A fourteen-year-old girl with a passion for gymnastics was determined to earn a first-place vault medal at the 2018 Massachusetts Gymnastics State Championships. She planted her feet at the end of the runway and fixed her eyes on the vault from 70 feet away; she had never been so ready for anything in her life. While wearing her wrist braces, a slicked-back ponytail, and an ocean-blue leotard that glistened with rhinestones, she charged at the vault with all of her might. This poor girl was ignorant of the events soon to follow, and the impact those events would have on her developing mind. She experienced her first attack. I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia at the ripe age of 15 after countless appointments, medical tests, and tears shed while I wondered about what was wrong with me. The symptoms I felt during my attacks were physically unbearable. I was immobile, my resting heart rate was 220, my extremities were numb and my blood pressure was too low for my body to properly function. I tried my absolute best to make light of the situation. This was not easy for me of course, but it taught me how to take something this traumatic and use it as an opportunity for growth. I ultimately chose to have a cardiac ablation procedure to safely continue my gymnastics career. That sport is the light of my life and has given me everything, I was not going to give it up that easily. In my driven mind, having literal heart surgery was not only the option I chose, but the option I was determined to accept. Nothing can get in the way of me and my gymnastics. Because of this trauma, I have learned to perceive my own reality through a positive mindset. Staying positive was a tough thing to do, but I know that life throws challenges at me because I can handle them. Watching my coaches and teammates jokingly argue over who gets to take me to the hospital helped me endure the excruciating pain I felt during my attacks. But, since this happened to me on a bi-weekly basis, I got used to it and knew how to positively handle a life-threatening situation with ease. Digging up mental toughness is easy to do when it comes to something you love. Dedication is the greatest motivator because dedication trumps inspiration when you feel like you have nothing else to give. I felt the growth of my personality amplify following my recovery. I learned so much about myself, as if my charisma had been uncovered after waiting too long to glisten. Aside from feeling better physically, I found myself enjoying even the smallest of moments. Everything is worthy of appreciation. I found the most joy in appreciating my life and the people in it. Reflecting on my experiences makes me feel proud of myself and how far I have come. Living an imperfect life is never something to be ashamed of. The most improvement is made when differences are recognized and appreciated.

A fourteen-year-old girl with a passion for gymnastics was determined to earn a first-place vault medal at the 2018 Massachusetts Gymnastics State Championships. She planted her feet at the end of the runway and fixed her eyes on the vault from 70 feet away; she had never been so ready for anything in her life. While wearing her wrist braces, a slicked-back ponytail, and an ocean-blue leotard that glistened with rhinestones, she charged at the vault with all of her might. This poor girl was ignorant of the events soon to follow, and the impact those events would have on her developing mind. She experienced her first attack. I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia at the ripe age of 15 after countless appointments, medical tests, and tears shed while I wondered about what was wrong with me. The symptoms I felt during my attacks were physically unbearable. I was immobile, my resting heart rate was 220, my extremities were numb and my blood pressure was too low for my body to properly function. I tried my absolute best to make light of the situation. This was not easy for me of course, but it taught me how to take something this traumatic and use it as an opportunity for growth. I ultimately chose to have a cardiac ablation procedure to safely continue my gymnastics career. That sport is the light of my life and has given me everything, I was not going to give it up that easily. In my driven mind, having literal heart surgery was not only the option I chose, but the option I was determined to accept. Nothing can get in the way of me and my gymnastics. Because of this trauma, I have learned to perceive my own reality through a positive mindset. Staying positive was a tough thing to do, but I know that life throws challenges at me because I can handle them. Watching my coaches and teammates jokingly argue over who gets to take me to the hospital helped me endure the excruciating pain I felt during my attacks. But, since this happened to me on a bi-weekly basis, I got used to it and knew how to positively handle a life-threatening situation with ease. Digging up mental toughness is easy to do when it comes to something you love. Dedication is the greatest motivator because dedication trumps inspiration when you feel like you have nothing else to give. I felt the growth of my personality amplify following my recovery. I learned so much about myself, as if my charisma had been uncovered after waiting too long to glisten. Aside from feeling better physically, I found myself enjoying even the smallest of moments. Everything is worthy of appreciation. I found the most joy in appreciating my life and the people in it. Reflecting on my experiences makes me feel proud of myself and how far I have come. Living an imperfect life is never something to be ashamed of. The most improvement is made when differences are recognized and appreciated.

A fourteen-year-old girl with a passion for gymnastics was determined to earn a first-place vault medal at the 2018 Massachusetts Gymnastics State Championships. She planted her feet at the end of the runway and fixed her eyes on the vault from 70 feet away; she had never been so ready for anything in her life. While wearing her wrist braces, a slicked-back ponytail, and an ocean-blue leotard that glistened with rhinestones, she charged at the vault with all of her might. This poor girl was ignorant of the events soon to follow, and the impact those events would have on her developing mind. She experienced her first attack. I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia at the ripe age of 15 after countless appointments, medical tests, and tears shed while I wondered about what was wrong with me. The symptoms I felt during my attacks were physically unbearable. I was immobile, my resting heart rate was 220, my extremities were numb and my blood pressure was too low for my body to properly function. I tried my absolute best to make light of the situation. This was not easy for me of course, but it taught me how to take something this traumatic and use it as an opportunity for growth. I ultimately chose to have a cardiac ablation procedure to safely continue my gymnastics career. That sport is the light of my life and has given me everything, I was not going to give it up that easily. In my driven mind, having literal heart surgery was not only the option I chose, but the option I was determined to accept. Nothing can get in the way of me and my gymnastics. Because of this trauma, I have learned to perceive my own reality through a positive mindset. Staying positive was a tough thing to do, but I know that life throws challenges at me because I can handle them. Watching my coaches and teammates jokingly argue over who gets to take me to the hospital helped me endure the excruciating pain I felt during my attacks. But, since this happened to me on a bi-weekly basis, I got used to it and knew how to positively handle a life-threatening situation with ease. Digging up mental toughness is easy to do when it comes to something you love. Dedication is the greatest motivator because dedication trumps inspiration when you feel like you have nothing else to give. I felt the growth of my personality amplify following my recovery. I learned so much about myself, as if my charisma had been uncovered after waiting too long to glisten. Aside from feeling better physically, I found myself enjoying even the smallest of moments. Everything is worthy of appreciation. I found the most joy in appreciating my life and the people in it. Reflecting on my experiences makes me feel proud of myself and how far I have come. Living an imperfect life is never something to be ashamed of. The most improvement is made when differences are recognized and appreciated.

