action. I’ve joined efforts to make my school a safer place for fellow transgender students and offer my advice and support to any questioning peers. In college, I will continue to help others discover a more fitting identity even if they’re completely lost. I will continue to diligently volunteer with a local environmental organization even if people say it doesn’t make a difference. I refuse to be restrained by society’s superficial limitations. I’ve been in a Gender Sexuality Alliance for five years. Helping advocate for my high school to open alternate changing rooms, transgender students now have a locker room they can be comfortable in. Furthermore, I helped organize district-wide updates on gender and sexuality in the health class curriculum. In middle school, I was simply part of a safe space for queer students. In high school, I’ve been a conscientious member of additional committees to help make school a better place for students of all genders and sexual orientations. On and off campus, I’ve dedicated myself to find ways to support my peers and my community. I plan on continuing these efforts in college and beyond, devoted to ensuring support that fits each community’s unique needs. I will bring my open mindedness and new ideas to college, along with my unapologetic commitment to my passions and morals, and an eagerness to make an impact.

Growing up obsessed with plants and natural science, my love exploded in high school. It rapidly became a passion for environmental science that I continue sharing with my community. From founding my school’s Botany Club to researching at pre-college programs, I’ve solidified my passion for the natural world and preserving the critical basis of life for all organisms on Earth through my education. At Brown pre-college, I carried out research about the critical role of dissolved oxygen in water bodies, developing my scientific knowledge and preparing myself for a future career. I learned just how crucial this water parameter is to the survival of aquatic ecosystems: low levels can cause irreparable damage. Bringing this knowledge to my own community through continued research at school has stimulated my bi-monthly volunteering in local watershed stewardship efforts. I also attended Brown Environmental Leadership Labs in aquatic and geologic sciences. I deepened my knowledge of hydrology and sustainability, gaining experience conducting research and labs in a professional environment. I started an Action Plan, an environmental conservation project in my own community, to aid a volunteer organization with the removal of a local invasive species, Arundo donax. I’ve raised awareness and facilitated communication about this reed’s disruption of creek ecosystems, involving myself and others in the revival of our town’s biodiversity. Additionally, I founded my school’s Botany Club. As president, I’ve created numerous opportunities for my peers. I’ve arranged guest speaker visits, including an employee of a local garden center where we discussed the importance of native species and proper planting practices. I’ve offered environmental volunteering, with over 30 hours from myself alone in just one year. I’ve shared my scientific expertise through hydrangea soil acidity experiments, microscope mycology lessons, carnivorous plant demonstrations, and much more. Educating those around me has been a fulfilling experience where I can share my passions. Working with my local environment, I’ve had the opportunity to make an impact in my own community. I’m looking forward to continuing my trajectory, working alongside world-renowned professors, activists, and other dedicated students to challenge myself, expand my knowledge, and prepare for the future. I want to investigate the world with my research; step outside the lab because that’s the only way to truly understand the natural world. I want to protect the environment; it holds the very flora and fauna I first fell in love with in my childhood. I want to continue exploring Mother Earth, and also help heal her. Today, I’m in my backyard finding insects to feed my pet sundow. Tomorrow, I’ll be living in a field station, trekking out to my research sites to find a way to preserve our one and only home.

I've been playing soccer most of my life. Throughout the years, I've contributed to a positive team environment and success. I've improved my skills through feedback from my coaches, and I've been a flexible player willing to play any position. In addition, I train independently outside of team practices. I've played club soccer since 1st grade and competitively since 5th grade. I helped my various teams obtain league titles and win tournaments. I've also played high school soccer every year. Freshman year, I contributed to a one-loss season. Sophomore year, I helped the junior varsity team achieve an undefeated season. Junior year, I led the junior varsity team as one of three team captains. This year, I am playing on the varsity team as a senior. Through high school soccer, I learned to play cohesively with players from various club team backgrounds and be a leader. Since I turned 13, I've been a soccer referee. In addition to officiating league games, I've mentored inexperienced referees, learned how to manage emotional coaches and parents, been proactive in choosing my hours, and was selected for skill development. In 2023, I was awarded with the Mustang Soccer Club Youth Referee of the Year award due to my skillfulness, responsibility, and preparedness. I was also recognized for my efforts in helping soccer players with intellectual disabilities on the pitch. I've also played varsity flag football at my high school. I helped contribute to an inclusive team environment and learned skills in this new sport through coach feedback. I participated in the inaugural season sophomore year, which enabled me to help assist younger players junior year. Freshman year, I ran track for the first time. I participated in the DMR as a 1200m and 400m runner. I also ran solo 800m and 800m relays. I trained in long distance runs and sprints. I qualified for EBAL at the end of the year and achieved a PR. It was an enriching experience to train hard in a new sport and improve a lot. Being a part of youth sports my whole life has been an incredible experience. Through being an athlete myself, I've learned countless lessons and met so many amazing people. With that in mind, I hope to be able to give back to the community by contributing to youth sports: supporting local teams financially and socially as well as through service. My time as a soccer referee has given me perspective on the people who make youth sports possible. Furthermore, I will continue to encourage my peers and younger generations to participate in youth sports, fostering a culture of learning, physical activity, and teamwork.

