Since graduating with my bachelors in science at UC Davis, I have been thoroughly committed to my career as a hydrologist. However, my desire to become a teacher grew through pivotal experiences I engaged in on and off the clock. One such pivotal experience occurred after moving to Arizona in 2019. In search of a way to connect with my new community, I joined the Arizona Envirothon Committee, an organization that holds a natural resource competition for high school students. Winners receive prizes and a chance to compete at the National Conservation Foundation Envirothon (NCF Envirothon), North America’s largest natural resource competition for high school students. The theme of the 2021 Arizona Envirothon competition was water scarcity. The event aimed to empower students to take steps toward careers in natural resources that could mitigate such a crisis. I helped organize the event including recruiting judges and conducting fundraising outreach. During the multi-day event, I supervised a diverse group of inspiring, future environmental scientists and engineers as they took exams together and prepared presentations. In addition to the technical demands of the event, the students were required to consider the social implications of water scarcity and propose a potential mitigation measure. Students considered who is most impacted by water scarcity (future generations and lower income communities) and how the state of Arizona is currently addressing the issue. Hence, the students were connecting what they learned from the classroom to real world implications. The result was students that weren’t only intellectually challenged, but emotionally connected and inspired to solve issues plaguing their community. On presentation day, student presenters took the stage and explained a complicated subject simply, demonstrating their mastery of the subject and social awareness. I was impressed by the level of confidence, teamwork, and empathy that the students demonstrated. Furthermore, I was touched by how the presenters carefully crafted their mitigation strategies to deliver the best outcomes for Arizonan communities at risk due to water scarcity. I realized how much I could learn and be inspired by the students that we were aiming to inspire. The students were the ones to inspire me to become a teacher. My experience with Arizona Envirothon revealed how critical it is to connect the classroom to the student’s life outside the classroom, curating real world connection just as much as intellectual engagement. Not only will this approach foster conscious students, but it will aid with content retention. This experience shifted my view of myself as a hopeful educator significantly. My role as an educator will be to bring science “home” to students; to show students that science is a part of their everyday world and that they can impact the world through their ideas and actions. I am eager to learn more on how to prepare professionals of competence, conscience, and compassion as I engage with students in a classroom setting. My hope is that through my education at San Jose State University, I will be able to question and reshape what it means to be a teacher that best serves her students and community. I have since moved back to my home state of California. I am a San Jose resident living in the downtown San Jose area. Following my experience with the Envirothon, I began volunteering at Muwekma Ohlone Middle School within San Jose Unified School District. I am now attending San Jose State University for my teaching credential and masters in teaching. I plan on teaching within San Jose School District upon graduation. I am honored to bring science into the classroom in my community.

An ever-present reality in my life is pain. When I am bowling with friends at the Social in downtown San Jose, pain is tapping on my shoulder. When I am supervising the construction of a well during a day at my job, pain lingers around the corner. When I look at wedding venues with my fiance or dream of a future as an educator, pain is part of that vision. How can I best cope? Will the pain still be around? Can I do this? I have interstitial cystitis (IC). It is a chronic bladder pain condition, with flares that last months with limited relief. It is easily confused with bladder infections (UTIs) which have caused doctors to prescribe countless antibiotics to me over the years. Adding to the confusion, sometimes I do have the UTI. It is debated whether the UTI causes the IC or the IC causes the UTI. Either way, this most recent flare has lasted an entire year. The only difference my friends can see is that I won't drink coffee anymore. They say "I can't believe you quit coffee, I love coffee." Yeah, me too. And alcohol. And sugary drinks. And pretty much anything other than water. But these seemingly harmless drinks (mostly) cause irritation and pain for me. Other ways this condition has changed my life is that I am too in pain for sexual activity with my partner most the time. And I feel guilty about that. I worry about outings where an accessible bathroom is not within a 10 minute reach. I worry about doing one of my favorite activities - hiking. I wonder if I'll be able to have kids. Then there is all the medical appointments with confused doctors, little to no answers, and mounting medical bills. My mental health has suffered due to the pain, the restriction, and the hopelessness of it all. This has lead to the "freeze response" that many with mental health illness know too well. The "freeze response" is one of the three typical reactions to stress or threat, alongside fight and flight responses. When someone experiences a freeze response in terms of mental health, it often involves feeling emotionally overwhelmed or stuck in a state of inaction. I can't drink coffee with friends, so why join them at the cafe? The doctors don't have the antidote, so why spend all this money and keep trying. I've spent many hours planted in front of the TV feeling sorry for myself - which is honestly totally justified, but it is not how I want to live my life. As this essay continues, I think the obvious transition would be for me to discuss how I started to find hope. And I have found hope. There have been days at a time where I have felt no pain. Those days give me courage to chase my dreams as a teacher despite my worries of needing to use the bathroom during instruction, to join my friends at a boba cafe despite my restricted diet, and to keep educating myself on my condition and trying new things. However, it would be amiss for me to explain away the mental health struggle of this so easily. I have to remind myself frequently that pain is a part of life and that even with pain, life is worth living. I have to create joy even in times of pain. Because ultimately, those are the days where that decision is most important. Pain has taught me a couple things about mental health: just one good day can get the ball rolling to better mental health but a consistent drive even in bad seasons is paramount, people only show you what they want you to see, and sometimes it is important to have self-compassion. So I didn't work a 9 hour day, work on my school application, cook dinner, clean, and go to that doctor appointment while in pain? So be it. I will create a reasonable list of the most important items to get done today and if I can do that, it is a win. In dark times, lists of accomplishments are your friend. Seeing a loved one even if you do not have the energy for a long hang out is a win. Furthermore, the way I am able to hide my pain so easily has made me very cognizant of the burdens others may carry. I think that this is the true superpower of those with mental health struggles - we can empathize with one another and others. I long to be the kind of teacher that can see the pain behind the eyes of students and be a listening ear. That dream keeps my ball rolling.