A fourteen-year-old girl with a passion for gymnastics was determined to earn a first-place vault medal at the 2018 Massachusetts Gymnastics State Championships. She planted her feet at the end of the runway and fixed her eyes on the vault from 70 feet away; she had never been so ready for anything in her life. While wearing her wrist braces, a slicked-back ponytail, and an ocean-blue leotard that glistened with rhinestones, she charged at the vault with all of her might. This poor girl was ignorant of the events soon to follow, and the impact those events would have on her developing mind. She experienced her first attack. I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia at the ripe age of 15 after countless appointments, medical tests, and tears shed while I wondered about what was wrong with me. The symptoms I felt during my attacks were physically unbearable. I was immobile, my resting heart rate was 220, my extremities were numb and my blood pressure was too low for my body to properly function. I tried my absolute best to make light of the situation. This was not easy for me of course, but it taught me how to take something this traumatic and use it as an opportunity for growth. I ultimately chose to have a cardiac ablation procedure to safely continue my gymnastics career. That sport is the light of my life and has given me everything, I was not going to give it up that easily. In my driven mind, having literal heart surgery was not only the option I chose, but the option I was determined to accept. Nothing can get in the way of me and my gymnastics. Because of this trauma, I have learned to perceive my own reality through a positive mindset. Staying positive was a tough thing to do, but I know that life throws challenges at me because I can handle them. Watching my coaches and teammates jokingly argue over who gets to take me to the hospital helped me endure the excruciating pain I felt during my attacks. But, since this happened to me on a bi-weekly basis, I got used to it and knew how to positively handle a life-threatening situation with ease. Digging up mental toughness is easy to do when it comes to something you love. Dedication is the greatest motivator because dedication trumps inspiration when you feel like you have nothing else to give. I felt the growth of my personality amplify following my recovery. I learned so much about myself, as if my charisma had been uncovered after waiting too long to glisten. Aside from feeling better physically, I found myself enjoying even the smallest of moments. Everything is worthy of appreciation. I found the most joy in appreciating my life and the people in it. Reflecting on my experiences makes me feel proud of myself and how far I have come. Driving on a bumpy road is never something to be ashamed of.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to go to college is one of the most overlooked, yet important things as a young adult. As a first generation college student, I took the opportunity to go to college very seriously, as it is something that most people in my family don’t get. I realize how incredible the opportunity to go to college is, as my parents' financial/social situations did not grant them the opportunity. Taking initiative and responsibility for my future is a priority for me. Education, especially higher education, is a privilege that I wish more people could have access to. I’m grateful for my parents, who worked hard and encouraged me to go to college and follow my dreams. Being a first generation female college student in the field of science has given me many challenges, but I am eager to overcome them. Inclusivity, equity and diversity are of the utmost importance in the workplace and professional academic settings because everyone has the right to the sense of belonging. Being a college student has provided me with many opportunities to help me achieve my dreams. I am currently studying environmental geosciences to further understand the impacts of climate change; this is something that I wouldn’t have been able to do without enrolling in a university. I’ll forever be grateful for this opportunity, I’m very aware that it is a privilege. If I were to receive this scholarship, it would immensely help me follow my dreams. Worrying about financial situations as a first generation college student, or anyone in general, creates extra stress. Working to pay for college has been incredibly stressful; I work full time in a factory during breaks to pay for college. Partially relieving the financial burden of being a college student would be more helpful than anything; and I would love to keep the donor updated on my academic journey they’d be a part of. Creating generational change in my family can inspire my loved ones to follow their dreams, and prevent the burden of being a first generation college student. It has unfortunately been exhausting to leave my loved ones, move into a new area, all while trying to juggle college classes and figuring out how everything works. I am honored to be the one to break this generational chain; I truly hope that future generations of my family will be able to follow their dreams just like me.

Making a decision as big as a future career is easy when it comes to something you have a deep passion for. Having this fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration, motivation, and excitement to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. My interests and motivations are qualities I am proud of, they make me excited to apply this mindset in the real world. I have experienced a taste of how rewarding hard work is; I know to never give up especially while facing a challenge. The rush of relief and emotion I felt while reading my first acceptance letter from the University of Vermont was the feeling of all of my hard work paying off. My dreams were starting to come true, I knew I was going to be an environmental scientist. The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. Reading books related to environmentalism and the broad topics of science is an activity I look forward to; it relaxes my mind while also providing information on my favorite topics. I particularly enjoy the literature of Rachel Carson, she is an extremely well-spoken writer. Her extensive amount of experience is admirable, and reflects in her writing. I am fascinated by the way she brings attention to environmental concerns; I hope I am able to address them in the future after I’ve earned my degree. My favorite books included in this category are Silent Spring and Under the Sea Wind by Rachel Carson, The Earth in Her Hands by Jennifer Jewell, Survival of the Sickest by Sharon Moalem, Walden by Henry David Thoreau, and work by Charels Darwin. Reading these books is one of the things that motivates me the most because of the inspiration it provides. The great enthusiasm I have is dedicated to the National Park Service. Taking a trip to a place where the earth’s natural and cultural resources are preserved is truly good for the soul. Pursuing a career in science for the National Park Service would be a dream come true, it is the thing I’ve been working towards. I admire the diverse intricacies found on the planet we roam and would want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life studying it, applying my knowledge, and creating solutions to help maintain the earth’s health and beauty. As a first generation woman in a science field, I know why diversity in the workplace is so important. I have been given many resources in college as a first generation student and woman in STEM, which is helping me become my most successful self. Diversity in the workplace encourages other people of your background to pursue their field of choice. Although minorities have many more obstacles, we are still just as worthy in the workplace as anyone else. It is important for differences to be appreciated.

"LOOK TWICE- SAVE A LIFE". The words that are plastered on telephone poles, on signs, and on banners, are words I always read and acknowledged. I always had a heavy heart for those affected; but I never imagined that I would be the one preaching that quote. I went from thinking about how depressing that quote was, to handing out stickers at my grandfather's funeral services that said "LOOK TWICE- SAVE A LIFE." The truth is, that is really all it takes. It only takes one extra check before passing, one extra second at the stop sign, or one extra glance in your blind spot- to safe a life. My grandfather died a tragic death in May of 2020 after safely driving his motorcycle for 74 years of his life. Two cars collided; one car flew across the median right into my grandfather. He was following every traffic rule in the book and never rode without safety gear. His death was the product of two drivers who were doing the complete opposite. Both of the other drivers left the scene with minor injuries, while my grandfather lost his life. If either of the drivers responsible for his death were to look twice, if at all, my grandfather would be here to meet his new great grandchildren, Sterling Paul and Nikolas Paul, both named after him. All four of my grandfather's children participated in a 75 mile bike race to honor my grandfather. Cycling is a hobby that a great majority of my family members share together and I want nothing but safety for them. I often worry about them when they are gone for hours at a time cycling on the street; it's rooted in the trauma from my grandfather's accident. I appreciate how this activity brought our family together after the incident, but I wish nothing but safety for my family. The vulnerability of cyclists is enough to encourage major reform in the traffic category. This is the first year I have been able to vote, so my pro-cyclist safety opinions will he heard politically. I appreciate bike lanes on public roads, and dream to see more of them in my city. As an aspiring Environmental Scientist and Conservationist, one of the things on my list of career goals is to work on a project relating to a bike path. Bike baths are amazing resources for bikers because bike paths are isolated from the roads, and the general traffic. The cyclists that use the paths that I aspire to create will be safe and sound from any automotive danger. It would be a dream to create a resource like this so I, and many others like myself, know that our family members are safe while they cycle. I acknowledge that my story is just like hundreds of others, which is why it is so important to prioritize cyclist safety, and save lives along the way.

