From a young age, my life has been shaped by the fragility of my immune system. I missed countless days of school and playdates, which affected how I saw myself. In school, I felt painfully timid and out of place. I was the kid who sat with the homeroom teacher on the school bus during field trips while everyone else had a partner. In gym class, the game of "Duck Duck Goose" became "Duck Duck Duck" as no one ever chose me as the goose, not even once. On Christmas during my 5th-grade year, after returning from the ER that morning, I was confined to my bedroom with a nebulizer mask attached to my face. Suddenly, I noticed the laughter of my cousins from St. Louis echoing from the living room. Being too curious to ignore the glee, I cracked my door open slightly, like the ghost from A Christmas Carol. Suddenly, the sweet melody of Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song" and the tantalizing aroma of collard greens, sweet potato pies, and brisket wafted into my room. I yelled in my head, 'Merry Christmas, cousins! Just in case you forgot, I'm still here!' The most challenging part was not the illness itself but the isolation and loneliness that Christmas seemed to amplify. However, something extraordinary was about to happen. Out of sheer boredom, I began crafting dolls. Once I created characters, I started photographing them in a dollhouse, capturing each moment one snapshot at a time. My fascination with this became an obsession, and I lost all track of time. My cousins left for St. Louis, and New Year's Eve arrived. Then school resumed, yet I was still completely engrossed in the activity. Finally, a story emerged as I organized all the photos and pieced them together in a film editing app. I had created my first short film! The following winter, I stood on a blindingly lit stage in a Los Angeles theater, being interviewed and receiving awards from Hollywood executives for the film. I was utterly overwhelmed, and the prepared speech entirely evaporated from my mind. At the same time, I realized that creativity can transcend personal barriers. These reactions from the audience showed how my work touched them with curiosity and interest, which I had longed for but rarely experienced in the past. This experience motivated me and gave me more reason to master my craft. I continued immersing myself in learning film techniques through books, movies, and YouTube tutorials. Thus far, I have received nominations and awards at over 30 film festivals worldwide, including Academy Award qualifiers. However, the best rewards I have gained are far beyond these accolades. I found confidence and comfort in who I am. This transformation did not happen overnight. Also, these efforts only sometimes lead to success, and setbacks are frequent. Nevertheless, each experience taught me valuable lessons and contributed to my growth. The challenges I faced during that winter break and the years of illness became pivotal moments in my transformation. Although some may still perceive me as a timid "duck," I have diligently forged my own path through resilience and determination. No longer am I the ghost of my past; I have emerged, resilient and assured, with a voice unmistakably my own.

Nearly ten years ago, I was deeply moved by a video of an orangutan desperately clinging to a power shovel, defending its home from deforestation in Borneo. This heartbreaking image symbolized human encroachment on fragile ecosystems. Shortly after, I discovered the global trash trade where affluent nations export waste, including hazardous materials, to countries lacking the infrastructure to manage them. Seeing how environmental degradation disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, I realized that systemic issues require interdisciplinary solutions. Determined to take action, I founded Connecting The Dots Project (connectingthedotsproject.org), an environmental advocacy nonprofit dedicated to fostering collaboration and offering solutions to the environmental challenges we face. Through CTDP, I have partnered with local organizations to engage youth in environmental education and activism, leading events that explore pollution levels in Chicago’s natural spaces. Another initiative is to plant sunflowers in the littered vacant lots in the marginalized Chicago neighborhoods two years ago. Beyond their beauty, sunflowers act as phytoremediators, removing contaminants from polluted soil, a critical issue in industrially affected areas and littered lots. The initiative is about more than planting flowers; it's about reclaiming neglected spaces to create vibrant, safe areas for children to play and residents to connect. Transforming vacant lots into sunflower gardens has fostered community pride and belonging. Furthermore, recognizing the urgency of the plastic crisis, I conducted literature review on microplastics, published and presented that at the Annual Conference on Adolescent Health. My research revealed how microplastics infiltrate ecosystem and human. For instance, microplastics have been found in Arctic ice sheets and at the bottom of Mariana Trench. In addition, they have been found in human bodies including lungs, cardiovascular systems, and even placentas—raising critical public health concerns. By sharing this knowledge, I hope to drive awareness and advocate for policies that reduce plastic pollution. Additionally, as a self-taught filmmaker, I use storytelling to make scientific and environmental issues accessible. My documentaries—recognized at over 30 film festivals, including Academy Award qualifiers. They explore topics such as biodiversity loss and the environmental impact of human activities. Through film, I strive to inspire action by making complex scientific issues more engaging and understandable to diverse audiences. Through these initiatives, I am working to protect our planet we cherish. I believe that conservation requires efforts of everyone. Therefore, I have designed the CTDP to be the platform for bringing together and promoting collaboration regardless of your background. As I continue my academic journey in college, I am eager to develop innovative solutions that will preserve our planet’s ecosystems and ensure that future generations can experience the same wonder and richness of life that I do today.

