As Black Women, I believe it is not our job to cater to everyone and try to make them understand us. Often we do get stuck with the job of helping others achieve their goals without getting credit ourselves. In contrast, as Black women, I believe that it is our job to stand out and fight the norms of society, especially in the workplace. My dream is, with the help of a college degree, to become an Environmental Engineer. Engineering being a male-dominated major does not intimidate me, but it does sadden me. I will address challenges in the workplace by holding people accountable, Using my voice, and never blaming myself for others' lack of understanding. Being unapologetically you in the workplace is how we fight sexism and racism. As Black women, we have to remove the layers of doubt and unworthiness that society has thrown on us and embrace ourselves in every form we come in. Also, I feel another way to evade the toxicity of masculinity in White America is to create our own businesses and companies and dislodge ourselves. Until then, I will be going to University. After I graduate, I hope to find a job that allows me to exercise my studies in Environmental Engineering to better ecosystems/ communities worldwide. As an Environmental Engineer, I want to say I did right by the habitat and its inhabitants. My long-term goals include going back to University for a master's degree in International relations and taking the FSOT to become a U.S Diplomat. I will continue to be an Activist, a Feminist, and a rule-breaker in all of my upcoming adventures. Being a Feminist to me means standing with Women and supporting them. Being an Activist means standing up for the disadvantaged and actively doing something to help them. Being a rule-breaker means never be comfortable with the way things are, seek change for the better, and never settle. In conclusion, I promise to hammer down the tiniest crack in the glass ceiling. I would say to all women be fluid, be gentle, be competitive, be bossy, be aggressive, be polite. Do what you want, fight inequality by being yourself, fight sexism by breathing air, and one day due to our strength and numbers, we will not be defined or bound by gender roles and harmful stereotypes. In the end, intersectionality is our strength, and we deserve respect, admiration, and love because we are equals.

Moving from my hometown in North Carolina to rural Alaska as a fourteen-year-old was an event that sparked a series of personal growth experiences for me. Bethel is a great cultural place filled with Yupik influence. Living here has taught me to cherish my surroundings and let myself be unapologetically creative with my work. Talking to local elders, whether in the grocery store, at Saturday market, or in school, I admire their loyalty towards preserving their culture. Becoming an ally to the Alaska Native community from an already rich culture being a Black teen has given me a purpose that I had not received ever before. I now know that I want to focus on majoring in Environmental Engineering and a minor in International Relations. Comparatively, I feel both of these areas of study require awareness, which I have been striving towards for myself, others, and my ecosystem. The awareness that living in Alaska has helped me develop. I also feel these areas of study coincide because to know how to fix one's environment; You must understand how they treat their environment and the culture/past behind it. I began to prepare for my college career in Engineering by applying to ANSEP. In 2019, I was accepted into the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program. Hosted by the University Of Alaska Anchorage every year, students can take college math courses. I had begun to admire this program because I saw how my friends had excelled at math. This year, I will have a summer internship through the Anchorage University to learn more about sustainability and forest preservation. I have taken Spanish classes since I was a middle schooler. In preparation to one day travel as an Engineer, I will be continuing my Spanish-speaking education in college. In conclusion, during my career as an Environmental Engineer, I want to say I did right by the habitat and its inhabitants.

Moving from my hometown in North Carolina to rural Alaska as a fourteen-year-old was an event that sparked a series of personal growth experiences for me. Bethel is a great cultural place filled with Yupik influence. Living here has taught me to cherish my surroundings and let myself be unapologetically creative with my work. Talking to local elders, whether in the grocery store, at Saturday market, or in school, I admire their loyalty towards preserving their culture. Becoming an ally to the Alaska Native community from an already rich culture being a Black teen has given me a purpose that I had not received ever before. I now know that I want to focus on majoring in Environmental Engineering and a minor in International Relations. Comparatively, I feel both of these areas of study require awareness, which I have been striving towards for myself, others, and my ecosystem. The awareness that living in Alaska has helped me develop. I also feel these areas of study coincide because to know how to fix one's environment; You must understand how they treat their environment and the culture/past behind it. I began to prepare for my college career in Engineering by applying to ANSEP. In 2019, I was accepted into the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program. Hosted by the University Of Alaska Anchorage every year, students can take college math courses. I had begun to admire this program because I saw how my friends had excelled at math. This year, I will have a summer internship through the Anchorage University to learn more about sustainability and forest preservation. I have taken Spanish classes since I was a middle schooler. In preparation to one day travel as an Engineer, I will be continuing my Spanish-speaking education in college. In conclusion, during my career as an Environmental Engineer, I want to say I did right by the habitat and its inhabitants.