Having such a fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration and motivation to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. You feel so incredibly captivated, charmed, and privileged to know what you do. I personally adore the concept of biodiversity; I am always thrilled to observe the natural systems of the world and apply what I already have learned. Having knowledge of biodiversity is applicable to almost every aspect of the real world, because we would quite literally have nothing without it. Being captivated by biodiversity is a beautiful thing; I have the opportunity to sit on the forest floor, take a deep breath, and witness the beautiful, lush abundance of life surrounding me. I have the deepest appreciation for this subject matter; I want nothing more than to spend the next 4 years of my life learning about what I love most, environmental science. Making a decision as big as a future career is easy when it comes to something you have a deep passion for. Having this fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration, motivation, and excitement to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. My interests and motivations are qualities I am proud of, they make me excited to apply this mindset in the real world. I have experienced a taste of how rewarding hard work is; I know to never give up especially while facing a challenge. The rush of relief and emotion I felt while reading my first acceptance letter from the University of Vermont was the feeling of all of my hard work paying off. My dreams were starting to come true, I knew I was going to be an environmental scientist. The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. I personally adored middle school for the sole reason that I would get to spend an entire hour each day learning about science. This same feeling recurred in high school, after I found out that I could take more than one science class each year. I knew that this interest developed into a passion that I’d never grow out of. After graduation, I now have have the knowledge of 9 science classes under my belt, ready to conquer college. The great enthusiasm I have is dedicated to the National Park Service. Taking a trip to a place where the earth’s natural and cultural resources are preserved is truly good for the soul. Pursuing a career in science for the National Park Service would be a dream come true, it is the thing I’ve been working towards. I admire the diverse intricacies found on the planet we roam and would want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life studying it, applying my knowledge, and creating solutions to help maintain the earth’s health and beauty.

A 14 year old girl with a passion for gymnastics was determined to earn a first place vault medal at the 2018 Massachusetts Gymnastics State Championships. She planted her feet at the end of the runway; she had never been so ready for anything in her life. While wearing an ocean-blue leotard that glistened with rhinestones, she charged at the vault with all of her might. This poor girl was ignorant of the events soon to follow, and the impact those events would have on her developing mind. She experienced her first attack. I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia at 15 after countless appointments and medical tests. The symptoms I felt during my attacks were physically unbearable. I was immobile; my resting heart rate was 220. I ultimately chose to have a cardiac ablation procedure to safely continue my gymnastics career. That sport is the light of my life and has given me everything, I was not going to give it up that easy. There were still accomplishments to be made. In my driven mind, having literal heart surgery was not only the option I chose, but the option I was determined to accept. Nothing can get in the way of me and my gymnastics. Because of this trauma, I have learned to perceive my own reality through a positive mindset. Staying positive was a tough thing to do, but I know that life throws challenges at me because I can handle them. Since this happened to me on a bi-weekly basis, I got used to it, and knew how to positively handle a life threatening situation with ease. Digging up mental toughness is easy to do when it comes to something you love. Dedication is the greatest motivator, because dedication trumps inspiration when you feel like you have nothing else to give. I felt the growth of my personality amplify following my recovery. I learned so much about myself, as if my charisma had been uncovered after waiting too long to glisten. Aside from feeling better physically, I found myself enjoying even the smallest of moments. Everything is worthy of appreciation. I found the most joy in appreciating my life and the people in it. Reflecting on my experiences makes me feel proud of myself and how far I have come. Driving on a bumpy road is never something to be ashamed of; especially if those bumps made you who you are today.

I personally adore the concept of biodiversity; I am always thrilled to observe the natural systems of the world and apply what I already have learned. I have the deepest appreciation for this subject matter; I want nothing more than to spend the next 4 years of my life learning about what I love most. Making a decision as big as a future career is easy when it comes to something you have a deep passion for. Having this fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration, motivation, and excitement to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. My interests and motivations are qualities I am proud of, they make me excited to apply this mindset in the real world. I have experienced a taste of how rewarding hard work is; I know to never give up especially while facing a challenge. The rush of relief and emotion I felt while reading my first acceptance letter from the University of Vermont was the feeling of all of my hard work paying off. My dreams were starting to come true, I knew I was going to be an environmental scientist. The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. I personally adored middle school for the sole reason that I would get to spend an entire hour each day learning about science. This same feeling recurred in high school, after I found out that I could take more than one science class each year. I knew that this interest developed into a passion that I’d never grow out of. By the time I graduate, I’ll have the knowledge of 9 science classes under my belt, ready to conquer college. Reading books related to environmentalism and the broad topics of science is an activity I look forward to; it relaxes my mind while also providing information on my favorite topics. I particularly enjoy the literature of Rachel Carson, she is an extremely well-spoken writer. Her extensive amount of experience is admirable, and reflects in her writing. I am fascinated by the way she brings attention to environmental concerns; I hope I am able to address them in the future after I’ve earned my degree. My favorite books included in this category are Silent Spring and Under the Sea Wind by Rachel Carson, The Earth in Her Hands by Jennifer Jewell, Survival of the Sickest by Sharon Moalem, Walden by Henry David Thoreau, and work by Charels Darwin. Reading these books is one of the things that motivates me the most because of the inspiration it provides. The great enthusiasm I have is dedicated to the National Park Service. Taking a trip to a place where the earth’s natural and cultural resources are preserved is truly good for the soul. Pursuing a career in science for the National Park Service would be a dream come true, it is the thing I’ve been working towards. I admire the diverse intricacies found on the planet we roam and would want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life studying it, applying my knowledge, and creating solutions to help maintain the earth’s health and beauty.

As a college student, my best back to school tip is to separate your study and learning environments from your social and personal environment. Utilize study spaces on campus! Libraries and cafes are great, but so are learning centers. This increases focus on schoolwork, makes working less stressful, promotes a healthier sleep schedule, increases grades, and it lets your brain know when it's time to have fun. Instagram: @_juliatessier

The best study tool is inspiration; your mind needs nothing more. Having such a fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration and motivation to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. You feel so incredibly captivated, charmed, and privileged to know what you do; which is why I am choosing to pursue a career in environmental science. I personally adore the concept of biodiversity; I am always thrilled to observe the natural systems of the world and apply what I already have learned. Having knowledge of biodiversity is applicable to almost every aspect of the real world, because we would quite literally have nothing without it. Being captivated by biodiversity is a beautiful thing; I have the opportunity to sit on the forest floor, take a deep breath, and witness the beautiful, lush abundance of life surrounding me. I have the deepest appreciation for this subject matter; I want nothing more than to spend the next 4 years of my life learning about what I love most. The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. I personally adored middle school for the sole reason that I would get to spend an entire hour each day learning about science. This same feeling recurred in high school, after I found out that I could take more than one science class each year. I knew that this interest developed into a passion that I’d never grow out of. Studying such a complex science has been difficult. Progress is not linear; which is why it is almost necessary to feel as if you are not good enough for your own expectations of yourself. A declining sense of self assists in prosperity as long as it goes along with a mind open to growth. With that being said, science impacts me as an individual along with every breathing member of society. Science legitimately impacts everything going on in our world; the need for discovery increases as the days pass. Me, and all other (aspiring) scientists, work every day in order to solidify new concepts, and make the world a better place.

