As a lifelong competitive swimmer, I have spent countless hours in the water. Those hours have given me time to think, and over time I have become more aware of the importance of our oceans and the need to protect them. This concern is the primary reason I plan to major in marine biology. The ocean and virtually every other aquatic system cannot prosper if the life within them is jeopardized. Most waterways, especially the ocean, are highly susceptible to permanent, irreversible damage caused by humanity’s various forms of pollution and larger global climate problems. If left unaddressed as a whole, these vital systems will be harmed in increasingly larger scale ways that will hurt all forms of life on this planet. The ocean, lakes, and rivers are the largest ecosystem on Earth, with most life existing beneath their surface. It plays a key role in regulating climate, producing oxygen, and supporting diverse species. It is also essential to human survival, providing food for billions and supporting industries like fishing and tourism. Ensuring that what we take from the ocean is safe and sustainable is both a scientific challenge and a global responsibility. The ecological and economical services that allow us to benefit from it are linked to the survival and health of the organisms within. If they are not carefully monitored and maintained, climate issues will continue to be exacerbated and the resources within the oceans will be permanently depleted. The impact of ocean decline is not evenly distributed. Communities that rely heavily on marine resources are often the most affected, particularly in developing nations where fishing and coastal industries are central to daily life. In those developing nations, entire economies and food systems depend on healthy oceans for fishing, transportation, and tourism. As climate change accelerates rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and declining fish populations, these populations, many Black and Brown, face disproportionate consequences despite contributing the least to the problem. As a future marine biologist, I want to be part of the effort to study these changes and develop solutions that protect both marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. For many of these communities, the ocean is not just a resource but a foundation of daily life, making its decline a direct threat to livelihoods, food security, and cultural stability. Protecting our ocean and other waterways is not just an environmental issue, it is about equity, sustainability, and our shared future. Total cost for this school year = $48,800 Current finances: Outside Scholarships: $500 FAFSA: $5,000 Total need: $43,300

My biggest goal as a marine and environmental science major is to become more engrossed in the subject as a whole in a way that’ll end up helping the environment. I have a pretty strong interest in the subject and I have been aiming to let my latent interest do some good for the world. While I have struggled quite a bit at times in highschool, I believe that it’s taught me that I can pull through tough situations if I truly hunker down and apply myself, something that’ll be crucial in the rest of my journey through college and a professional career. Becoming a wildlife researcher with a focus on species and ecosystem preservation is the plan which I consider the ideal outcome. My overall relationship with struggle in high school and trying to reach for opportunities has strengthened my ability and openness to do going on in the future. While it’s a bit lengthy to be considered just a single moment or experience, my entire year of AP Biology was a very formative experience and represents the way I moved past my struggles in the way I mentioned in my first paragraph. AP Biology was a tough course, one that I initially tried to brush off and put half effort in. This became very evident in my grades and test scores quickly falling off to the point where I was failing the course at several points in the year before I decided I really wanted to dedicate myself to some sort of science in the future. Once I started to think of the course as something truly important that would affect my future in some way, I began to put in a sizable amount more effort even if I still struggled at times. My grades started to improve and I found myself actually understanding the new material presented. The course never got any easier, I was only trying harder. When the time came for AP testing, the test felt rough but I ultimately ended up scoring a 4. I was ultimately happy with the final result of the course and my score. The entire experience really made me reevaluate how I saw work and struggle in school when in the past I was quick to just give up and let myself underperform. AP Biology taught me that actually applying myself isn’t a pointless venture and that struggles can be overcome with thought and effort.

