“Guys, you seriously have to be quieter! People are starting to stare at us!” “Well, it’s not my fault I can’t drift properly!” “Yeah, and I keep getting attacked by the CPUs…” My friend and I tried to make our teacher understand. There’s no thrill quite like playing a tournament of Mario Kart, and we couldn’t help but get overexcited. But our teacher, being our voice of reason, was quick to remind us that we weren’t in our basements; we were at a speech and debate tournament, representing our high school as we went head to head with other students across our district. She eventually convinced my friend and I to take a break from playing so we could calm down a little bit. All throughout middle and high school, I was a part of the speech and debate club. While competing in the tournaments was always lots of fun, my favorite part of any tournament was the inevitable games of Mario Kart that everyone would play together in between rounds. At these tournaments, there is a lot of downtime in between rounds that often leads to boredom; fortunately, our team quickly established a tradition of playing Mario Kart tournaments to keep ourselves entertained. We’d rotate bringing in a Nintendo Switch, and anyone who was waiting for a round was encouraged to join in a race. These Mario Kart tournaments are a treasured memory of mine from my time in school; from brutal losses to clinching victories and the journeys along the way, these moments playing Mario Kart with friends are exactly why Mario Kart is my favorite Nintendo game to play in co-op mode.

Hi! I'm Kylie, and I'm a freshman at SUNY ESF majoring in Wildlife Sciences. Since I was young, my parents have made it a priority to expose me to the natural wonders of our planet. From weekends out exploring the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades to camping excursions across the country, being out in the natural world has been an integral part of my life. I’ve watched unique wildlife, stargazed on a cloudless night, and felt the tranquility of sitting by a babbling creek in the middle of the woods. As a young child, these trips and treks served as a source of wonder; so many incredible things to see, and all in my backyard! As I grew older, I began to increasingly appreciate the intricacies of the world around me. There was, and still is, no shortage of inspiring things one can find if they simply step out into the wild spaces that surround them. However, there is also no shortage of dangers that threaten our natural world. Poaching and illegal wildlife trading, rising carbon emissions, and deforestation are just some of the perils that face our environment. These issues will continue to harm our Mother Earth and ultimately, us, if we don’t take collective action soon. Having witnessed first-hand the importance and wonder of our natural world, I feel a personal responsibility in helping heal our planet and ensuring it will survive for future generations. Specifically, I want to preserve wildlife and their precious habitats. This is why I intend to pursue a major in wildlife biology or a similar field. I plan to take advantage of the growing wildlife biology sector and work toward ensuring a brighter future for our world’s wildlife. I firmly believe that our lives would be quite boring and lack beauty if we lost the animals we share them with. Even without personal exposure to these creatures, they provide a sense of wonder and inspire us. For centuries, animals have held a special place in people’s hearts and have been respected as people realize how critical they are for the environment and ourselves. However, society has become increasingly unaware of the ramifications of excessive consumption of resources, including the effects it has on wildlife. By entering this field I ultimately hope to inspire. I hope that people will see the research and active efforts I put into preserving the environment and take a moment to reflect on their own lives. Even small actions can create big change, and if I can encourage people to simply reinstate some of the respect our Mother Nature commands, then I will feel accomplished. Of course, I aim to help create lasting change in terms of habitat and population management, but I believe that without individual change made by members of society, those efforts will be in vain. As a wildlife biologist, I wish to be the bridge between nature and society, offering viable solutions for both parties so our planet can be as productive and beautiful as ever. As a Latina in STEM, it gets difficult sometimes to keep working toward my career goals. I rarely see people like me trying to do the work I aspire to do, so it often makes me doubt myself. I begin to question whether or not I truly deserve to be in a STEM career, or if I'll be taken seriously once I do break into that career. Even though I sometimes feel doubtful about my abilities, I constantly strive to remind myself that I deserve to be in a STEM career as much as my non-minority peers.

Hi! I'm Kylie, and I'm a freshman at SUNY ESF majoring in Wildlife Sciences. Since I was young, my parents have made it a priority to expose me to the natural wonders of our planet. From weekends out exploring the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades to camping excursions across the country, being out in the natural world has been an integral part of my life. I’ve watched unique wildlife, stargazed on a cloudless night, and felt the tranquility of sitting by a babbling creek in the middle of the woods. As a young child, these trips and treks served as a source of wonder; so many incredible things to see, and all in my backyard! As I grew older, I began to increasingly appreciate the intricacies of the world around me. There was, and still is, no shortage of inspiring things one can find if they simply step out into the wild spaces that surround them. However, there is also no shortage of dangers that threaten our natural world. Poaching and illegal wildlife trading, rising carbon emissions, and deforestation are just some of the perils that face our environment. These issues will continue to harm Mother Earth and ultimately, us, if we don’t take collective action soon. Having witnessed first-hand the importance and wonder of our natural world, I feel a personal responsibility in helping heal our planet and ensuring it will survive for future generations. Specifically, I want to preserve wildlife and their precious habitats. This is why I intend to pursue a major in wildlife biology or a similar field. As someone who’s always appreciated hard facts and all things analytical, the sciences have always called to me as a potential career. When I was younger, I aspired to be a vet, though shortly after, I learned about zoology and it sounded like the perfect fit for me. Eventually, I heard about wildlife biology; it had all the research and learning of zoology, but I would get to be in the field seeing the direct impacts of my work. Wildlife biology sounded like a much more gratifying career to me, so it soon became my new aspiration for the future. I plan to take advantage of the growing wildlife biology sector and work toward ensuring a brighter future for our world’s wildlife. I firmly believe that our lives would be quite boring and lack beauty if we lost the animals we share them with. Even without personal exposure to these creatures, they provide a sense of wonder and inspire us. For centuries, animals have held a special place in people’s hearts and have been respected as people realize how critical they are for the environment and ourselves. However, society has become increasingly unaware of the ramifications of excessive consumption of resources, including the effects it has on wildlife. By entering this field I ultimately hope to inspire. I hope that people will see the research and active efforts I put into preserving the environment and take a moment to reflect on their own lives. Even small actions can create big change, and if I can encourage people to simply reinstate some of the respect our Mother Nature commands, then I will feel accomplished. Of course, I aim to help create lasting change in terms of habitat and population management, but I believe that without individual change made by members of society, those efforts will be in vain. As a wildlife biologist, I wish to be the bridge between nature and society, offering viable solutions for both parties so our planet can be as productive and beautiful as ever.

