One of the greatest challenges that I know will continue to impact coastal communities is the habitat degradation. This is a social, scientific, and environmental problem affecting areas on local and global scales. It is also a multi-cause and multi-solution problem with some being natural and others being manmade. I am currently majoring in marine biology with a concentration in conservation at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. This issue is important to me because coastal habitats are home to some of the greatest biodiversity on Earth, yet the species in these areas often suffer due to commercial and recreational developments. As well, humans in these areas suffer from losses of natural and recreational resources. Through my minor in Women's and Gender Studies, I have been able to study the ways that environmental degradation hurts the most vulnerable communities, including the poor and the natives. While coastal erosion is a naturally and gradually occurring process, it has been accelerated by human processes. I learned this in 2019 while on a volunteer trip in Costa Rica. Habitat degradation is influenced by coastal development and urbanization, pollution, overfishing, and poor resource management among other things, which is further influenced by overpopulation. Knowing that coastal degradation is a global issue, addressing habitat degradation requires a comprehensive approach. Ideally, the approach implements conservation measures for sustainable coastal management practices, along with involving local communities and international collaboration. One solution that I know exists and is very effective is the implementation of marine protected areas. After completing my undergraduate degree, I hope to pursue a degree in Coastal and Ocean Policy. Specifically, I am interested in the establishment of marine reserves and the negotiations involved. Some additional solutions to this issue are restoration and rehabilitation, legislation, and ongoing monitoring of coastal areas. With the experience that I have in working in a government organization, as well as my extensive volunteer portfolio that amasses over 800 service hours, I believe that one day I will be a key piece in the fight against climate change and habitat destruction. Since I was a child, I have been a loud and passionate advocate for Mother Earth and all of her inhabitants. I strongly believe that we as humans are not greater than nature, but that we exist as part of it. Through continuing to serve the communities I encounter and sharing my knowledge with future generations, I know that I could inspire someone in the next generation to continue that same work. Mentorship is key to promoting environmental stewardship and helping others see themselves as one with nature, and not against it.

Proudly, I am a first-generation low-income student with immigrant parents. My mom is from Jamaica, and she is someone that I consider to be my best friend. She came to the United States as a single mother with my brother at the age of 16. As much as she wanted to, she was unable to finish her bachelor’s degree. When my parents divorced at age 7, I watched my mom step up in tremendous ways. She maintained sometimes three jobs at a time while taking care of my brother and me. There were times when she missed dance recitals and sporting events, but that wasn't necessarily by choice. When she couldn't handle everything herself, she leaned on the community around her. She taught me the importance of building a village and asking for help. Even though we are grateful to be in a position where she no longer must juggle between jobs, I watch as she still sidelines her dreams to help me pursue mine. My mom is one of the best chefs that I have ever known, and she hopes to own her restaurant one day. However, progress toward this dream has slowed since I have been in college. Instead of putting money into the savings fund for her brick-and-mortar, she is sending it to me to make sure that I have enough money to buy my textbooks and pay my monthly sorority dues. My mom knows what it means to sacrifice, and I have been beside her throughout all the blood, sweat and tears. Growing up, I always had a love for the ocean and a passion for protecting wildlife. This led me to my undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where I am a third-year student majoring in marine biology with a concentration in conservation. Outside of the classroom, I am an Undergraduate Student Researcher in Dr. Joe Covi's Zoop Lab, where I am creating a zooplankton toxicology kit to be used as a supplemental educational material in classrooms. I am also a member of the Xi Theta Chapter of Delta Zeta Sorority, where I serve as the DEI and Campus Relations Chairs. Since my freshman year, I have been a member of the Women's Club Soccer team. There have been times in my collegiate journey where I have been filled with doubt or worry due to uncertainty over the future or fear of failure. When I was struggling to understand Organic Chemistry, she encouraged me to seek peer help and reach out to my professor. I ended up passing the class with an A. When I was unsure if I would be accepted to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, she told me to apply anyway. I graduated from there in May of 2022. Each time that I think I am ready to give up, my mom is there for me. Having her support in my weak moments has given me the strength to persevere through my toughest classes. In me, she has instilled resilience and courage. When I walk across the stage at commencement, the degree won't just be for me. It will be for my mom and me. For all the nights that she has stayed up with me while I worked on essays or cried over peer conflicts, it will belong to her even if the printed name on the front is mine. For a woman that has and continues to sacrifice so much for my success, I owe it to her to cross the finish line and keep running.