I chose a STEM career because science gives me the tools to understand, protect, and restore the world around me. For me, STEM is not just a field of study—it is a pathway to creating real-world solutions for communities, ecosystems, and future generations. My passion for plant biology, wildlife conservation, and sustainable agriculture has shown me how deeply science influences everyday life, from the food we eat to the medicines we rely on. STEM gives me the opportunity to turn that passion into action, and that is why I am committed to building my future in this field. Studying environmental science and agriculture has opened my eyes to the powerful role STEM plays in solving global problems. Understanding how plants produce life-saving compounds, how ecosystems respond to stress, and how sustainable farming can improve both food security and environmental health has shaped my academic path. These subjects aren’t abstract to me—they are deeply connected to the kind of world I want to help build. I see STEM as a way to bridge knowledge and impact, using research and practical skills to strengthen the bond between people and the environment. Choosing a STEM career also allows me to challenge stereotypes and expand representation. Women, especially women of color and women from nontraditional backgrounds, remain underrepresented in many scientific fields. Stepping into STEM is my way of claiming a space where voices like mine deserve to be heard. I want to show younger girls—especially those who may not see themselves reflected in science yet—that they belong here too. Representation matters, and by pursuing this path, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse scientific community. My long-term goal is to combine conservation, education, and sustainable agriculture by building a small education-focused farm and learning center. I want to create a space where people can explore native plants, understand ecosystem health, and learn how science connects to their daily lives. Through workshops, guided nature activities, hands-on farming experiences, and community outreach, I hope to make STEM accessible to students who might not otherwise have these opportunities. By teaching others—especially young girls—that science is creative, powerful, and open to everyone, I can help widen the doorway into STEM. As a woman in science, I also hope to make a difference through collaboration and mentorship. STEM thrives when diverse perspectives come together to solve problems, and I want to be part of that movement. Whether it’s researching sustainable growing techniques, restoring damaged ecosystems, or helping communities understand the importance of conservation, I want my work to empower others and inspire collective action. Science is not a solitary pursuit; it grows stronger when shared. Ultimately, I chose a STEM career because I want to help heal the planet while uplifting the people who live on it. I believe that women bring essential insight, creativity, and resilience to the scientific workforce, and I am proud to be part of that change. My hope is that my journey will encourage more women to step into STEM with confidence, knowing their contributions are needed and valued. By combining my love for science with my commitment to community and conservation, I aim to build a career that not only protects the environment but also opens doors for future generations of girls who dream of a place in STEM. That is the difference I hope to make—as a scientist, an educator, and a woman determined to leave the world better than she found it.

Building myself and my career has been a journey of growth, healing, and purpose. I’ve faced challenges that have tested my strength — from being a single mother to rebuilding my life in recovery — but every experience has shaped the person I am today. For me, success isn’t just about achieving personal goals; it’s about using what I’ve learned to make a positive impact on others and in my community. Through years of struggle, I’ve come to understand the importance of self-development. Before I could focus on building a career, I had to build myself — emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. That meant learning self-discipline, practicing forgiveness, and believing that I was capable of more than my past mistakes. Recovery gave me a second chance at life, and education gave me direction. It showed me that true strength comes from growth and the desire to be better every day. My dream is to build a career in wildlife conservation, where I can combine my love for nature with my commitment to protecting the environment. I believe that caring for the planet is another form of caring for people — because when we protect ecosystems, we protect our future. By working in conservation, I want to help educate others on the importance of sustainability and show that even small actions can make a big difference. This career path isn’t just about personal fulfillment; it’s about giving back. My community has supported me through difficult times, and I want to return that support by inspiring others — especially women, parents, and those in recovery — to believe that change is possible. I hope to be an example of how perseverance, education, and purpose can transform a life. Building myself and my career go hand in hand. Each step I take toward my goals is also a step toward creating opportunities for others. I want to use my story and my work to show that no matter where you start, you can rebuild, rise, and contribute to something greater. My journey is about more than personal success — it’s about leaving behind a legacy of hope, compassion, and positive change for both my community and the world around me.