Hi! I'm Kylie, and I'm a freshman at SUNY ESF majoring in Wildlife Sciences. Since I was young, my parents have made it a priority to expose me to the natural wonders of our planet. From weekends out exploring the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades to camping excursions across the country, being out in the natural world has been an integral part of my life. I’ve watched unique wildlife, stargazed on a cloudless night, and felt the tranquility of sitting by a babbling creek in the middle of the woods. As I grew older, I began to increasingly appreciate the intricacies of the world around me. There was, and still is, no shortage of inspiring things one can find if they simply step out into the wild spaces that surround them. However, there is also no shortage of dangers that threaten our natural world. Poaching and illegal wildlife trading, rising carbon emissions, and deforestation are just some of the perils that face our environment. These issues will continue to harm our Mother Earth and ultimately, us, if we don’t take collective action soon. Having witnessed first-hand the importance and wonder of our natural world, I feel a personal responsibility in helping heal our planet and ensuring it will survive for future generations. Specifically, I want to preserve wildlife and their precious habitats. This is why I intend to pursue a major in wildlife biology or a similar field. As someone who’s always appreciated hard facts and all things analytical, the sciences have always called to me as a potential career. When I was younger, I aspired to be a vet, though shortly after, I learned about zoology and it sounded like the perfect fit for me. Eventually, I heard about wildlife biology; it had all the research and learning of zoology, but I would get to be in the field and see the direct impacts of my work. Wildlife biology sounded like a much more gratifying career to me, so it soon became my new aspiration for the future. I plan to take advantage of the growing wildlife biology sector and work toward ensuring a brighter future for our world’s wildlife. I firmly believe that our lives would be quite boring and lack beauty if we lost the animals we share them with. Even without personal exposure to these creatures, they provide a sense of wonder and inspire us. For centuries, animals have held a special place in people’s hearts and have been respected as people realize how critical they are for the environment and ourselves. However, society has become increasingly unaware of the ramifications of excessive consumption of resources, including the effects it has on wildlife. By entering this field I ultimately hope to inspire. I hope that people will see the research and active efforts I put into preserving the environment and take a moment to reflect on their own lives. Even small actions can create big change, and if I can encourage people to simply reinstate some of the respect our Mother Nature commands, then I will feel accomplished. Of course, I aim to help create lasting change in terms of habitat and population management, but I believe that without individual change made by members of society, those efforts will be in vain. As a wildlife biologist, I wish to be the bridge between nature and society, offering viable solutions for both parties so our planet can be as productive and beautiful as ever.

Since I was young, my parents have made it a priority to expose me to the natural wonders of our planet. From weekends out exploring the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades to camping excursions across the country, being out in the natural world has been an integral part of my life. I’ve watched unique wildlife, stargazed on a cloudless night, and felt the tranquility of sitting by a babbling creek in the middle of the woods. As I grew older, I began to increasingly appreciate the intricacies of the world around me. The composition of a pinecone, the care with which a rabbit nurses her young or even the sheer size of a tree that’s been growing for hundreds of years. There was, and still is, no shortage of inspiring things one can find if they simply step out into the wild spaces that surround them. However, there is also no shortage of dangers that threaten our natural world. Poaching and illegal wildlife trading, rising carbon emissions, and deforestation are just some of the perils that face our environment. These issues will continue to harm our Mother Earth and ultimately, us, if we don’t take collective action soon. Having witnessed first-hand the importance and wonder of our natural world, I feel a personal responsibility in helping heal our planet and ensuring it will survive for future generations. Specifically, I want to preserve wildlife and their precious habitats. This is why I intend to pursue a major in wildlife biology or a similar field. As someone who’s always appreciated hard facts and all things analytical, the sciences have always called to me as a potential career. When I was younger, I aspired to be a vet, though shortly after, I learned about zoology and it sounded like the perfect fit for me. Eventually, I heard about wildlife biology; it had all the research and learning of zoology, but I would get to be in the field and see the direct impacts of my work. Wildlife biology sounded like a much more gratifying career to me, so it soon became my new aspiration for the future. I plan to take advantage of the growing wildlife biology sector and work toward ensuring a brighter future for our world’s wildlife. I firmly believe that our lives would be quite boring and lack beauty if we lost the animals we share them with. Even without personal exposure to these creatures, they provide a sense of wonder and inspire us. For centuries, animals have held a special place in people’s hearts and have been respected as people realize how critical they are for the environment and ourselves. However, society has become increasingly unaware of the ramifications of excessive consumption of resources, including the effects it has on wildlife. By entering this field I ultimately hope to inspire. I hope that people will see the research and active efforts I put into preserving the environment and take a moment to reflect on their own lives. Even small actions can create big change, and if I can encourage people to simply reinstate some of the respect our Mother Nature commands, then I will feel accomplished. Of course, I aim to help create lasting change in terms of habitat and population management, but I believe that without individual change made by members of society, those efforts will be in vain. As a wildlife biologist, I wish to be the bridge between nature and society, offering viable solutions for both parties so our planet can be as productive and beautiful as ever.

Everyone knows the classic superhero arc that is Spiderman’s journey. Bitten by a radioactive spider, a seeming nobody suddenly becomes the town’s mysterious hero, saving the city left and right while still trying to make it through high school. And while Spiderman is undoubtedly a cool superhero, I often find myself more focused on the character of Peter Parker; namely, Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker. Coupling a passion for photography and MJ with the anxiety and social hierarchies of high school and being a new superhero, Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker is a lovable goofball who still instills trust in those watching as he swings through Queens. When watching the first Spiderman movie for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by Maguire’s interpretation of Peter. Having only seen Tom Holland’s Peter Parker, I felt like Maguire better captured what it feels like to be a social outcast amongst one’s peers. Through the beginning of the movie, before becoming Spiderman, Maguire’s Peter Parker can be seen accepting his fate as the chum of the high school food chain, choosing instead to hide behind his camera and watch his peers (and love, MJ) through a more comforting lens. I certainly could relate to this, seeing as throughout school I often hide behind my hobbies and extracurriculars as a way to “be engaged” with my peers but with limited interaction with them directly; so, it was refreshing to see this interpretation being brought to live, and I think Maguire did an excellent job through this. For these reasons, Tobey Maguire is my favorite actor to bring Spiderman to life.

