My degree of choice is Environmental Science. For a long time I was obsessed with plastic. This may seem odd, as plastic itself, as a piece, is relatively boring, however if you dive deep into the structure of which it is made up things get more interesting. Now I could start spitting up facts about how bad plastic really is for the Environment, but this story is about me. It all started in my Sophomore year of high school, when my A.P English teacher assigned me a book to read called Plastic. I read countless books, articles, blogs, and factoids. It didn’t take me long to decide I needed to do something about plastic. I tried to cut it out of my life, which was virtually impossible. Plastic is included with everything it seemed to me. The one way I decided I would make the world a better place, is by finding alternative materials to plastic. I took a trip to Mexico in 2019 and was introduced to agave straws, entirely biodegradable. It wasn’t long before I started to see these straws in California too. I continued my studies at Shasta College, despite the crushing realization that they have already replaced plastic. I graduated with an Associates Degree in Engineering, and moved to a different state. Seeing their policy’s in Montana versus California, such as the plastic bag fee, I decided that there is still much more progress to be made. Environmental Science, my degree of choice, will help me to make a difference by allowing me access to jobs in which I will help enforce environmental regulations, policy, and standards. Along with my professional career, I plan to make a difference by becoming a foster parent, continuing to volunteer at my church, and by leading my life in a positive, gracious light. I have two little brothers that were put into the foster care system when I was seventeen. At that time I wished more than anything that I could be the one to take them in. This passion that I have felt has lead me to want to help other families in need. Knowing I am willing, and able, I plan on fostering as soon as I am done with my Bachelors degree. Volunteering at my Church is how I began learning the true scope of giving back, and I don’t plan on giving it up. Being kind is one way that I feel I have always made a difference in small ways.