Growing up in Mount Rainier’s shadow, I took for granted the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity. In sixth grade, while wandering along my favorite local beach, I noticed something out of place, or rather, something missing. Where were the sea stars? Disease spread rapidly among the population, drastically reducing their numbers in 2013. Despite their resilience as of recent, sea stars no longer flourish around Puget Sound like they once did. Encountering this disaster sparked my commitment to conservation. Following sophomore year, I successfully sought a Camp Assistant position at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where I eagerly learned about animals and, critically, discovered what advocacy entails. Those few months provided my first opportunity to discuss conservation with the public, and I loved it. When summer came to a close, effectively ending my position, I felt adrift. My passion had been ignited. This was only the beginning of my journey, which fueled my search for other advocacy opportunities. In the fall of 2020, Mayor Victoria Woodards appointed me to the Youth Seat on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC), which advises the City Council on environmental policy. This position exposes me to the challenges of implementing change on a broader level. Many nights, I sit poring over a letter draft, or perfecting this year’s Climate Action Plan before public release, which focused heavily on water runoff and water pollution. Seeing my efforts yield real change inspired me to do even more. I was honored to become the first student to join the staff-led Sustainability Committee at my high school, where I helped tackle issues similar to those at the STC. Later that year, I co-founded Bellarmine’s first student-led environmental organization, The Sustainability Representatives. This group connects the Bellarmine community by implementing sustainable practices on campus. My group facilitated goal-setting, organized beach cleanups, nurtured native plants in our greenhouse, and hosted the annual Earth Extravaganza. These activities provide an opportunity to bond with my classmates, as well as illustrate real-world implications of sustainability. I know that mitigating the effects of climate change will require monumental efforts, but change often starts small. Each challenge serves as a reminder that every action - no matter how “big” or “small” - carries a profound impact. Similarly, each person has a meaningful role to play in securing a sustainable future for the local community, and for the world. Before even entering college, I had applied for and secured a job with the University of San Diego's Office of Sustainability. Thus, my work continued, all while pursuing a degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Marine Biology. My school job at the university allows me to expand my knowledge and educate students and faculty about environmental efforts. Our offices work closely with the Surfrider Foundation, helping to gather and raise interest in beach clean-ups, as well as teach individuals how they impact our oceans. Environmental conservation is both my passion and outlet, but is also my fuel. The shores of my favorite beach will likely never look the same. Sea stars are recovering slowly, though disease persists in their populations. I am determined that this species’ devastation will not be in vain. I will devote the rest of my life to working toward environmental justice, in the pursuit of a brighter future for all the earth’s species, whether they live near Mount Rainier, or far beyond.

Growing up in Mount Rainier’s shadow, I took for granted the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity. In sixth grade, while wandering along my favorite local beach, I noticed something out of place, or rather, something that should have been there, but was not. Where were the sea stars? Disease had spread rapidly among the population, drastically reducing their numbers. Despite their resilience in recent years, sea stars no longer flourish around the Puget Sound like they once did. Encountering this disaster sparked my commitment to conservation. In the fall of 2020, Mayor Victoria Woodards appointed me to the Youth Seat on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC), which advises the City Council on environmental policy. This position exposes me to the challenges of implementing change on a broader level. Many nights, I sit poring over a letter draft, or perfecting this year’s Climate Action Plan before public release. Seeing my efforts yield real change inspired me to do more for my school community. On a smaller community level, I became the first student to join the staff-led Sustainability Committee at my high school, where I helped tackle issues similar to those faced at the STC. Later that year, I co-founded Bellarmine’s first student-led environmental organization, The Sustainability Representatives (or, as we call ourselves, “The Reps”). This group connects the Bellarmine community by implementing sustainable practices on campus. We facilitate goal-setting, organize Action Days for beach cleanups, nurture native plants in our greenhouse, and host the annual Bellarmine Earth Extravaganza. These activities provide an opportunity to bond with my classmates, as well as illustrate real-world implications of sustainability. I’ve learned that the most impactful way to combat climate change is to get involved and educate the community, as well as leading by example. Entering college, I sought ways to continue my high school accomplishments in a new environment. To that end, I accepted the Undergraduate Education Assistant position at the University of San Diego’s Office of Sustainability, where I work in campus outreach and present to clubs, faculty, classes, student government, and other organizations to discuss sustainability efforts on campus. We identify where we fall short, and highlight what we are doing well. This Valentine's Day will mark the inaugural Student Sustainability Summit, where all campus members are invited to join us in-person for break-out rooms and discussion that will inform USD’s 2023 Climate Action Plan. Our offices will be trained in Ideation Thinking and Discussion Tactics by our campus partners, the Changemaker organization. We aim to facilitate breakout sessions during the Summit that will produce concrete goals and ideas of how we want to move forward, not just broad, unattainable goals that nobody follows through on. I have learned through my work in sustainability that oftentimes people want change, but are unaware of how all the moving parts in a city, school, or organization fit together, much less how to bring them together to achieve goals. The best way to engage the community is to be an active community leader. The past five years of my life have been committed to sustainability and conservation all because of a simple observation. Washington’s sea star population is slowly recovering to this day, but the shores of my favorite beach will likely never look the same. Sea stars are recovering slowly, though disease still persists. I am determined that this species’ devastation will not be in vain. I will devote the rest of my life to working toward environmental justice, in the pursuit of a brighter future for all the earth’s species, whether they live near Mount Rainier, or far beyond.