Environmental racism may be a relatively new term, but its effects have been felt for decades. From waste management facilities being built in certain neighborhoods, to ignored water crises like Flint, to governments not prioritizing air quality in urban centers, Black and Brown populations around the world are often the most vulnerable to climate change. These are just a few of the reasons why it is important to have diverse representation in STEM careers. Diverse scientists and engineers who are members of the communities they serve can bring new perspectives and give voice to concerns that might not otherwise be considered. Indigenous engineers, for example, may have a better understanding of why a culturally important area should be avoided when planning a new industrial project like the Keystone XL Pipeline. In addition to doing right by a community and the environment, this can also make economic sense by avoiding protest delays, decades of lawsuits, or even being forced to abandon a partially completed project, as was the case with Keystone. In the medical community, there have also been cases where Black women experiencing pain or feeling that something is wrong are ignored because of the “strong Black woman” stereotype. Some believe that Black women can handle more pain or that they are overreacting when they speak to doctors about their symptoms. Doctors in Mobile, Alabama, ignored the pleas of a Black woman going through a sickle cell crisis. After 24 hours and while she was still in tremendous pain, her doctor decided to stop her pain medication and send her home. It was not until she demanded to see another doctor that she was finally given the care she needed. When medical professionals come from those communities, they may be more likely to understand, listen to, and properly treat patients instead of dismissing them. Greater diversity in the medical profession would strengthen the field as a whole because non-minority medical professionals could learn from the experiences and perspectives of their minority peers. Better doctors would ultimately lead to better outcomes for all patients. My career aspiration is to become a marine biologist, specifically a fisheries biologist. I want to study the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems while also helping develop solutions that protect the communities that depend on them. Ocean health is not just an environmental concern; it is also an economic and social one. Around the world, communities rely on oceans for food, jobs, and cultural stability. I have seen that those with the least resources, particularly minority communities, are disproportionately affected by environmental disasters and climate change. When ecosystems decline due to rising sea levels, coral bleaching, or overfishing, those communities face serious consequences. I want my work to bridge science and service, ensuring that solutions are not only effective but also accessible and equitable. Overall, diverse representation in STEM is important because it leads to better innovation, fairer solutions, and stronger connections between professionals and the communities they serve.

I’ve always sought to be someone that people could turn to for solace in life. At times it’s hard to feel like there’s anyone you can communicate to about your issues that actually wants to understand and help you through them just for the sake of doing so. I have tried to be that dependable person whenever something would arise, just so that people don’t have to feel alone. Last year, one of my best high school friends had been completely absent both in-person and online for several days without warning. None of my attempts to reach out through social media were effective, but when he showed up again he was very noticeably jaded and exhausted. He initially didn’t talk much about why he was out and our good mutual friend continued on as if nothing had happened, but I could very clearly tell something was awry. I didn’t pry too hard, but I let him know that if he needed someone to talk to about anything I’d be available. This was the first time I had done something like this with someone I had personally known instead of in an online space, so this felt important. It felt like something that doesn’t happen often with people my age often. Our future conversations would go quite well, and while I wouldn’t feel comfortable airing out his issues, I can say it can be hard to feel safe to confide in someone about issues like that, especially a friend. I believe support like that is important and essential for a healthy mind and healthy relationships with others. In an age where many people like myself find themselves falling back increasingly on online spaces, I believe that having some sort of consistent refuge in all the chaos and discord is something that’s incredibly valuable. Having a group of people that you may not know well but are generally always open to talk or play something can be a great comfort in a world where everything seems so continuously tense. Even with a group of people that are from different backgrounds, having some people around for random conversation about nearly anything is just nice in a world and society that can seem increasingly sectioned off that pushes people away from idle spaces and makes it harder than ever for nervous or introverted people to put themselves out there. I won’t act like creating an online space is the most impressive thing in the world, though. It’s not exactly the same as fostering a physical community or creating a social club, but it’s something I have experience in and something I’ve seen many others fail to do. Many online spaces and clubs are doomed to fall to inactivity or chaos one way or another, something I have done my best to stave off for nearly 2 years now. I’ve witnessed people from entirely different online and lived backgrounds become friends just because of the inviting mutual space I had created essentially for fun. I’m currently hosting an online event where artists and writers essentially create works for people they barely know and it’s been incredibly rewarding watching that community grow and become more a group instead of a random collection of people. I believe these welcoming secondary online spaces matter a lot to my generation, now more than ever.

