It's a fresh, sunny day, and a light breeze brushes you gently as you take in the warming rays of the sun. Many call this the perfect weather: not too hot with a cooling air that carries away the direct heat of the brilliant sun. It's easy to take this setting for granted, and as different situations damage our environment and alter our atmosphere, the call for understanding and action is louder than ever. Advocacy is one of our strongest tools, and it's become my aspiration to spread understanding to people around me and to stay involved as an advocate. Advocating for the environment corresponds to my efforts to educate others about the environment. There are many systems, cycles, and actions we must understand to effectively build our knowledge of the environment and strongly influence others to take action. To help others learn, I share my perspectives, findings, and ideas on environmental topics with the people around me. On social media, I post book reviews and stories covering sustainability practices and climate change. Semantics play a big part in getting information across to others, and with my casual social media approach I've helped create understanding in those who follow my platform. Determinately, education is a vital part of advocacy. Alongside my educational pursuits, I also actively participate in sustainable and conservation volunteering. I currently volunteer at my community garden, and I also help coordinate presentations and events for a club at my school named Green Artists. Having experience in these fields gives me a preview of what professional service could include. I value everything I learn and do in these groups, for they strengthen my efforts as an advocate. "You've reached the top of the mountain. Plant your flag, and leave a brief message." As I reflect on this motto, I recall important lessons taught to me by nature. There was always something in nature that grabbed my attention and showed me something new. The symbiosis of animals emphasized the importance of healthy relationships and interactions with people I meet. The stoic state and longevity of trees displayed the power of perseverance. As I take in my influences, I decided my message would be: “Open yourself up to the earth, because it has so much to teach you.” Learning is the heart of my character, and that is what I’d want everyone to hear from me at the top. To close, I reiterate the significance of advocacy for the environment. Being knowledgeable and involved are two things I strive to be and continue to be, for myself and others. I hope the people I influence will move towards upholding a sustainable future. The sunny days should last us a lifetime!

Books are the vault of learning, and reading is the key. Throughout my life, the books I've read shaped me into the person I am, morally and intellectually. From the youth fiction I read as a child to the environmental nonfiction I read as a teen, each book gave me a drop of wisdom and insight into the characteristics of the world. These books taught me how to be an active, curious, and understanding person in society, and these books have fueled my search for knowledge that will help change the world. A book I consider a staple in my education is "Evidence" by Mary Oliver. This piece of thoughtful, reflective poetry has shown me the guidance of nature and its influence on our emotional well-being. "Evidence" highlighted how the cycles and phenomena of nature demonstrate principles we as people should exhibit as well. There is so much we can learn from the world around us, and I can use that knowledge to further actualize ideas that will help communities throughout the world. "Evidence" reminded me of the fundamental principle of respecting others with its theme of reverence, and has inspired me to change the world in a respectful, humble manner. The other book that built up my knowledge and informed me on relevant topics is "The Heartbeat of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben. This nonfiction book addressed climate change & conservation by digging deep into our bonds with trees and discussing how close we truly are to them. While it referred to scientific research, it also appealed to the recreational affairs people participate in; both of these providing insight into forming a strong impact on the world. The world has so many different parts to understand, and gaining knowledge on these parts will strengthen my impact and make it more encompassing. "The Heartbeat of Trees" took this notion into account and used the intersecting parts of the world to confront an issue. Following this principle in my educational pursuits has led me to understand so much more about the world. Collectively, these books were a major step in forming my goals by teaching me to be an active, curious, and understanding person. Practicing the principles taught to me in these books has led me to think differently and act respectfully. The impact I can leave on the world is exponentially stronger thanks to the books I've read. These books are the keystone of my education, and I will never forget the lessons I've learned from them.