Living with bipolar disorder type 1 is a constant journey of balancing extremes. It feels like living between two worlds — one full of light, energy, and possibility, and another shadowed by exhaustion, sadness, and self-doubt. The highs can be intoxicating, and the lows can be unbearable. Yet somewhere between those two places, I’ve learned to find strength, patience, and a deeper understanding of myself. Bipolar disorder is often misunderstood. Many people see the outward behavior — bursts of energy, quick mood changes, or moments of withdrawal — but few understand the internal struggle that comes with it. Mania can make me feel unstoppable, creative, and invincible. During those times, I can take on more than I should, talk faster, sleep less, and feel like I’m on top of the world. But what follows is often the crash — the deep depression that feels like all that light disappears. Suddenly, the smallest tasks feel impossible, and my mind becomes my biggest enemy. These cycles have affected every part of my life — relationships, work, and self-esteem. There have been times when I’ve questioned my worth and wondered if I’d ever find stability. But I’ve also learned that acknowledging my diagnosis is not a weakness; it’s an act of courage. It takes strength to ask for help, to take medication, to go to therapy, and to keep showing up even when I don’t feel like it. I’ve built coping tools over time that help me manage the ups and downs. I’ve learned to recognize my triggers, keep a routine, and reach out to people I trust when things get hard. Mindfulness, writing, and spending time in nature bring me peace when my thoughts start to spiral. I’ve also learned the power of self-forgiveness — accepting that some days will be harder than others and that healing is never a straight line. Living with bipolar disorder has also shaped the kind of person I want to be. It has given me compassion for others who are struggling silently and the desire to make a difference. My dream of becoming a wildlife conservationist ties into that sense of care — just as I’ve learned to nurture my own mental well-being, I want to help protect and restore the natural world around me. Both are about balance, respect, and healing. Bipolar disorder will always be a part of my life, but it no longer defines me. It has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of hope. Every day I wake up and choose to keep fighting is a victory. Even in the darkest moments, I remind myself that storms don’t last forever — and when the light returns, it’s even more beautiful because I’ve survived the rain.

Recovery means getting my life back — not just surviving, but truly living. It means waking up clear-headed, grateful, and ready to face each day with purpose. For me, sobriety is more than giving up alcohol; it’s about becoming the person I was always meant to be — a stronger mother, a kinder human being, and someone who chooses life every single day. My children are my greatest motivation. They were the reason I decided to change and the reason I keep going. I want to be present for them — to laugh with them, guide them, and show them that no matter how hard life gets, you can always start over. Recovery allows me to give them the best version of me, not the broken one who once felt lost. Being sober also gave me clarity about my dreams. I’ve always loved nature and animals, and now I’m pursuing my goal of becoming a wildlife conservationist. Protecting the environment feels symbolic of my own journey — restoring what was damaged and helping life thrive again. To me, being sober means being alive — fully, honestly, and gratefully. It’s proof that I can overcome, rebuild, and keep moving forward. Recovery has turned my pain into strength and my past into purpose. Every sober day is a victory, and I’m proud of the person I’m becoming.

Being a first-generation college student means everything to me. It means breaking barriers, rewriting my story, and showing my children that no dream is too far out of reach. I didn’t grow up with examples of higher education around me, so deciding to go to college was scary and exciting all at once. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I also knew that earning a degree would open doors—not only for me, but for my family’s future. My journey hasn’t been a smooth one. As a single mother of three, one of whom is autistic, I’ve faced challenges that sometimes felt impossible to overcome. There are days when I’m up all night helping with homework or comforting a child through a meltdown, only to wake up early to finish assignments of my own. But through it all, I’ve learned resilience and balance. My children are my biggest motivation. They’re the reason I push through every obstacle and keep working toward something better. Part of my strength also comes from overcoming my past. I am a former alcoholic, and recovery changed my life completely. There was a time when I couldn’t see a future for myself, but through hard work, support, and faith, I learned that healing is possible. Recovery gave me the clarity to recognize what truly matters—my family, my education, and my purpose. It taught me that every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to chase dreams I once thought were out of reach. One of those dreams is becoming a wildlife conservationist. I’ve always had a deep love for nature and animals, but over the years, that love grew into a passion to protect them. I’m fascinated by how wildlife adapts to urban environments and how humans can learn to coexist more peacefully with the natural world. I want to use my education to research, advocate, and educate others about conservation—helping to protect ecosystems and ensure that future generations can experience the same beauty I’ve found in nature. A scholarship would be life-changing for me. Balancing school, motherhood, and bills can be overwhelming, and financial stress often feels like the biggest barrier standing in my way. This scholarship would allow me to focus more on my studies and worry less about how to make ends meet. It would give me the stability I need to keep moving forward, one class and one goal at a time. Being a first-generation college student, a single mom, and someone who has fought their way back from addiction has shaped me into who I am today—strong, determined, and full of hope. I’ve learned that it’s never too late to start over and that even the hardest paths can lead to the most beautiful destinations. With your support, I’ll continue working toward a future where I can care for both people and the planet, turning my story of survival into one of purpose and change.