Since I was young, my parents have made it a priority to expose me to the natural wonders of our planet. From weekends out exploring the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades to camping excursions across the country, being out in the natural world has been an integral part of my life. I’ve watched unique wildlife, stargazed on a cloudless night, and felt the tranquility of sitting by a babbling creek in the middle of the woods. As a young child, these trips and treks served as a source of wonder; so many incredible things to see, and all in my backyard! As I grew older, I began to increasingly appreciate the intricacies of the world around me. There was, and still is, no shortage of inspiring things one can find if they simply step out into the wild spaces that surround them. However, there is also no shortage of dangers that threaten our natural world. Poaching and illegal wildlife trading, rising carbon emissions, and deforestation are just some of the perils that face our environment. These issues will continue to harm our Mother Earth and ultimately, us, if we don’t take collective action soon. Having witnessed first-hand the importance and wonder of our natural world, I feel a personal responsibility in helping heal our planet and ensuring it will survive for future generations. Specifically, I want to preserve wildlife and their precious habitats. This is why I intend to pursue a major in wildlife biology or a similar field. As someone who’s always appreciated hard facts and all things analytical, the sciences have always called to me as a potential career. When I was younger, I aspired to be a vet, though shortly after, I learned about zoology and it sounded like the perfect fit for me. Eventually, I heard about wildlife biology; it had all the research and learning of zoology, but I would get to be in the field and see the direct impacts of my work. Wildlife biology sounded like a much more gratifying career to me, so it soon became my new aspiration for the future. I plan to take advantage of the growing wildlife biology sector and work toward ensuring a brighter future for our world’s wildlife. I firmly believe that our lives would be quite boring and lack beauty if we lost the animals we share them with. Even without personal exposure to these creatures, they provide a sense of wonder and inspire us. For centuries, animals have held a special place in people’s hearts and have been respected as people realize how critical they are for the environment and ourselves. However, society has become increasingly unaware of the ramifications of excessive consumption of resources, including the effects it has on wildlife. By entering this field I ultimately hope to inspire. I hope that people will see the research and active efforts I put into preserving the environment and take a moment to reflect on their own lives. Even small actions can create big change, and if I can encourage people to simply reinstate some of the respect our Mother Nature commands, then I will feel accomplished. Of course, I aim to help create lasting change in terms of habitat and population management, but I believe that without individual changes made by members of society, those efforts will be in vain. As a wildlife biologist, I wish to be the bridge between nature and society, offering viable solutions for both parties so our planet can be as productive and beautiful as ever.

Since I was young, my parents have made it a priority to expose me to the natural wonders of our planet. From weekends out exploring the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades to camping excursions across the country, being out in the natural world has been an integral part of my life. I’ve watched unique wildlife, stargazed on a cloudless night, and felt the tranquility of sitting by a babbling creek in the middle of the woods. As a young child, these trips and treks served as a source of wonder; so many incredible things to see, and all in my backyard! As I grew older, I began to increasingly appreciate the intricacies of the world around me. There was, and still is, no shortage of inspiring things one can find if they simply step out into the wild spaces that surround them. However, there is also no shortage of dangers that threaten our natural world. Poaching and illegal wildlife trading, rising carbon emissions, and deforestation are just some of the perils that face our environment. These issues will continue to harm our Mother Earth and ultimately, us, if we don’t take collective action soon. Having witnessed first-hand the importance and wonder of our natural world, I feel a personal responsibility in helping heal our planet and ensuring it will survive for future generations. Specifically, I want to preserve wildlife and their precious habitats. This is why I intend to pursue a major in wildlife biology or a similar field. As someone who’s always appreciated hard facts and all things analytical, the sciences have always called to me as a potential career. When I was younger, I aspired to be a vet, though shortly after, I learned about zoology and it sounded like the perfect fit for me. Eventually, I heard about wildlife biology; it had all the research and learning of zoology, but I would get to be in the field and see the direct impacts of my work. Wildlife biology sounded like a much more gratifying career to me, so it soon became my new aspiration for the future. I plan to take advantage of the growing wildlife biology sector and work toward ensuring a brighter future for our world’s wildlife. I firmly believe that our lives would be quite boring and lack beauty if we lost the animals we share them with. Even without personal exposure to these creatures, they provide a sense of wonder and inspire us. For centuries, animals have held a special place in people’s hearts and have been respected as people realize how critical they are for the environment and ourselves. However, society has become increasingly unaware of the ramifications of excessive consumption of resources, including the effects it has on wildlife. By entering this field I ultimately hope to inspire. I hope that people will see the research and active efforts I put into preserving the environment and take a moment to reflect on their own lives. Even small actions can create big change, and if I can encourage people to simply reinstate some of the respect our Mother Nature commands, then I will feel accomplished. Of course, I aim to help create lasting change in terms of habitat and population management, but I believe that without individual change made by members of society, those efforts will be in vain. As a wildlife biologist, I wish to be the bridge between nature and society, offering viable solutions for both parties so our planet can be as productive and beautiful as ever.

Having spent a large part of my life in South Florida, I’m all too familiar with the thrill of going to Disney World for a quick weekend getaway. Even without going to the parks, there was (and still is) no shortage of magic and joy my family and I could find there. While there are countless activities to keep oneself occupied for their vacation, I’ve found that what I admire most about Disney is the sanctuary it provides for families and friends alike. From its feel-good movies to be enjoyed at home to lounging by the pool at Saratoga Springs, Disney provides an escapism unparalleled to anything I’ve found so far in my life, and it’s what’s made me love Disney more and more through the years. As much as one may love visiting, stepping out to a Disney theme park is not always the most viable option. However, there is still magic to be found in the many beloved Disney movies at one’s disposal. From animated classics like Aladdin and Bambi to newer acquisitions such as Marvel and Star Wars films, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These movies not only bring about a sense of wonder but provide a sense of escape from the drudgeries of everyday life. Whenever work or school gets overwhelming, or I just need a break from my responsibilities, there’s nothing better to relieve my stress than exploring a whole new world on a magic carpet or going down a rabbit hole to drink tea with a white rabbit. Every once in a while, though, the opportunity arises where I can experience the magic of Disney first-hand and visit a theme park. As a child, I loved going to the parks and doing everything possible; riding rides, snapping photos with characters, eating Mickey-inspired treats, and perusing shops. As I grew up, though, I began to appreciate these visits as a chance to connect with my family more. Often life leaves us too busy to appreciate one another, so when we’re on these vacations it’s a chance for us to spend time together and reestablish those treasured connections we have with one another. My family also often heads to Disney for family reunion-style vacations, so now I correlate Disney parks with seeing my family and creating new memories with them. In short, when speaking of the magic of Disney, I always find the most appreciation for the escapism that Disney provides and the adventures I’ve had because of it.