Nearly ten years ago, I was deeply moved by a video of an orangutan desperately clinging to a power shovel, defending its home from deforestation in Borneo. This heartbreaking image symbolized human encroachment on fragile ecosystems. Shortly after, I discovered the global trash trade where affluent nations export waste, including hazardous materials, to countries lacking the infrastructure to manage them. Seeing how environmental degradation disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, I realized that systemic issues require interdisciplinary solutions. Determined to take action, I founded Connecting The Dots Project (connectingthedotsproject.org), an environmental advocacy nonprofit dedicated to fostering collaboration and offering solutions to the environmental challenges we face. Through CTDP, I have partnered with local organizations to engage youth in environmental education and activism, leading events that explore pollution levels in Chicago’s natural spaces. Another initiative is to plant sunflowers in the littered vacant lots in the marginalized Chicago neighborhoods two years ago. Beyond their beauty, sunflowers act as phytoremediators, removing contaminants from polluted soil—a critical issue in industrially affected areas and littered lots. The initiative is about more than planting flowers; it's about reclaiming neglected spaces to create vibrant, safe areas for children to play and residents to connect. Transforming vacant lots into sunflower gardens has fostered community pride and belonging. Furthermore, recognizing the urgency of the plastic crisis, I conducted literature review on microplastics, published and presented that at the Annual Conference on Adolescent Health. My research revealed how microplastics infiltrate ecosystem and human. For instance, microplastics have been found in Arctic ice sheets and at the bottom of Mariana Trench. In addition, they have been found in human bodies including lungs, cardiovascular systems, and even placentas—raising critical public health concerns. By sharing this knowledge, I hope to drive awareness and advocate for policies that reduce plastic pollution. Additionally, as a self-taught filmmaker, I use storytelling to make scientific and environmental issues accessible. My documentaries are recognized at over 30 film festivals, including Academy Award qualifiers. They explore topics such as biodiversity loss and the environmental impact of human activities. Through film, I strive to inspire action by making complex scientific issues more engaging and understandable to diverse audiences. Through these initiatives, I am working to protect our planet we cherish. I believe that conservation requires efforts of everyone. Therefore, I have designed the CTDP to be the platform for bringing together and promoting collaboration regardless of your background. As I continue my academic journey in college, I am eager to develop innovative solutions that will preserve our planet’s ecosystems and ensure that future generations can experience the same wonder and richness of life that I do today.

Nearly ten years ago, I was deeply moved by a video of an orangutan desperately clinging to a power shovel, defending its home from deforestation in Borneo. This heartbreaking image symbolized human encroachment on fragile ecosystems. Shortly after, I discovered the global trash trade—where affluent nations export waste, including hazardous materials, to countries lacking the infrastructure to manage them. Seeing how environmental degradation disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, I realized that systemic issues require interdisciplinary solutions. Determined to take action, I founded Connecting The Dots Project (CTDP), an environmental advocacy nonprofit dedicated to fostering collaboration and offering solutions to the environmental challenges we face. Through CTDP, I partnered with local organizations to engage youth in exploring pollution levels in Chicago’s natural spaces, empowering young people to become environmental stewards. My goal was to bridge the gap between science, policy, and community engagement, ensuring that environmental education translates into meaningful action. My passion for environmental research led me to investigate microplastics, tiny plastic particles that infiltrate ecosystems and the human body. I published a literature review on their health impacts and presented my findings at the Annual Conference on Adolescent Health. My research highlighted how microplastics accumulate in human lungs, cardiovascular systems, and even placentas—raising urgent public health concerns. This experience reinforced my belief that tackling environmental issues requires collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and communities. As a Collegiate Scholar at the University of Chicago, I explored how STEM can address real-world challenges, conducting ELISA tests to study disease outbreaks and developing coding projects focused on sustainability. Additionally, as a self-taught filmmaker, I