I was six years old one Christmas morning. I will never forget peeling back the silver wrapping paper, peering through the packaging and admiring the test tubes, safety goggles and lab coat. Pink rock candy was my very first experiment. That moment sparked something in me. But the spark wavered as I rarely saw images of scientists who looked like me. A few years later when I discovered that science was partly responsible for everything around us is when I knew I wanted to learn more, specifically about our land, resources and animals. In high school I was enrolled in a Science and Technology Program taking rigorous courses including advanced placement environmental science and organic chemistry. However, what motivated me most is everything happening outside of the classroom! Two summers ago, I was one of 20 students selected to participate in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Youth Engagement through Science internship program. I spent five months cataloging and digitizing specimens of ticks in West Africa and mosquitoes in the United States. Senior year, I participated in a research based internship at Howard University where I studied the effects of prescription medicines on HIV/AIDS patients. I began to realize that new scientific discoveries and advancements are made every single day. Scientists are constantly identifying ways to improve the quality of life for all and I find that exciting! To me, science offers a window into our past and informs our future. I know that I want to be a part of these solutions. In the Fall of 2024, I began my college journey as an honors student at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University majoring in Environmental Science. Through mentoring and support from my FAMU village, I was able to navigate my new normal by joining clubs, volunteering, and networking while maintaining above average grades. After graduation, I plan to become an environmental scientist and make contributions that help ensure the voices of underrepresented communities are heard — and that solutions are equitable, inclusive, and sustainable. I also plan to give back to my community by creating opportunities for students of color and exposing them to the world of STEM. Science is more than a field of study – it's a window to understanding our past, shaping our future and finding solutions to the challenges around us. It also reminds me that my generation can be the change toward a more diverse STEM future, acutely aware of the needs and positioned to make a positive socioeconomic impact in all communities.

My 17 years of life have been defined by social change, namely the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and pandemic, each which forced me to face the unexpected, learn and grow. Just as writer/activist James Baldwin faced and hoped to change centuries of injustice 50 years ago, BLM made me look beyond my bubble and acknowledge real issues impacting my community. It was the first time I was inspired to advocate around an issue that felt larger than me. With a black brother and father, how could I sit on the sidelines? Shortly after BLM rallies for George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Covid happened and disrupted everything. The silver lining: it taught me to adapt and continue to excel, even during a time of uncertainty and discomfort. But I learned that there is strength in diversity of thought, ideas and experiences — and I believe that a diverse workforce will enhance the chemical industry's success in innovation and sustainability. As an aspiring environmental engineer and young woman of color, my two prevailing identities are among those least seen at the table in science and engineering careers. Presently, women make up less than 30 percent of the college-educated workforce in science and engineering occupations, while African Americans make up just 5 percent. Inclusion has to be more than a buzz word because to be successful, the industry’s solutions to environmental challenges must reflect and consider the diversity of our society. Voices like mine, who have the potential to add different context and perspective to the conversation, can help spur creative problem-solving to drive innovation. These experiences were integral in helping me find my voice and identity as a leader — qualities I hope to hone as part of the college community. Beyoncé recently concluded a tour for her album Renaissance, which explores themes of identity, pride, empowerment and community. Throughout history, renaissances have been periods of hope, progress and potential. They have also been defined by cultural, educational and industrial renewal and advancement. With the resurgence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and more black students than ever pursuing college, I see the African American community as in the midst of a renaissance of its own, focused on community-building and upward mobility — including more representation in fields of study where we have lacked a seat at the table. In science and engineering, blacks still make up just 5 percent of the college-educated workforce. We make up even less in environmental studies, my intended area of focus, which is among the least diverse STEM fields. These statistics do not discourage me! I want to ignite a renaissance of my own in the environmental sciences for my generation and know that this can only be achieved by obtaining a post secondary education. The soundtrack to my renaissance: inclusive voices at the table; innovative solutions for marginalized communities disproportionately impacted by environmental issues; and a focus on sustainability and environmental justice. Education is an equalizer, but it must be about more than personal gain, which also underlines the importance of post high school education.

I was about six years old, and it was Christmas morning. I recall ripping off the silver foil wrapping paper, peering through the packaging, counting the number of test tubes, pulling out the safety goggles and trying on my lab coat along with a make- believe name tag. I made pink rock candy for my very first experiment! That memory sparked something in me. A few years later when I discovered that science was partly responsible for everything around us is when I knew I wanted to learn more, specifically about our land, resources and animals. Fast forward to high school, I am in a Science and Technology Program taking a plethora of science and math focused courses — and the spark is still there! Science has been exciting for me since I was young, I remember always being fascinated by animals and nature. While in Middle School, my love of science led me to receive high school credit for completing Biology and during my Freshman year, I excelled in Chemistry. These courses have exposed me to lab experiments that allowed me to gain a better understanding of science. Over the years, my award winning science fair experiments have often centered around the best liquids to extend the life of flowers to creating an aquaponic jar where I aimed to supply a source of food to fish through plant roots while growing fresh herbs on top as a way to create a sustainable garden for those without access. Two summers ago, I engaged in an Energy Conservation Program where I participated in a series of hands-on explorations, research, and analysis to gain a deeper understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and conservation, engineering, and sustainability. In my spare time, I am an active Girl Scout and volunteer in my community. I also serve as an Earth Team volunteer, working side by side with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation. The organization works closely with the Maryland Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). My volunteer project entailed revitalizing the People’s Garden located outside of the USDA headquarters in Washington, DC. I focused on garden preparation, planting, and maintenance. What excited me about this volunteer work is the same passion that intrigues me about the internship…the countless opportunities to learn and grow. I discovered topics around sustainable practices and identified ways to protect our environment and conserve resources. New scientific discoveries and advancements are made every single day. Scientists are constantly identifying ways to improve the quality of life for all and I find that exciting! To me, science offers a window into our past and informs our future especially during the pandemic. And as I continue to watch scientists and engineers making a difference in real-time, it lights a fire beneath what I already know: I want to be a part of these solutions. It also reminds me that my generation can be the change toward a more diverse STEM future, acutely aware of the needs and positioned to make a positive socioeconomic impact in all communities. My natural interest in science combined with school, volunteering and a summer internship underlines my passion and I believe will prepare me to study Environmental Science in college and to help conserve our nation’s natural resources. In the future, I plan to pay it forward by creating opportunities for students of color to see themselves as the problem solvers. After graduating from college, my goals include working with school districts in underserved communities to offer programs that expose students to the world of science through mentoring and ultimately internships.