Growing up in Mount Rainier’s shadow, I took for granted the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity. In sixth grade, while wandering along my favorite local beach, I noticed something out of place, or rather, something that should have been there, but was not. Where were the sea stars? Disease had spread rapidly among the population, drastically reducing their numbers. Despite their resilience in recent years, sea stars no longer flourish around the Puget Sound like they once did. Encountering this disaster sparked my commitment to conservation. In the fall of 2020, Mayor Victoria Woodards appointed me to the Youth Seat on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC), which advises the City Council on environmental policy. This position exposes me to the challenges of implementing change on a broader level. Many nights, I sit poring over a letter draft, or perfecting this year’s Climate Action Plan before public release. Seeing my efforts yield real change inspired me to do more for my school community. On a smaller community level, I became the first student to join the staff-led Sustainability Committee at my high school, where I helped tackle issues similar to those faced at the STC. Later that year, I co-founded Bellarmine’s first student-led environmental organization, The Sustainability Representatives (or, as we call ourselves, “The Reps”). This group connects the Bellarmine community by implementing sustainable practices on campus. We facilitate goal-setting, organize Action Days for beach cleanups, nurture native plants in our greenhouse, and host the annual Bellarmine Earth Extravaganza. These activities provide an opportunity to bond with my classmates, as well as illustrate real-world implications of sustainability. I’ve learned that the most impactful way to combat climate change is to get involved and educate the community, as well as leading by example. Entering college, I sought ways to continue my high school accomplishments in a new environment. To that end, I accepted the Undergraduate Education Assistant position at the University of San Diego’s Office of Sustainability, where I work in campus outreach and present to clubs, faculty, classes, student government, and other organizations to discuss sustainability efforts on campus. We identify where we fall short, and highlight what we are doing well. This Valentine's Day will mark the inaugural Student Sustainability Summit, where all campus members are invited to join us in-person for break-out rooms and discussion that will inform USD’s 2023 Climate Action Plan. Our offices will be trained in Ideation Thinking and Discussion Tactics by our campus partners, the Changemaker organization. We aim to facilitate breakout sessions during the Summit that will produce concrete goals and ideas of how we want to move forward, not just broad, unattainable goals that nobody follows through on. I have learned through my work in sustainability that oftentimes people want change, but are unaware of how all the moving parts in a city, school, or organization fit together, much less how to bring them together to achieve goals. The best way to engage the community is to be an active community leader. The past five years of my life have been committed to sustainability and conservation all because of a simple observation. Washington’s sea star population is slowly recovering to this day, but the shores of my favorite beach will likely never look the same. Sea stars are recovering slowly, though disease still persists. I am determined that this species’ devastation will not be in vain. I will devote the rest of my life to working toward environmental justice, in the pursuit of a brighter future for all the earth’s species, whether they live near Mount Rainier, or far beyond.

Growing up in Mount Rainier’s shadow, I took for granted the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity. In sixth grade, while wandering along my favorite local beach, I noticed something out of place, or rather, something that should have been there, but was not. Where were the sea stars? Disease had spread rapidly among the population, drastically reducing their numbers. Despite their resilience in recent years, sea stars no longer flourish around the Puget Sound like they once did. Encountering this disaster sparked my commitment to conservation. Following sophomore year, I successfully sought a Camp Assistant position at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where I eagerly learned about animals and, critically, discovered what advocacy entails. Those few months provided my first opportunity to discuss conservation with the public, and I loved it. When summer came to a close, effectively ending my position, I felt adrift; but my passion had been ignited, and I knew this was the beginning, not the end, of my journey. This feeling fueled my search for other advocacy opportunities. In the fall of 2020, Mayor Victoria Woodards appointed me to the Youth Seat on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC), which advises the City Council on environmental policy. This position exposes me to the challenges of implementing change on a broader level. Many nights, I sat poring over a letter draft, or perfecting the year’s Climate Action Plan before public release. Entering college, I knew exactly what I wanted. My choice in college hinged on the strength of the biology department. I emailed countless department heads across the country, searching for the encouraging response that exemplified the school’s unique ability to provide opportunities in the field I wanted to pursue. I am now a Biology major intending to minor in Environmental Sciences. Combining these fields will allow me to leverage my knowledge and pursue a meaningful career, specifically, one at a zoological facility, planning, developing and implementing Species Survival plans. With a well-rounded understanding of not only habitats, but the animals in them, I will be able to fully maximize my productivity in the field of conservation. The shores of my favorite beach will likely never look the same. Sea stars are recovering slowly, though disease still persists. I am determined that this species’ devastation will not be in vain. I will devote the rest of my life to working toward environmental justice, in the pursuit of a brighter future for all the earth’s species, whether they live near Mount Rainier, or far beyond.