WALL-E displays an impressive number of admirable characteristics, especially for a robot. His hard work was able to turn an uninhabitable planet into a newfound safe haven for the human population. He was also a textbook perfect friend; not only to EVE, but to his cockroach friend as well. I don't know anyone else who would participate in intergalactic travel for friendship's sake. WALL-E introduces concepts such as littering, pollution, and environmentalism to young Disney fans. He acts as a model to young children, who may apply the concepts they have learned in real life. Pollution is not a schema that children pick up on their own, they need it to be introduced to them. It blows my mind to think about how much of an impact that this cinematic masterpiece has had on younger generations, with a little but of help from WALL-E. He is the face of the movie, which is why I believe that his character had a meaningful impact on the minds of young children. WALL-E is my favorite Disney character, and my favorite fictional environmentalist. As a student studying environmental science, I appreciate this trait. I adore they way his eyes move up and down as he analyzes his surroundings, as well as his little hands. The way he collects little trinkets to organize and keep in his hut is so pure. He likes simple things such as music, things that glow, and pleasing textures; much like myself. The way there was little to no dialogue between the robots was so important; it gave meaningful examples to describe that so much communication can be done without spoken language.I wish I would thank WALL-E for all of the thoughts that he has encouraged me to think, and all of the inspiration he provided me with. I was able to start my environmentalist journey a little younger than usual, thank you WALL-E.

Having such a fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration and motivation to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. You feel so incredibly captivated, charmed, and privileged to know what you do. I personally adore the concept of biodiversity; I am always thrilled to observe the natural systems of the world and apply what I already have learned. Having knowledge of biodiversity is applicable to almost every aspect of the real world, because we would quite literally have nothing without it. Being captivated by biodiversity is a beautiful thing; I have the opportunity to sit on the forest floor, take a deep breath, and witness the beautiful, lush abundance of life surrounding me. I have the deepest appreciation for this subject matter; I want nothing more than to spend the next 4 years of my life learning about what I love most. Making a decision as big as a future career is easy when it comes to something you have a deep passion for. Having this fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration, motivation, and excitement to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. My interests and motivations are qualities I am proud of, they make me excited to apply this mindset in the real world. I have experienced a taste of how rewarding hard work is; I know to never give up especially while facing a challenge. The rush of relief and emotion I felt while reading my first acceptance letter from the University of Vermont was the feeling of all of my hard work paying off. My dreams were starting to come true, I knew I was going to be an environmental scientist. The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. I personally adored middle school for the sole reason that I would get to spend an entire hour each day learning about science. This same feeling recurred in high school, after I found out that I could take more than one science class each year. I knew that this interest developed into a passion that I’d never grow out of. By the time I graduate, I’ll have the knowledge of 9 science classes under my belt, ready to conquer college.

A fourteen year old girl with a passion for gymnastics was determined to earn a first place vault medal at the 2018 Massachusetts Gymnastics State Championships. She planted her feet at the end of the runway and fixed her eyes on the vault from 70 feet away; she had never been so ready for anything in her life. While wearing her wrist braces, a slicked-back ponytail, and an ocean-blue leotard that glistened with rhinestones, she charged at the vault with all of her might. This poor girl was ignorant of the events soon to follow, and the impact those events would have on her developing mind. She experienced her first attack. I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia at the ripe age of 15 after countless appointments, medical tests, and tears shed while I wondered about what was wrong with me. The symptoms I felt during my attacks were physically unbearable. I was immobile, my resting heart rate was 220, my extremities were numb and my blood pressure was too low for my body to properly function. I tried my absolute best to make light out of the situation. This was not easy for me of course, but it taught me how to take something this traumatic and use it as an opportunity for growth. I ultimately chose to have a cardiac ablation procedure to safely continue my gymnastics career. That sport is the light of my life and has given me everything, I was not going to give it up that easy. In my driven mind, having literal heart surgery was not only the option I chose, but the option I was determined to accept. Nothing can get in the way of me and my gymnastics. Because of this trauma, I have learned to perceive my own reality through a positive mindset. Staying positive was a tough thing to do, but I know that life throws challenges at me because I can handle them. Watching my coaches and teammates jokingly argue over who gets to take me to the hospital helped me endure the excruciating pain I felt during my attacks. But, since this happened to me on a bi-weekly basis, I got used to it, and knew how to positively handle a life threatening situation with ease. Digging up mental toughness is easy to do when it comes to something you love. Dedication is the greatest motivator, because dedication trumps inspiration when you feel like you have nothing else to give. I felt the growth of my personality amplify following my recovery. I learned so much about myself, as if my charisma had been uncovered after waiting too long to glisten. Aside from feeling better physically, I found myself enjoying even the smallest of moments. Everything is worthy of appreciation. I found the most joy in appreciating my life and the people in it. Reflecting on my experiences makes me feel proud of myself and how far I have come. Driving on a bumpy road is never something to be ashamed of.

The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. I personally adored middle school for the sole reason that I would get to spend an entire hour each day learning about science. This same feeling recurred in high school, after I found out that I could take more than one science class each year. I knew that this interest developed into a passion that I’d never grow out of. By the time I graduate, I’ll have the knowledge of 9 science classes under my belt, ready to conquer college. Reading books related to environmentalism and the broad topics of science is an activity I look forward to; it relaxes my mind while also providing information on my favorite topics. I particularly enjoy the literature of Rachel Carson, she is an extremely well-spoken writer. Her extensive amount of experience is admirable, and reflects in her writing. I am fascinated by the way she brings attention to environmental concerns; I hope I am able to address them in the future after I’ve earned my degree. My favorite books included in this category are Silent Spring and Under the Sea Wind by Rachel Carson, The Earth in Her Hands by Jennifer Jewell, Survival of the Sickest by Sharon Moalem, Walden by Henry David Thoreau, and work by Charels Darwin. Reading these books is one of the things that motivates me the most because of the inspiration it provides. The great enthusiasm I have is dedicated to the National Park Service. Taking a trip to a place where the earth’s natural and cultural resources are preserved is truly good for the soul. Pursuing a career in science for the National Park Service would be a dream come true, it is the thing I’ve been working towards. I admire the diverse intricacies found on the planet we roam and would want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life studying it, applying my knowledge, and creating solutions to help maintain the earth’s health and beauty.

