My fear has always been being stuck in the same place. I carried an immense weight on my shoulders, the pressure to break generational curses growing heavier year after year. I had one dream in mind that had never been pursued in my family: get my Bachelors degree. Not only was I taking on the challenge of being a first-generation student, but I decided to pursue a degree in STEM as a woman. I chose a major in the School of the Environment at my university. Nature played a big part in my childhood, and it remained a constant in my life. We didn’t need to have a lot of money to go out as a family and enjoy the outdoors. It brought us closer together while simultaneously sparking my interest in the world. With our ever-changing world, we see urban settings begin to encroach on natural areas. I do not want the opportunities that shaped my childhood and passions to be absent to future generations. Environmental agencies, such as the ones I plan to work for once I graduate, work to promote access to outdoor recreation in ways that finds a balance between humans and nature. I want to give back to my community by ensuring that everyone has equal access to outdoor spaces. I also want to promote more educational programs or events for those that share interest in wildlife, natural resources, forestry, or other environmental topics. Before going to college, I had no idea of the vast opportunities in the environmental field. I would love to see better outreach programs for first-generation students or those that have the potential to be. If I did not do diligent research about what my university had to offer, I may never have pursued the things that inspire me. Getting people, especially children, involved in outdoor activities and educational programs can get them in the mindset to think about their futures and what the future holds for them. I am thankful my family got me outdoors, but I only wish I knew sooner that I could make a career out of something I love. Education, access, and involvement are three things I want to focus on in my field. I want to be the helping hands to the kids who share my passions. I strive to show them the open doors that I needed to be shown to me when I was younger.

As someone who is Pro-Life, I constantly hear the arguments like the Foster Care system is flawed, young parents won't be able to provide enough for their babies, women can't build careers and have a baby, and general arguments that state the baby is better off dead than having to struggle through hardships. I refuse to validate these arguments as they would invalidate my life, claiming I would have been better off dead. Even having experienced my struggles, I would pick those struggles over not having been born any day. My parents had me when they were teenagers. I was their first baby and they didn't stay together long after I was born. I was going back and forth between households with parents who were still trying to figure out their own lives. Still, my parents never ever made me feel like I was the one putting hardships on them (even though everyone knows how expensive a child is). They taught me how to love, be loyal, and not need material things to enjoy life. I was aware of the struggle my parents were going through, but this not only taught me important life lessons, it also inspired me. My parents chose to keep me despite me coming at a time that probably wasn't ideal for them. These factors lit a fire in me; I could beat the odds, I was going to make something of myself. I was going to prove that those arguments that would have been thrown at my teenage mom were incorrect. My hardships only made me greater and more appreciative of life itself. All throughout school I worked as hard as I could, and today, I am a first-generation student attending Washington State University. I have new struggles now like paying for college out of my own pocket, having to work two jobs in the summer, and navigating college all by myself; however, I can't reiterate enough how I would take these struggles over being killed/never having been born. On paper, my story is not unique. Many children are born from teenage parents. Many babies' lives are also cut short because teenage parents are convinced they are incapable of caring for their baby. My wish is that more people like me share their stories and show that we are fighters, that we can handle what life throws at us. I am tired of my situation being used as a way to convince parents why they can't or shouldn't have their baby. It should be the opposite. I continue to try to educate people by writing about abortion on my blog I have (https://thegenzjournal.wordpress.com/2020/09/18/misinforming-to-mislead/) as well as attending pro-life rallies in my state's capital. I wish to be the light of hope in teenage parents' eyes. I thank God and my mom that they allowed me to experience the beauty of life. In the end, it is so worth everything.

The morning was just starting to show. I was bundled up, crouched against a tree. Deer that were little more than shadows walked amongst the trees. One doe directly in front of me was looking at something above my shoulder. Then, out of the corner of me eye, I see it. A fawn, at head height with me. A few thin, flowing hairs that managed to come loose from my beanie had caught the attention of the fawn. It sniffs my cheek before nibbling the hairs as if it were foliage. The doe and fawn walk away and I breathe.