My hands grasped the darkness, coming up empty. Where is my pencil? I thought. Finally, when I found it, I scribbled out my thoughts, then checked the time. 1:32 a.m. No wonder it was so dark. The next morning, I set out transcribing my midnight inspiration: I was seven selling lemonade, You were thirty drinking chardonnay. So young that I could play pretend, Not old enough to comprehend . . . Music has always been there for me, and in turn, I give myself to its creation. I confront difficulty and understand myself better through songwriting, which allows me to process everything from having an alcoholic father to feelings of peace. Since childhood, I have created music. Before I was able to write, I clunked around on my piano with no sense of structure or knowledge of what it meant to create music. What I did understand was the flexibility creative space offered. Music evolved from a pastime into a tool for processing my struggles and delights. Contemplating my challenges reminds me that others wrestle with their own invisible monsters, encouraging me to be open-minded and compassionate. The song that holds the most important message for me is Scars, the original I wrote that midnight. It reminds me to step into others’ shoes. As humans, we hide immense amounts of pain, and even if I struggle with forgiving my father, I can remember that other people struggle in similar ways. I still clunk around on that piano, only now, I have more of a focused purpose for doing so. Although the next verse of my life has yet to be written, I take comfort in knowing that each day will draw to a close with me scribbling away, trying to make sense of life through my art.

Growing up in Mount Rainier’s shadow, I took for granted the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity. In sixth grade, while wandering along my favorite local beach, I noticed something out of place, or rather, something that should have been there, but was not. Where were the sea stars? Disease had spread rapidly among the population, drastically reducing their numbers. Despite their resilience in recent years, sea stars no longer flourish around Puget Sound like they once did. Encountering this disaster sparked my commitment to conservation. Following sophomore year, I successfully sought a Camp Assistant position at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where I eagerly learned about animals and, critically, discovered what advocacy entails. Those few months provided my first opportunity to discuss conservation with the public, and I loved it. When summer came to a close, effectively ending my position, I felt adrift; but my passion had been ignited, and I knew this was the beginning, not the end, of my journey. This feeling fueled my search for other advocacy opportunities. In the fall of 2020, Mayor Victoria Woodards appointed me to the Youth Seat on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC), which advises the City Council on environmental policy. This position exposes me to the challenges of implementing change on a broader level. Many nights, I sit poring over a letter draft or perfecting this year’s Climate Action Plan before public release. Seeing my efforts yield real change inspired me to do more for my school community. On a smaller community level, I was honored to become the first student to join the staff-led Sustainability Committee at my high school, where I helped tackle issues similar to those at the STC. Later that year, I co-founded Bellarmine’s first student-led environmental organization, The Sustainability Representatives (or, as we call ourselves, “The Reps”). This group connects the Bellarmine community by implementing sustainable practices on campus. We facilitate goal-setting, organize Action Days for beach cleanups, nurture native plants in our greenhouse, and host the annual Bellarmine Earth Extravaganza. These activities provide an opportunity to bond with my classmates, as well as illustrate real-world implications of sustainability. While this work brings me joy, it is rarely easy. Sometimes, the smallest goals present the greatest challenges. Encouraging students to compost, for instance, has proven to be an uphill battle. Waste is easy to see in the moment; envisioning its future effect is difficult. We acknowledge that others may not share our level of concern for the environment, which informs our focus on education. Despite setbacks, we Reps dedicate ourselves to creating positive change, even if only at Bellarmine. On a broader level, we know that mitigating the effects of climate change will require monumental efforts, but change often starts small. Each challenge serves as a reminder that every action -- no matter how “big” or “small” -- carries a profound impact. Similarly, each person has a meaningful role to play in securing a sustainable future for the local community, and for the world. The shores of my favorite beach will likely never look the same. Sea stars are recovering slowly, though disease persists. I am determined that this species’ devastation will not be in vain. I will devote the rest of my life to working toward environmental justice, in the pursuit of a brighter future for all the earth’s species, whether they live near Mount Rainier, or far beyond.

Growing up in Mount Rainier’s shadow, I took for granted the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity. In sixth grade, while wandering along my favorite local beach, I noticed something out of place, or rather, something that should have been there, but was not. Where were the sea stars? Disease had spread rapidly among the population, drastically reducing their numbers. Despite their resilience in recent years, sea stars no longer flourish around the Puget Sound like they once did. Encountering this disaster sparked my commitment to conservation. Following sophomore year, I successfully sought a Camp Assistant position at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where I eagerly learned about animals and, critically, discovered what advocacy entails. Those few months provided my first opportunity to discuss conservation with the public, and I loved it. When summer came to a close, effectively ending my position, I felt adrift; but my passion had been ignited, and I knew this was the beginning, not the end, of my journey. This feeling fueled my search for other advocacy opportunities. In the fall of 2020, Mayor Victoria Woodards appointed me to the Youth Seat on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC), which advises the City Council on environmental policy. This position exposes me to the challenges of implementing change on a broader level. Many nights, I sit poring over a letter draft, or perfecting this year’s Climate Action Plan before public release. Seeing my efforts yield real change inspired me to do more for my school community. On a smaller community level, I was honored to become the first student to join the staff-led Sustainability Committee at my high school, where I helped tackle issues similar to those at the STC. Later that year, I co-founded Bellarmine’s first student-led environmental organization, The Sustainability Representatives (or, as we call ourselves, “The Reps”). This group connects the Bellarmine community by implementing sustainable practices on campus. We facilitate goal-setting, organize Action Days for beach cleanups, nurture native plants in our greenhouse, and host the annual Bellarmine Earth Extravaganza. These activities provide an opportunity to bond with my classmates, as well as illustrate real-world implications of sustainability. While this work brings me joy, it is rarely easy. Sometimes, the smallest goals present the greatest challenges. Encouraging students to compost, for instance, has proven to be an uphill battle. Waste is easy to see in the moment; envisioning its future effect is difficult. We acknowledge that others may not share our level of concern for the environment, which informs our focus on education. Despite setbacks, we Reps dedicate ourselves to creating positive change, even if only at Bellarmine. On a broader level, we know that mitigating the effects of climate change will require monumental efforts, but change often starts small. Each challenge serves as a reminder that every action -- no matter how “big” or “small” -- carries a profound impact. Similarly, each person has a meaningful role to play in securing a sustainable future for the local community, and for the world. The shores of my favorite beach will likely never look the same. Sea stars are recovering slowly, though disease still persists. I am determined that this species’ devastation will not be in vain. I will devote the rest of my life to working toward environmental justice, in the pursuit of a brighter future for all the earth’s species, whether they live near Mount Rainier, or far beyond.