create documentaries to make complex scientific issues accessible. My films—recognized at over 30 festivals, including Academy Award qualifiers—have covered topics such as the dangers of microplastics and the unintended consequences of captive-rearing monarch butterflies. By merging science and storytelling, I aim to make research actionable and inspire change. Despite my dedication to education and advocacy, I have faced significant challenges. Being immunocompromised, I have often had to navigate health limitations that impacted my daily activities. However, I refused to let these challenges define me. I maintained a stellar academic record while balancing rigorous coursework, independent research, filmmaking, and nonprofit leadership—demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to my goals. I founded Connecting The Dots Project not only to address the environmental challenges I uncovered but also to be part of the solution. I believe that innovation, collaboration, and education can drive real change. In college, I aim to deepen my understanding of science and policy while working with peers who share my commitment to sustainability. My ultimate goal is to develop solutions for the plastic crisis, addressing both its environmental and human health implications through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Nearly ten years ago, I was shaken by a YouTube video of an orangutan fiercely defending its habitat from deforestation in a jungle in Borneo, Malaysia. This visibly raged creature was clinging to the blade of a power shovel. Behind this desperate act lay widespread deforestation, a visible reminder of human encroachment. Down on the cue was another video from Malaysia. It was about the global trash trade, where affluent countries export wastes, including hazardous materials, to other countries like Malaysia. The recipients are often nature-rich countries without the infrastructure to properly dispose of trash, destroying the ecosystem around the landfills. Growing up in an area deeply affected by violence and poverty, I witnessed how systemic issues can devastate vulnerable populations. Similarly, the environmental destruction caused by the global waste trade represents another pervasive systemic challenge. After contemplating how I can contribute to causes such as these, I decided to address them through education, creativity, and environmental advocacy. First, I launched an environmental advocacy initiative, Connecting The Dots Project, to provide a platform for education and networking, empowering communities to address these pressing issues collaboratively. The initiative focuses on collaboration and networking, as blaming and division hinder progress. By “connecting the dots” of ideas, resources, and manpower through our organization, we can tackle environmental challenges more efficiently. As an effort for the project, I collaborated with community organizations to host youth events to explore nature in the Chicago area and check the pollution levels. For example, I engaged in events with Friends of Chicago River and Girls 4 Science and shot a film about the conservation of Illinois rivers. I share the film at several film festivals to share awareness and the work of environmental activists. As another example of the initiative, I published a literature review on microplastics (MPs) and their health impacts and presented it at the Annual Conference on Adolescent Health. The mass production of plastic products started nearly 80 years ago. Humans produce 300 million tonnes of plastic annually. However, only 9% are recycled. The rest are likely in nature or landfills. These discarded plastic products become weathered and fragmented and become MPs. Microplastics (MPs) in nature or landfills are easily dispersed by rain, wind, and wildlife, contaminating surrounding environments. They can leach into soil and groundwater or be carried into rivers and oceans, contributing to widespread pollution and ecosystem disruption. In addition, they can chemically react with other pollutants or organic materials. Also, with heat exposure, MPs can release toxic ingredients, such as PFAS, BPA, and Phthalates. As MPs get smaller in the environment, they become easier to absorb into the human body's systems. Studies have found MPS in human bodies: blood vessels, brain, lungs, liver, and even placentas of unborn fetuses. These chemicals are especially harmful to vulnerable populations, such as children in the developmental stages. They pose risks of developmental delay, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and endocrine disruptions. Simply put, we urgently need to develop sustainable replacements and robust mitigation solutions. These experiences and learnings have catalyzed my environmental advocacy and will shape my studies in college and my career. I aim to explore the solutions to mitigate plastic pollution from the environment. At the same time, I aim to expand Connecting The Dots Project to a global platform to promote environmental advocacy.