1. I am a first-generation student, paying my own way through college and navigating this entirely foreign experience all by myself. Often times, there are habits that run deep in family lines. In mine, teen pregnancy, divorce, and not pursuing education are among the few I plan to break. Students like me do not necessarily have the support system back home that allows for an easy transition from high school, where education is free, structured, and mandatory, to college. College is all about decision making and making ends meet financially and regarding future plans. For those like me, it is easier to just settle for something, not venture out into the unknown. However, I can't stand the thought of settling. I must break these deep running habits my family has created. I have always known this desire since I was little. I worked hard in school, earning excellent grades, breaking every stereotype someone coming from a broken home and teen parents could. I got involved in new experiences because "new" would become the norm. I participated in many volunteer opportunities and made varsity tennis in high school. Having the odds stacked against me inspired me to grow in every possible way I could so that I would be set up for success and nothing less. 2. People don't like to pay taxes. People would also prefer the taxes they do pay to go towards something that directly impacts their own lives. Most conservation efforts are led and funded by government agencies. Conservation, especially of wildlife, isn't always on the top of people's list when it comes to what their taxes are funding. Wildlife is not seen as a necessity for many people. Therefore, one main barrier I see to conservation is the process of allocating the limited funding we have to the many needed conservation efforts. This will also impact job availability as government workers' paychecks are paid for almost entirely by taxes. These aspects are not so much a barrier as they are a motivator for me to boost my level of knowledge in the field of conservation as well as public relations, networking, and overall people skills. 3. Growing up, my family never had the money to go on expensive vacations or outings. We utilized the outdoors because there was endless free enjoyment. I learned how to fish at a very young age and I got my hunting license at 13. Hunting and fishing is a big tradition in my family. We take pride in being able to provide food for our family and we cherish the outdoors and the wildlife that makes these activities possible. I chose to pursue a career in wildlife conservation because the forests I have hunted in and the rivers I have fished my entire life are what I know and love best. I couldn't imagine life without them, and I hope my children will know them as well as I do. Unknowingly, I have been participating in conservation efforts like hunting and fishing for years. Conservation will be an enormous, arduous puzzle, but it will be one I am dedicated to. 4. For my career, I would like to work in wildlife law enforcement at the federal level, mainly focusing on endangered and invasive species. I want to prevent invasive species from depleting the biodiversity in certain ecosystems. We must keep humans accountable and be stricter on transport of organisms so that species do not get transported where they don't belong. On the endangered species side of things, it is essential that we combine habitat restoration with breeding efforts. In order for species to survive, we must first make sure there is sufficient and quality habitat that they can reside in. A species would not be sustainable if they were bred, then simply released in the poor quality habitat that hurt them in the first place. Habitat loss is a huge factor in the dwindling biodiversity. We must pinpoint exactly what types of habitats are under threat and which animals depend on it. There will be lots of moving pieces in these conservation efforts between the biologists, landowners, business owners, foresters, and many more who will have an opinion on the land that is being dealt with. I want to be the person who can be a voice of reason for them all, looking to understand all sides while also providing a voice for the wildlife that desperately need these conservation efforts.

Before college, I never realized how creative my parents had to be in ensuring they gave my sister and I a happy childhood. My parents were teenagers when I was born and they didn't stay together long after I was born. Neither parent came from a family of money, so they knew how to make things work with the little they had. I spent most of my childhood enjoying the outdoors. My dad taught me how to fish and hunt from a young age. We made the best of what the world had to offer. I had difficulty choosing my major because my only motivation for a while was that I wanted to make good money so I didn't have to repeat the struggle of my parents. It wasn't until the end of my senior year of high school that I realized how damaging this mentally had been to me. The future looked gloomy to me. I felt like I had to trade in my happiness for stability. I soon changed that mentality because I didn't want to only strive for a big paycheck, but fulfillment in my career. I brain-stormed about the things I love in life. It all came back to the outdoors and how comfortable and satisfied I was within it. Just a year and a half ago, I was accepted into my major of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation. My classes have inspired me, and there are so many electives I want to take in this major that I can't fit them all in my schedule. Recently, I was working as an intern on a research project that tracked the fawning and foraging patterns of mule deer. My field of study has allowed me to see all the opportunities out there that I had no idea could stem from my simple passion of the outdoors. I now hope to be an ecologist, specializing in invasive species or a special agent for the USDFW. While my parents heavily influenced my passions, I would say my biggest motivation is the future generations of my family. I am a first-generation student that has had to navigate the world of college all by myself. I want to show my children and their children that they can make anything out of themselves. I want to be able to be a guiding hand to them if they choose to go to college. I want to be to them what I never had.

My grandfather had been battling stage 4 esophagus cancer for almost two years when I went to college. Our family was in constant confusion of if he would get better or not. Then, a week before I was supposed to leave for college, we got the news that he only had a few weeks left. I had to make a decision: stay home with my family during this time, or go to college. I felt what I had been working towards for so long was slipping through my fingers along with the life of my rock and inspiration. I am a first-generation student, coming from a long line of teen-parents. I had worked two jobs in the summer to pay for my first semester of college. All the anxiety of going to college faded when I accepted an offer from WSU. But that anxiety was back. I felt so much guilt that part of me wanted to leave my family to take this opportunity. I couldn't lament my fears to my grandpa because he was in so much pain. He was so ecstatic when I had announced that I had accepted a college offer. We talked about the football games he would attend, and I held on to the hope that he would make it until fall. The first football game I attended was bittersweet because of those memories. I got the call that my grandpa had passed away on my first day of classes of my very first year of college when I was six hours away from home. I still went to classes that day, but college took a whole new meaning. Yes, I was going to college for my future, but I was also going so that if my children chose to do so, they would have more guidance than I did. But now, I was going for my grandpa as well. I would show him that his faith and pride in me would not be wasted. My grandpa was a people person, something I wouldn't say I am. He invested his time in people and would not miss an opportunity to meet new people. He worked as a juvenile detention officer, keeping contact with many kids even after they got out of juvenile detention. He listened to those kids when no one else would. He inspired those kids to be better when no one else had faith they could be. At his funeral, people from all over crowded into a church to share the memories they had of him. Hundreds of people were there, reminiscing about how my grandpa had impacted them. I saw the value of human connection. I learned that I should never pass up an opportunity to listen and learn and be a friend to other people. In high school, I was involved in tennis, but I stuck to my small friend group. The death of my grandpa changed how I saw people. I wanted to get the most out of my college experience. I joined clubs, went to countless events that the school put on, and I recently signed up for rush (something I or my family never would have expected of me in a million years). I was going to fill my life with fun, just as my grandpa did. I was going to experience all new things that gave me an array of perspectives to look at the world from. Although his life was cut way too short, only blessing this world for 58 years, my grandpa led the most full life of anyone I know. I miss him immensely, but he continues to motivate me to be my best. He motivates me to be the best friend I can. He motivates me to overcome my shyness and go to that club meeting, football game, presentation, etc. Because of my grandpa, my life will be full too.