It’s an unspoken truth that the worst sound on the planet isn’t nails on a chalkboard, a baby crying, or the constant drone of helicopters overhead: it’s a friend singing out of tune. Scratch that; it’s worse when the friend thinks they’re the next Beyonce. But how can one possibly hope to rid the word of such a cacophony when they’re the only one who seems to see (or rather hear) the troubling noises that plague the world? This is a problem I find myself wrestling with every day. I never thought that exploring my musical passions would create such a dilemma for me. In fact, I was rather excited to fine tune my craft and follow in the footsteps of some of my musical idols when I entered middle school band. Of course, performing music requires a certain level of precision, and, as a baby learns to walk, all musicians are taught how to read a tuner and play pitches to a tee. We’re taught to listen for inconsistencies in pitch, adjust them by ear, and sing random notes back to our teachers at a moment’s notice. While this is all extremely helpful in becoming a well rounded musician, one will quickly notice that it’s difficult to turn this ability off when outside the classroom. Suddenly, what was once a favorite live performance of an artist becomes a struggle to listen to as it’s noticed that they aren’t hitting the notes as well as they do on their studio recordings. Listening to the radio makes it hard to sit still as it’s noticed everything is pitched up a half-step. And karaoke nights aren’t as much fun as they used to be, because everyone is clearly singing the wrong notes; the worst part is, the performers don’t realize it half the time, and the audience seems unphased too. It makes one wonder if there’s something wrong with them: why isn’t anyone else bothered by this? Am I overreacting? Why can’t I stop hearing things this way? While it can be difficult to reconcile band class with everyday music and experiences, I remind myself that over the years, I have effectively created a sort of superpower for myself. Some may long to be able to fly, turn invisible, or read minds, and while those would all be amazing powers to have, I believe that all powers would be useless unless you believe in it and its ability to do great things for yourself. Everyday is special for me thanks to my superpower, because I’m able to bring band and music, which I love, into every part of my life. So, while I may not be the next Spiderman or Captain America, my ability makes life incredible for me, and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.

When I think of myself in the future, I envision someone who leads their life based on their passions around the environment and the joy found spending time around loved ones, and who always strives to make people feel like their needs and thoughts are heard and celebrated.

Since I was young, my parents have made it a priority to expose me to the natural wonders of our planet. From weekends out exploring the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades to camping excursions across the country, being out in the natural world has been an integral part of my life. As a young child, these trips and treks served as a source of wonder; so many incredible things to see, and all in my backyard! As I grew older, I began to increasingly appreciate the intricacies of the world around me. The composition of a pinecone, the care with which a rabbit nurses her young or even the sheer size of a tree that’s been growing for hundreds of years. There was, and still is, no shortage of inspiring things one can find if they simply step out into the wild spaces that surround them. However, there is also no shortage of dangers that threaten our natural world. Poaching and illegal wildlife trading, rising carbon emissions, and deforestation are just some of the perils that face our environment. These issues will continue to harm our Mother Earth and ultimately, us, if we don’t take collective action soon. Having witnessed first-hand the importance and wonder of our natural world, I feel a personal responsibility in helping heal our planet and ensuring it will survive for future generations. Specifically, I want to preserve wildlife and their precious habitats. This is why I intend to pursue a major in wildlife biology or a similar field. As someone who’s always appreciated hard facts and all things analytical, the sciences have always called to me as a potential career. When I was younger, I aspired to be a vet, though shortly after, I learned about zoology and it sounded like the perfect fit for me. Eventually, I heard about wildlife biology; it sounded like a much more gratifying career to me, so it soon became my new aspiration for the future. I plan to take advantage of the growing wildlife biology sector and work toward ensuring a brighter future for our world’s wildlife. I firmly believe that our lives would be quite boring and lack beauty if we lost the animals we share them with. Even without personal exposure to these creatures, they provide a sense of wonder and inspire us. For centuries, animals have held a special place in people’s hearts and have been respected as people realize how critical they are for the environment and ourselves. However, society has become increasingly unaware of the ramifications of excessive consumption of resources, including the effects it has on wildlife. By entering this field I ultimately hope to inspire. I hope that people will see the research and active efforts I put into preserving the environment and take a moment to reflect on their own lives. Even small actions can create big change, and if I can encourage people to simply reinstate some of the respect our Mother Nature commands, then I will feel accomplished. Of course, I aim to help create lasting change in terms of habitat and population management, but I believe that without individual change made by members of society, those efforts will be in vain. As a wildlife biologist, I wish to be the bridge between nature and society, offering viable solutions for both parties so our planet can be as productive and beautiful as ever.

So often in society, we hear about greenhouse gas emissions from electricity production and transportation and for good reason; the EPA estimates that over 50% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 were due to these two sectors alone. However, other areas of our lives contribute to emissions as well, including a less talked about sector; food. The EPA estimates that 11% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 were due to agriculture. While this may not seem like much, the effects of agriculture on the environment and climate change go far beyond the potent greenhouse gases released. For these reasons, I strive to fight climate change by following a plant-based diet. Producing meat is a very energy and resource-intensive process. From the food that is grown and harvested for the animals to the slaughtering and transportation of the meat, there is no climate-friendly step in meat production. And while some operations have experimented with carbon-neutral or carbon-negative meat production, it is not a practical solution as meat is consumed at high levels, and these strategies require land that is simply not available for larger-scale operations. Furthermore, carbon dioxide is not the only greenhouse gas involved in agriculture; methane, a gas more potent than CO2, is released in large amounts from livestock. The emissions that come from the agricultural sector and meat production are worth noting, and they can easily be reduced if more people chose to limit or eliminate meat from their diets. Of course, meat is not the only product of agriculture. Cheese, milk, butter and eggs are all products that come from emissions-heavy practices like meat production. Indeed, the same problems with meat production can be found in the production of these dairy products. Fortunately, these emissions can also be lowered if people minimized or eliminated their consumption of dairy products as well as meat. I firmly believe that changing our diets is the most effective way to combat climate change. We have complete control and a direct impact with what we put on our plates. When we choose not to eat that burger or those cheese curds, we are effectively reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and helping our planet. And while some might argue that it’s difficult to give up these animal products, I remind them that this isn’t an end-all, be-all solution for climate change. Many of the changes we need to see for our climate are larger than us, but we can certainly take steps that will help. I certainly can’t speak for others, but I know that I will continue fighting climate change by leading a plant-based diet.