I plan to major in biological engineering or biochemistry in college and use my education to reduce microplastics from the environment. I aim to explore solutions for sustainable packaging or mitigation methods of microplastics from our environment. Plastics have been around daily for nearly a century, and we heavily rely on plastic products. However, we do not have proper mitigation methods or other sustainable replacements. Allegedly, 90% of plastics that we use end up in landfills. Some of the wastes from the wealthy countries are exported to countries without infrastructures to process or dispose of the waste and dam the local ecosystems. These plastics degrade and get fragmented. They become tiny particles and leach into the water system in the ground and are eventually sent to the ocean. About two years ago, I published a paper on the impact of microplastics on human health. As I researched, I was shocked that the microplastics study is still relatively new and underexplored in depth despite its prevalence. To share the extent of the negative impact of microplastics, they are even found in human bodies, including the cardiovascular tissues of adults and the placentas of unborn babies. In the ocean, they found microplastics at the bottom of the Mariana Trench at the deepest ocean depth humans reached. They also find microplastics in the fish and mussels. Microplastics are not the only problem; toxic ingredients are also used in plastic products, such as PFAS, fire retardants, and phthalates. When consumed by living organisms, these toxins can cause hormonal and neurological disorders. They can also react with other pollutants or organic materials and become more toxic. Simply put, we urgently need to develop sustainable replacements and robust mitigation solutions. After learning about these studies, I became interested in pursuing bioengineering to explore solutions. In addition, I aspire to expand my environmental advocacy network into a global platform. In our divided society, blaming and shaming hinder our progress and improvement. Combating climate change requires everyone's contribution and cooperation. I want to create a platform where everyone from different backgrounds can participate and exchange ideas. I plan to achieve that by improving the quality of our website, growing the audience, and conducting more networking events. I have also been actively involving children and youths in events so they can inherit the spirit and practice for a sustainable future. If you have time, please check out my SNS and website. Website: https://ctdpchicago.wixsite.com/ctdp and SNS: https://www.facebook.com/connectingthedotsproject. Thank you so much for your interest!!

I plan to major in biological engineering or biochemistry in college and use my education to reduce microplastics from the environment. I aim to explore solutions for sustainable packaging or mitigation methods of microplastics from our environment. Plastics have been around daily for nearly a century, and we heavily rely on plastic products. However, we do not have proper mitigation methods or other sustainable replacements. Allegedly, 90% of plastics that we use end up in landfills. Some of the wastes from the wealthy countries are exported to countries without infrastructures to process or dispose of the waste and dam the local ecosystems. These plastics degrade and get fragmented. They become tiny particles and leach into the water system in the ground and are eventually sent to the ocean. About two years ago, I published a paper on the impact of microplastics on human health. As I researched, I was shocked that the microplastics study is still relatively new and underexplored in depth despite its prevalence. To share the extent of the negative impact of microplastics, they are even found in human bodies, including the cardiovascular tissues of adults and the placentas of unborn babies. In the ocean, they found microplastics at the bottom of the Mariana Trench at the deepest ocean depth humans reached. They also find microplastics in the fish and mussels. Microplastics are not the only problem; toxic ingredients are also used in plastic products, such as PFAS, fire retardants, and phthalates. When consumed by living organisms, these toxins can cause hormonal and neurological disorders. They can also react with other pollutants or organic materials and become more toxic. Simply put, we urgently need to develop sustainable replacements and robust mitigation solutions. After learning about these studies, I became interested in pursuing bioengineering to explore solutions. In addition, I aspire to expand my environmental advocacy network into a global platform. In our divided society, blaming and shaming hinder our progress and improvement. Combating climate change requires everyone's contribution and cooperation. I want to create a platform where everyone from different backgrounds can participate and exchange ideas. I plan to achieve that by improving the quality of our website, growing the audience, and conducting more networking events. I have also been actively involving children and youths in events so they can inherit the spirit and practice for a sustainable future. If you have time, please check out my SNS and website. Website: https://ctdpchicago.wixsite.com/ctdp and SNS: https://www.facebook.com/connectingthedotsproject. Thank you so much for your interest!!

The first time I watched YouTube footage of an orangutan fiercely defending its home from deforestation, it left a vivid imprint on my mind. Though I was just a fifth grader, I could still feel the orangutan's rage and fear. As I dug deeper into the story, I learned the incident allegedly took place in the rainforests of Borneo, where deforestation was often linked to the export of natural resources to countries like the U.S. The irony is that everyone living in modern society, including myself, contributes to environmental destruction at some level, one way or another. However, rather than being consumed by shame or pointing fingers, I chose to be part of the solution. Disconnecting, blaming, or shaming would only impede progress and prevent us from reaching our goals. This became the catalyst for me to found Connecting The Dots Project (CTDP). CTDP aims to provide a safe, welcoming platform for networking and learning about sustainability and nature. The goal is to foster appreciation for the environment and build a strong network to tackle pervasive environmental issues. By connecting the dots, we can address challenges that are almost impossible to solve alone.