Growing up in Mount Rainier’s shadow, I took for granted the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity. In sixth grade, while wandering along my favorite local beach, I noticed something out of place, or rather, something that should have been there, but was not. Where were the sea stars? Disease had spread rapidly among the population, drastically reducing their numbers. Despite their resilience in recent years, sea stars no longer flourish around the Puget Sound like they once did. Encountering this disaster sparked my commitment to conservation. Following sophomore year, I successfully sought a Camp Assistant position at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where I eagerly learned about animals and, critically, discovered what advocacy entails. Those few months provided my first opportunity to discuss conservation with the public, and I loved it. When summer came to a close, effectively ending my position, I felt adrift; but my passion had been ignited, and I knew this was the beginning, not the end, of my journey. This feeling fueled my search for other advocacy opportunities. In the fall of 2020, Mayor Victoria Woodards appointed me to the Youth Seat on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC), which advises the City Council on environmental policy. This position exposes me to the challenges of implementing change on a broader level. Many nights, I sit poring over a letter draft, or perfecting this year’s Climate Action Plan before public release. Seeing my efforts yield real change inspired me to do more for my school community. On a smaller community level, I was honored to become the first student to join the staff-led Sustainability Committee at my high school, where I helped tackle issues similar to those at the STC. Later that year, I co-founded Bellarmine’s first student-led environmental organization, The Sustainability Representatives (or, as we call ourselves, “The Reps”). This group connects the Bellarmine community by implementing sustainable practices on campus. We facilitate goal-setting, organize Action Days for beach cleanups, nurture native plants in our greenhouse, and host the annual Bellarmine Earth Extravaganza. These activities provide an opportunity to bond with my classmates, as well as illustrate real-world implications of sustainability. While this work brings me joy, it is rarely easy. Sometimes, the smallest goals present the greatest challenges. Encouraging students to compost, for instance, has proven to be an uphill battle. Waste is easy to see in the moment; envisioning its future effect is difficult. We acknowledge that others may not share our level of concern for the environment, which informs our focus on education. Despite setbacks, we Reps dedicate ourselves to creating positive change, even if only at Bellarmine. On a broader level, we know that mitigating the effects of climate change will require monumental efforts, but change often starts small. Each challenge serves as a reminder that every action -- no matter how “big” or “small” -- carries a profound impact. Similarly, each person has a meaningful role to play in securing a sustainable future for the local community, and for the world. The shores of my favorite beach will likely never look the same. Sea stars are recovering slowly, though disease still persists. I am determined that this species’ devastation will not be in vain. I will devote the rest of my life to working toward environmental justice, in the pursuit of a brighter future for all the earth’s species, whether they live near Mount Rainier, or far beyond.

Growing up in Mount Rainier’s shadow, I took for granted the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity. In sixth grade, while wandering along my favorite local beach, I noticed something out of place, or rather, something that should have been there, but was not. Where were the sea stars? Disease had spread rapidly among the population, drastically reducing their numbers. Despite their resilience in recent years, sea stars no longer flourish around the Puget Sound like they once did. Encountering this disaster sparked my commitment to conservation. Following sophomore year, I successfully sought a Camp Assistant position at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where I eagerly learned about animals and, critically, discovered what advocacy entails. Those few months provided my first opportunity to discuss conservation with the public, and I loved it. When summer came to a close, effectively ending my position, I felt adrift; but my passion had been ignited, and I knew this was the beginning, not the end, of my journey. This feeling fueled my search for other advocacy opportunities. In the fall of 2020, Mayor Victoria Woodards appointed me to the Youth Seat on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC), which advises the City Council on environmental policy. This position exposes me to the challenges of implementing change on a broader level. Many nights, I sit poring over a letter draft, or perfecting this year’s Climate Action Plan before public release. Seeing my efforts yield real change inspired me to do more for my school community. On a smaller community level, I was honored to become the first student to join the staff-led Sustainability Committee at my high school, where I helped tackle issues similar to those at the STC. Later that year, I co-founded Bellarmine’s first student-led environmental organization, The Sustainability Representatives (or, as we call ourselves, “The Reps”). This group connects the Bellarmine community by implementing sustainable practices on campus. We facilitate goal-setting, organize Action Days for beach cleanups, nurture native plants in our greenhouse, and host the annual Bellarmine Earth Extravaganza. These activities provide an opportunity to bond with my classmates, as well as illustrate real-world implications of sustainability. While this work brings me joy, it is rarely easy. Sometimes, the smallest goals present the greatest challenges. Encouraging students to compost, for instance, has proven to be an uphill battle. Waste is easy to see in the moment; envisioning its future effect is difficult. We acknowledge that others may not share our level of concern for the environment, which informs our focus on education. Despite setbacks, we Reps dedicate ourselves to creating positive change, even if only at Bellarmine. On a broader level, we know that mitigating the effects of climate change will require monumental efforts, but change often starts small. Each challenge serves as a reminder that every action -- no matter how “big” or “small” -- carries a profound impact. Similarly, each person has a meaningful role to play in securing a sustainable future for the local community, and for the world. The shores of my favorite beach will likely never look the same. Sea stars are recovering slowly, though disease still persists. I am determined that this species’ devastation will not be in vain. I will devote the rest of my life to working toward environmental justice, in the pursuit of a brighter future for all the earth’s species, whether they live near Mount Rainier, or far beyond.