In her novel Echo, Pam Munoz Ryan provides a heartwarming commentary on the power of friendship during challenging periods and the transformative power of music. Echo follows the story of three children—Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy—as they learn what it means to be human. Each child comes into the possession of a magic harmonica that provides comfort throughout stressful times. In a twist ending, the three are (unknowingly) united by their musical dreams. The first chapter follows Friedrich, a teen who dreams of conducting a symphony someday. He lives in increasingly Nazi Germany. A birthmark across his face leaves him vulnerable in a hypercritical world, but after discovering the harmonica, he gains confidence for a conservatory audition. What stands out most about Freidrich’s story is that he keeps faith in his dreams, even when those around him tell him not to do so. Despite opposition from others, he continues practicing conducting and nurturing his musical talent. Freidrich displays not only perseverance in following his dreams but also humility as he acknowledges his shortcomings. Chapter two follows Mike, an orphan who wants to join a traveling band and make a better life for himself and his brother, Frankie. (The two brothers became orphans at the end of the Great Depression.) Mike believes that he and Frankie are destined for improved circumstances, so he hatches many plans to escape the orphanage. He becomes inspired by a harmonica band that would cover room and board for performing; Mike works to secure a spot in the band for Frankie. He selflessly gives up the only remaining family member he has left, so that Frankie can have access to a brighter future. Chapter three follows Ivy, a young girl who moves to California with her family to look after a farm that is owned by an interned Japanese-American family at the start of WWII. Ivy is overwhelmed by discrimination, but thanks to the harmonica, she finds friendship and love in the bitterness. Ivy’s story is inspiring, as she uses her passions to bring people together. Although many people disapprove of her music and friendly advances, she continues honing her craft and inviting people into her life. This story is one full of heart and inspiration. It inspires empathy and compassion from its reader, something that I think the world can use more of. A beautiful, captivating story, I believe everyone should read Pam Munoz Ryan’s Echo.

Since I was young, my parents have made it a priority to expose me to the natural wonders of our planet. From weekends out exploring the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades to camping excursions across the country, being out in the natural world has been an integral part of my life. I’ve watched unique wildlife, stargazed on a cloudless night, and felt the tranquility of sitting by a babbling creek in the middle of the woods. As a young child, these trips and treks served as a source of wonder; so many incredible things to see, and all in my backyard! As I grew older, I began to increasingly appreciate the intricacies of the world around me. There was, and still is, no shortage of inspiring things one can find if they simply step out into the wild spaces that surround them. However, there is also no shortage of dangers that threaten our natural world. Poaching and illegal wildlife trading, rising carbon emissions, and deforestation are just some of the perils that face our environment. These issues will continue to harm our Mother Earth and ultimately, us, if we don’t take collective action soon. Having witnessed first-hand the importance and wonder of our natural world, I feel a personal responsibility in helping heal our planet and ensuring it will survive for future generations. Specifically, I want to preserve wildlife and their precious habitats. This is why I intend to pursue a major in wildlife biology or a similar field. As someone who’s always appreciated hard facts and all things analytical, the sciences have always called to me as a potential career. When I was younger, I aspired to be a vet, though shortly after, I learned about zoology and it sounded like the perfect fit for me. Eventually, I heard about wildlife biology; it had all the research and learning of zoology, but I would get to be in the field and see the direct impacts of my work. Wildlife biology sounded like a much more gratifying career to me, so it soon became my new aspiration for the future. I plan to take advantage of the growing wildlife biology sector and work toward ensuring a brighter future for our world’s wildlife. I firmly believe that our lives would be quite boring and lack beauty if we lost the animals we share them with. Even without personal exposure to these creatures, they provide a sense of wonder and inspire us. For centuries, animals have held a special place in people’s hearts and have been respected as people realize how critical they are for the environment and ourselves. However, society has become increasingly unaware of the ramifications of excessive consumption of resources, including the effects it has on wildlife. By entering this field I ultimately hope to inspire. I hope that people will see the research and active efforts I put into preserving the environment and take a moment to reflect on their own lives. Even small actions can create big change, and if I can encourage people to simply reinstate some of the respect our Mother Nature commands, then I will feel accomplished. Of course, I aim to help create lasting change in terms of habitat and population management, but I believe that without individual change made by members of society, those efforts will be in vain. As a wildlife biologist, I wish to be the bridge between nature and society, offering viable solutions for both parties so our planet can be as productive and beautiful as ever.

The summer before my senior year, I volunteered at a local botanic garden. The experience sounded like it would be loads of fun; indeed, getting to teach the public about the flora and fauna of our city, state, and even country seemed too good to be true. While the summer did prove to be a fruitful one, I would be lying if I said there weren't challenges that arose. Helping with summer camps and dealing with rambunctious children was strenuous, weeding for hours in the hot sun was tedious, and dealing with the masses that would come visit every day was certainly overwhelming. Although I couldn't exactly walk away from my duties, I understandably needed a break sometimes. It was in those free moments that I would slip away and visit the butterfly house; a serendipitous oasis that proved soothing even when I felt my worst. While in the butterfly house, I often tried to snap photos of the delicate gems housed within. I quickly learned that butterflies are fleeting creatures; recognizing the limited time they have to live, they scrambled around the blooms and fronds to maximize that time. Even though it resulted in many a poor photo, I admired these floating sprites and how persistent they were in keeping their lives worthwhile and exciting. Knowing full well these butterflies would only have a few weeks to live, my short-lived problems seemed to pale in comparison to the understanding of mortality that these creatures had. The attached photos serve as a reminder that a moment of tranquility and stillness can mean so much. While I am constantly appreciative of the sanctuary these butterflies created for me in my moments of stress, I use these photographed moments of calm to pay homage to their beautiful, fleeting lives. Let this collection serve as a reminder that the people, places, and things that we rely on for joy and comfort have struggles too, and they deserve our gratitude and reciprocated love. Because at the end of the day, we're all in the same boat, destined to sail over the same waterfall and meet our fates together.

I am from the Krusty Krab The grill a fiery inferno, ready to cook any burger Buns, pickles, lettuce, cheese A glorious plastic toy feast Fit for a king I am from the explorer My backpacking friend Who loved saying, “Hola!”, “Como estas?”, and “Canta conmigo!” With stars, frogs, And birds in hand I am from eating The kitchen a haven Full of grease, spices, laughing and love The results a tempting meal; Arroz, frijoles, yuca, mojo, Lasagna, postres and more A small meal to enjoy with others I am from cards The only weapons allowed On the battlefield of the dining room table With Hoovers, Dysons, and Sharks fired up Ready to take on the enemy. I am from memories A flood from the past Good and bad, all embraced here Through pictures of family; The living and lifeless, the familiar and foreign, But family nonetheless I am from Abuelita’s House

