When I read about Thomas Griffin Wilson, his capacity to care deeply for others and his love for nature truly inspired and resonated with me. That quality to build deep and meaningful relationships is something I try to live by, and it has shaped almost everything I do. I was designated an unaccompanied homeless youth in high school after I began living on my own and supporting myself financially. It was a difficult chapter. Balancing school, bills, and two jobs left little room for sleep, let alone typical teenage milestones. But even then, what grounded me was not just survival, it was connection. Whether through mentoring younger students at my martial arts gym, forming bonds with coworkers who became like family, or tutoring kids over Zoom who were living in active war zones in Ukraine, I found a sense of purpose in showing up for others. I now coach kids at my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym, where I have helped shy or anxious students build confidence and resilience. I often translate for some of them since we share a language. I am a first-generation immigrant. I have watched them grow stronger not just physically, but emotionally. For some, the gym is the only place where they feel seen and safe, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. It was the same for me. At the same time, I am part of three research teams focused on environmental resilience. One is studying flood mitigation in St. Lucia, another is analyzing rockfall risks in glacial environments, and the third explores how to encourage green architecture in Portland. Like Thomas, I find fulfillment in nature and in seeking ways to give back to our planet. Science gives me tools to help vulnerable communities prepare for climate change. Compassion is what drives me to keep going, even when things are hard. Financial aid like this scholarship helps me afford school and protects the time I give to others. It means I do not have to choose between paying rent and volunteering. It allows me to keep coaching, tutoring, and conducting research that supports underserved communities. I am pursuing a dual degree in Environmental Science and Economics because I believe science and policy must work together to build more just and sustainable systems. What matters most to me are the relationships I build through my work. A young girl in my gym once told me, "I want to be strong like you." My Ukrainian student thanked me for "talking to me like I’m still a whole person." Those moments remind me that being present can change someone’s path. Receiving this scholarship would help me keep following that path with more stability and more time to give. I carry forward a lot of things from my past: resilience, drive, and a deep desire to give others what I once needed. But most of all, I carry care. And I want to use it to make a difference, just like Thomas did.