“Where is my pencil?” I thought. When I found what I needed, I madly scribbled out my thoughts, then checked the time. 1:32 a.m. No wonder it was so dark. The next morning, I was tasked with transcribing my midnight inspiration: I was seven selling lemonade, You were thirty drinking chardonnay. So young that I could play pretend, Not old enough to comprehend . . . Music has always been there for me, so I find it easy to, in turn, give my whole self over to its creation. Songwriting is a tool that I use to uncover and process emotions. Lyrics painful to compose are often the most necessary to express. Confronting difficulty is daunting, but with the aid of songwriting, I emerge from turmoil with a better understanding of myself. Furthermore, this struggle provides me the opportunity for closure. Songwriting permits me to be unafraid and process the world around me, both the highs and the lows -- from having an alcoholic father to feelings of peace and acceptance. Since childhood, I have created music. I first performed on stage at the age of three. At that time, my main concerns were the superficial dilemmas that burden children. Though these “difficulties” ultimately proved insignificant, my songs came from a genuine place. Before I was even able to write, I clunked around on my piano with no sense of structure or knowledge of what it meant to create music. What I did know was that I liked the flexibility creative space offered. Once I learned to write, I started scribbling my every thought — from detailing the exact amount of ink in my pen, to the intricate features of castles in fictional realms I visualized. Soon, I began combining my ideas with composition. To this day, I awake mid-dream with revelations, song schemes, and melodies to record before they evaporate. Stacks of journals and books fill my room, and on my bedside table, a pencil and paper are always there to receive my midnight melodies. As life’s tempo increased, so did my need to suspend the arrangement of everyday life. Music evolved from a playful pastime into a tool for processing my struggles and delights. While writing songs about my father’s alcoholism allowed me to overcome my frustration with his failed attempts at rehabilitation, composing on the topic of companionship created an opportunity to practice gratitude; writing music increases my empathy, creativity, and ability to embrace change. Contemplating my individual challenges reminds me that others wrestle with their own invisible monsters, encouraging me to be open-minded and compassionate. Songwriting creates space for growth. I believe that fulfillment is derived from meaningful personal relationships. I am just beginning to settle into my authentic self: someone enthused by the prospect of creating deep bonds through shared vulnerability. For me, this means reserving time to communicate with myself and working to convey my realizations with others through my music. I write to help others understand my point of view, especially if the sentiment is foreign to the listener. In this way, the empathy created by songwriting brings us closer to common understanding. I still clunk around on that piano, only now, I have more of a focused purpose for doing so. I hold immense gratitude for my ability to possibly pursue this passion as a career, and although the next verse of my life has yet to be written, I take comfort in knowing that each day will draw to a close with me scribbling away, trying to make sense of life through art.

Growing up in Mount Rainier’s shadow, I took for granted the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity. In sixth grade, while wandering along my favorite local beach, I noticed something out of place, or rather, something that should have been there, but was not. Where were the sea stars? Disease had spread rapidly among the population, drastically reducing their numbers. Encountering this disaster sparked my commitment to conservation. In the fall of 2020, Mayor Victoria Woodards appointed me to the Youth Seat on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC), which advises the City Council on environmental policy. This position exposes me to the challenges of implementing change on a broader level. Seeing my efforts yield real change inspired me to do more for my school community. I was honored to become the first student to join the staff-led Sustainability Committee at my high school, where I helped tackle issues similar to those at the STC. Later that year, I co-founded Bellarmine’s first student-led environmental organization, The Sustainability Representatives. This group connects the Bellarmine community by implementing sustainable practices on campus. We facilitate goal-setting, organize Action Days for beach cleanups, nurture native plants in our greenhouse, and much more. These activities provide an opportunity to bond with my classmates, as well as illustrate real-world implications of sustainability. The shores of my favorite beach will likely never look the same. Sea stars are recovering slowly, though disease still persists. My goals are part of my determination that this species’ devastation will not be in vain. I will devote the rest of my life to working toward environmental justice, in the pursuit of a brighter future for all the earth’s species, whether they live near Mount Rainier, or far beyond.

Feminists at Bellarmine is a club that provides the opportunity to discuss gender discrimination in the twenty-first century. Having led this club for almost two years now, I am convinced that such spaces are necessary. Throughout sophomore year, I grew confident challenging discrimination. I was comfortable in this role until I read Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, when everything I thought I knew about feminism was called into question. After reading this novel, many of my classmates accused the protagonist, Edna, of being a “terrible mother,” unfaithful, and neglectful of her children and societal responsibilities, while others saw her actions as wholly justified. I wondered why Edna was labeled as "irresponsible," while her husband was not. Lively debates about gender norms erupted in the classroom: did personal growth take precedence over motherhood? Why were women forced into restrictive roles, then called crazy when they questioned these expectations? I began questioning my own views about individuality and self-expression. Edna trades her family for self-improvement, and the decision to pry herself from her responsibilities is critical in her journey to awakening. The Awakening introduced me to diverse perspectives and shaped my current view of feminism. Ideas explored in this novel are imperative for everybody to examine; they expose personal biases. My peers and I were given a glimpse of female oppression in 1899, and while gender discrimination looks different now, it still persists. Reading about Edna and her struggles -- whether you agree with her decisions or not -- challenges everyone to work toward a more supportive society, even 121 years later. Chopin's work taught me to question my opinions. It did more for me than any other book I have ever read. Good books are entertaining. Great books make you question your understandings.