My journey in life has been shaped by the people I care for and the challenges I’ve faced along the way. For several years, I have been a caregiver to my mother, who lives with schizophrenia and dementia, while also raising my three children—one of whom is autistic. Balancing these responsibilities has not been easy, but through it all, I have discovered who I am: resilient, patient, and deeply empathetic. These experiences have not only shaped my identity but have also guided me toward my career goal in wildlife conservation, where I can use my compassion and strength to care for the world beyond my home. Caring for my mother has been one of the greatest tests of my patience and endurance. Watching her mind fade between moments of clarity and confusion has been painful, but it has also taught me the meaning of unconditional love. There are days when she doesn’t remember who I am, yet I’ve learned to find peace in simply being there for her. Providing her with comfort, stability, and dignity has shown me how powerful empathy can be. Even in the most difficult moments, I’ve discovered that caring for another life—whether human or animal—requires both strength and gentleness. Raising my children, especially my middle child who is autistic, has taught me lessons that no classroom could ever provide. His unique way of seeing the world reminds me every day to slow down, appreciate small victories, and approach life with gratitude. His needs have given me a deeper understanding of patience and acceptance. I’ve learned that love isn’t just about guidance—it’s also about listening, adapting, and appreciating every moment of growth, no matter how small. My other two children also depend on me, and balancing everyone’s needs has taught me how to manage chaos with compassion and find calm within the storm. In the midst of my busy life, I’ve always turned to nature as a place of peace and renewal. When I’m outdoors, surrounded by the quiet beauty of wildlife, I feel grounded and whole again. Nature doesn’t judge or rush—it exists in perfect balance, reminding me that healing and growth take time. This deep connection with the natural world inspired me to pursue a degree in wildlife conservation. I see a reflection of my caregiving journey in this field: both require patience, empathy, and a commitment to protecting life in all its forms. My experiences as a caregiver have shaped my goals and identity in profound ways. They’ve taught me resilience in the face of hardship, compassion for all living beings, and the importance of preserving what is precious. I want to use my education to protect wildlife, restore habitats, and teach others why conservation matters. Just as I’ve cared for my family with love and understanding, I want to extend that same care to the planet. Because every life, human or wild, deserves a chance to thrive.

Throughout my life, I’ve faced more challenges than I ever expected, but each one has shaped me into a stronger, more determined person. As a single mother working full-time while pursuing a degree in wildlife conservation, I know what it means to fight for a dream even when the odds are stacked against me. My journey hasn’t been easy—there have been times of exhaustion, doubt, and sacrifice—but I’ve learned that true strength is built in those moments when you keep going, even when it feels impossible. Being a single mother comes with constant pressure. There are bills to pay, meals to cook, homework to help with, and responsibilities that never seem to end. On top of that, I’m working full time to support my family while attending school to build the career I’ve always wanted. There are days when I feel completely drained—physically, mentally, and emotionally—but I remind myself why I started. I want to build a better future for my children and to show them that no matter how hard life gets, they can still chase their dreams. One of the biggest challenges I face is the lack of support from family or loved ones. I don’t have anyone to rely on for help with childcare, chores, or even emotional support when the days get long. Everything rests on my shoulders. There are nights when I’m up late after the kids are asleep, finishing assignments or studying for exams, even though my eyes can barely stay open. I’ve had to develop strong time management skills and a strict routine just to keep everything running smoothly. Every hour of my day has a purpose—from work to parenting to studying—and even though it leaves little time for myself, I’ve learned to embrace the grind because I know it’s temporary. Sacrifice has become part of my daily life. I often give up personal time, social outings, and rest so I can juggle work, school, and being the kind of mother my children deserve. It isn’t easy, but I find strength in knowing that my hard work is building a better future for all of us. When I start to feel overwhelmed, I remind myself of my goals and the passion that drives me—my love for wildlife and the environment. Pursuing a career in wildlife conservation is more than just a career choice; it’s my purpose. I want to make a difference, to protect nature, and to educate others about the importance of conservation. Through every hardship, I’ve discovered how resilient I truly am. Each challenge has pushed me to grow and taught me to rely on my own strength. Even when life feels heavy, I remind myself that the sacrifices I make today are paving the way for tomorrow’s success. Adversity has tested me in every way, but it has also revealed my determination, my heart, and my unwavering belief that I can overcome anything to reach my dreams.