The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (2022). When it comes to art, I’ve found that I tend to gravitate toward works that convey their messages through surrealism. At its core, I believe this film is about finding mutual understanding between parent and child in an age where they often feel increasingly disconnected, something shaped in part by the internet and the broader information age. The maximalist and chaotic backdrop of the film serves to show just how different the backgrounds of a parent and child can truly be. The story follows the strained relationship between a first-generation immigrant mother, Evelyn Quan Wang, and her daughter, Joy, through a series of confrontations centered around an ever-expanding multiverse. One version of Joy attempts to channel this overwhelming infinity into an “everything bagel.” The film is surreal, absurd, and nearly impossible to summarize succinctly, but its themes, especially the search for understanding and the rejection of certain forms of nihilism, stayed with me long after my first viewing. The early 2020s were a difficult time for me, and I found myself grappling with many of the same ideas the film explores, particularly the challenge of parental understanding and the fear that differences between people can make genuine connection impossible. At that point in my life, encountering a movie that engaged so directly with these themes (or as directly as something this surreal can) was exactly what I needed. It forced me to confront ideas about meaning, potential, and nihilism, and to begin forming my own perspective on them. Even though I couldn’t fully articulate what the film meant to me at the time, it pushed me to examine beliefs I might have otherwise ignored. Without it, I think I could have easily avoided that introspection and become a more negative or resentful person. There are many things in life that are easy to overlook or suppress, and I believe art plays an important role in bringing those ideas back into focus. I won’t claim that this movie single-handedly repaired my relationship with my parents or pulled me out of nihilism, but it undeniably helped me make an effort to maintain that relationship and to keep looking forward, even when life feels mundane or overwhelming. Any work of art that can inspire that kind of reflection and growth is something I’ll always hold in high regard, and this film achieves that masterfully.

Hours in a pool give you time to think. As a lifelong competitive swimmer, I have spent countless hours in the water, and that time has led me to reflect on my connection to the environment around me. Growing up at the confluence of two rivers, I have witnessed two “100-year floods” in just 18 years, experiences that have deepened my awareness and concern for the health of our oceans and waterways. This growing awareness is what led me to pursue a major in marine biology. Through both my experiences in the water and in my community, I have also seen that those with the least, particularly Black and Brown communities, are disproportionately affected by these environmental events. The ocean, along with lakes and rivers, makes up the largest ecosystem on Earth, with most life existing beneath the surface. These systems regulate climate, produce oxygen, and support an immense diversity of species. They are also essential to human survival, providing food for billions and sustaining industries such as fishing and tourism. Ensuring that these resources are used safely and sustainably is both a scientific challenge and a global responsibility. Through my learning, I have come to understand that ocean health is not just an environmental issue, it is directly tied to people. Communities most affected by ocean decline are often those that rely heavily on marine resources. In many parts of the world, entire economies and food systems depend on healthy oceans for fishing, transportation, and tourism. As climate change accelerates rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and declining fish populations, these communities face serious consequences despite contributing the least to the problem. For them, the ocean is not just a resource, but the foundation of daily life, and its decline threatens livelihoods, food security, and cultural stability. Recognizing this has shaped how I view my future work and the responsibility that comes with it. When I become a fisheries biologist, I will study fish and other marine organism populations as well as their environments, carefully monitoring them to ensure they are not being harmed. This role will only grow more important as environmental pressures increase. As land-based livestock continues to be shown as harmful to the environment, more pressure will be placed on fisheries to help feed a growing global population. Turning to the ocean in a sustainable way can reduce methane emissions, limit polluted runoff, and decrease land use. Through my work, I hope to help maintain healthy aquatic systems so they can continue to support both ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. By focusing on sustainability and responsible resource management, I aim to contribute to a more stable and equitable future.