My major, Ecology, delves deep into human-interactions with the natural world. The technology we have created leaves essentially no part of nature untouched by humans. Humans get their food, energy, and shelter from elements of nature. We are reliant on nature; therefore, we must be stewards of nature. I am passionate about wildlife and the conservation of wildlife. Living in Washington, many people take to hunting and fishing as a means to bring fresh meats to the table. In order to put regulations in place that protect wildlife while also supporting a valued tradition of many Washingtonians, thorough research has to be done. Studying ecology between man and animal is a balancing act. We don't want to repeat the past and harm the biodiversity of our flourishing ecosystems like the time sea otters were nearly hunted to extinction. I don't think there is anything better than being able to provide food for your family, but we must do it in a responsible way so that future generations will be afforded the same opportunities to provide for their families. Hunters and farmers share a similar mindset: both want to see the rewards of their hard-work in the form of providing food on families' tables. However, what if the conditions of agriculture and wildlife clash? This summer, I got to be part of a research project that studied how cropland affects the fawning and foraging patterns of mule deer in Eastern Washington. In this project, we had 47 does collared so that we could track their movements. My team found several does in the wheat fields. I found three fawns in the wheat fields. By looking at data and learning about the wildlife's interactions with agricultural land or human-altered land, conservationists can better accommodate to all parties (wildlife, hunters, farmers) so that each is satisfied and their values/livelihood is maintained. We can also educate people on how to be aware of their impacts of others. For example, farmers can be more aware of the wildlife in their fields, hunters can be more understanding of the regulations put into place by fish and game departments, and conservationists can fully understand the concerns of all parties involved in decisions related to wildlife. The sciences of ecology and conservation are much more than food webs and predator/prey relationships. These sciences encapsulate how humans interact with the environment, a big part being how we harvest food from it and alter the terrain to better fit our needs. My passion in conservation stems from my own background in hunting and my family's background in farming. I value biodiversity and understand how each organism is a piece of a greater puzzle that would not be complete without it. Conservationists have so much to take into account when drafting up regulations that will affect the future ability to enjoy nature and appreciate the bounty it provides us. With the perspective of the research project I was a part of and the ecology classes I am currently taking, I hope I will be able to have a fresh take on conservation efforts that work towards the highest degree of satisfaction between all affected by environmental decisions.

As someone who is Pro-Life, I constantly hear the arguments like the Foster Care system is flawed, young parents won't be able to provide enough for their babies, women can't build careers and have a baby, and general arguments that state the baby is better off dead than having to struggle through hardships. I refuse to validate these arguments as they would invalidate my life, claiming I would have been better off dead. Even having experienced my struggles, I would pick those struggles over not having been born any day. My parents had me when they were teenagers. I was their first baby and they didn't stay together long after I was born. I was going back and forth between households with parents who were still trying to figure out their own lives. Still, my parents never ever made me feel like I was the one putting hardships on them (even though everyone knows how expensive a child is). They taught me how to love, be loyal, and not need material things to enjoy life. I was aware of the struggle my parents were going through, but this not only taught me important life lessons, it also inspired me. My parents chose to keep me despite me coming at a time that probably wasn't ideal for them. These factors lit a fire in me; I could beat the odds, I was going to make something of myself. I was going to prove that those arguments that would have been thrown at my teenage mom were incorrect. My hardships only made me greater and more appreciative of life itself. All throughout school I worked as hard as I could, and today, I am a first-generation student attending Washington State University. I have new struggles now like paying for college out of my own pocket, having to work two jobs in the summer, and navigating college all by myself; however, I can't reiterate enough how I would take these struggles over being killed/never having been born. On paper, my story is not unique. Many children are born from teenage parents. Many babies' lives are also cut short because teenage parents are convinced they are incapable of caring for their baby. My wish is that more people like me share their stories and show that we are fighters, that we can handle what life throws at us. I am tired of my situation being used as a way to convince parents why they can't or shouldn't have their baby. It should be the opposite. I continue to try to educate people by writing about abortion on my blog I have (https://thegenzjournal.wordpress.com/2020/09/18/misinforming-to-mislead/) as well as attending pro-life rallies in my state's capital. I wish to be the light of hope in teenage parents' eyes. I thank God and my mom that they allowed me to experience the beauty of life. In the end, it is so worth everything.