My struggle with alcohol addiction began as an escape from a painful reality that I didn’t know how to face. I grew up in a broken and troubled family where chaos and instability were part of everyday life. Drugs were common in my family, and I saw addiction steal away people I loved. My father spent ten years incarcerated, and during that time, I learned what it felt like to carry both anger and emptiness. Alcohol became my way of numbing that pain—a temporary relief from memories and emotions that felt too heavy to carry. For a while, drinking felt like the only thing that made life bearable. It dulled the hurt, quieted my thoughts, and gave me a false sense of control. But over time, it took more than it ever gave. I lost sight of who I was, and the cycle of addiction began to consume everything around me. I knew deep down that I wanted more from life, but I couldn’t find the strength to break free—until I became a mother. The moment I held my child for the first time, something shifted inside me. I realized that my choices no longer affected just me—they shaped an entire life depending on me. My child gave me a reason to fight for myself, to heal, and to build a future that wasn’t defined by my past. Sobriety wasn’t easy, but motherhood gave me the purpose and motivation I had been missing. Every day I stayed sober became a promise—to my child and to myself—that I would never go back to the person I was before. Over the years, maintaining sobriety has brought peace and clarity that I once thought were impossible. I’ve rebuilt my life piece by piece, learning to trust myself and find beauty in small, quiet moments. With time, I rediscovered something that had always brought me comfort—nature. Spending time outdoors helped me heal, giving me space to reflect and reconnect with life in its purest form. Watching wildlife thrive in balance reminded me that recovery, too, is a process of growth and renewal. Now, I am working toward a degree in wildlife conservation. My goal is to use my education to protect wildlife and to help others understand why conservation matters. I want to educate communities about the importance of preserving ecosystems and show how every living being plays a role in the balance of life. Just as I found my strength through healing and recovery, I want to be a voice for protecting the natural world—a world that helped me find peace when I needed it most. My journey from addiction to purpose hasn’t been easy, but it has been transformative. I’ve learned that even from pain, something beautiful can grow. Sobriety gave me my life back, motherhood gave me my reason, and nature gave me my direction. Now, I’m determined to spend the rest of my life giving back—to my children, to the planet, and to the future we all share

Fishing has always been more than just a hobby for me—it’s a reflection of who I am. Whether I’m out on the water in my kayak or working hard in other areas of my life, the same qualities guide me: patience, determination, and respect. Fishing, especially kayak fishing, has taught me lessons that go far beyond catching fish. It’s shaped my character and my work ethic, showing me how to stay steady through challenges and find peace in the process. When I’m out on the water, I feel completely in my element. Kayak fishing brings me a sense of calm and focus that I don’t find anywhere else. It requires balance, control, and awareness of every movement—both of myself and of nature around me. I often go out with friends, and while there’s always friendly competition, there’s also a shared respect for the water and for each other. We celebrate each other’s catches, help each other when the current gets strong, and take the time to enjoy the quiet moments between casts. That spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship is something I carry with me in every part of my life. Fishing has also taught me the value of patience. Some days the water is calm, and the bites come quickly. Other days, hours pass without a single tug on the line. It’s in those slow moments that I’ve learned to appreciate persistence and focus. Instead of giving up, I adjust my approach, try new techniques, and trust the process. That same patience shows up in my work ethic off the water—I’ve learned that success doesn’t always come fast, but with time, effort, and consistency, results will follow. There’s also a deep sense of respect that comes with fishing—respect for nature, for the fish, and for the people you share the experience with. I believe true sportsmanship means more than just catching the biggest fish; it’s about fairness, honesty, and gratitude for the opportunity to be out there. I always make sure to leave the water as clean as I found it and to treat every moment outdoors as a privilege. The lessons I’ve learned while kayak fishing have shaped the way I approach challenges, goals, and relationships. On and off the water, I strive to be someone who works hard, stays patient, and supports others. Fishing reminds me that character is built in both the calm and the struggle—and that with the right attitude, every day offers a chance to grow stronger, steadier, and more grounded