Education is ubiquitous in my household. My mother, uncle, aunt, and grandmother are all public school teachers. Since I can remember, the importance of education has been emphasized in my life. The path was always clear: earn good grades in high school, continue that success in college, and then pursue graduate, medical, or law school. School and good grades came easy to me early on but something changed after my freshman year in high school. Grades that once came easily began to require more effort. While I was still able to maintain a high GPA in my honors and AP courses ( and even qualify for the National Honor Society), I found myself really struggling for the first time. Computer science in my sophomore year was particularly difficult. I was fortunate to share the class with friends who were also new to the subject, but I was slower to grasp certain concepts, especially different sorting functions and 3D arrays. At first, I felt ashamed and tried to work through the material on my own. During that time, I fell behind academically and struggled to keep up. I convinced myself that needing help meant I was falling short. However, once I began asking my friends how they approached and understood the content, I started to improve. Their explanations helped me see the material from different angles, and I was able to catch up more quickly than I expected. I also turned to online resources, including videos and documentation, to reinforce my understanding. These alternative explanations provided new perspectives and helped clarify ideas that had previously been confusing. By combining help from my peers with independent research, I was able to approach problems in multiple ways until I found one that worked for me. Instead of memorizing information, I began to focus on truly understanding it. Through this experience, I learned the importance of collaboration and self-directed learning. I came to understand that education is not limited to the classroom, it can come from many sources, including peers, teachers, and independent exploration. This shift in mindset allowed me to approach my studies more effectively and with greater confidence. More importantly, it gave me a clearer sense of direction, not just in how I learn, but in what I want to pursue. After my sophomore year, I applied this new approach to my coursework. Biology and environmental science, in particular, sparked my interest more than any other subjects. Through additional reading and exploration, I became more aware of the importance of our oceans and the urgent need to protect them. This growing interest is the primary reason I plan to major in Marine and Environmental Science with a focus on fisheries biology. The ocean, along with lakes and rivers, makes up the largest ecosystem on Earth, with most life existing beneath the surface. These systems regulate climate, produce oxygen, and support an immense diversity of species. They are also essential to human survival, providing food for billions and sustaining industries such as fishing and tourism. Ensuring that these resources are used safely and sustainably is both a scientific challenge and a global responsibility. Through my learning, I have come to understand that ocean health is not just an environmental issue, it is directly tied to people. Communities most affected by ocean decline are often those that rely heavily on marine resources. In many parts of the world, entire economies and food systems depend on healthy oceans for fishing, transportation, and tourism. As climate change accelerates rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and declining fish populations, these communities face serious consequences despite contributing the least to the problem. For them, the ocean is not just a resource, but the foundation of daily life, and its decline threatens livelihoods, food security, and cultural stability. Recognizing this has shaped how I view my future work and the responsibility that comes with it. When I become a fisheries biologist, I will study fish and other marine organism populations as well as their environments, carefully monitoring them to ensure they are not being harmed. This role will only grow more important as environmental pressures increase. As land-based livestock continues to be shown as harmful to the environment, more pressure will be placed on fisheries to help feed a growing global population. Turning to the ocean in a sustainable way can reduce methane emissions, limit polluted runoff, and decrease land use. Through my work, I hope to help maintain healthy aquatic systems so they can continue to support both ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. By focusing on sustainability and responsible resource management, I aim to contribute to a more stable and equitable future.

I have had a varied high school experience, with both academic struggles and successes, especially in subjects I care deeply about. Much of this difficulty has stemmed from procrastination and a tendency to avoid tasks I perceive as challenging, habits I have been working to overcome since childhood. Recently, I have made a conscious effort to address these challenges by pushing myself to try new activities, both for personal fulfillment and through extracurricular involvement. For example, I have worked to improve my relationship with creative pursuits like drawing, which has often been frustrating for me. Despite this, I have learned the value of persistence and have continued to practice, while also picking up baking as another creative outlet. In addition, I have been an active member of the EAHS Debate Team and the EAHS Swimming and Diving Team, earning awards in both activities. I have also participated in the Dungeons & Dragons Club, the Model UN Team, and I’m the current Club President of the school’s German Club. These experiences have helped me grow not only academically, but also personally. This fall, I plan to attend Hampton University in Virginia to study marine and environmental biology, a field that has long interested me. Choosing a major was not easy. I was initially hesitant to commit to a subject I had mainly considered a hobby or a topic of casual interest. My primary alternative was computer science, which felt like a more conventional and practical choice. However, I ultimately reflected on what I wanted from my education and my future. I realized that contributing positively to the world and to the people around me would be the most fulfilling path. Pursuing my passion for marine biology felt like the best way to achieve that goal. I believe that work in environmental fields is among the most important and impactful, and I want to be part of that effort. If I were to start a charity, it would focus on environmental causes. The damage humanity has inflicted on the environment is significant and must be addressed. While this is a broad issue, my specific focus would be on supporting communities most affected by climate change, pollution, and other environmental challenges, particularly those in urban and coastal areas. These communities often face the most immediate consequences of environmental harm but lack the resources to relocate or recover easily. Their struggles are too often overlooked, despite the fact that environmental damage ultimately affects everyone. Volunteers in this charity would primarily assist with community cleanups and public education efforts. Many affected areas suffer from the accumulation of physical waste, which can be addressed through organized cleanup initiatives. However, much of the work would also take place on a systemic level, identifying root causes of environmental issues and advocating for meaningful change. Volunteers would help inform local residents about environmental risks, share strategies to reduce harm, and encourage community involvement, such as contacting local governments to support necessary reforms. Through both direct action and education, the goal would be to create lasting, positive change in the communities most in need.