Since starting my studies in Wildlife Ecology, I have caught myself subconsciously thinking about just how immense the human presence is and how our technology leaves nothing untouched. The definition of ecology is “a branch of science concerned with the interrelationships of organisms and their environment” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Ecology is not limited to looking at the relationship between predator and prey. Ecology is how each species is tied to one another. Humans play a huge role in the stewardship of nature, and there is a large area needing our attention: creating technology to contribute to safer roadways for humans and the animals that need to cross them. In the United States, one million animals are killed by motor vehicles every single day (Braunstein). Although numbers are significantly less than that of wildlife, around 200 people are killed by wildlife-vehicle collisions and approximately 26,000 injuries are reported each year due to these collisions (Office of RDT). Our relationships with these species are negatively impacting both of us when it comes to roadways. There are bloodied carcasses decorating roads and cars that have the bumps to tell the stories of risky run-ins with wildlife. We put ourselves in danger, while also killing off a huge number of animals. We created roads, so we must create them to be safer for everyone. We want our anthropogenic influence to be that of a positive influence on biodiversity. Cities are growing bigger, moving into wildlife habitat. It is essential that we accommodate to the needs of the original residents of the area. As cities grow, humans and wildlife will be in tighter quarters; therefore, it is necessary we learn to coexist now. While we are unable to tell wild animals where to go, there are ways we are able to direct them/influence their movements just enough to create safer crossings for them. For instance, wildlife bridges have been built to resemble an overpass over busy highways, giving a safe way to cross the roads. These overpasses are covered in vegetation and are meant to appear as a continuation of the landscape. While bridges are a start, we can’t put these bridges over every part of every road. We can focus on establishing them where there are high concentrations of wildlife crossing, but even then, there is no guarantee an animal will recognize the bridge as a safer option. Another idea is building deer and elk-proof fencing along highways that are just long enough to direct the animals to safer areas to cross. There is also the proposal of installing sensors that alert drivers on the roadways. As animals near busy sections of road, warning signs would notify drivers to use caution as they passed the area (Keim). We have three viable options to make roads safer for both humans and animals. As our human presence grows ever greater in the natural world, we have to come up with new technology to protect and conserve biodiversity. Driving may seem like an entirely human concept; however, it ends up affecting much more than our species. If we use our knowledge of technology to help ensure the safety of others, we can then also ensure the safety of ourself.   Works Cited Braunstein, Mark Matthew. "Driving Animals To Their Graves." n.d. Culture Change. 21 May 2021. Keim, Brandon. Making roads safer doe wildlife also saves money. 8 February 2019. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. n.d. Merriam-Webster Inc. May 2021. Office of RDT. Federal Highway Administration and Technology. 8 March 2016. 21 May 2021. The Guardian. 16 July 2015.

Biodiversity is the single element that keeps an ecosystem in balance. Every species, plant and animal, are tied together and reliant on one another. From ecosystem engineers to predators keeping populations in check to prey being keystone species that provide nourishment for those higher on the food chain, everyone needs each other. If one population grows too big then it can alter an ecosystem. For example, in areas where there are few predators, deer and elk populations grow too large and they tend to overgraze the land and deplete it of biodiversity. On the flip side, there is the same problem of a population growing too small. For instance, when otters were hunted to near extinction in the Pacific Northwest, the sea urchin population was left unchecked by its predator and ended up nearly destroying the kelp beds. Species that are endangered reminds us of the looming threat of what happens when biodiversity dwindles. The niche of extinct and endangered species is left a gaping hole, no one knowing what may fill its place or when. The first and most important action we can do in protecting endangered species, in my opinion, is advocating for them. We need to get their faces out in the public's eye and educate on why it is imperative we go through with rescue and conservation projects. The polar bear is the face of endangered species. We see their images plastered everywhere in zoos and on TV. We need the same dedication and awareness for all species. However, there is no one simple answer to how we can help endangered species. Conservation efforts towards endangered species need to be looked at on a case by case basis (not to mention that the term "species" has not even been clearly defined in the science world yet). Not all animals will react the same to each type of rescue project. We have to take into account if these animals are fit candidates to be put in captive breeding programs or if that type of project is too stressful for the animal. When an animal is determined to be high risk for extinction, one crucial aspect biologists have to examine is the genetic makeup of the species and how they can encourage breeding of these populations without leading the species to inbreed. This can be extremely difficult as endangered species are usually few in numbers to begin with. Countries and communities that are dedicated to helping endangered populations should invest in programs, scientists, and organizations that are experts in wildlife genetics. We want these endangered species to have increased fitness so that they can rebuild their populations and pass on advantageous genes to their offspring. We don't want to create future generations of species that are reliant on human intervention and genetic rescue every few years. Helping a species forces conservationists to walk a fine line when it comes to interacting with species. When endangered species are put in captive breeding programs, the scientists there must make sure they are simulating the species' habitat as closely as possible. They don't want the species to suddenly have a positive association with humans, causing their epigenome to shift. We can't allow the animals to know that we are the ones feeding them. We have to be careful not to familiarize the animals with the sight of us or the scent of us. Conservationists in breeding programs must prepare the animals for release in the wild, and they won't be prepared if they have never hunted or are not scared of predators. All in all, individuals that want to help in the efforts to save species must first educate themselves so that they can better advocate for the species. The public does not want to be won over by overly-emotional ramblings of people who love animals, instead they want to be presented with facts and why the specific animal at hand is important. As an individual, you can also look into the companies you support. Do they contribute to habitat destruction? Don't support companies that don't align with your values. Communities can spread the word about these animals while also investing in smaller-scale projects to help raise awareness. Countries can budget money towards wildlife geneticists that can create programs that will create safe spaces for animals to breed while also ensuring genetic diversity. By looking into each at-risk animal, we can protect the biodiversity they offer an ecosystem. Through these projects, we will bring a greater balance to the food chains that connect us all. We can keep each other accountable, while also going about saving these species in a fact/statistic-based way.