Pursuing a degree in wildlife conservation while being a single mother has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. Every day is a balancing act—between caring for my children, studying, and trying to build a better future for us. My journey has not been easy, but it has taught me strength, patience, and resilience. I have learned that even when life feels overwhelming, determination and love can push you further than you ever thought possible. Raising three children on my own has come with countless obstacles. My middle child is autistic, which means daily life often requires extra attention, structure, and patience. There are days when meltdowns or therapies overlap with deadlines and exams, and I have to choose between studying late into the night or sleeping a few hours before the next busy day begins. My two other children also need their own time, love, and care, and I try my best to make sure each of them feels seen and supported. It’s exhausting at times, but it has also made me incredibly organized, resourceful, and compassionate. One of the hardest parts of this journey has been doing it without the support of my family. There have been moments when I felt completely alone, unsure if I could keep going. Without a strong support system, every small victory has come through my own persistence. I have had to find strength within myself, create stability for my children, and keep my eyes focused on the bigger picture—finishing school and building a meaningful career. Those experiences have taught me that resilience isn’t about never breaking down; it’s about standing back up, again and again, no matter how hard life hits. Despite the challenges, I’ve discovered a passion that keeps me moving forward—wildlife conservation. Nature has always been a place of peace for me, a reminder that life continues to grow and adapt even after the harshest storms. I want to dedicate my career to protecting the environment and the creatures that call it home. My goal is to work in wildlife conservation, possibly within a national park or a nonprofit organization, helping preserve habitats and educate communities about the importance of protecting our planet. Being a single mother has given me a unique perspective that I bring to this field. It has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of nurturing life—even in difficult circumstances. Just as I care for my children with love and persistence, I want to extend that same care to the natural world. I believe that every living thing deserves the chance to thrive, and I want my children to see that their mother fought not only for them but for the future of our planet. My journey has not been simple, but it has shaped me into someone strong, determined, and hopeful. I have faced obstacles that once seemed impossible, yet I continue to move forward—one class, one day, and one dream at a time. Through it all, I’ve learned that strength doesn’t come from having an easy path; it comes from never giving up on the one that matters most.

Living with bipolar disorder has changed the way I see myself, the world, and what truly matters in life. It hasn’t been an easy journey. The highs can make me feel unstoppable, like I can take on anything, but the lows can be crushing—leaving me questioning my worth, my direction, and my purpose. These extreme shifts have made holding a steady career difficult at times, especially when I didn’t yet understand how to manage them. But over time, I’ve come to see that bipolar disorder hasn’t just shaped my struggles—it’s shaped my strength and the person I’m becoming. There was a time when I felt completely lost in my own mind. Nothing seemed to make sense, and I couldn’t see a future for myself. During those dark moments, I started going outside more, just to breathe and get away from the noise in my head. I found comfort in quiet places—walking through trails, watching the trees move with the wind, or listening to birds early in the morning. Something about being surrounded by nature made me feel calm in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. It reminded me that everything in life has its own rhythm, and that even storms eventually pass. The more time I spent in nature, the more I realized how healing it was—not just for my mental health, but for my spirit. Watching wildlife adapt and survive through constant change made me think about my own ability to adapt. It gave me hope that balance is possible, even when life feels unpredictable. That feeling of connection is what inspired me to pursue a career in environmental science and wildlife conservation. I want to protect the same natural spaces that helped me heal, and give back to the world that gave me peace when I needed it most. Bipolar disorder will always be a part of me, but it no longer defines me in a negative way. It’s taught me empathy, awareness, and how to find beauty in both chaos and calm. Nature showed me that growth often time comes from the hardest seasons, and that even in uncertainty, life continues to bloom. That’s the belief I carry with me every day—and it’s the reason I’m determined to build a future helping protect the earth and all the life it holds. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and consider me.

