As an environmental studies major looking to pursue further education in marine biology, I am passionate about combating the climate crisis through both systematic and personal lifestyle changes. To live sustainably means to consider the impact each choice you make has on Earth's natural cycles. Over the years, I have made a variety of changes to my habits in order to align my lifestyle with my environmental beliefs. At a young age, I became aware of the tragic reality of plastic pollution. At the time, I was naive to the full scope of environmental issues. However, my kind-hearted nature was drawn to the struggles sea turtles face due to plastic straws. A video had gone viral on YouTube of a marine biologist carefully removing a straw from a sea turtle's bleeding nose. As a 12-year-old girl, I was distraught and chose to boycott plastic straws. In the past 6 years, I can confidently say that I have used less than 10 straws. In that time, I have slowly transitioned away from many types of single-use plastics. I avoid plastic bottles, cutlery, and grocery bags, to name a few. Along with that, my awareness has expanded to other environmental issues such as carbon footprint, deforestation, and poaching. Looking to decrease my carbon footprint, I cut red meat out of my diet. In the past 5 years, I have not eaten any red meat. This is because, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization, animal agriculture accounts for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Around 2/3 of these emissions come from cattle alone. The National Institutes of Health say that if everyone in the United States ate plant-based in 2025, it would be like eliminating the annual emissions of Amazon, Unilever, Target, Microsoft, Zara, Shein, Apple, Google, H&M, and Meta combined. Upon learning this fact, I am creating a plan to become a vegetarian in 2025. Past that, I own a low-emission vehicle. I do not currently have the resources to use public transport or carpool. However, I advocate for better public transportation in my town, and in the future, I hope to live in a walkable city. Earlier, I mentioned the difference between systematic and personal lifestyle changes. I believe that the two are equally necessary and that one should not exist without the other. To advocate and educate mean to make choices in your own life. For this reason, I voted for candidates who prioritize the environment in the 2024 election. I encouraged other people to vote as well and gave out resources for candidate policies on my social media. I also volunteer at several organizations that work in conservation for the Chesapeake Bay and am a part of my college's environmental club. Additionally, I work in education and outreach for my county's Natural Resource Division. It is more important than ever that everyone does their part to combat the climate crisis and pollution. We are seeing very alarming numbers in all environmental trends right now. As a future marine biologist, I assure you not to lose hope. Channel your fear and anger into something good. The little things add up, so get involved and encourage others to do the same. Let's do this.