I believe words are art too, so my favorite artist is Franz Kafka. It is one thing to be able to accurately define conditions of human existence, but entirely another to do so in a way that is in one big metaphorical story with hidden meanings. You have to delve deep into the layers of symbolism in order to be struck with realization and profound emotion that is within his works. Kafka's work is dark, but it brings light and understanding to those feeling similarly to how he describes his state through words on a page.

I am a first-generation college student who is paying my own way through college. I wouldn't say the odds have been in my favor since I have no guidance back home on what college entails or advice on how to make my time at a university worthwhile. I have spent hours researching scholarships to help me with my tuition, housing, and books. I spend my summers working two jobs to save up for the next semester's tuition. I work really hard to make ends meet. I have a little bit of student loans that I would really like to pay off before I am out of school if possible. I also try to make sure I am doing everything I need to in order to get what I need out of college for my future. I want to have a memorable college experience. I join clubs that are fun and can also give my resume a boost. I am working on a research project right now through my school, but I know that project won't last forever and I will need to transition to a new job. College is supposed to be fun, and yes, stress is a given. I want to know that I did everything in my power to make the transition from semester to semester and then college to career a smooth one. When I graduate college, I hope to be prepped for my future, ready to take on the world. I want to have gotten everything out of college that I possibly can, and I hope to not be drowning in debt similar to many Americans these days.

Being a first-generation student, I could not imagine all of the resources and opportunities going to college would provide. In senior year of high school, I changed my mind on my major so many times: marketing to journalism to political science to bio-physiology and then back through the list again. I researched jobs that were a safe choice; maybe I wouldn't absolutely adore my job, but at least I was making enough money to be happy. My mom saw right through what I was doing and tried to convince me to do otherwise and pursue something that I was passionate about. Honestly, I was scared. Paying for college on my own and figuring it all out by myself put a lot of weight on me. I only get one shot at this college thing so I had to make it count. Later, when I toured my college (Washington State University), it clicked. Their environmental science program is extremely good and I learned about my current major: Wildlife Ecology & Conservation. I am always spending time outdoors. I fish, hunt, kayak, hike, and pretty much anything else I can spend time doing outside. Learning about this major made me realize that I can take something I am passionate about and skilled at and turn it into a career. I didn't have to sacrifice my happiness just to make more money. College shifted my perspective on that almost immediately. My chosen major is already opening so many doors for me. Before, I only had a vague idea of what an internship was and even less of an idea on how to obtain one. Now, I will be participating in a summer internship in 2021 where I will be tracking the fawning and foraging patterns of mule deer. It will be my summer job, yet I don't think I have ever been as excited for a job as I am for this one. Through this internship, I will develop my skills in the field as well as conduct research that can benefit wildlife and its relationship with humans. College isn't just giving me textbook knowledge like my original ideas of school thought it would. College is also preparing me for my career, pairing knowledge and field work. I hope to build a career that focuses on conservation. In my current class, Wildlife Genetics, we learned about using forensics and wildlife genetics to track down poachers. I want to be able to have a fulfilling career, knowing that I am helping wildlife and educating the public on our actions taken to ensure wildlife safety. For now, I aspire to be a special agent for the US Fish and Game Department. In this field, I will be able to use all of my knowledge I am learning now while also having a job that has clear results where I can track my success. Without taking the risk of going to college, I would have never known about this job. I would have never known that I can balance my interests and a stable career. I do not take my time in college lightly. I worked so hard to get where I am, and I do not intend on letting up. Hard work does pay off. I have already learned so much of what is out there for me. I have so many opportunities open for me, and I plan to take full advantage of that. I have learned too much and come too far to let that all go to waste.