A fourteen year old girl with a passion for gymnastics was determined to earn a first place vault medal at the 2018 Massachusetts Gymnastics State Championships. She planted her feet at the end of the runway and fixed her eyes on the vault from 70 feet away; she had never been so ready for anything in her life. While wearing her wrist braces, a slicked-back ponytail, and an ocean-blue leotard that glistened with rhinestones, she charged at the vault with all of her might. This poor girl was ignorant of the events soon to follow, and the impact those events would have on her developing mind. She experienced her first attack. I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia at the ripe age of 15 after countless appointments, medical tests, and tears shed while I wondered about what was wrong with me. The symptoms I felt during my attacks were physically unbearable. I was immobile, my resting heart rate was 220, my extremities were numb and my blood pressure was too low for my body to properly function. I tried my absolute best to make light out of the situation. This was not easy for me of course, but it taught me how to take something this traumatic and use it as an opportunity for growth. I ultimately chose to have a cardiac ablation procedure to safely continue my gymnastics career. That sport is the light of my life and has given me everything, I was not going to give it up that easy. In my driven mind, having literal heart surgery was not only the option I chose, but the option I was determined to accept. Nothing can get in the way of me and my gymnastics. Because of this trauma, I have learned to perceive my own reality through a positive mindset. Staying positive was a tough thing to do, but I know that life throws challenges at me because I can handle them. Watching my coaches and teammates jokingly argue over who gets to take me to the hospital helped me endure the excruciating pain I felt during my attacks. But, since this happened to me on a bi-weekly basis, I got used to it, and knew how to positively handle a life threatening situation with ease. Digging up mental toughness is easy to do when it comes to something you love. Dedication is the greatest motivator, because dedication trumps inspiration when you feel like you have nothing else to give. I felt the growth of my personality amplify following my recovery. I learned so much about myself, as if my charisma had been uncovered after waiting too long to glisten. Aside from feeling better physically, I found myself enjoying even the smallest of moments. Everything is worthy of appreciation. I found the most joy in appreciating my life and the people in it. Reflecting on my experiences makes me feel proud of myself and how far I have come. Driving on a bumpy road is never something to be ashamed of.

The best study tool is inspiration; your mind needs nothing more. Having such a fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration and motivation to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. You feel so incredibly captivated, charmed, and privileged to know what you do. I personally adore the concept of biodiversity; I am always thrilled to observe the natural systems of the world and apply what I already have learned. Having knowledge of biodiversity is applicable to almost every aspect of the real world, because we would quite literally have nothing without it. Being captivated by biodiversity is a beautiful thing; I have the opportunity to sit on the forest floor, take a deep breath, and witness the beautiful, lush abundance of life surrounding me. I have the deepest appreciation for this subject matter; I want nothing more than to spend the next 4 years of my life learning about what I love most. The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. I personally adored middle school for the sole reason that I would get to spend an entire hour each day learning about science. This same feeling recurred in high school, after I found out that I could take more than one science class each year. I knew that this interest developed into a passion that I’d never grow out of.

am an environmental enthusiast. Having such a fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration and motivation to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. You feel so incredibly captivated, charmed, and privileged to know what you do. I personally adore the concept of biodiversity; I am always thrilled to observe the natural systems of the world and apply what I already have learned. Having knowledge of biodiversity is applicable to almost every aspect of the real world, because we would quite literally have nothing without it. Being captivated by biodiversity is a beautiful thing I have the deepest appreciation for this subject matter; I want nothing more than to spend the next 4 years of my life learning about what I love most. The great enthusiasm I have is dedicated to the National Park Service. Visiting a place where the earth’s natural and cultural resources are preserved is truly good for the soul. Pursuing a career in science for the National Park Service would be a dream come true, it is the thing I’ve been working towards. I admire the diverse intricacies found on the planet we roam and would want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life studying it, applying my knowledge, and creating solutions to help maintain the earth’s health and beauty.

I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia at 15 after countless appointments and medical tests. The symptoms I felt during my attacks were physically unbearable. I was immobile; my resting heart rate was 220. I ultimately chose to have a cardiac ablation procedure to safely continue my gymnastics career. That sport is the light of my life and has given me everything, I was not going to give it up that easy. In my driven mind, having literal heart surgery was not only the option I chose, but the option I was determined to accept. Nothing can get in the way of me and my gymnastics. Because of this trauma, I have learned to perceive my own reality through a positive mindset. Staying positive was a tough thing to do, but I know that life throws challenges at me because I can handle them. Since this happened to me on a bi-weekly basis, I got used to it, and knew how to positively handle a life threatening situation with ease. Digging up mental toughness is easy to do when it comes to something you love. Dedication is the greatest motivator, because dedication trumps inspiration when you feel like you have nothing else to give.

I am an environmental enthusiast. Having such a fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration and motivation to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. You feel so incredibly captivated, charmed, and privileged to know what you do. I personally adore the concept of biodiversity; I am always thrilled to observe the natural systems of the world and apply what I already have learned. Having knowledge of biodiversity is applicable to almost every aspect of the real world, because we would quite literally have nothing without it. Being captivated by biodiversity is a beautiful thing I have the deepest appreciation for this subject matter; I want nothing more than to spend the next 4 years of my life learning about what I love most. The great enthusiasm I have is dedicated to the National Park Service. Visiting a place where the earth’s natural and cultural resources are preserved is truly good for the soul. Pursuing a career in science for the National Park Service would be a dream come true, it is the thing I’ve been working towards. I admire the diverse intricacies found on the planet we roam and would want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life studying it, applying my knowledge, and creating solutions to help maintain the earth’s health and beauty.

The best study tool is inspiration. Your mind needs nothing more. Having such a fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration and motivation to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. You feel so incredibly captivated, charmed, and privileged to know what you do. I personally adore the concept of biodiversity; I am always thrilled to observe the natural systems of the world and apply what I already have learned. Having knowledge of biodiversity is applicable to almost every aspect of the real world, because we would quite literally have nothing without it. Being captivated by biodiversity is a beautiful thing; I have the opportunity to sit on the forest floor, take a deep breath, and witness the beautiful, lush abundance of life surrounding me. I have the deepest appreciation for this subject matter; I want nothing more than to spend the next 4 years of my life learning about what I love most. The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. I personally adored middle school for the sole reason that I would get to spend an entire hour each day learning about science. This same feeling recurred in high school, after I found out that I could take more than one science class each year. I knew that this interest developed into a passion that I’d never grow out of.

Reading books related to environmentalism and the broad topics of science is an activity I look forward to; it relaxes my mind while also providing information on my favorite topics. I particularly enjoy the literature of Rachel Carson, she is an extremely well-spoken writer. Her extensive amount of experience is admirable, and reflects in her writing. I am fascinated by the way she brings attention to environmental concerns; I hope I am able to address them in the future after I’ve earned my degree. My favorite books included in this category are Silent Spring and Under the Sea Wind by Rachel Carson. Reading these books is one of the things that motivates me the most because of the inspiration it provides. She is a successful woman in the environmental field, something I strive to be on the daily.