Staring at a black line for hours gives you time to think. I am a lifelong competitive swimmer, I have spent countless hours in the water practicing my sport and for the last few years teaching swim lessons on the south side of Easton, PA. Those hours gave me time to think, and over time I became more aware of how connected I am to the environment around me. Living at the confluence of 2 rivers my witnessing two “100 year floods” in my 18 years has raised my awareness and concern for the health of our oceans and waterways. It is the reason I plan to major in marine biology. Like with swimming I have seen the people with the least, particularly Black and Brown communities, be disproportionately affected by these events. Through my learning, I have come to understand that ocean health is not just an environmental issue. It is directly tied to people. Communities most affected by ocean decline are often those that rely heavily on marine resources. In many parts of the world, entire economies and food systems depend on healthy oceans for fishing, transportation, and tourism. As climate change accelerates rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and declining fish populations, these communities face serious consequences despite contributing the least to the problem. For them, the ocean is not just a resource but the foundation of daily life. Its decline threatens livelihoods, food security, and cultural stability. My goal as a future marine biologist is to study environmental changes, and help develop solutions that protect both marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. I want my work to reflect equity and sustainability, ensuring that solutions are not only effective but also accessible to the people most affected. This scholarship will help make that path more attainable. By easing the financial burden of tuition, books, and living expenses, it will allow me to focus more fully on my studies and research opportunities. It will also give me the flexibility to continue community-based work in college, such as teaching swimming and promoting water safety, without having to sacrifice those commitments for financial reasons. My journey has been shaped by time in the water, both as a swimmer and as a swim instructor. It has taught me that small actions can have lasting impacts. Whether I am teaching a child to swim or working to protect ocean ecosystems, my goal is the same: to create opportunities that extend beyond myself and contribute to a stronger, more sustainable future for my family and my community.

Throughout my life, I have faced a recurring challenge: self-doubt. For years, I struggled with feeling “less capable” than those around me, whether in sports, academics, or creative pursuits. This mindset became the biggest adversity I’ve had to overcome, not because of a single event, but because it quietly shaped how I approached opportunities. Instead of pushing forward, I often held myself back out of fear that I wouldn’t measure up. As a competitive swimmer, I spent years in the pool, but I was never the fastest. In clubs and creative activities, I was surrounded by people who seemed more talented and accomplished. I constantly compared myself to others, and that comparison led me to believe I was simply average. Over time, that belief turned into avoidance. I convinced myself it was easier not to try than to risk failure and confirm my doubts. While I told myself I was okay with being average, I felt unfulfilled and frustrated because I knew I was capable of more. The turning point came in 2024 through a small but meaningful experience. While texting a friend about a character she created, I suggested ideas for another character. The next day, she had already designed it based on my input. Excited but unsure of myself, I decided to try drawing it. My early attempts were far from perfect, but for the first time, I kept going despite that. Instead of focusing on how far I was from being “good,” I focused on improving. Another influence that helped me overcome this adversity was the game Brutal Orchestra, created by Talia Mair. The protagonist struggles with the same feelings of inadequacy I had experienced. Seeing those emotions reflected in a story helped me realize that self-doubt is not unique, it’s part of being human. What mattered was how I responded to it. When Talia Mair later responded to my drawings with encouragement, it reinforced that sharing imperfect work still has value. That validation helped me build confidence and continue improving. Overcoming a negative mindset didn’t happen instantly. It required consciously challenging negative thoughts and choosing to try, even when I felt uncertain. By focusing on progress instead of perfection, I built resilience and developed a stronger sense of self. This experience has shaped me into someone who is more willing to take risks and pursue growth. I now understand that success is not about immediate results but about persistence. Instead of asking, “Am I good enough?” I ask, “Am I improving?” That shift has made me more confident, motivated, and open to new opportunities, especially as I prepare for college. If I could give advice to someone facing similar self-doubt, it would be this: don’t wait until you feel confident to start. Confidence comes from action, not the other way around. It’s okay to be imperfect, everyone starts somewhere. Focus on small improvements, and don’t compare your progress to others. Most importantly, give yourself permission to try. The fear of failure can feel overwhelming, but avoiding challenges only holds you back. Growth begins the moment you decide to keep going, even when it’s uncomfortable. By confronting my self-doubt, I’ve learned that adversity doesn’t define you—how you respond to it does.