Since I was young, my parents have made it a priority to expose me to the natural wonders of our planet. As I grew older, I began to increasingly appreciate the intricacies of the world around me. There was, and still is, no shortage of inspiring things one can find if they simply step out into the wild spaces that surround them. However, there is also no shortage of dangers that threaten our natural world. These issues will continue to harm our Mother Earth and ultimately, us, if we don’t take collective action soon. Having witnessed first-hand the importance and wonder of our natural world, I feel a personal responsibility in helping heal our planet and ensuring it will survive for future generations. Specifically, I want to preserve wildlife and their precious habitats. This is why I intend to pursue a major in wildlife biology or a similar field. As someone who’s always appreciated hard facts and all things analytical, the sciences have always called to me as a potential career. A love of animals led me to veterinary science and zoology, but once I heard about wildlife biology, it sounded like a much more gratifying career. It had all the research and learning of zoology, but I would get to be in the field and see the direct impacts of my work. The wide array of wildlife that can be found all over the world constantly amazes me. I plan to take advantage of the growing wildlife biology sector and work toward ensuring a brighter future for our world’s wildlife. I firmly believe that our lives would be quite boring and lack beauty if we lost the animals we share them with. Even without personal exposure to these creatures, they provide a sense of wonder and inspire us. For centuries, animals have held a special place in people’s hearts and have been respected as people realize how critical they are for the environment and ourselves. With growing consumerism and a rise in technology, people have become disconnected with nature. Society has become increasingly unaware of the ramifications of excessive consumption of resources, including the effects it has on wildlife. By entering this field I ultimately hope to inspire. I hope that people will see the research and active efforts I put into preserving the environment and take a moment to reflect on their own lives. Even small actions can create big change, and if I can encourage people to simply reinstate some of the respect our Mother Nature commands, then I will feel accomplished. Of course, I aim to help create lasting change in terms of habitat and population management, but I believe that without individual change made by members of society, those efforts will be in vain. As a wildlife biologist, I wish to be the bridge between nature and society, offering viable solutions for both parties so our planet can be as productive and beautiful as ever.

Since I was young, my parents have made it a priority to expose me to the natural wonders of our planet. As I grew older, I began to increasingly appreciate the intricacies of the world around me. There was, and still is, no shortage of inspiring things one can find if they simply step out into the wild spaces that surround them. However, there is also no shortage of dangers that threaten our natural world. Poaching and illegal wildlife trading, rising carbon emissions, and deforestation are just some of the perils that face our environment. These issues will continue to harm our Mother Earth and ultimately, us, if we don’t take collective action soon. Having witnessed first-hand the importance and wonder of our natural world, I feel a personal responsibility in helping heal our planet and ensuring it will survive for future generations. Specifically, I want to preserve wildlife and their precious habitats. This is why I intend to pursue a major in wildlife biology or a similar field. The wide array of wildlife that can be found all over the world constantly amazes me. Unfortunately, there are the aforementioned dangers and more that are putting massive pressure on these beautiful creatures. I plan to take advantage of the growing wildlife biology sector and work toward ensuring a brighter future for our world’s wildlife. I firmly believe that our lives would be quite boring and lack beauty if we lost the animals we share them with. Even without personal exposure to these creatures, they provide a sense of wonder and inspire us. For centuries, animals have held a special place in people’s hearts and have been respected as people realize how critical they are for the environment and ourselves. With growing consumerism and a rise in technology, people have become disconnected with nature. Society has become increasingly unaware of the ramifications of excessive consumption of resources, including the effects it has on wildlife. By entering this field I ultimately hope to inspire. I hope that people will see the research and active efforts I put into preserving the environment and take a moment to reflect on their own lives. Even small actions can create big change, and if I can encourage people to simply reinstate some of the respect our Mother Nature commands, then I will feel accomplished. Of course, I aim to help create lasting change in terms of habitat and population management, but I believe that without individual change made by members of society, those efforts will be in vain. As a wildlife biologist, I wish to be the bridge between nature and society, offering viable solutions for both parties so our planet can be as productive and beautiful as ever.

Since I was young, my parents have made it a priority to expose me to the natural wonders of our planet. From weekends out exploring the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades to camping excursions across the country, being out in the natural world has been an integral part of my life. I’ve watched unique wildlife, stargazed on a cloudless night, and felt the tranquility of sitting by a babbling creek in the middle of the woods. As a young child, these trips and treks served as a source of wonder; so many incredible things to see, and all in my backyard! As I grew older, I began to increasingly appreciate the intricacies of the world around me. The composition of a pinecone, the care with which a rabbit nurses her young or even the sheer size of a tree that’s been growing for hundreds of years. There was, and still is, no shortage of inspiring things one can find if they simply step out into the wild spaces that surround them. However, there is also no shortage of dangers that threaten our natural world. Poaching and illegal wildlife trading, rising carbon emissions, and deforestation are just some of the perils that face our environment. These issues will continue to harm our Mother Earth and ultimately, us, if we don’t take collective action soon. Having witnessed first-hand the importance and wonder of our natural world, I feel a personal responsibility in helping heal our planet and ensuring it will survive for future generations. Specifically, I want to preserve wildlife and their precious habitats. This is why I intend to pursue a major in wildlife biology or a similar field. The wide array of wildlife that can be found all over the world constantly amazes me. I plan to take advantage of the growing wildlife biology sector and work toward ensuring a brighter future for our world’s wildlife. I firmly believe that our lives would be quite boring and lack beauty if we lost the animals we share them with. Even without personal exposure to these creatures, they provide a sense of wonder and inspire us. And yet, growing consumerism and a rise in technology, people have become disconnected with nature. Society has become increasingly unaware of the ramifications of excessive consumption of resources, including the effects it has on wildlife. By entering this field I ultimately hope to inspire. I hope that people will see the research and active efforts I put into preserving the environment and take a moment to reflect on their own lives. Even small actions can create big change, and if I can encourage people to simply reinstate some of the respect our Mother Nature commands, then I will feel accomplished. Of course, I aim to help create lasting change in terms of habitat and population management, but I believe that without individual change made by members of society, those efforts will be in vain. As a wildlife biologist, I wish to be the bridge between nature and society, offering viable solutions for both parties so our planet can be as productive and beautiful as ever.