"Break the 'bad' streaks" is just one of the similar phrases I heard growing up. The weight was put on my shoulders to be better than where I came from. I had to break the streaks of dropping out of high school, teen pregnancies, and getting addicted to drugs. I wanted to be the person in my family to break these repetitive cycles we seemed to be stuck in; but, with that challenge, came more pressure than I could imagine. Looking back on middle and high school especially, I realized that having fun and being a kid was not my top priority. I would pour over my school work, staying up much too late. I do not know how I managed the routine I had for almost seven years straight. I had to be perfect, because if I wasn't, I would be stuck like the rest of my family seemed to be. I am not the jealous type. I have never been jealous of those that had more than I had as a kid or had that guidance for their future that I don't have. I don't like comparing myself to others. I have learned to focus on what I can do (which is also what has turned me into such a perfectionist). I can control my grades. I can control my decisions. I can control my actions. I feel happy for people when they do good or reach a goal because I want to feel that way too. The relief of turning 20 meant a lot of things for me: firstly, I had graduated high school already AND finished my first year of college. Secondly, I had broken the streak of teen pregnancy in my family. I still had many things to stress about such as paying for college and making sure I will graduate on time, but it was as if I could breathe a little bit better knowing I was on the path I had always wanted. I needed things to be different for me. "Getting by" is my family's specialty, but I want to do more than that. I never want my children to worry about money or food or wonder if their parent could really afford the nice present they just bought them. I hope my experience is one that begins a tradition of education and hope for the future. My children shouldn't have to settle. My children will be prepared and educated about the options out there. I will gather information and experiences now, so I can be the guiding hand that I never received. Since I am the oldest of my siblings and cousins, I always felt I had a mature role with them. I would watch them when the parents would hangout together. I felt it was my obligation to teach them and nurture them. I didn't want them falling into the same unhealthy cycles some people in my family have been in. I remember laying awake at night, stress in the pit of my stomach, thinking about my siblings struggling or getting caught up in bad things. I took their actions to heart and felt I was responsible for every choice they made. I may have been on a mission to end the bad streaks, but I didn't want to be the only one ending those habits. I want my cousins and siblings to follow me through these newly open doors. Being a firstborn comes with the stress of watching your siblings grow. Their emotions and successes are a big part of what keeps me going and motivated as well. I want them to succeed probably as much as I want myself to succeed. Going away to college meant leaving them behind for months at a time, and I can only hope that they can understand why. I don't ever pin my stress of breaking these cycles on them, because I know they don't feel the same way. My siblings and little cousins are carefree, and aren't like me at all when I was their ages. I was a teacher and a caretaker for them at their ages. I knew I had a job to do, and seeing them not worry about what I had to makes me feel as if I did my job right. It has been a bit lonely being a firstborn first-generation student. I wouldn't exchange this experience for anything; however, I am not going to pretend it has been easy. I have friends that have a little more experience in the college field as me, but no one I can turn to at home. I have no mentor for these times. Not only am I working to pay off my college debt and pay for future semesters, but I am researching opportunities and applying for scholarships constantly. I knew so little about college going into it. I didn't even know what an internship was, yet with the help of my advisor, I will be participating in one this summer. In college, I have also found clubs that will prepare me for the field I will be working in. I have come to realize that college is so much more than just another four years of school; college is a network, a community. I am still finding my footing in college, but as I reach out and ask more questions to those around me, I am feeling more confident. I have beat all odds coming into college. Where we start doesn't define our future, it is the decisions we make and how hard we work that builds us into who we are. I worked with what I had and fought tooth and nail to be where I am. If I can accomplish this, I can only imagine what my future holds.

To me, STEM is all about solving problems in a logical way that educates and benefits as many people as possible, especially in the field of Environmental Science. All of my life I have enjoyed the outdoors. Every year, my family hunts and fishes and spends the majority of their free time outdoors. I am passionate about preserving nature so that future generations as well as myself can enjoy it for years to come. I strive to educate those about how we can do just that, and I am interested in the problem solving aspect included in examining the balance between nature and humans. When there is a problem facing the environment, we must start with observations then move to a hypothesis about the problem. In many of my classes, we focus around how influential humans are in every aspect of the environment. Our anthropogenic influence has the power to solve problems or make them bigger. By understanding how heavily our influence is, we can then be more aware how we go about being present in our own ecosystems. We can be more self-aware, and therefore leave a smaller footprint. Studying Wildlife Conservation has taught me the power of education. Before we make decisions, we must educate people about why decisions are being made. When I go into my field of choice with the Fish and Game Department, I will remember what I have learned in my classes about how great of an influence humans have. Solving problems gets achieved faster when we all work together and are on the same page. Providing the public with data, statistics, and solid reasoning in order to make change that benefits everyone and everything is what STEM stands for.

I am a first generation student, and the decision to go to college was by far the most bold, riskiest, biggest, and best decision I have ever made. I have jumped headfirst into college with no guidance, alone to find all the answers for myself. It has been challenging, but I would be lying if I said it wasn't worth it. My decision to pursue an education despite no member of my family having done it before has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I hope to start a tradition of education in my family.