Becoming an Environmental Engineer means creating the future I would like to see, making the world I would love to live in. Letting myself be one with the world, when I give back to it, will provide me with what it always has- Life. I now know that I want to focus on majoring in Environmental Engineering and a minor in International Relations. Since the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, I have become engrossed with the history of race relations in America, which has sparked my interest in the academic subject that is history. Being the only Black person in the room has made me push certain class topics to become more inclusive. Out of the classroom, I watch documentaries, watch the news, sign petitions, and read books to consume needed information about political and social issues. Discovering this new fondness of history has made me also want to pursue a career in International affairs/ political science. I hope to one day help make history. Comparatively, I feel both of these areas of study require awareness, which I have been striving towards for myself, others, and my ecosystem. The awareness that living in Alaska has helped me develop. I also feel these areas of study coincide because to know how to fix one's environment; You must understand how they treat their environment and the culture/past behind it. I plan to contribute to the Earth's glory by getting that college degree and using it to protect, clean, and cultivate. As an Environmental Engineer, I want to say I did right by the habitat and its inhabitants. I believe this scholarship will set me on the right path for the future and help me become the Engineer and activist I dream of someday. Until then, I will keep practicing sustainability in my daily life, using reusable bags, going to clean ocean ups, recycling, supporting small BIPOC businesses, supporting environmental organizations, and learning as much as I possibly can to help build a more verdant, inclusive, and beautiful future for this world in my time here on it.

Moving from my hometown in North Carolina to rural Alaska as a fourteen-year-old Black girl was an event that sparked a series of personal growth experiences for me. Bethel is a great cultural place filled with Yupik influence. Living here has taught me to cherish my surroundings and let myself be unapologetically creative with my work. Talking to local elders, whether in the grocery store, at Saturday market, or in school, I admire their loyalty towards preserving their culture. I can recall the freshman year that my teacher accompanied me to my first Cama-i dance festival to see the Heart of The Drums. There he asked what I had learned about the drums and the song they played. I said I had learned the drums song was to heal. Becoming an ally to the Alaska Native community from an already rich culture being a Black teen has given me a purpose that I had not received ever before. I now know that I want to focus on majoring in Environmental Engineering and a minor in International Relations. Comparatively, I feel both of these areas of study require awareness, which I have been striving towards for myself, others, and my ecosystem. The awareness that living in Alaska has helped me develop. I also feel these areas of study coincide because to know how to fix one's environment; You must understand how they treat their environment and the culture/past behind it.

"Carpe diem. Seize the day. Boys, make your life extraordinary," quoted by John Keating in Dead Poets Society. This quote reminds me to live in the moment, no matter who's watching, no matter the consequence. It is a quote I want to live by because it's everything I want for my future self. I want an extraordinary life that doesn't mean being rich, that doesn't mean being married. To me, living an extraordinary life means living for you. My emotional goals are to get to know myself and others better. My physical goal is to go to college, succeed, and grow mentally. Since this quote has come into my life, it has changed my relationship with my body, food, health, friends, and family. Being quarantined away from everyone, you get into a routine with yourself, by yourself. Carpe diem has allowed me to try new things, shake up my routine, call my family/ friends every day, tell people I love them, tell myself that I love me, and for that, I am thankful.

The subjects that inspire me are science, particularly earth and social sciences. Earth science taught me that the planet goes in a cycle and that everything has a balance. I have furthered my interest in science in school by taking AP biology and enrolling myself in a STEM summer program called ANSEP. In the year 2019, I was accepted into the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program. Hosted by the University Of Alaska Anchorage every year, students can take college math courses. My friends had mentioned this program to me. I had begun to admire this program because I saw how my friends had excelled at math. So I applied, entering ANSEP. I was enrolled in a beginner college math course, which I felt was too easy for me. I then decided to retake the placement test after failing to get the score needed to get into the precalculus course. The third time was indeed a charm. The Precalculus course was challenging, but with friends and guides to help, it was a breeze and improved my time management skills. Learning about matrices and Logarthrims prepared me for my junior year trig and pre-calc classes. ANSEP, for me, was an awakening experience. I met FBI agents, Pharmacists, and college students. Having once wanted to be a Pharmacist, seeing them in action was extremely impressive and inspiring. Looking back on it, the classes were challenging. STEM is challenging, but that's why I want to make a career out of it because every day, I know I will be challenged and learn something new. I am eager to learn because ANSEP/ Alaska has taught me that knowledge is never out of reach, STEM is fun, and I am thankful. I have researched jobs/majors in earth science out of the classroom, and I've become extremely passionate about Environmental Engineering. Also, living in such a rich land like Alaska has made me realize that our environment matters, and I want to help keep it healthy and efficient.