Since I was little, I have been severely immunocompromised. I have been taking many medications everyday and hospital and ER visits have been so frequent. The situation had always made me feel as if I were a sickly outcast in schools. My introvert and timid behavior also did not help the situation. I had always felt awkward to be around friends. About 3 years ago, I was cooped up in our tiny apartment for a few weeks because of my health issues. My cabin fever was at its peak and it felt like a metaphor of my life. I wanted to break through the shell and excuses that I had confined myself in. I decided to create a comedy film out of my situation. I applied the film to many film festivals. As a result, my film won many awards all over the world. However, the best thing out of these incredible experiences was neither awards nor accolades. It was that my voice was heard and appreciated by others. I finally recognized that my health condition and weak verbal communication skill were not the main cause of my loneliness. Instead, I had ignored the ability of connecting with others through different approaches. I had not realized that art, science, sports, and even cooking also are the communication tools as powerful as words. Evidently, the laughters from the audiences were clearly telling me that my message was successfully delivered. That was the catalysis of my change. I am still an extremely awkward conversationalist. However, I now know that friends enjoy my company and appreciate who I am. I make conscious effort to connect with others and I am no longer a passive introvert. My friends and classmates are interested in my opinions and ideas just as I am interested in theirs.

Hello, My name is Kana Hutchens. I am a 15 year-old who is currently attending Walter Payton College Prep in Chicago. The reasons why art is important to society is very simple; art shapes and brings colors our lives. Also, art is a powerful weapon for influencing others and making statements. However, I create because art is a part of myself. The act of creating is not a choice but rather primal action of my heart and mind. I just love creating: filming, drawing, sewing, designing with computer, and shooing films. I love them all. Especially, I am an avid film maker. I have been nominated over a dozen of film festivals across the U.S. and around the world and I have won many awards. (Attached are the link of the film festivals which show the nominations.) I am very proud of my achievements and I would like to continue producing films to entertain people. Also, there aren’t many female film directors like myself in the film industry. Not only that they are not many minority film director and I would like to change that through my art. I would like to break through the gender barrier and underrepresentation of females in the film industry. Academically, I have always strived to do my best. The results are not as important as the act of trying. I have maintained straight-A GPA since the first grade and I was accepted by the top school in Illinois. According to U.S. News, it is listed as #1 high school in Illinois and #4 in the nation. I worked hard not just for receiving good grades but also I do so because knowledge and education will always navigate me to the right direction for achieving my goals. I may be young but I am serious about my projects. So, if you could consider my request, that would be greatly appreciated. Following links are the proof of my nominations at various film festivals. 1) The Best of Youth at Poppy Jasper International Film Festival 2) Artist spotlight and winner of "Future is Bright" interview by Asian Cine Vision https://www.facebook.com/aaiff/photos/our-next-aaiff42spotlight-is-only-12-years-old-yes-we-thought-the-exact-same-thi/10151073063949943/ 3) Official Nomination by Los Angeles Pacific Asian International Film Festival: Academy Award qualifying film festival https://festival.vcmedia.org/2020/movies/mr-orange-baby/ 4) Official Nomination at Sun Valley Film Festival https://films.sunvalleyfilmfestival.org/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=202398~c8ab95f6-332b-4866-a4be-ec352ba1eb12&epguid=567d8f3a-9c60-4227-8326-aa8a2373d2b7& 5) Filmmaker of Tomorrow by San Louis Obispo Film Festival https://slofilmfest.wordpress.com/2019-filmmakers-of-tomorrow-showcase/ 6) Official Nomination at Seattle Children's Film Festival https://www.childrensfilmfestivalseattle.org/ready-to-roll-future-filmmakers-showcase-shorts-program/ 7) Official nomination by 42nd Asian American International Film Festival: Academy Award qualifying film festival https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/42nd-Asian-American-International- Film-Festival-Announces-Film-Lineup-20190627 8) Official Nomination by San Diego International Children's Film Festival hhttp://www.sdkidsfilms.org/2019SDIKFF/img/poster/Event%20Brochure%20Pages.pdf 9) Official Nomination by Rhode Island International Film Festival https://providencechildrensfilmfestival.org/films/youth-filmmaker-showcase-2019-vol-2/