As a woman pursuing a career in STEM, i'm driven by a personal passion and pursuit. My interest in STEM began with a curiosity about how nature functions, how nature evolves, and how scientific principles shape the world. Over time this curiosity grew into a commitment to contribute to a field that not only challenges me but also holds the power to solve global problems. However, my journey is not just about personal growth; it’s also about representation. Women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM fields. According to recent statistics women make up less than 30% of the STEM workforce and in some disciplines like engineering, the numbers are even lower. This is not due to a lack of talent or interest, but often stems from systemic barriers and a lack of visible role models. By choosing to enter this field, I aim to challenge these norms and pave the way for future women who want to pursue careers in science. When young girls see women succeeding, it expands their vision of what is possible and tells them that they belong in labs, in innovation, and leadership. Women bring unique perspectives to problem-solving. Diverse teams are proven to be more creative and effective. Our insights and lead to more inclusive and impactful solutions. The world needs more women in STEM. From climate change and sustainable energy to medical breakthroughs and ethical Medical advancements. Women’s voices are essential in shaping policies that affect everyone. Without gender diversity we risk designing solutions that overlook or misunderstand the needs of over half the population. My decision to pursue STEM is also deeply personal. I want to be part of the change I wish to see. I want to contribute to scientific discovery and environmental sustainability. I want to inspire others, especially young women, to believe in their potential and pursue their passions. I know the path may not always be easy, but I am committed to pushing forward. In conclusion, my pursuit of a career in STEM is fueled by a love for Nature, a desire to make a difference, and a commitment to represent women in this field. Women are not only needed in STEM, they are essential. By increasing our presence and influence, we can help build a future that is more innovative and inclusive. I am proud to be part of this movement and excited for the journey ahead. thank you very much for considering me.

My name is Sarah, i'm a mother of 3 and a full time student studying wildlife conservation. I embody selflessness by enjoying giving back. I volunteer regularly with my local water clean ups which has been amazing. I think protecting nature is selfless because there's no one to actually say "thank you". when we are out there picking up trash and pulling tires out of water, we aren't doing it for the thank yous', it just because we all would like to give back and do our part. but the group I volunteer for doesn't just stop at clean up, we also get our local community members involved. we have workshops to teach the community how they can give back to nature also. we teach people how to plant trees, how to identify native plants and insects, we go on nature walks and even host local movie night at the park events. I'm still semi new to volunteering honestly but it has been the most rewarding thing for me and my family. I can give several ways that I have helped those in need, one example is my neighbor, who was recently struggling to figure out just how to make ends meet. after several talks I learned she struggled not only with computers, but reading in general. I helped her sign up to a local food bank that helps with adult education, g.e.d classes, and they are also helping her to create a professional resume. I believe that doing good things for others is a necessity in life. to often I see people that are driven by greed or the need to be in the spotlight. and if we all lived by that then the world would be full of sadness and less fortunate. selflessness is something that I believe is a choice that we can make almost everyday of our lives. even in ways that we might not think. things like holding the door, most people don't hold a door to be recognized for holding the door, they do it because its the right thing to do. another example is when we see someone, even a stranger is sad, alot of people I believe are decent and will stop their day, even if for a moment to ask "are you ok" I believe that's a selfless act, as there's nothing in it for that person other then to be a comfort to another human being. selflessness doesn't always take the form of a grand gesture, sometimes its the small everyday things in life that we do that are selfless. thank you so much for taking the time to read through my essay and I hope to be considered.

hi there and thank you for taking the time to read my story. name name Sarah, I'm a 36 year old mother of 3 who has recently decided to finish school. I want to give my children someone they can look up to and proud of. I came from a long line of addicts myself. my father spent the first 15 years of my life in prison due to his choices and unfortunately my mother was was left to raise us as a single parent. throughout the years my mother struggled with addiction, she would often get clean, do well for a period of time, and then would relapse and disappear for days leaving me and my sister to care for the rest of our siblings. when I turned 14 or 15 I started smoking pot and drinking alcohol to cope with life as I then knew it, and within a year or so I had dropped of high school and was struggling with own addictions. over the next few years I found myself experimenting with other substances and just overall giving up on life. Then something happened that changed my life forever; I became a mother. I knew there was no way that I could let my children suffer the way me and my siblings had so I made the choice to get clean, I quit drinking and I dedicated every moment of my life caring for my children. I started going to therapy and even got my mother to go as well, it was then I was diagnosed with multiple mental illnesses. throughout my journey of healing I discovered a lot about myself like my love of the outdoors. I often would find myself hiking or kayaking through the woods and I realized that I would do anything to protect that peace just like I would to protect my children. that's when I discovered wildlife conservation. I spent months researching how I could help protect these beautiful places in nature and decided to just go for it, so I took a chance and applied at unity environmental, and although my journey is just really beginning I'm so excited to start it. I want to make changes on global scales, I want to help protect the things in this world that need to be protected. wildlife is essential to our future and I hope to one day help teach people how we can make a difference and how much the earth needs people to stand up and fight to protect it. my plan for managing my recovery is to continue and work on my mental health and continue to learn, grow and overcome my mental health issues. also to continue to learn into my faith as it has guided me through some very dark times. the biggest thing is to continue to put my family, health and education as I top priority. each and every time a negative thought pops into my head I have 3 instant reminders at home what I have to live for. Again, I really appreciate you taking the time to listen to my story and I hope to be considered. God bless