Since I was young, my parents have made it a priority to expose me to the natural wonders of our planet. From weekends out exploring the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades to camping excursions across the country, being out in the natural world has been an integral part of my life. I’ve watched unique wildlife, stargazed on a cloudless night, and felt the tranquility of sitting by a babbling creek in the middle of the woods. As I grew older, I began to increasingly appreciate the intricacies of the world around me. There was, and still is, no shortage of inspiring things one can find if they simply step out into the wild spaces that surround them. However, there is also no shortage of dangers that threaten our natural world. Having witnessed first-hand the importance and wonder of our natural world, I feel a personal responsibility in helping heal our planet and ensuring it will survive for future generations. Specifically, I want to preserve wildlife and their precious habitats. This is why I intend to pursue a major in wildlife biology or a similar field. As someone who’s always appreciated hard facts and all things analytical, the sciences have always called to me as a potential career. When I was younger, I aspired to be a vet, though once I thought about operating on animals, those dreams quickly faded. Shortly after, I learned about zoology and it sounded like the perfect fit for me until I heard about wildlife biology. It had all the research and learning of zoology, but I would get to be in the field and see the direct impacts of my work. Wildlife biology sounded like a much more gratifying career to me, so it soon became my new aspiration for the future. I plan to take advantage of the growing wildlife biology sector and work toward ensuring a brighter future for our world’s wildlife. I firmly believe that our lives would be quite boring and lack beauty if we lost the animals we share them with. Even without personal exposure to these creatures, they provide a sense of wonder and inspire us. For centuries, animals have held a special place in people’s hearts and have been respected as people realize how critical they are for the environment and ourselves. With growing consumerism and a rise in technology, people have become disconnected with nature. Society has become increasingly unaware of the ramifications of excessive consumption of resources, including the effects it has on wildlife. By entering this field I ultimately hope to inspire. I hope that people will see the research and active efforts I put into preserving the environment and take a moment to reflect on their own lives. Even small actions can create big change, and if I can encourage people to simply reinstate some of the respect our Mother Nature commands, then I will feel accomplished. Of course, I aim to help create lasting change in terms of habitat and population management, but I believe that without individual change made by members of society, those efforts will be in vain. As a wildlife biologist, I wish to be the bridge between nature and society, offering viable solutions for both parties so our planet can be as productive and beautiful as ever.

Since I was young, my parents have made it a priority to expose me to the natural wonders of our planet. As I grew older, I began to increasingly appreciate the intricacies of the world around me. There was, and still is, no shortage of inspiring things one can find if they simply step out into the wild spaces that surround them. However, there is also no shortage of dangers that threaten our natural world. Poaching and illegal wildlife trading, rising carbon emissions, and deforestation are just some of the perils that face our environment. These issues will continue to harm our Mother Earth and ultimately, us, if we don’t take collective action soon. Having witnessed first-hand the importance and wonder of our natural world, I feel a personal responsibility in helping heal our planet and ensuring it will survive for future generations. Specifically, I want to preserve wildlife and their precious habitats. This is why I intend to pursue a major in wildlife biology or a similar field. As someone who’s always appreciated hard facts and all things analytical, the sciences have always called to me as a potential career. When I was younger, I aspired to be a vet, though once I thought about operating on animals, those dreams quickly faded. Shortly after, I learned about zoology and it sounded like the perfect fit for me until I heard about wildlife biology. It had all the research and learning of zoology, but I would get to be in the field and see the direct impacts of my work. Wildlife biology sounded like a much more gratifying career to me, so it soon became my new aspiration for the future. The wide array of wildlife that can be found all over the world constantly amazes me. From massive blue whales and vicious king cobras to playful cuttlefish and speedy peregrine falcons, there is no shortage of uniqueness that can be found in the animal kingdom. Unfortunately, there are the aforementioned dangers and more that are putting massive pressure on these beautiful creatures. I plan to take advantage of the growing wildlife biology sector and work toward ensuring a brighter future for our world’s wildlife. I firmly believe that our lives would be quite boring and lack beauty if we lost the animals we share them with. Even without personal exposure to these creatures, they provide a sense of wonder and inspire us. For centuries, animals have held a special place in people’s hearts and have been respected as people realize how critical they are for the environment and ourselves. With growing consumerism and a rise in technology, people have become disconnected with nature. Society has become increasingly unaware of the ramifications of excessive consumption of resources, including the effects it has on wildlife. By entering this field I ultimately hope to inspire. I hope that people will see the research and active efforts I put into preserving the environment and take a moment to reflect on their own lives. Even small actions can create big change, and if I can encourage people to simply reinstate some of the respect our Mother Nature commands, then I will feel accomplished. Of course, I aim to help create lasting change in terms of habitat and population management, but I believe that without individual change made by members of society, those efforts will be in vain. As a wildlife biologist, I wish to be the bridge between nature and society, offering viable solutions for both parties so our planet can be as productive and beautiful as ever.

Being a student is hard. Between going to classes, our time is filled with homework and studying for tests, while also trying to cram in extracurriculars, hobbies, and time for ourselves. It can feel like a lot sometimes, which is why it's so important for students to look after their health even while in school. While at school, there are several strategies I employ to maintain my nutritional, mental, and physical health. Focusing on nutritional health, I usually prepare my own lunches and snacks. Over the weekend, I plan out a menu for what I'll pack every day and prepare as much as possible in advance so I'm not scrambling every morning to put something together. I try to use leftovers from dinners for most of my meals so that it's really easy to prepare and I know I'm limiting my food waste if I eat what I've already made. If I do make something new, I make sure it's easy to transport and eat in a short amount of time. Since I'm vegetarian, I pack myself more plant-based lunches, focusing on including at least one fruit and one veggie as a snack in addition to my main course. Focusing on mental health, I make sure I take regular breaks throughout the school day and after school while doing homework so that I don't burn out. I make time for myself at lunch to make sure I'm connecting with friends and enjoying my meal instead of scrambling to cram in that last bit of work before class. After school, I prioritize checking in with my family and helping around the house before I settle in to do homework. And although I participate in a lot of extracurriculars, I balance them out with spending time with family and friends on the weekends and days off of school. While it can be hard to remember to take a step back sometimes, I remind myself that I'll perform better if I take a couple of minutes to breathe instead of going nonstop for 8 hours. And this has certainly held true; I've gotten better grades and gotten more out of school when I'm completely mentally present and am aware of how I'm feeling instead of putting on the blinders and pushing through until I'm exhausted. Focusing on physical health, I must confess this is my weakest area when it comes to wellness. I often don't actively pursue physical activity outside of what I may get just going through my day. However, there are some things I do that help keep me healthy. I avoid drinking and smoking/vaping, even if people around me are doing it. I walk when possible, both in and out of school, so choosing to take the stairs instead of an elevator or walking to a nearby store instead of driving. I stand whenever possible, especially after sitting for long periods of time doing homework or being in class. All in all, there are several strategies I employ to maintain my nutritional, mental, and physical health while at school.