"The Office" offers a colorful cast of characters, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies, making it difficult to choose just one favorite. However, if I had to pick, I'd say I resonate most with Jim Halpert. Jim's wit, charm, and ability to find humor in even the most mundane situations are traits I admire. Like Jim, I appreciate the value of maintaining a sense of humor and perspective, even in challenging or monotonous environments. Jim's relationship with Pam also resonates with me. Their friendship-turned-romance is heartwarming, and I admire Jim's loyalty and unwavering support for Pam throughout the series. "The Office" has shaped my sense of humor by highlighting the absurdity and hilarity of everyday office life. The show's mockumentary style allows viewers to laugh at the relatable and often exaggerated antics of its characters, while also providing moments of genuine warmth and camaraderie. Moreover, "The Office" has provided valuable insights into workplace dynamics, showcasing the importance of teamwork, communication, and empathy. The diverse personalities and interactions among the characters serve as a reminder that every workplace is made up of individuals with their own strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. Watching the characters navigate office politics, conflicts, and personal growth has deepened my understanding of human behavior and interpersonal relationships in professional settings. Overall, "The Office" has had a significant impact on my sense of humor and perspective on workplace dynamics, reminding me to find joy in the everyday, to value relationships and connections, and to approach work with a healthy dose of humor and humility. It has also shaped my perspective on workplace dynamics by showcasing the complexities of human relationships and the importance of empathy, authenticity, and resilience in navigating the challenges of the modern workplace.

Since graduating with my bachelors in science at UC Davis, I have been thoroughly committed to my career as a hydrologist. In my role, there are many opportunities to teach others. My desire to become a teacher grew through pivotal experiences I engaged in on and off the clock. One such pivotal experience occurred after moving to Arizona in 2019. In search of a way to connect with my new community, I joined the Arizona Envirothon Committee, an organization that holds a natural resource competition for high school students. Winners receive prizes and a chance to compete at the National Conservation Foundation Envirothon (NCF Envirothon), North America’s largest natural resource competition for high school students. The theme of the 2021 Arizona Envirothon competition was water scarcity. The event aimed to empower students to take steps toward careers in natural resources that could mitigate such a crisis. I helped organize the event including recruiting judges and conducting fundraising outreach. During the multi-day event, I supervised a diverse group of inspiring, future environmental scientists and engineers as they took exams together and prepared presentations. In addition to the technical demands of the event, the students were required to consider the social implications of water scarcity and propose a potential mitigation measure. Students considered who is most impacted by water scarcity (future generations and lower income communities) and how the state of Arizona is currently addressing the issue. Hence, the students were connecting what they learned from the classroom to real world implications. The result was students that weren’t only intellectually challenged, but emotionally connected and inspired to solve issues plaguing their community. On presentation day, student presenters took the stage and explained a complicated subject simply, demonstrating their mastery of the subject and social awareness. I was impressed by the level of confidence, teamwork, and empathy that the students demonstrated. Furthermore, I was touched by how the presenters carefully crafted their mitigation strategies to deliver the best outcomes for Arizonan communities at risk due to water scarcity. I realized how much I could learn and be inspired by the students that we were aiming to inspire. My experience with Arizona Envirothon revealed how critical it is to connect the classroom to the student’s life outside the classroom, curating real world connection just as much as intellectual engagement. Not only will this approach foster conscious students, but it will aid with content retention. This experience shifted my view of myself as a hopeful educator significantly. My role as an educator will be to bring science “home” to students; to show students that science is a part of their everyday world and that they can impact the world through their ideas and actions. I am eager to learn more on how to prepare professionals of competence, conscience, and compassion as I engage with students in a classroom setting. My hope is that through my education at San Jose State I will be able to question and reshape what it means to be a teacher that best serves her students and community. I've since moved home to San Jose California and plan to attend Santa Clara University for my credential program. At Santa Clara University, I will become a Semilla fellow dedicated to serving in high need predominately latino/a schools following graduation. I am currently volunteering at a high need predominately latino/a school within San Jose Unified School District. I am honored to bring science into the classroom in my own community.