Being raised by a public school teacher and a coach, helping others was never presented to me as an obligation. It was simply part of everyday life. I watched my parents give their time and energy to others without expecting recognition, and that example shaped how I understand community. Giving back was not something I had to be told to do. It was something I saw modeled consistently, and it became a natural extension of who I am. That mindset guided me when I began volunteering as a swim instructor after earning my lifeguard certification. I am a lifelong competitive swimmer, I have spent years focused on improving times and refining technique. Teaching, shifted my perspective. Working with children 8 and under, I realized that swimming is not just a sport. For many of them, it was something unfamiliar and even intimidating. My role was not to create the fastest swimmers, but to help them feel safe and confident in the water. I taught primarily on the south side of Easton, where a significant portion of children grow up in low income households. In communities like this, access to swim lessons is often limited, and the ability to swim becomes more than a recreational skill. It becomes a matter of safety. Drowning remains a preventable risk, and learning to swim can make a life saving difference. At the same time, there are cultural and socioeconomic barriers that have historically limited access to swimming for certain groups. Being a Black swimmer, I understood that representation also mattered. For some families, seeing someone who looks like them in the water and in a teaching role can help build trust and reduce hesitation. I approached each lesson with patience, knowing that overcoming fear is often the first and most important step. Over time, I saw students who were initially reluctant begin to move confidently through the water. That growth extended beyond the pool. Learning to swim can influence entire families, as skills and confidence are often passed from one generation to the next. While I have participated in other service activities such as food drives and community events, teaching swim lessons has had the most direct and lasting impact. It allowed me to contribute to inclusion in a meaningful way by helping remove barriers to a critical life skill. It also showed me how small, consistent efforts can strengthen a community over time. In college, I plan to expand this commitment through my studies in marine biology. My experiences in the water have led me to think more deeply about the role that oceans, rivers, and lakes play in our lives. These ecosystems are essential to environmental health and human survival, yet the communities most affected by their decline are often those with the fewest resources to respond. At Hampton University, I hope to better understand how to protect these environments while also advocating for equitable access to clean and safe water. I plan to continue teaching swimming and engaging in community outreach, while also exploring ways to connect environmental science with public education. Whether through research, conservation efforts, or local programs, I want to ensure that the benefits of healthy waterways are shared across all communities. The example set by my parents taught me that strengthening a community begins with showing up and contributing where you can. My experiences as a swim instructor have reinforced that belief. College will give me the knowledge and opportunities to continue that work on a larger scale, allowing me to combine service, inclusion, and environmental responsibility in a way that creates lasting impact.