Sustainability is the number one priority in the field I am studying because I study wildlife conservation. Wildlife conservation and sustainability go directly hand in hand in numbers of ways, one example is that biodiversity is important for a sustainable environment through things like the carbon cycle, which allow plants to filter access CO2 out our atmosphere, in turn helping to sustain clean air for both animals and humans. More biodiversity also means sustainable food sources for both people and animals. Sustainability should be a focus in my field because as a conservationist I know the direct ways that pollution, deforestation, and other harmful factors affect our planetary boundaries and the devastating consequences that these impactful factors have had on them. Sustainability is not only a priority in my field of study but also in my everyday life. I would like to focus my future career on biodiversity and the impacts that it has on our environment and how more biodiversity means more sustainable food sources. Also I would like to focus on learning about renewable energy and the impacts it will have on the environment in the future, hopefully one day maybe even finding ways to replace carbon fuels all together better helping keep harmful greenhouse gases out of the air. My goals in the future with sustainability are also going to be focused on fresh water use, because a major contributor to many environmental challenges with sustainability are centered around water. Whether it’s focusing on sustainable fresh water sources, or the oceans health which is responsible for life on the planet. Sustainable drinking water sources are becoming harder and harder to secure because of human contributing factors like forever chemicals and the use of pesticides and fertilizers. With my knowledge and passion I plan on making impacts in many ways to combat all of these issues and to help figure out ways to make it a better place for both humans and animals alike. I believe that my drive and determination to make differences in my own community will help me to better connect to others and spread awareness and education on things like how we can all do our part to help stop things like climate change from further destroying our natural environment and resources. I also believe that leading by example will help others also make necessary changes to help slow the impacts of climate change.

Making a difference in the environment is a major passion of mine. Growing up in the inner city I frequently saw trash littering the streets and waters. Since I was young I wanted to do something to make a lasting difference, but never really knew how. There weren’t many opportunities to learn about nature and how human interaction affects it. But as I e gotten older I have discovered wildlife conservation and realized that I can actually make a difference in my city and in nature, and that the two can peacefully coexist together with some public knowledge, which is what my future goals are. To teach people that biodiversity is important to every ecosystem, and to set out to make changes in how we view nature within city limits. One day I hope to make lasting change in Baltimores waterways, forests and wetlands.

I grew up in Baltimore city, a place that is overwhelmingly polluted. From the coal being burned just outside of my neighborhood, to the PCBs that are found in over 75% of the water here. My goal is to help make a difference and bring biodiversity back into our water ways and wetlands. The Chesapeake bay and its tributaries are a very important source of food for many Maryland locals and with the pollution being dumped into it many of its wildlife experience high levels of PCBs and other harmful “forever chemicals”. My studies in wildlife conservation will help me to better understand and apply scientific research and data into my passion, as well as open the door to a career path into something meaningful and fulfilling. With the knowledge I gain in my time at school I plan to work with local organizations to help set forth a path of recovery for my local waterways including the Chesapeake bay and its tributaries. One specific area I would like to focus on is a local river call Gwynn’s falls, it runs through most of Baltimore city and has been polluted with chemicals, trash, and runoff for well over 30 years now, running into the Patapsco river which in turn, leads into the Chesapeake bay furthering the pollution of food sources for both humans and animals alike. My studies will help me better understand what roles these chemicals play in our waters and can be done about it to help the cleanup process. There are a number of things I tell my friends and family about that helps combat climate change. One of those things are to recycle. Recycling means that we use less materials and therefore factories are producing less, which in turn lowers the amount the CO2 that is being admitted into the atmosphere. Recycling also keeps waste out of landfills which helps climate change in many ways such less waste means less deforestation will have to take place. That means that there are more animals and plants to help recycle carbon back out the atmosphere and into the soil where it is either used or stored as reserves. Another thing I like to tell my family and friends is to consider looking into renewable energy sources like electric cars and e bikes so that we are not burning through all of our fossil fuels, and causing even more issues with deforestation.