An ever-present reality in my life is pain. When I am bowling with friends at the Social in downtown San Jose, pain taps on my shoulder. When I am supervising the construction of a well during a day at my job, pain lingers around the corner. When I look at wedding venues with my fiancé or dream of a future as an educator, pain is part of that vision. How can I best cope? Will the pain still be around? Can I do this? I have interstitial cystitis (IC). It is a chronic bladder pain condition, with flares that last months with limited relief. It is easily confused with bladder infections (UTIs), which have caused doctors to prescribe countless antibiotics to me over the years. Adding to the confusion, sometimes I do have the UTI. It is debated whether the UTI causes the IC or the IC causes the UTI. Either way, this most recent flare has lasted an entire year. The only difference my friends can see is that I won't drink coffee anymore. They say, "I can't believe you quit coffee; I love coffee." Yeah, me too. And alcohol. And sugary drinks. And pretty much anything other than water. But these seemingly harmless drinks (mostly) cause irritation and pain for me. Other ways this condition has changed my life is that I am too in pain for sexual activity with my partner most of the time. And I feel guilty about that. I worry about outings where an accessible bathroom is not within a 10-minute reach. I worry about doing one of my favorite activities - hiking. I wonder if I'll be able to have kids. Then there are all the medical appointments with confused doctors, little to no answers, and mounting medical bills. My mental health has suffered due to the pain, the restriction, and the hopelessness of it all. This has led to the "freeze response" that many with mental health illness know too well. The "freeze response" is one of the three typical reactions to stress or threat, alongside fight and flight responses. When someone experiences a freeze response, it often involves feeling emotionally overwhelmed or stuck in a state of inaction. I can't drink coffee with friends, so why join them at the cafe? The doctors don't have the antidote, so why spend all this money and keep trying. I've spent many hours planted in front of the TV feeling sorry for myself - which is honestly totally justified, but it is not how I want to live my life. As this essay continues, I think the obvious transition would be for me to discuss how I started to find hope. And I have found hope. There have been days at a time where I have felt no pain. Those days give me courage to chase my dreams as a teacher despite my worries of needing to use the bathroom during instruction, to join my friends at a boba cafe despite my restricted diet, and to keep educating myself on my condition and trying new things. However, it would be amiss for me to explain away the mental health struggle of this so easily. I have to remind myself frequently that pain is a part of life and that even with pain, life is worth living. I have to create joy even in times of pain. Because ultimately, those are the days where that decision is most important. Pain has taught me a couple of things about mental health: just one good day can get the ball rolling to better mental health but a consistent drive even in bad seasons is paramount, people only show you what they want you to see, and to have self-compassion. So I didn't work a 9-hour day, work on my school application, cook dinner, clean, and go to that doctor appointment while in pain? So be it. I will create a reasonable list of the most important items to get done today and if I can do that, it is a win. In dark times, lists of accomplishments are your friend. Seeing a loved one even if you do not have the energy for a long hang out is a win. Furthermore, the way I am able to hide my pain so easily has made me very cognizant of the burdens others may carry. I think that this is the true superpower of those with mental health struggles - we can empathize with one another and others. I long to be the kind of teacher that can see the pain behind the eyes of students and be a listening ear. That dream keeps my ball rolling.