We've all heard the adage, "you can't pour from an empty cup". In a society that's beginning to put more emphasis on looking after mental health, it's important to remember why people need to take some time and evaluate how they're feeling. The best way one can show up for others is by making sure they show up for themselves first, and looking after mental health is the easiest and most effective way to do that. One way to maintain mental health that I use is listening to music. Over the years I've curated playlists that represent every emotion. If I'm trying to get out of a funk or am really happy and want to keep the feeling going, I'll play the playlist that matches that emotion. Listening to these curated tune help put me in a good mindset and set me up for success. Sometimes I find that I have emotions I can't put into a song that's already been produced, so I'll write my own lyrics or compose my own music. Just getting what I'm feeling out is a nice way to take a step back and assess how I'm feeling. Another mental health management technique I use is making art. I love being creative and sometimes the best way for me to express myself is getting elbow deep in paint and glue and making something. I especially enjoy coloring, as it's a great stress reliever and I'm able to be creative without too much thought or planning. Similar to occasionally writing music to express my emotions, I use random art projects to converse with others and myself when words fail. Having the chance for me to better get to know myself is a great feeling, and one that I actively seek out when using these techniques.

It's always a point of pride for my parents to tell the story of when they first got our family dog. They knew a friend who happened to have a litter of puppies recently born, so they met with them and selected a small beige pup of an unknown breed. My parents had planned on having two dogs, the beige one they selected, and another white one, which were to be named Bagel and Cream Cheese, respectively. However, only a few weeks after Bagel was welcomed home, my parents got news that another creature would shortly be living with them ; me, the first born child of our quickly growing family. Maybe it was because we became family at such close times, but Bagel and I were always there for each other. There are several photos in family albums that show me casually crawling into his cage just because I could fit and wanted a snuggle buddy. Although I eventually outgrew the cage, my younger brother quickly filled my place as he learned to love our pooch as I did. And even when our immediate family was done growing, we soon had a baby cousin with whom we could instill our love of dogs. Bagel was the perfect way to do so, and he always patiently put up with our crazy antics. Not all times with Bagel were sunshine and rainbows, though. Sometimes the little rascal would sneak out and run away from home for a few days before he returned. One time sticks out above the rest; my family and I had just found out that we were going to be moving across the country, and a few weeks later, Bagel slipped out of the house. He was missing for almost a month, and we furiously searched for him because we didn't want to have to leave a family member behind as we made our cross-country trip. Much to our relieve, we did eventually find him, but during his absence I found new meaning in the phrase "absence makes the heart grow fonder". Bagel passed in March 2020, but I can still hear him pattering down the hall or running up to be pet by whoever is nearby. While it is a cliched expression, a dog really is a man's best friend, and I never would have known that had I not had Bagel in my life. His unconditional love was able to brighten even the darkest days, and even when he was naughty, you could see in his eyes that he was sorry. I'm sure that Bagel won't be the last dog to enter my life, but I am so grateful that I am able to call him my first dog, friend, and family.

It’s an unspoken truth that the worst sound on the planet isn’t nails on a chalkboard, a baby crying, or the constant drone of helicopters overhead: it’s a friend singing out of tune. Scratch that; it’s worse when the friend thinks they’re the next Beyoncé. But how can one possibly hope to rid the word of such a cacophony when they’re the only one who seems to see (or rather hear) the troubling noises that plague the world? This is a problem I find myself wrestling with every day. I never thought that exploring my musical passions would create such a dilemma for me. In fact, I was rather excited to fine tune my craft and follow in the footsteps of some of my musical idols when I entered middle school band. Choosing to play the clarinet left me feeling inspired, thrilled even, to find a new creative outlet. Of course, performing music requires a certain level of precision, and, as a baby learns to walk, all musicians are taught how to read a tuner and play pitches to a tee. We’re taught to listen for inconsistencies in pitch, adjust them by ear, and sing random notes back to our teachers at a moment’s notice. While this is all extremely helpful in becoming a well rounded musician, one will quickly notice that it’s difficult to turn this ability off when outside the classroom. Suddenly, what was once a favorite live performance of an artist becomes a struggle to listen to as it’s noticed that they aren’t hitting the notes as well as they do on their studio recordings. Listening to the radio makes it hard to sit still as it’s noticed everything is pitched up a half-step. And karaoke nights aren’t as much fun as they used to be, because everyone is clearly singing the wrong notes; the worst part is, the performers don’t realize it half the time, and the audience seems unphased too. It makes one wonder if there’s something wrong with them: why isn’t anyone else bothered by this? Am I overreacting? Why can’t I stop hearing things this way? While it can be difficult to reconcile band class with everyday music and experiences, I remind myself that over the years, I have effectively created a sort of superpower for myself. Some may long to be able to fly, turn invisible, or read minds, and while those would all be amazing powers to have, I believe that all powers would be useless unless you believe in it and its ability to do great things for yourself. Everyday is special for me thanks to my superpower, because I’m able to bring band and music, which I love, into every part of my life, elevating everything to new heights. So, while I may not be the next Spiderman or Captain America, my ability makes life incredible for me, and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.

Since I was young, my parents have made it a priority to expose me to the natural wonders of our planet. As I grew older, I began to increasingly appreciate the intricacies of the world around me. There was, and still is, no shortage of inspiring things one can find if they simply step out into the wild spaces that surround them. However, there is also no shortage of dangers that threaten our natural world. Poaching and illegal wildlife trading, rising carbon emissions, and deforestation are just some of the perils that face our environment. These issues will continue to harm our Mother Earth and ultimately, us, if we don’t take collective action soon. Having witnessed first-hand the importance and wonder of our natural world, I feel a personal responsibility in helping heal our planet and ensuring it will survive for future generations. Specifically, I want to preserve wildlife and their precious habitats. This is why I intend to pursue a major in wildlife biology or a similar field. By entering this field I ultimately hope to inspire. I hope that people will see the research and active efforts I put into preserving the environment and take a moment to reflect on their own lives. Even small actions can create big change, and if I can encourage people to simply reinstate some of the respect our Mother Nature commands, then I will feel accomplished. Of course, I aim to help create lasting change in terms of habitat and population management, but I believe that without individual change made by members of society, those efforts will be in vain. As a wildlife biologist, I wish to be the bridge between nature and society, offering viable solutions for both parties so our planet can be as productive and beautiful as ever. To me, diversity in the workplace is key to solving problems in a modern world. We live in a society that is constantly evolving, and to best serve it, our workplaces need to evolve as well. By encouraging a more diverse workplace, we invite the perspectives and experiences of all walks of life. This in turn allows for more thoughtful representative products, services, and solutions for society. Ensuring that the workplace looks like society does creates a place with optimal service as people feel respected and valued for their experiences and knowledge. In short, a diverse workplace makes certain that different people are not only represented in society but respected and celebrated for the uniqueness they bring.