Growing up obsessed with plants and natural science, my love exploded in high school. It rapidly became a passion for environmental science that I continue sharing with my community. From founding my school’s Botany Club to researching at pre-college programs, I’ve solidified my passion for the natural world and preserving the critical basis of life for all organisms on Earth through my education. At Brown pre-college, I carried out research about the critical role of dissolved oxygen in water bodies, developing my scientific knowledge and preparing myself for a future career. I learned just how crucial this water parameter is to the survival of aquatic ecosystems: low levels can cause irreparable damage. Bringing this knowledge to my own community through continued research at school has stimulated my bi-monthly volunteering in local watershed stewardship efforts. I also attended Brown Environmental Leadership Labs in aquatic and geologic sciences. I deepened my knowledge of hydrology and sustainability, gaining experience conducting research and labs in a professional environment. I started an Action Plan, an environmental conservation project in my own community, to aid a volunteer organization with the removal of a local invasive species, Arundo donax. I’ve raised awareness and facilitated communication about this reed’s disruption of creek ecosystems, involving myself and others in the revival of our town’s biodiversity. Additionally, I founded my school’s Botany Club. As president, I’ve created numerous opportunities for my peers. I’ve arranged guest speaker visits, including an employee of a local garden center where we discussed the importance of native species and proper planting practices. I’ve offered environmental volunteering, with over 30 hours from myself alone in just one year. I’ve shared my scientific expertise through hydrangea soil acidity experiments, microscope mycology lessons, carnivorous plant demonstrations, and much more. Educating those around me has been a fulfilling experience where I can share my passions. Working with my local environment, I’ve had the opportunity to make an impact in my own community. I’m looking forward to continuing my trajectory, working alongside world-renowned professors, activists, and other dedicated students to challenge myself, expand my knowledge, and prepare for the future. I want to investigate the world with my research; step outside the lab because that’s the only way to truly understand the natural world. I want to protect the environment; it holds the very flora and fauna I first fell in love with in my childhood. I want to continue exploring Mother Earth, and also help heal her. Today, I’m in my backyard finding insects to feed my pet sundew. Tomorrow, I’ll be living in a field station, trekking out to my research sites to find a way to preserve our one and only home.

At 17 years old, I’ve completed another chapter in the chronicle of my quest to bypass my appearance: not trying to overcome an inherently vain personality but living free from the pressure to always match certain expectations. My short, androgynous-presenting body alone cannot tell the story of a 3 year and counting gender journey. This experience has not only helped me move beyond visual judgement, but given me a new socioemotional mindset. My most recent gender discovery has given me a sense of stability, connection, and freedom. If it’s this satisfying to pursue my gender even with the presence of society’s judgement, I can also pursue my passions. It doesn’t matter that people think it’s weird that I’m obsessed with plants and aquatic processes; I’ll stay a proud science nerd because that’s who I am. Along with staying true to my beliefs, this experience has given me a dedication to action. I’ve joined efforts to make my school a safer place for fellow transgender students and offer my advice and support to any questioning peers. In college, I will continue to help others discover a more fitting identity even if they’re completely lost. I will continue to diligently volunteer with a local environmental organization even if people say it doesn’t make a difference. I refuse to be restrained by society’s superficial limitations. I will bring my open mindedness to new ideas to college, along with my unapologetic commitment to my passions and morals, and an eagerness to make an impact. Growing up obsessed with plants and natural science, my love exploded in high school. It rapidly became a passion for environmental science that I continue sharing with my community. From founding my school’s Botany Club to researching at pre-college programs, I’ve solidified my passion for the natural world and preserving the critical basis of life for all organisms on Earth through my education. At Brown pre-college, I carried out research about the critical role of dissolved oxygen in water bodies, developing my scientific knowledge and preparing myself for a future career. I learned just how crucial this water parameter is to the survival of aquatic ecosystems: low levels can cause irreparable damage. Bringing this knowledge to my own community through continued research at school has stimulated my bi-monthly volunteering in local watershed stewardship efforts. I also attended Brown Environmental Leadership Labs in aquatic and geologic sciences. I deepened my knowledge of hydrology and sustainability, gaining experience conducting research and labs in a professional environment. I started an Action Plan, an environmental conservation project in my own community, to aid a volunteer organization with the removal of a local invasive species, Arundo donax. I’ve raised awareness and facilitated communication about this reed’s disruption of creek ecosystems, involving myself and others in the revival of our town’s biodiversity. Additionally, I founded my school’s Botany Club. As president, I’ve created numerous opportunities for my peers. I’ve arranged guest speaker visits, including an employee of a local garden center where we discussed the importance of native species and proper planting practices. I’ve offered environmental volunteering, with over 30 hours from myself alone in just one year. I’ve shared my scientific expertise through hydrangea soil acidity experiments, microscope mycology lessons, carnivorous plant demonstrations, and much more. Educating those around me has been a fulfilling experience where I can share my passions. Working with my local environment, I’ve had the opportunity to make an impact in my own community. I’m looking forward to continuing my trajectory, working alongside world-renowned professors, activists, and other dedicated students to challenge myself, expand my knowledge, and prepare for the future. I want to investigate the world with my research; step outside the lab because that’s the only way to truly understand the natural world. I want to protect the environment; it holds the very flora and fauna I first fell in love with in my childhood. I want to continue exploring Mother Earth, and also help heal her. Today, I’m in my backyard finding insects to feed my pet sundew. Tomorrow, I’ll be living in a field station, trekking out to my research sites to find a way to preserve our one and only home.