One of the most beloved Nintendo games to play in co-op mode is undoubtedly "Mario Kart." Its exhilarating races, colorful characters, and unpredictable outcomes make it a favorite among friends and family alike. In one memorable session, my family decided to play the iconic Rainbow Road track, notorious for its challenging twists and turns. As the race began, chaos ensued as shells, bananas, and lightning bolts were unleashed upon unsuspecting competitors. Laughter and cheers echoed throughout the room as each player fought for supremacy. In the final lap, I found myself neck and neck with my brother, both vying for first place. With lightning reflexes and a bit of luck, I managed to dodge incoming obstacles and outmaneuver him, crossing the finish line in first place. This was the first time I beat my brother! The room erupted in cheers and playful protests as I celebrated my victory, but it wasn't just about winning. It was the shared experience of laughter, camaraderie, and friendly competition that made that moment unforgettable. Games and sport bring people together. I wasn't always sure how to connect with my teenage brother, but we could connect through a Mario Kart game without exchanging a word. That multiplayer session solidified "Mario Kart" as my top choice for co-op gaming. It's not just about the thrill of the race but the bonds forged and memories created with friends along the way.

Starbucks is more than just a coffeehouse. It's more than a coffeehouse; it's a celestial pilgrimage where the stars align, and the universe conspires to create moments of joy, reflection, and connection. Starbucks, a constellation in the vast galaxy of experiences, reminding us that in the simple act of sipping a cup of coffee, we can find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai Latte. In recent years, I have struggled with a medical condition. Due to this condition, I have to reduce my caffeine intake (no coffee) and eliminate dairy products. So, pumpkin spice latte was no longer the go-to. I've been so lucky to find that the Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai Latte can bring me the same sense of nostalgia and warmth that pumpkin spice had all those years. Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai Latte is a comforting and aromatic beverage with a harmonious blend of spiced tea and I am grateful that Starbucks has created such a diverse drink selection so that I don't feel left out when ordering a drink with friends. I cannot say the same about other coffee locations no matter how trendy they get. Getting these beverages will always remind me of the days returning to high school in the fall when all of my friends would gather around to get a drink and chat. Since then, we've all found careers mostly in different locations. But we all come back to our hometown during Thanksgiving break and gather at the local starbucks for a drink and a catch up. Whether it's catching up with friends over coffee, celebrating with a toast, or enjoying a drink during gatherings, Starbucks became intertwined with social rituals and symbolizes connection. It reminds me to be grateful of the time I have with me friends and not take life for granted. Each year as I get older I can go back to our local spot and enjoy as I did when I was younger. Still, getting a cup of coffee or chai tea in my case is self care. That first sip reminds us that it is a new day and the possibilities are endless. Starbucks memories are not just about the coffee; they're about the people, the stories shared, and the emotions stirred with every sip. Each cup holds a unique tale, a blend of experiences that makes Starbucks not just a coffeehouse but a keeper of cherished moments in the journey of life.

Since graduating with my bachelors in science at UC Davis, I have been thoroughly committed to my hydrology career. Still, I could see the teacher within me through pivotal experiences I engaged in on and off the clock. One such pivotal experience occurred after moving to Arizona in 2019. In search of a way to connect with my new community, I joined the Arizona Envirothon Committee, an organization that holds a natural resource competition for high school students between the ages of 14 and 18. Winners receive prizes and a chance to compete at the National Conservation Foundation Envirothon (NCF Envirothon), North America’s largest natural resource competition for high school students. The theme of the 2021 Arizona Envirothon competition was water scarcity. The event aimed to empower students to take steps toward careers in natural resources that could mitigate such a crisis. I helped organize the event including recruiting judges and conducting fundraising outreach. During the multi-day event, I supervised a diverse group of inspiring, future environmental scientists and engineers as they took exams together and prepared presentations. In addition to the technical demands of the event, the students were forced to consider the social implications of water scarcity and propose a potential mitigation measure. Students considered who is most impacted by water scarcity (future generations and lower income communities) and how the state of Arizona is currently addressing the issue. Hence, the students were tying what they learned from the classroom to real world implications. The result was students that weren’t only intellectually challenged, but emotionally connected and inspired to solve issues plaguing their community. On presentation day, student presenters took the stage and explained a complicated subject simply, demonstrating their mastery of the subject and social awareness. I was impressed by the level of confidence, teamwork, and empathy that the students demonstrated. Furthermore, I was touched by how the presenters carefully crafted their mitigation strategies to deliver the best outcomes for Arizonan communities at risk due to water scarcity. I realized how much I could learn and be inspired by the students that we were aiming to inspire. My experience with Arizona Envirothon revealed how critical it is to connect the classroom to the student’s life outside the classroom, curating real world connection just as much as intellectual ability. Not only will this approach foster conscious students, but it will aid with content retention. I am eager to learn more on how to prepare professionals of competence, conscience, and compassion as I engage with students in a classroom setting. Success to me looks like building professionals who are prepared and equipped with the tools they need to build a better world. For a teacher, our success is their success. I have seven years of professional experience as a hydrologist (certified engineer in training) that I will bring into the classroom. I want to prepare students for the full range of STEM careers that are available. I will likely be reducing my income by becoming a teacher. I select to do so because I want STEM opportunities to be accessible to more people. I understand the tools needed to succeed in STEM and can help students toward that path. Many students decide whether they are "good" at science or math in middle or high school. It is an incredibly important transitionary period in a student's life. I want to build students’ confidence in their abilities in STEM and set them up for success in high school. Tuition assistance will help me forge this path without being burdened by student loans in a high cost of living area.