Being in the presence of an individual that inspires you is such a privilege. I feel particularly lucky in this situation because I get to spend every living moment with the woman that inspires me most, my mother. She takes every opportunity she can to take care of the earth we roam. She is such a lovely woman; she makes friends with every farmer she buys from, she gives so much love to her bees, she takes care of the wildflowers she plants in the yard, and she is my biggest supporter. She gave me my interest in gardening, homesteading, beekeeping, composting, and the general appreciation for the planet we live on. We bond over moments we spend in nature together. To say that I admire my mother would be an understatement, I am so lucky to be her daughter. Having such a fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration and motivation to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. You feel so incredibly captivated, charmed, and privileged to know what you do. I personally adore the concept of biodiversity; I am always thrilled to observe the natural systems of the world and apply what I already have learned. Having knowledge of biodiversity is applicable to almost every aspect of the real world, because we would quite literally have nothing without it. Being captivated by biodiversity is a beautiful thing; I have the opportunity to sit on the forest floor, take a deep breath, and witness the beautiful, lush abundance of life surrounding me. I have the deepest appreciation for this subject matter; I want nothing more than to spend the next 4 years of my life learning about what I love most. Making a decision as big as a future career is easy when it comes to something you have a deep passion for. Having this fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration, motivation, and excitement to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. My interests and motivations are qualities I am proud of, they make me excited to apply this mindset in the real world. I have experienced a taste of how rewarding hard work is; I know to never give up especially while facing a challenge. The rush of relief and emotion I felt while reading my first acceptance letter from the University of Vermont was the feeling of all of my hard work paying off. My dreams were starting to come true, I knew I was going to be an environmental scientist. The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. I personally adored middle school for the sole reason that I would get to spend an entire hour each day learning about science. This same feeling recurred in high school, after I found out that I could take more than one science class each year. I knew that this interest developed into a passion that I’d never grow out of.

Reading books related to environmentalism and the broad topics of science is an activity I look forward to; it relaxes my mind while also providing information on my favorite topics. I particularly enjoy the literature of Rachel Carson, she is an extremely well-spoken writer. Her extensive amount of experience is admirable, and reflects in her writing. I am fascinated by the way she brings attention to environmental concerns; I hope I am able to address them in the future after I’ve earned my degree. My favorite books included in this category are Silent Spring and Under the Sea Wind by Rachel Carson. I look up to her because she is a successful woman in the environmental field, something I am determined to be. Reading these books is one of the things that motivates me the most because of the inspiration it provides.

The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. I personally adored middle school for the sole reason that I would get to spend an entire hour each day learning about science. This same feeling recurred in high school, after I found out that I could take more than one science class each year. I knew that this interest developed into a passion that I’d never grow out of. By the time I graduate, I’ll have the knowledge of 9 science classes under my belt, ready to conquer college. Reading books related to environmentalism and the broad topics of science is an activity I look forward to; it relaxes my mind while also providing information on my favorite topics. I particularly enjoy the literature of Rachel Carson, she is an extremely well-spoken writer. Her extensive amount of experience is admirable, and reflects in her writing. I am fascinated by the way she brings attention to environmental concerns; I hope I am able to address them in the future after I’ve earned my degree. My favorite books included in this category are Silent Spring and Under the Sea Wind by Rachel Carson, The Earth in Her Hands by Jennifer Jewell, Survival of the Sickest by Sharon Moalem, Walden by Henry David Thoreau, and work by Charels Darwin. Reading these books is one of the things that motivates me the most because of the inspiration it provides. The great enthusiasm I have is dedicated to the National Park Service. Taking a trip to a place where the earth’s natural and cultural resources are preserved is truly good for the soul. Pursuing a career in science for the National Park Service would be a dream come true, it is the thing I’ve been working towards. I admire the diverse intricacies found on the planet we roam and would want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life studying it, applying my knowledge, and creating solutions to help maintain the earth’s health and beauty.

Being in the presence of an individual that inspires you is such a privilege. I feel particularly lucky in this situation because I get to spend every living moment with the woman that inspires me most, my mother. She takes every opportunity she can to take care of the earth we roam. She is such a lovely woman; she makes friends with every farmer she buys from, she gives so much love to her bees, she takes care of the wildflowers she plants in the yard, and she is my biggest supporter. She gave me my interest in gardening, homesteading, beekeeping, composting, and the general appreciation for the planet we live on. We bond over moments we spend in nature together. To say that I admire my mother would be an understatement, I am so lucky to be her daughter. Having such a fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration and motivation to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. You feel so incredibly captivated, charmed, and privileged to know what you do. I personally adore the concept of biodiversity; I am always thrilled to observe the natural systems of the world and apply what I already have learned. Having knowledge of biodiversity is applicable to almost every aspect of the real world, because we would quite literally have nothing without it. Being captivated by biodiversity is a beautiful thing; I have the opportunity to sit on the forest floor, take a deep breath, and witness the beautiful, lush abundance of life surrounding me. I have the deepest appreciation for this subject matter; I want nothing more than to spend the next 4 years of my life learning about what I love most.

A 14 year old girl with a passion for gymnastics was determined to earn a first place vault medal at the 2018 Massachusetts Gymnastics State Championships. She planted her feet at the end of the runway; she had never been so ready for anything in her life. While wearing an ocean-blue leotard that glistened with rhinestones, she charged at the vault with all of her might. This poor girl was ignorant of the events soon to follow, and the impact those events would have on her developing mind. She experienced her first attack. I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia at 15 after countless appointments and medical tests. The symptoms I felt during my attacks were physically unbearable. I was immobile; my resting heart rate was 220. I ultimately chose to have a cardiac ablation procedure to safely continue my gymnastics career. That sport is the light of my life and has given me everything, I was not going to give it up that easy. In my driven mind, having literal heart surgery was not only the option I chose, but the option I was determined to accept. Nothing can get in the way of me and my gymnastics. Because of this trauma, I have learned to perceive my own reality through a positive mindset. Staying positive was a tough thing to do, but I know that life throws challenges at me because I can handle them. Since this happened to me on a bi-weekly basis, I got used to it, and knew how to positively handle a life threatening situation with ease. Digging up mental toughness is easy to do when it comes to something you love. Dedication is the greatest motivator, because dedication trumps inspiration when you feel like you have nothing else to give.