My hands grasped the darkness, coming up short of what I longed for. “Where is my pencil?” I thought. Finally, when I found what I needed, I madly scribbled out my thoughts, then checked the time. 1:32 a.m. No wonder it was so dark. When I awoke the next morning, I attempted to recall the melody I had written for: I was seven selling lemonade, You were thirty drinking chardonnay. So young that I could play pretend, Not old enough to comprehend. Music has always been there for me, so I find it easy to, in turn, give my whole self over to its creation. Songwriting is a tool that I use to uncover and process emotions. Lyrics painful to compose are often the most necessary to express. Confronting difficulty is daunting, but with the aid of songwriting I can better understand myself. Furthermore, this struggle provides me the opportunity for closure. Songwriting allows me freedom to process the world around me; the highs and the lows -- from having an alcoholic father to feelings of peace and acceptance. Many seek validation from wealth or material goods, but I believe that fulfillment is derived from meaningful personal relationships. I am just beginning to settle into my authentic self: someone enthused by the prospect of creating deep bonds through shared vulnerability. For me, this means reserving time to communicate with myself and working to convey my realizations with others through my music. The empathy created by songwriting brings us closer to common understanding. I make art. It has become part of who I am. Not only does it make me happy, but helps me become more than that. I become fulfilled.

Bindi Irwin wrote a memoir entitled "Creating a Conservation Legacy". I could not sum up what I aspire for my legacy to be any better than this title. Growing up in Mount Rainier’s shadow, I took for granted the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity. In sixth grade, while wandering along my favorite local beach, I noticed something out of place, or rather, something that should have been there, but was not. Where were the sea stars? Disease had spread rapidly among the population, drastically reducing their numbers. Despite resilience in recent years, sea stars no longer flourish around the Puget Sound like they once did. Encountering this disaster sparked my commitment to conservation. Following sophomore year, I became a Camp Assistant at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where I eagerly learned about animals and discovered what advocacy entails. Those few months provided my first opportunity to discuss conservation with the public, and I loved it. When summer came to a close, effectively ending my position, I felt adrift; but my passion had been ignited, and I knew this was the beginning of my journey. In the fall of 2020, Mayor Victoria Woodards appointed me to the Youth Seat on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC), which advises the City Council on environmental policy. This position exposes me to the challenges of implementing change on a broader level. Many nights, I sit poring over a letter draft, or perfecting this year’s Climate Action Plan before public release. I continue pursuing these opportunities at school and in my city. Sea stars are recovering slowly, though disease still persists. I am determined that this species’ devastation will not be in vain. I will devote the rest of my life to working toward environmental justice, and I hope my legacy will be one of conservation.

My hands grasped the darkness, coming up short of what I longed for. “Where is my pencil?” I thought. Finally, when I found what I needed, I madly scribbled out my thoughts, then checked the time. 1:32 a.m. No wonder it was so dark. When I awoke the next morning, I was tasked with transcribing my midnight inspiration: I was seven selling lemonade, You were thirty drinking chardonnay. So young that I could play pretend, Not old enough to comprehend . . . There is a playlist for every period of one’s life. Music has always been there for me, so I find it easy to, in turn, give my whole self over to its creation. Songwriting is a tool that I use to uncover and process emotions. Lyrics painful to compose are often the most necessary to express. Confronting difficulty is daunting, but with the aid of songwriting, I emerge from turmoil with a better understanding of myself. Songwriting permits me to be unafraid and process the world around me, both the highs and the lows -- from having an alcoholic father to feelings of peace and acceptance. Since childhood, I have created music. I first performed on stage at the age of three. At that time, my main concerns were the superficial dilemmas that plague small children. Before I was even able to write, I clunked around on my piano with no sense of structure or knowledge of what it meant to create music. What I did know was that I liked the flexibility creative space offered. Although the next verse of my life has yet to be written, I take comfort in knowing that each day will draw to a close with me scribbling away, trying to make sense of life through art.

Growing up in Mount Rainier’s shadow, I took for granted the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity. In sixth grade, while wandering along my favorite local beach, I noticed something out of place, or rather, something that should have been there, but was not. Where were the sea stars? Disease had spread rapidly among the population, drastically reducing their numbers. Despite their resilience in recent years, sea stars no longer flourish around the Puget Sound like they once did. Encountering this disaster sparked my commitment to conservation. In the fall of 2020, Mayor Victoria Woodards appointed me to the Youth Seat on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC), which advises the City Council on environmental policy. This position exposes me to the challenges of implementing change on a broader level. Many nights, I sit poring over a letter draft, or perfecting this year’s Climate Action Plan before public release. Seeing my efforts yield real change inspired me to do more for my school community. At school, I become the first student to join the staff-led Sustainability Committee, where I helped tackle issues similar to those at the STC. I co-founded Bellarmine’s first student-led environmental organization, The Sustainability Reps. This group implements sustainable practices on campus, facilitates goal-setting, organizes Action Days for beach cleanups, nurtures native plants in our greenhouse, and hosts the annual Earth Extravaganza. These activities provide an opportunity to bond with my classmates, as well as illustrate real-world implications of sustainability. The shores of my favorite beach will likely never look the same. Sea stars are recovering slowly, though disease still persists. I am determined that this species’ devastation will not be in vain. I will devote the rest of my life to working toward environmental justice, in pursuit of a brighter future for all the earth’s species.