I love calculus because it is essential to driving society forward and advancing technology. Calculus allows us to conceptualize and analyze change and motion. It provides a set of powerful mathematical tools for understanding how quantities change with respect to one another and how they accumulate over time. The two main branches of calculus, differential calculus and integral calculus, work together to address different aspects of this concept. By combining these two branches, calculus provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and modeling a wide range of phenomena in the natural and applied sciences. Moreover, calculus allows us to conceptualize our world. In my field of hydrology, we use groundwater numerical models which consider three main numerical methods that should be considered: finite difference, finite element and finite volume. Understanding how the model functions is imperative to assigning input values and determining assumptions. This allows us to estimate and predict groundwater movement and contaminant transport. Modeling has allowed me to explore how engineers could address dewatering at a construction site or evaluate contaminant risk to a nearby stream. Calculus is a necessary step to use a tool such as this. Many fields have similar tools. For instance, calculus is used in economics to model and analyze systems involving change, such as economic growth or optimization of resources. In biology and medicine, calculus is applied in biological sciences and medicine to model biological processes, such as population growth, spread of diseases, and drug kinetics. In astronomy, calculus is essential for predicting orbits, planning space missions, and analyzing celestial motion. Thus, calculus provides a mathematical language to describe, analyze, and predict change, making it a foundational tool in various fields of study and application. Calculus teaches us how to problem solve and critically think, which is fundamental to any career, especially a STEM field. Some fields which require calculus education may not require calculus use in day to day tasks. Still, the field will likely require someone to critically analyze a situation and provide solutions. The ability to conceptualize the problem, be it through a model or otherwise, will aid in the ability in solving the problem. Additionally, presenting quantitative results founded in calculus principles that people can visualize provides a much more compelling and agreeable solution. Furthermore, as our world advances, our reliance on the principles of calculus intensifies as more fields are created and more STEM professionals are needed.

Calculus is fundamental to most fields in STEM. Calculus allows us to conceptualize and analyze change and motion. It provides a set of powerful mathematical tools for understanding how quantities change with respect to one another and how they accumulate over time. The two main branches of calculus, differential calculus and integral calculus, work together to address different aspects of this concept. By combining these two branches, calculus provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and modeling a wide range of phenomena in the natural and applied sciences. Moreover, calculus allows us to conceptualize our world. In my field of hydrology, we use groundwater numerical models which consider three main numerical methods that should be considered: finite difference, finite element and finite volume. Understanding how the model functions is imperative to assigning input values and determining assumptions. This allows us to estimate and predict groundwater movement and contaminant transport. Modeling has allowed me to explore how engineers could address dewatering at a construction site or evaluate contaminant risk to a nearby stream. Calculus is a necessary step to use a tool such as this. Many fields have similar tools. For instance, calculus is used in economics to model and analyze systems involving change, such as economic growth or optimization of resources. In biology and medicine, calculus is applied in biological sciences and medicine to model biological processes, such as population growth, spread of diseases, and drug kinetics. It is essential for medical imaging such as CT or MRI scans. In astronomy, calculus is essential for predicting orbits, planning space missions, and analyzing celestial motion. Thus, calculus provides a mathematical language to describe, analyze, and predict change, making it a foundational tool in various fields of study and application. Calculus teaches us how to problem solve and critically think, which is fundamental to any career, especially a STEM field. Some fields which require calculus education may not require calculus use in day to day tasks. Still, the field will likely require someone to critically analyze a situation and provide solutions. The ability to conceptualize the problem, be it through a model or otherwise, will aid in the ability in solving the problem. Additionally, presenting quantitative results founded in calculus principles that people can visualize provides a much more compelling and agreeable solution. As our world advances, our reliance on the principles of calculus intensifies as more fields are created and more STEM professionals are needed.