Being the oldest sibling and cousin of a family can be difficult. I wouldn't trade my role as the oldest for anything, but it takes a lot of patience, maturity, and time. Typically during family gatherings, while the adults are off enjoying each other's presence, I am left monitoring the younger children. I love my family, so my designated job as babysitter came easily. I didn't mind a line of younger cousins and siblings tagging along behind me. Only when I started high school and got a job did I realize how having this role took a toll on me. I felt selfish that I didn't have as much time as I used to. I lived to make sure other people were okay. I never really did what I wanted, I always let the littler kids vote on what they wanted to do or had the parents tell me what to do. Becoming an adult, having more freedom sent my normal life activities out of balance. When I would choose to hang out with my friends, I would catch myself feeling guilty that I wasn't spending this time with my family. My schedule was packed with school, friends, family, homework, sports, and work. I struggled finding a happy medium and I didn't want to cause ripples in any of my relationships. Then, I went to college. My university is six hours from my hometown. This was the biggest sacrifice I have made, but it was something I have wanted more than anything. College has actually allowed me to find a better balance, and to find who I am without outside influences. I know what I want now, and I am more likely to pick what I want rather than seeking to please others all the time. College has allowed me to take a step back and find my balance. I am working more and more on myself, and finding who I am more than just an older sister or cousin (although I still proudly wear those labels). I like my role within my family, but I am seeing that I can be that and so much more.

Climate change is an individual's issue. We need to get singular people to care in order to make the movement to care for our world a successful one. Education is the most important thing in regards to climate change. If we start making legislation and mandates without providing a rationale with data and statistics, more and more people will resent those who preach about climate change. Change is hard, and humans are often reluctant to give in. The biggest concept I believe we should be educating people on is our anthropogenic influences as humans. We are living in the Anthropocene Era, which is described as humans having such a large influence over the world that we can affect environments, and of course, change the climate. If humans knew the extent to their power/influence, I believe we could learn how to be more responsible with our actions. The world is at the mercy of humans, and rather than trying to guilt or shame people into caring, we should work on educating them about the facts before we decide on legislation. An educated society is one that can work together to tackle an issue that affects us all.

When starting college, I was in the dark about a lot of things; I did not know students could do research, I had a vague idea of what an internship was and how to apply for one, and I did not know where to meet people that could explain college a little better to me. I am a first-generation student, so my entire senior year of high school and freshman year of college was dedicated to taking in new information. I applied for scholarship after scholarship, and talked to my advisor about my class schedule quite frequently. I was the epitome of a self-advocate. I had no one back home who knew the answers to the questions I had about college, so I made getting involved and networking a huge priority. My major is Wildlife Ecology & Conservation. I hope to work as a conservationist and/or in animal rehabilitation. My university has hundreds of clubs to join, and I knew that I could get introduced to people with similar interests as me if I joined at least one of them. I decided to try out Raptor Club. In Raptor Club, we work with raptors that are injured or can not be set back into the wild for other reasons. Before quarantine, I was able to start learning how to handle some of the smaller raptors, like the Northern Pygmy Owl, on glove. We also clean their enclosures monthly, and go to meetings that update us on the raptors. After joining Raptor Club, I met with my advisor to discuss my progress, and she informed me that being in Raptor Club actually has the potential to fulfill one of my credits I need to graduate. By doing something I was genuinely interested in, I am killing two birds with one stone: enjoying my time learning about the raptors and gaining experience needed to graduate. Recently, I applied for an internship that was sent out to everyone registered in my major. I got an interview, and then a week later, I was notified that I was chosen to participate in the internship. As I read the email, it was surreal. A year ago, having little idea on how to get an internship compared to now where I actually get to participate in one is mind-blowing to me. In this research internship, I will be working out in the field, GPS tracking mule deer. I am passionate about the outdoors (hence my field of study), and so I decided to jump head first into applying to internships. During the interview, I was honest. I told the head researcher that this is my "square one" and she will ultimately be my teacher since I have never participated in anything like this before. With this internship, so many doors will open for me. My goal of networking will be achieved, meeting researchers much more advanced than me. Plus, I will be putting to use some of the skills I had only read about in class. College has made me realize how many opportunities there are for me. I had always known I wanted to go to college, but I never would have imagined how certain I would be that this was the right decision for my life. I am continually learning more and more about all that is out there, and I hope to never stop. With both the examples I provided, I am preparing for my future work in Wildlife. I want to be prepared for my career, and know all of my options when I decide on one. I want to feel more knowledgeable and confident than I was when I first started college.

A few days ago, I woke up to an email saying I was selected to participate in a research project for my university that I had applied to and received an interview for. With sleep in my eyes, I read it multiple times, making sure I wasn't missing anything. Something that seemed so unreachable a year ago, was in my grasp. I am a first-generation student. I have had to learn a lot of things on my own. When I first started college, I didn't even know students were able to do research and I only had a vague idea of what an internship was. Today, I am now applying and researching and learning about things I could never have imagined. The research internship I will be participating in involves field work: GPS tracking and tagging mule deer. With this grant, I am hoping that I could buy some of the needed equipment for the job (like appropriate clothing and multi-tools), while also covering expenses like housing so I can stay in the area where the study is taking place. I have never been involved in anything like this, so I am indescribably eager to start shaping the skills I will obtain working out in the field with more advanced researchers. When I am graduated, I want to do similar work to what this research project entails, and I am appreciative that I got a jumpstart on my training.