I personally adore the concept of biodiversity; I am always thrilled to observe the natural systems of the world and apply what I already have learned. Having knowledge of biodiversity is applicable to almost every aspect of the real world, because we would quite literally have nothing without it. Being captivated by biodiversity is a beautiful thing; I have the opportunity to sit on the forest floor, take a deep breath, and witness the beautiful, lush abundance of life surrounding me. I have the deepest appreciation for this subject matter; I want nothing more than to spend the next 4 years of my life learning about what I love most. Making a decision as big as a future career is easy when it comes to something you have a deep passion for. Having this fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration, motivation, and excitement to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. My interests and motivations are qualities I am proud of, they make me excited to apply this mindset in the real world. I have experienced a taste of how rewarding hard work is; I know to never give up especially while facing a challenge. The rush of relief and emotion I felt while reading my first acceptance letter from the University of Vermont was the feeling of all of my hard work paying off. My dreams were starting to come true, I knew I was going to be an environmental scientist. The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. I personally adored middle school for the sole reason that I would get to spend an entire hour each day learning about science. This same feeling recurred in high school, after I found out that I could take more than one science class each year. I knew that this interest developed into a passion that I’d never grow out of. By the time I graduate, I’ll have the knowledge of 9 science classes under my belt, ready to conquer college. Reading books related to environmentalism and the broad topics of science is an activity I look forward to; it relaxes my mind while also providing information on my favorite topics. I particularly enjoy the literature of Rachel Carson, she is an extremely well-spoken writer. Her extensive amount of experience is admirable, and reflects in her writing. I am fascinated by the way she brings attention to environmental concerns; I hope I am able to address them in the future after I’ve earned my degree. My favorite books included in this category are Silent Spring and Under the Sea Wind by Rachel Carson, The Earth in Her Hands by Jennifer Jewell, Survival of the Sickest by Sharon Moalem, Walden by Henry David Thoreau, and work by Charels Darwin. Reading these books is one of the things that motivates me the most because of the inspiration it provides. The great enthusiasm I have is dedicated to the National Park Service. Taking a trip to a place where the earth’s natural and cultural resources are preserved is truly good for the soul. Pursuing a career in science for the National Park Service would be a dream come true, it is the thing I’ve been working towards. I admire the diverse intricacies found on the planet we roam and would want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life studying it, applying my knowledge, and creating solutions to help maintain the earth’s health and beauty. To me, this is health. Waking up everyday with the knowledge that love a topic this much is good for the soul. I am someone who has a history of cardiovascular issues; I had to get heart surgery during my junior year of high school. But, since I was so captivated by the environment and its sciences, I kept my chipper mood throughout the entire experience. I knew I was on the road to academic success, and that was all I needed to get through that difficult time. Even if your body struggles to be healthy, your mindset can always take the pain away.

A fourteen year old girl with a passion for gymnastics was determined to earn a first place vault medal at the 2018 Massachusetts Gymnastics State Championships. She planted her feet at the end of the runway and fixed her eyes on the vault from 70 feet away; she had never been so ready for anything in her life. While wearing her wrist braces, a slicked-back ponytail, and an ocean-blue leotard that glistened with rhinestones, she charged at the vault with all of her might. This poor girl was ignorant of the events soon to follow, and the impact those events would have on her developing mind. She experienced her first attack. I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia at the ripe age of 15 after countless appointments, medical tests, and tears shed while I wondered about what was wrong with me. The symptoms I felt during my attacks were physically unbearable. I was immobile, my resting heart rate was 220, my extremities were numb and my blood pressure was too low for my body to properly function. I tried my absolute best to make light out of the situation. This was not easy for me of course, but it taught me how to take something this traumatic and use it as an opportunity for growth. I ultimately chose to have a cardiac ablation procedure to safely continue my gymnastics career. That sport is the light of my life and has given me everything, I was not going to give it up that easy. In my driven mind, having literal heart surgery was not only the option I chose, but the option I was determined to accept. Nothing can get in the way of me and my gymnastics. Because of this trauma, I have learned to perceive my own reality through a positive mindset. Staying positive was a tough thing to do, but I know that life throws challenges at me because I can handle them. Watching my coaches and teammates jokingly argue over who gets to take me to the hospital helped me endure the excruciating pain I felt during my attacks. But, since this happened to me on a bi-weekly basis, I got used to it, and knew how to positively handle a life threatening situation with ease. Digging up mental toughness is easy to do when it comes to something you love. Dedication is the greatest motivator, because dedication trumps inspiration when you feel like you have nothing else to give. I felt the growth of my personality amplify following my recovery. I learned so much about myself, as if my charisma had been uncovered after waiting too long to glisten. Aside from feeling better physically, I found myself enjoying even the smallest of moments. Everything is worthy of appreciation. I found the most joy in appreciating my life and the people in it. Reflecting on my experiences makes me feel proud of myself and how far I have come. Driving on a bumpy road is never something to be ashamed of.

I personally adore the concept of biodiversity; I am always thrilled to observe the natural systems of the world and apply what I already have learned. Having knowledge of biodiversity is applicable to almost every aspect of the real world, because we would quite literally have nothing without it. Being captivated by biodiversity is a beautiful thing; I have the opportunity to sit on the forest floor, take a deep breath, and witness the beautiful, lush abundance of life surrounding me. I have the deepest appreciation for this subject matter; I want nothing more than to spend the next 4 years of my life learning about what I love most. The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. The great enthusiasm I have is dedicated to the National Park Service. Taking a trip to a place where the earth’s natural and cultural resources are preserved is truly good for the soul. Pursuing a career in science for the National Park Service would be a dream come true, it is the thing I’ve been working towards. I admire the diverse intricacies found on the planet we roam and would want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life studying it, applying my knowledge, and creating solutions to help maintain the earth’s health and beauty.

The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. I personally adore the concept of biodiversity; I am always thrilled to observe the natural systems of the world and apply what I already have learned. Having knowledge of biodiversity is applicable to almost every aspect of the real world, because we would quite literally have nothing without it. Being captivated by biodiversity is a beautiful thing; I have the opportunity to sit on the forest floor, take a deep breath, and witness the beautiful, lush abundance of life surrounding me. I have the deepest appreciation for this subject matter; I want nothing more than to spend the next 4 years of my life learning about what I love most. The great enthusiasm I have is dedicated to the National Park Service. Taking a trip to a place where the earth’s natural and cultural resources are preserved is truly good for the soul. Pursuing a career in science for the National Park Service would be a dream come true, it is the thing I’ve been working towards. I admire the diverse intricacies found on the planet we roam and would want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life studying it, applying my knowledge, and creating solutions to help maintain the earth’s health and beauty.

Making a decision as big as a future career is easy when it comes to something you have a deep passion for. Having this fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration, motivation, and excitement to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. My interests and motivations are qualities I am proud of, they make me excited to apply this mindset in the real world. I have experienced a taste of how rewarding hard work is; I know to never give up especially while facing a challenge. The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. I knew that this interest developed into a passion that I’d never grow out of. The great enthusiasm I have is dedicated to the National Park Service. Taking a trip to a place where the earth’s natural and cultural resources are preserved is truly good for the soul. Pursuing a career in science for the National Park Service would be a dream come true, it is the thing I’ve been working towards. I admire the diverse intricacies found on the planet we roam and would want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life studying it, applying my knowledge, and creating solutions to help maintain the earth’s health and beauty.

The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. I personally adored middle school for the sole reason that I would get to spend an entire hour each day learning about science. This same feeling recurred in high school, after I found out that I could take more than one science class each year. I knew that this interest developed into a passion that I’d never grow out of. I'd like to communicate with other environmental enthusiasts about the importance of passion. I believe that there is a lack of environmental appreciation in today's society. As much as people claim to love the earth, it does not reflect in their actions. For the most part, communities as a whole fail to commit to their words, and fail to take care of the earth. The great enthusiasm I have is dedicated to the National Park Service. Taking a trip to a place where the earth’s natural and cultural resources are preserved is truly good for the soul. Pursuing a career in science for the National Park Service would be a dream come true, it is the thing I’ve been working towards. I admire the diverse intricacies found on the planet we roam and would want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life studying it, applying my knowledge, and creating solutions to help maintain the earth’s health and beauty.