Growing up in Mount Rainier’s shadow, I took for granted the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity. In sixth grade, while wandering along my favorite local beach, I noticed something out of place, or rather, something that should have been there, but was not. Where were the sea stars? Disease had spread rapidly among the population, drastically reducing their numbers. Despite their resilience in recent years, sea stars no longer flourish around the Puget Sound like they once did. Encountering this disaster sparked my commitment to conservation. Following sophomore year, I successfully sought a Camp Assistant position at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where I eagerly learned about animals and, critically, discovered what advocacy entails. Those few months provided my first opportunity to discuss conservation with the public, and I loved it. When summer came to a close, effectively ending my position, I felt adrift; but my passion had been ignited, and I knew this was the beginning, not the end, of my journey. This feeling fueled my search for other advocacy opportunities. In the fall of 2020, Mayor Victoria Woodards appointed me to the Youth Seat on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC), which advises the City Council on environmental policy. This position exposes me to the challenges of implementing change on a broader level. Many nights, I sit poring over a letter draft, or perfecting this year’s Climate Action Plan before public release. Seeing my efforts yield real change inspired me to do more for my school community. On a smaller community level, I was honored to become the first student to join the staff-led Sustainability Committee at my high school, where I helped tackle issues similar to those at the STC. Later that year, I co-founded Bellarmine’s first student-led environmental organization, The Sustainability Representatives (or, as we call ourselves, “The Reps”). This group connects the Bellarmine community by implementing sustainable practices on campus. We facilitate goal-setting, organize Action Days for beach cleanups, nurture native plants in our greenhouse, and host the annual Bellarmine Earth Extravaganza. These activities provide an opportunity to bond with my classmates, as well as illustrate real-world implications of sustainability. While this work brings me joy, it is rarely easy. All of these are examples of how I have taken advantage of the empty spaces I recognize. My education is key to the continuation of my work. On a broad level, I know that mitigating the effects of climate change will require monumental efforts, but change often starts small. Each challenge serves as a reminder that every action -- no matter how “big” or “small” -- carries a profound impact. About three years ago, I realized the impact a single person can make. I plan to pursue these endeavors throughout my college years. Not only does education make me more passionate about continuing my work, but the passion I hold for this work makes me want to learn more. This cycle feeds my desire to continue my higher education and reach for change across the world. The shores of my favorite beach will likely never look the same. Sea stars are recovering slowly, though disease still persists. I am determined that this species’ devastation will not be in vain. I will devote the rest of my life to working toward environmental justice, in the pursuit of a brighter future for all the earth’s species. My education will encourage me to continue.

Growing up in Mount Rainier’s shadow, I took for granted the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity. In sixth grade, while wandering along my favorite local beach, I noticed something out of place, or rather, something that should have been there, but was not. Where were the sea stars? Disease had spread rapidly among the population, drastically reducing their numbers. Despite their resilience in recent years, sea stars no longer flourish around the Puget Sound like they once did. Encountering this disaster sparked my commitment to conservation. Following sophomore year, I successfully sought a Camp Assistant position at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where I eagerly learned about animals and, critically, discovered what advocacy entails. Those few months provided my first opportunity to discuss conservation with the public, and I loved it. When summer came to a close, effectively ending my position, I felt adrift; but my passion had been ignited, and I knew this was the beginning, not the end, of my journey. This feeling fueled my search for other advocacy opportunities. In the fall of 2020, Mayor Victoria Woodards appointed me to the Youth Seat on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC), which advises the City Council on environmental policy. This position exposes me to the challenges of implementing change on a broader level. Many nights, I sit poring over a letter draft, or perfecting this year’s Climate Action Plan before public release. Seeing my efforts yield real change inspired me to do more for my school community. On a smaller community level, I was honored to become the first student to join the staff-led Sustainability Committee at my high school, where I helped tackle issues similar to those at the STC. Later that year, I co-founded Bellarmine’s first student-led environmental organization, The Sustainability Representatives (or, as we call ourselves, “The Reps”). This group connects the Bellarmine community by implementing sustainable practices on campus. We facilitate goal-setting, organize Action Days for beach cleanups, nurture native plants in our greenhouse, and host the annual Bellarmine Earth Extravaganza. These activities provide an opportunity to bond with my classmates, as well as illustrate real-world implications of sustainability. While this work brings me joy, it is rarely easy. Sometimes, the smallest goals present the greatest challenges. Encouraging students to compost, for instance, has proven to be an uphill battle. Waste is easy to see in the moment; envisioning its future effect is difficult. We acknowledge that others may not share our level of concern for the environment, which informs our focus on education. Despite setbacks, we Reps dedicate ourselves to creating positive change, even if only at Bellarmine. On a broader level, we know that mitigating the effects of climate change will require monumental efforts, but change often starts small. Each challenge serves as a reminder that every action -- no matter how “big” or “small” -- carries a profound impact. Similarly, each person has a meaningful role to play in securing a sustainable future for the local community, and for the world. The shores of my favorite beach will likely never look the same. Sea stars are recovering slowly, though disease still persists. I am determined that this species’ devastation will not be in vain. I will devote the rest of my life to working toward environmental justice, in the pursuit of a brighter future for all the earth’s species, whether they live near Mount Rainier, or far beyond.