I am a pioneer. No one in my family has had the opportunity to go to college. I am a first generation student and the first to navigate the raging waters of college. I’ve done countless hours of research about college and worked to fill out as many scholarships as I can. I take college very seriously, ending my first semester with a 4.0. I am determined to make the most of my time in college because I don’t take this opportunity for granted. I want to light the way for many more generations in my family. I want to be there for my children when they want to pursue an education, answering all of the questions that I had to figure out for myself. Education is important to me. Education will open doors for my family that we never knew were closed. In only my second year of college, I am finding out about opportunities I never knew were even reasonable for me to aspire to have. I recently applied to an internship, plan to study abroad two summers from now, and also have joined countless clubs that will help with networking. Things that used to seem so far-fetched are in my grasp. I am starting a tradition of education. I am not only attending college for my future, but for my family’s future. I want a successful career, I want to take in as much knowledge as I can, and I want the same for everyone who comes after me. I will equip myself with knowledge so they will not be alone in their journeys.

When my dad would let me tag along on his hunting trips when I was little, a few times I would hear him say, "Look! A wolf track!" It would scare me a little bit, knowing there was a wolf out there somewhere waiting to gobble tiny me up. Same goes for cougar tracks, which we find more often than wolf tracks these days. Now, as a hunter myself and a student studying Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, I have a new appreciation for predators. I realize little girl me isn't alone in fearing predators like wolves. Right now in Washington, there are stigmas and uncertainties dealing with the return on the wolf population. Farmers are scared for their livestock, and people living in the mountains are scared for their own lives along with their children's and small pet's lives. Will a stroll out into the forest lead to a tragic encounter with one of these apex predators? Where there is fear, there is misunderstanding. Wolves (and predators alike) work to regulate species in an ecosystem. Without predators like them, we often see overgrazing from herbivores, and smaller predators like the coyote grow immensely in population size. If we should worry about any animal killing farm animals like chickens, we should direct it towards coyotes. Those at the top of a food chain in an ecosystem promote increased biodiversity. Their niche serves as the checks and balances of the other animals in an ecosystem. Without them, species' populations could potentially grow out of control and harm others if gone unchecked. We have seen this happen with plant life not being able to sustain the large amounts of herbivores in an area as I briefly mentioned. This then has a trickling effect on the entire food chain. Without plants (the bottom of the food chain), nothing is able to thrive. Conservation and promotion of biodiversity is extremely important to me. I go hunting and fishing multiple times every year. If we are irresponsible with how we go about conservation efforts or protecting certain species, there will be no hunting and fishing seasons. Ecosystems that are out of balance prevent us from having the seasons we want. We want to be able to create a system that is sustainable and allows us to coexist in the ecosystem with other species. We are regulators too, similar to wolves. While there are much more of us than wolves, we still have a part in being responsible hunters, knowing our limits. Hunting shouldn't be a selfish sport, but an act of appreciation of the land/environment. We want generations after us to appreciate what we have, so we need to act appropriately now to make sure that happens. I want to incorporate what I love into my career. I love being outdoors, and as I mentioned, I am passionate about conserving the biodiversity of the land. I would like to specifically work with predators, and examine how their presence impacts those below them on the food chain. My major is centered around ecology, so I get to examine relationships between organisms in many of my classes. Eventually, I hope to examine these relationships outside of the classroom, doing my own research. I am working to gain the book knowledge now, so that someday I may put into use the field techniques I have read about in textbooks or heard from my professors. Furthermore, a main goal of mine would be to alleviate fear in people. I want to be able to educate people, making them more understanding of predators. I want to show them the intricacies of food webs and how both us and the predators humans are afraid of interact within it. Fear leads us to make irrational decisions, and there really isn't a place for bad decisions when it comes to our world. As time goes on, it is imperative that we grow smarter about the world surrounding us.

I am currently taking a Biology course centered around genetics and cell biology. We learned the basics like structure of DNA, which of course entailed learning about the Watson-Crick model. My professor briefly mentioned Rosalind Franklin during lecture, sparking interest in me. That was the second time this year that I had heard the name "Rosalind Franklin" in a biological context. The first was while I was reading a dystopian novel centered around pathogens and finding cures for zombie-like creatures. I am intrigued by genetics and this woman's name had shown up twice now in my studies, both involving something that already interested me. I decided to do further research. Franklin's story intrigues me. More people know Watson and Crick's name than the woman who got the ball rolling on the model. I would have never known her name or back story if my professor hadn't given me the inspiration to do a little of my own research. In present day, we see how little representation women still have in STEM fields. Franklin's name symbolizes the struggle women have had in the field. There is so much progress to be made. There is so much credit to give where it is due. In STEM, I hope to be the best researcher I can. I want to be bold, and I want to be able to share my findings and claim them as mine years later. I hope by studying STEM, I will be able to create a career that allows me to adventure. I never want to stop learning and I never want to stop adventuring. Jobs in STEM are about discovery, which is one of the many reasons I am drawn to the field. Women in STEM inspire me, and I hope I can do the same for those still hesitant to join the field.