Charles Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection is the discovery that single handedly backs up the theory of evolution and interconnectedness. This is by far my favorite scientific discovery because it is the backbone of so many other biological and evolutionary theories. It provides an explanation for the intricate development of biological diversity by describing how and why change happens. There are billions of different forms of life ranging from unicellular prokaryotes, to enormous beasts that weigh thousands of pounds. If a species faces a difficulty, it is given the opportunity to adapt and overcome. The survivor isn't the strongest, the survivor is the most willing to adapt. After reading Darwin's books, such as On the Origin of Species, I am able to understand more about my favorite topic of biodiversity. Reading his books has provided me with the knowledge about how given traits can ultimately diverge one species into two. The amount of biodiversity on this earth blows me away, even more so now that I've read so much about it.

A 14 year old girl with a passion for gymnastics was determined to earn a first place vault medal at the 2018 Massachusetts Gymnastics State Championships. She planted her feet at the end of the runway; she had never been so ready for anything in her life. While wearing an ocean-blue leotard that glistened with rhinestones, she charged at the vault with all of her might. This poor girl was ignorant of the events soon to follow, and the impact those events would have on her developing mind. She experienced her first attack. I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia at 15 after countless appointments and medical tests. The symptoms I felt during my attacks were physically unbearable. I was immobile; my resting heart rate was 220. I ultimately chose to have a cardiac ablation procedure to safely continue my gymnastics career. That sport is the light of my life and has given me everything, I was not going to give it up that easy. In my driven mind, having literal heart surgery was not only the option I chose, but the option I was determined to accept. Nothing can get in the way of me and my gymnastics. Because of this trauma, I have learned to perceive my own reality through a positive mindset. Staying positive was a tough thing to do, but I know that life throws challenges at me because I can handle them. Since this happened to me on a bi-weekly basis, I got used to it, and knew how to positively handle a life threatening situation with ease. Digging up mental toughness is easy to do when it comes to something you love. Dedication is the greatest motivator, because dedication trumps inspiration when you feel like you have nothing else to give.

A fourteen year old girl with a passion for gymnastics was determined to earn a first place vault medal at the 2018 Massachusetts Gymnastics State Championships. She planted her feet at the end of the runway and fixed her eyes on the vault from 70 feet away; she had never been so ready for anything in her life. While wearing her wrist braces, a slicked-back ponytail, and an ocean-blue leotard that glistened with rhinestones, she charged at the vault with all of her might. This poor girl was ignorant of the events soon to follow, and the impact those events would have on her developing mind. She experienced her first attack. I was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia at the ripe age of 15 after countless appointments, medical tests, and tears shed while I wondered about what was wrong with me. The symptoms I felt during my attacks were physically unbearable. I was immobile, my resting heart rate was 220, my extremities were numb and my blood pressure was too low for my body to properly function. I tried my absolute best to make light out of the situation. This was not easy for me of course, but it taught me how to take something this traumatic and use it as an opportunity for growth. I ultimately chose to have a cardiac ablation procedure to safely continue my gymnastics career. That sport is the light of my life and has given me everything, I was not going to give it up that easy. In my driven mind, having literal heart surgery was not only the option I chose, but the option I was determined to accept. Nothing can get in the way of me and my gymnastics. Because of this trauma, I have learned to perceive my own reality through a positive mindset. Staying positive was a tough thing to do, but I know that life throws challenges at me because I can handle them. Watching my coaches and teammates jokingly argue over who gets to take me to the hospital helped me endure the excruciating pain I felt during my attacks. But, since this happened to me on a bi-weekly basis, I got used to it, and knew how to positively handle a life threatening situation with ease. Digging up mental toughness is easy to do when it comes to something you love. Dedication is the greatest motivator, because dedication trumps inspiration when you feel like you have nothing else to give. I felt the growth of my personality amplify following my recovery. I learned so much about myself, as if my charisma had been uncovered after waiting too long to glisten. Aside from feeling better physically, I found myself enjoying even the smallest of moments. Everything is worthy of appreciation. I found the most joy in appreciating my life and the people in it. Reflecting on my experiences makes me feel proud of myself and how far I have come. Driving on a bumpy road is never something to be ashamed of. Hardships make you realize how much you truly love something.

Charles Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection is the discovery that single handedly backs up the theory of evolution and interconnectedness. This is by far my favorite scientific discovery because it is the backbone of so many other biological and evolutionary theories. It provides an explanation for the intricate development of biological diversity by describing how and why change happens. There are billions of different forms of life ranging from unicellular prokaryotes, to enormous beasts that weigh thousands of pounds. If a species faces a difficulty, it is given the opportunity to adapt and overcome. The survivor isn't the strongest, the survivor is the most willing to adapt. After reading Darwin's books, such as On the Origin of Species, I am able to understand more about my favorite topic of biodiversity. Reading his books has provided me with the knowledge about how given traits can ultimately diverge one species into two. The amount of biodiversity on this earth blows me away, even more so now that I've read so much about it.

Making a decision as big as a future career is easy when it comes to something you have a deep passion for. Having this fascination for a topic is beautiful; it provides you with inspiration, motivation, and excitement to learn as much as you possibly can about your field of interest. My interests and motivations are qualities I am proud of, they make me excited to apply this mindset in the real world. I have experienced a taste of how rewarding hard work is; I know to never give up especially while facing a challenge. The rush of relief and emotion I felt while reading my first acceptance letter from the University of Vermont was the feeling of all of my hard work paying off. My dreams were starting to come true, I knew I was going to be an environmental scientist. The science behind natural systems is something I love, and have been dedicated to loving my whole life. Little me wanted to learn everything before science was even introduced to me inside the classroom. I spent my summers in the backyard with my dog, flipping over rocks, investigating puddles, grabbing snakes, catching critters, and using poison ivy treatment. After reading my acceptance letters, I knew that little me would be so proud. I personally adored middle school for the sole reason that I would get to spend an entire hour each day learning about science. This same feeling recurred in high school, after I found out that I could take more than one science class each year. I knew that this interest developed into a passion that I’d never grow out of. By the time I graduate, I’ll have the knowledge of 9 science classes under my belt, ready to conquer college. Reading books related to environmentalism and the broad topics of science is an activity I look forward to; it relaxes my mind while also providing information on my favorite topics. I particularly enjoy the literature of Rachel Carson, she is an extremely well-spoken writer. Her extensive amount of experience is admirable, and reflects in her writing. I am fascinated by the way she brings attention to environmental concerns; I hope I am able to address them in the future after I’ve earned my degree. Decreasing an individual's carbon footprint is beneficial to the environment because it can slow the rapid process of global warming. Carbon is a greenhouse gas, which means it thermodynamically increases atmospheric temperatures. I would encourage the general public, as well as my loved ones, to read about global warming to inspire them to make a change. Spreading awareness is single handedly the best thing a person to do to reinforce environmentally harmful behavior. The great enthusiasm I have is dedicated to the National Park Service. Taking a trip to a place where the earth’s natural and cultural resources are preserved is truly good for the soul. Pursuing a career in science for the National Park Service would be a dream come true, it is the thing I’ve been working towards. I admire the diverse intricacies found on the planet we roam and would want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life studying it, applying my knowledge, and creating solutions to help maintain the earth’s health and beauty.