I am 29 years old. I've grown up alongside Taylor and have felt a powerful connection to her music as we both matured through life. When I was 15, Taylor's "Mean" resonated with me as I dealt with bullying. When I was 21, "Style" resonated with me as I realized I had a very similar pattern of dating the "bad boy" James Deans of today. As Taylor's music became more sophisticated and poetic, so did the challenges of my life. In the year 2023, I would say "Clean" would be the soundtrack of my year as it captures the process of healing and finding closure that I experienced. As we get older, life changes. The demands of work, family, and other societal obligations sink their claws in us, and friendships often get sidelined. A friendship I had since I was a child had also changed. This person had been my landing spot in good and hard times, but distance had separated us physically and emotionally. But more than that, not prioritizing each other in our adult lives distanced us. I felt bitterness and resentment that my friend hadn't made the effort to stay close. She didn't receive my calls anymore and when we did get together, she was critical and distant. I was devastated by what felt like the loss of a loved one, despite the fact that we still saw each other almost every other month. I started seeking therapy to deal with these emotions. I learned that allowing myself to feel the sadness and emptiness of the end of the friendship as I knew it was the only way I could get through the anger I held towards my friend. Taylor's lyrics "Rain came pouring down when I was drowning / That's when I could finally breathe" suggest that the difficult emotions associated with her breakup were like drowning, but the rain represents the renewing process that allowed her to breathe again. This is how it felt to process and grieve the changing of my friendship. I had to let go of the expectations that we would be best friends like we were when we were kids in order to let go of resentment and breathe again. In turn, this allows a new kind of friendship to prosper - a friendship with minimal expectations but so much love for one another. The song's theme of cleansing oneself represents starting over and fresh. Processing my emotions about the change in my life allowed me to view the friendship from a different perspective and start over fresh. Near the end of the year, my friend revealed to me that she was pregnant. I had tears of joy for her. The love I have for her and excitement for her future overrides the anger that I once had. I am at peace with our friendship and feel that I am finally "clean".

Since graduating with my bachelors in science at UC Davis, I have been thoroughly committed to my hydrology career. Still, I could see the teacher within me through pivotal experiences I engaged in on and off the clock. One such pivotal experience occurred after moving to Arizona in 2019. In search of a way to connect with my new community, I joined the Arizona Envirothon Committee, an organization that holds a natural resource competition for high school students between the ages of 14 and 18. Winners receive prizes and a chance to compete at the National Conservation Foundation Envirothon (NCF Envirothon), North America’s largest natural resource competition for high school students. The theme of the 2021 Arizona Envirothon competition was water scarcity. The event aimed to empower students to take steps toward careers in natural resources that could mitigate such a crisis. I helped organize the event including recruiting judges and conducting fundraising outreach. During the multi-day event, I supervised a diverse group of inspiring, future environmental scientists and engineers as they took exams together and prepared presentations. In addition to the technical demands of the event, the students were forced to consider the social implications of water scarcity and propose a potential mitigation measure. Students considered who is most impacted by water scarcity (future generations and lower income communities) and how the state of Arizona is currently addressing the issue. Hence, the students were tying what they learned from the classroom to real world implications. The result was students that weren’t only intellectually challenged, but emotionally connected and inspired to solve issues plaguing their community. On presentation day, student presenters took the stage and explained a complicated subject simply, demonstrating their mastery of the subject and social awareness. I was impressed by the level of confidence, teamwork, and empathy that the students demonstrated. Furthermore, I was touched by how the presenters carefully crafted their mitigation strategies to deliver the best outcomes for Arizonan communities at risk due to water scarcity. I realized how much I could learn and be inspired by the students that we were aiming to inspire. My experience with Arizona Envirothon revealed how critical it is to connect the classroom to the student’s life outside the classroom, curating real world connection just as much as intellectual ability. Not only will this approach foster conscious students, but it will aid with content retention. I am eager to learn more on how to prepare professionals of competence, conscience, and compassion as I engage with students in a classroom setting. I am also eager to engage marginalized communities and girls in STEM so that they can explore career paths in the sciences. I am confident that my seven years of experience as a woman in a STEM field will provide valuable insight for my students curious about careers in STEM.