Growing up in Mount Rainier’s shadow, I took for granted the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity. In sixth grade, while wandering along my favorite local beach, I noticed something out of place, or rather, something that should have been there, but was not. Where were the sea stars? Disease had spread rapidly among the population, drastically reducing their numbers. Despite their resilience in recent years, sea stars no longer flourish around the Puget Sound like they once did. Encountering this disaster sparked my commitment to conservation. Following sophomore year, I successfully sought a Camp Assistant position at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where I eagerly learned about animals and, critically, discovered what advocacy entails. Those few months provided my first opportunity to discuss conservation with the public, and I loved it. When summer came to a close, effectively ending my position, I felt adrift; but my passion had been ignited, and I knew this was the beginning, not the end, of my journey. This feeling fueled my search for other advocacy opportunities. In the fall of 2020, Mayor Victoria Woodards appointed me to the Youth Seat on the Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC), which advises the City Council on environmental policy. This position exposes me to the challenges of implementing change on a broader level. Many nights, I sit poring over a letter draft, or perfecting this year’s Climate Action Plan before public release. Seeing my efforts yield real change inspired me to do more for my school community. On a smaller community level, I was honored to become the first student to join the staff-led Sustainability Committee at my high school, where I helped tackle issues similar to those at the STC. Later that year, I co-founded Bellarmine’s first student-led environmental organization, The Sustainability Representatives (or, as we call ourselves, “The Reps”). This group connects the Bellarmine community by implementing sustainable practices on campus. We facilitate goal-setting, organize Action Days for beach cleanups, nurture native plants in our greenhouse, and host the annual Bellarmine Earth Extravaganza. These activities provide an opportunity to bond with my classmates, as well as illustrate real-world implications of sustainability. While this work brings me joy, it is rarely easy. Sometimes, the smallest goals present the greatest challenges. Encouraging students to compost, for instance, has proven to be an uphill battle. Waste is easy to see in the moment; envisioning its future effect is difficult. We acknowledge that others may not share our level of concern for the environment, which informs our focus on education. Despite setbacks, we Reps dedicate ourselves to creating positive change, even if only at Bellarmine. On a broader level, we know that mitigating the effects of climate change will require monumental efforts, but change often starts small. Each challenge serves as a reminder that every action -- no matter how “big” or “small” -- carries a profound impact. Similarly, each person has a meaningful role to play in securing a sustainable future for the local community, and for the world. The shores of my favorite beach will likely never look the same. Sea stars are recovering slowly, though disease still persists. I am determined that this species’ devastation will not be in vain. I will devote the rest of my life to working toward environmental justice, in the pursuit of a brighter future for all the earth’s species, whether they live near Mount Rainier, or far beyond.

My educational goals have always been high. As a child, I continually advanced through my math classes and fought for my place as one of the five seventh graders taking geometry at my middle school. My goals only grew, and my high school career has been geared towards college, specifically in building my resume. I took up extracurricular activities, including joining a theatre club, baking club, and leadership in my school's feminist club. Additionally, I had a burning passion for conservation and sustainability. Seeing as my school had no organization to support this, I created my own. Now, I am a co-president of the Sustainability Representatives, a student-led group dedicated to making sustainable policy change at my high school. As a freshman, I recognized the lack of sustainable practices Bellarmine partook in. I was concerned about whether or not our recycle bins were actually going into the recycle, or if our students contaminated them. I approached my biology teacher at that time, bringing my concerns to her, and she voiced that she also noticed these flaws. Within a month, we gathered a faculty group that was interested in helping address this problem. Currently, this group includes over twenty staff and faculty members that have paved the way for our school to become a leader in our city and a role model for other local schools. Attending a private school, I was always under the impression that funds were endless and that financial support would not be an issue for this committee; however, I was sorely mistaken. It took two years to convince administration to keep our greenhouse. Another year and a half went in to planning and proposing a greenhouse staff member position to run and maintain plants as well as coordinate greenhouse interconnectivity with the rest of the school (this mainly includes communicating with teachers and ensuring that class lessons are available in the greenhouse as well as growing food for the jesuits that live on-site). While none of these accomplishments came easy, my team persisted, despite receiving no financial support from our school. It was difficult to see that while many members of administration were in support of our ideas in theory, but would not make the final decision to give my group funding of any kind. Four years ago, I never would have been able to predict the impact my team and I have had on my school. I would have never been able to guess what speaking up for what you are passionate about can do. Eventually, with time and effort, we have made strides in reducing the carbon emissions of Bellarmine, but our work is never done. At the front of my mind, one idea persists: "You will not see the fruit of this seed." While I believe whole-heartedly that what I have accomplished thus far is important, I do believe it is merely a first step -- a shove in the right direction -- towards a greater sustainable future for my high school. I am not remorse at this loss, rather accepting of it, because I know that what I do here, and what I will continue doing everywhere is not for self-gratification or aggrandization, but Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (for the greater glory of God).