The problem that interests me the most about climate change is how much humans contribute to it throughout our everyday routines. The sad truth is that one day the effects of climate change will be irreversible. Many of the earth's inhabitants don't know when that day will come. In my opinion, the earth's death date will be approaching soon if humans keep up the vicious cycle. I believe if you live in something, you should take care of it. In my own life, I try to practice awareness and accountability. If I see a more sustainable task that is obtainable to me, then I do it. I want to stress that it's our responsibility to acknowledge what we have done to the environment, practice sustainability in our daily lives, help where we can, and fix what has been broken. On my social platforms, I try to promote shopping at thrift stores/ secondhand, using reusable bags, going to ocean clean-ups. I now want to pursue a career in environmental engineering. So I can help make sure the world and its people are healthy and clean. The potential solutions that I'm excited about, especially in my engineering field, are how future technology will partner with nature. I'm excited about our new plan against climate change under the Biden and Harris administration. I am excited to work on myself and my lifestyle. I will also think about creating the future I would like to see, making the world I would like to live in. Letting myself be one with the world, hoping that it will provide me with what it always has- Life.

I candidly believe that what makes me stand out is my journey, and how I got to where I am now mentally, physically, and emotionally. Moving from my hometown in North Carolina to rural Alaska as a fourteen-year-old was an event that sparked a series of personal growth experiences for me. Bethel is a great cultural place filled with Yupik influence. Living here has taught me to cherish my surroundings and let myself be unapologetically creative with my work. Talking to local elders, whether in the grocery store, at Saturday market, or in school, I admire their loyalty towards preserving their culture. I can recall the freshman year that my teacher accompanied me to my first Cama-i dance festival to see the Heart of The Drums. There he asked what I had learned about the drums and the song they played. I said I had learned the drums song was to heal. Becoming an ally to the Alaska Native community from an already rich culture being a Black teen has given me a purpose that I had not received ever before. I now know that I want to focus on majoring in Environmental Engineering and a minor in International Relations. Comparatively, I feel both of these areas of study require awareness, which I have been striving towards for myself, others, and my ecosystem. The awareness that living in Alaska has helped me develop. I also feel these areas of study coincide because to know how to fix one's environment; You must understand how they treat their environment and the culture/past behind it.

My passions include environmental engineering, fine arts, history. I want to focus on majoring in Environmental Engineering and a minor in International Relations. Comparatively, I feel both of these areas of study require awareness, which I have been striving towards for myself, others, and my ecosystem. The awareness that living in Alaska has helped me develop. I also feel these areas of study coincide because to know how to fix one's environment; You must understand how they treat their environment and the culture/past behind it. I have taken multiple art classes focusing on fine arts such as drawing, ceramics, and painting. I have spent my time painting on various canvases like shoes, clothing and doing a mural wall in my community throughout quarantine. Recently a family friend has hired me to do a painting for her home. I use my social accounts to promote and uplift mental health topics targeted towards communities of color. Since the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, I have become engrossed with the history of race relations in America, which has sparked my interest in history's academic subject. Being the only Black person in the room has made me push specific class topics to become more inclusive. Out of the classroom, I watch documentaries, watch the news, sign petitions, and read books to consume needed information about political and social issues. Discovering this new fondness of history has made me also want to pursue a career in International affairs/ political science. I hope to one day help make history.

I candidly believe that what makes me stand out is my journey and how I got to where I am now mentally, physically, and emotionally. Moving from my hometown in North Carolina to rural Alaska as a fourteen-year-old was an event that sparked a series of personal growth experiences for me. Bethel is a great cultural place filled with Yupik influence. Living here has taught me to cherish my surroundings and let myself be unapologetically creative with my work. Talking to local elders, whether in the grocery store, at Saturday market, or in school, I admire their loyalty towards preserving their culture. I can recall the freshman year that my teacher accompanied me to my first Cama-i dance festival to see the Heart of The Drums. There he asked what I had learned about the drums and the song they played. I said I had learned the drums song was to heal. Becoming an ally to the Alaska Native community from an already rich culture being a Black teen has given me a purpose that I had not received ever before. My favorite Earth science has taught me that the earth goes in a cycle and that everything has a balance. I have furthered my interest in science in school by taking AP biology and also enrolling myself in a STEM summer program called ANSEP. I have researched jobs/majors in earth science out of the classroom, and I've become extremely passionate about Environmental Engineering. Also, living in such a rich land like Alaska has made me realize that the health of our environment matters. I have furthered my interest in social sciences by taking a sociology class and making mental health a priority for myself and others in my community. I have done artwork around the community to provide people with relief, and I use my social accounts to promote and uplift mental health topics targeted towards communities of color. Since the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, I have become engrossed with the history of race relations in America, which has sparked my interest in the academic subject that is history. Being the only Black person in the room has made me push certain class topics to become more inclusive. Out of the classroom, I watch documentaries, watch the news, sign petitions, and read books to consume needed information about political and social issues. Discovering this new fondness of history has made me also want to pursue a career in International affairs/ political science. I hope to one day help make history.