I am two years older than Zendaya yet I see her as role model due to her bravery. Zendaya has been involved in social and humanitarian causes, using her platform to raise awareness and advocate for positive change. For instance, Zendaya has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. She has spoken out about the importance of representation and the need for more opportunities for people of color in film and television. Zendaya once was ridiculed by a TV reporter who said that she looks like "she smells like patchouli oil or weed" while wearing her hair in dreadlocks. Zendaya spoke up about the "outrageously offensive" comment: “That’s how change happens and it made me think, ‘How could I always have a lasting impact on what people saw and associated with people of color?’ There is already a harsh criticism of African American hair in society without the help of ignorant people who choose to judge others based on the curl of their hair. I wanted this to be a positive experience, for people to learn from it, people to grow from it. And that's all that I hope is their able to learn and grow and hopefully be more positive." The courage displayed by Zendaya inspires younger generations to speak up as well. Speaking up holds others accountable for their words and incites change. I think it is because of celebrities like Zendaya that we are seeing this kind of courage in younger generations that allows more people of color the freedom to be themselves without judgement and hate. We still have more hate to confront, but our generation is definitely headed in the right direction due to Zendaya and others' example. Additionally, Zendaya has been involved in various humanitarian efforts. For instance, she has worked with UNICEF to raise awareness about the importance of education for children globally. As someone who is looking to return to school to earn a teaching credential, this speaks to me. Education is a tool that can open up opportunities. Zendaya's efforts to provide education to poorer regions of the world is leading to a more equitable world. I plan to teach at Title 1 schools so that I can provide deserving students in the United States a quality education that they otherwise may not receive. I plan to discuss the efforts of relatable role models like Zendaya to inspire students to be leaders with empathy.

Since graduating with my bachelors in science at UC Davis, I have been thoroughly committed to my hydrology career. Still, I could see the teacher within me through pivotal experiences I engaged in on and off the clock. One such pivotal experience occurred after moving to Arizona in 2019. In search of a way to connect with my new community, I joined the Arizona Envirothon Committee, an organization that holds a natural resource competition for high school students between the ages of 14 and 18. Winners receive prizes and a chance to compete at the National Conservation Foundation Envirothon (NCF Envirothon), North America’s largest natural resource competition for high school students. The theme of the 2021 Arizona Envirothon competition was water scarcity. The event aimed to empower students to take steps toward careers in natural resources that could mitigate such a crisis. I helped organize the event including recruiting judges and conducting fundraising outreach. During the multi-day event, I supervised a diverse group of inspiring, future environmental scientists and engineers as they took exams together and prepared presentations. In addition to the technical demands of the event, the students were forced to consider the social implications of water scarcity and propose a potential mitigation measure. Students considered who is most impacted by water scarcity (future generations and lower income communities) and how the state of Arizona is currently addressing the issue. Hence, the students were tying what they learned from the classroom to real world implications. The result was students that weren’t only intellectually challenged, but emotionally connected and inspired to solve issues plaguing their community. On presentation day, student presenters took the stage and explained a complicated subject simply, demonstrating their mastery of the subject and social awareness. I was impressed by the level of confidence, teamwork, and empathy that the students demonstrated. Furthermore, I was touched by how the presenters carefully crafted their mitigation strategies to deliver the best outcomes for Arizonan communities at risk due to water scarcity. I realized how much I could learn and be inspired by the students that we were aiming to inspire. My experience with Arizona Envirothon revealed how critical it is to connect the classroom to the student’s life outside the classroom, curating real world connection just as much as intellectual ability. Not only will this approach foster conscious students, but it will aid with content retention. I am eager to learn more on how to prepare professionals of competence, conscience, and compassion as I engage with students in a classroom setting. I can't think of a better way to honor my love of learning than to aid in the learning of others by becoming a high school science teacher. I am thrilled to continue my education after seven years of working as a scientist. I hope to provide valuable insight to my future students seeking jobs in STEAM and especially in the natural sciences. I am eager to develop skills that will foster a love for learning and growth in my students and create more individuals like Patrick Stanley.