I have spent countless hours in the water, swimming competitively since I was 8. You spend that time practicing in relative silence and that provides an opportunity to become very contemplative. Those hours have given me time to think, and over time I have become more aware of the importance of our oceans and the need to protect them. This concern is the primary reason I plan to major in Marine and Environmental Science with a focus on Fisheries Biology. The ocean, lakes, and rivers are the largest ecosystem on Earth, with most life existing beneath their surface. It plays a key role in regulating climate, producing oxygen, and supporting diverse species. It is also essential to human survival, providing food for billions and supporting industries like fishing and tourism. Ensuring that what we take from the ocean is safe and sustainable is both a scientific challenge and a global responsibility. Maintaining marine biodiversity may also drive future innovation. As land based livestock continues to be found to be worse and worse for the environment, an increased pressure will be put on fisheries and the fishing industry as a whole to help feed the world as we move away from more traditional farming practices. Leaning towards the ocean in a sustainable manner for food opposed to land-based livestock will cut down on methane emissions, water runoff tainted by feces and fertilizer, and land use as a whole. As a Fisheries biologist, I will help to monitor and maintain vital aquatic systems and make sure we can meet our needs without depleting or, removing resources from communities that rely on them. In recent years, the United Nations has introduced efforts such as the 2025 High Seas Treaty. While this represents progress, it is only a starting point. Protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 is an ambitious goal, but without consistent international commitment, it may fall short. As a marine biologist I hope to continue to research and educate on the challenges we face. Because oceans cross national borders, global cooperation is essential. Communities most affected by ocean decline are often those that rely heavily on marine resources. In many parts of the world, especially in developing nations, entire economies and food systems depend on healthy oceans for fishing, transportation, and tourism. As climate change accelerates rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and declining fish populations, these countries face disproportionate consequences despite contributing the least to the problem. As a future marine biologist, I want to be part of the effort to study these changes and develop solutions that protect both marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. For many of these communities, the ocean is not just a resource but a foundation of daily life, making its decline a direct threat to livelihoods, food security, and cultural stability. Protecting our ocean and other waterways is not just an environmental issue, it is about equity, sustainability, and our shared future.

As a lifelong competitive swimmer and swim instructor. I have spent countless hours in the water. Those hours gave me time to think, and over time I became more aware of how connected I am to the environment around me. Living at the confluence of three rivers and witnessing two “100-year floods” in just 18 years has shaped both my perspective and my purpose. These experiences pushed me to think beyond my immediate surroundings and toward a broader understanding of environmental change. They are the reason I plan to major in marine biology and use my career to create meaningful impact. Through my learning, I have come to understand that ocean health is not just an environmental issue, but a human one. Communities most affected by environmental decline are often those that rely heavily on natural resources. In many parts of the world, entire economies and food systems depend on healthy oceans for fishing, transportation, and tourism. As climate change accelerates rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and declining fish populations, these communities face serious consequences despite contributing the least to the problem. For them, the ocean is not just a resource but the foundation of daily life. Its decline threatens livelihoods, food security, and cultural stability. Recognizing this has shaped how I define impact. My goal as a future marine biologist is to conduct research that deepens our understanding of environmental changes while also developing solutions that are practical and equitable. I want to study how ecosystems respond to climate stress and identify ways to protect both marine life and the people who depend on it. However, research alone is not enough. I also want to educate others by translating complex scientific ideas into information that communities can use. Whether through outreach, teaching, or public engagement, I hope to make science accessible so people can better understand the challenges they face and take informed action. Attending Hampton University would strengthen this mission by placing me in a community rooted in resilience, shared purpose, and service. It would give me the opportunity to learn alongside others who are equally committed to making a difference while staying connected to the communities we aim to serve. My journey as both a swimmer and an instructor has shown me that impact often starts small. Teaching someone to swim is about more than a skill; it is about safety, confidence, and opportunity. In the same way, my career will focus on creating knowledge and sharing it in ways that empower others. By combining research with education, I hope to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for my community and beyond.

Learning to swim is more than picking up a sport, it is a skill that can save lives and shape futures. Studies show that if a parent does not learn to swim, there is a 70 percent chance their children will not learn either. The opposite is also true. That idea has stayed with me. While I valued volunteering at food drives, car washes, and community events, the four years I spent teaching children how to swim felt different. I was not just helping at the moment. I was creating a ripple effect that could impact families for generations. That impact is especially important when you consider the disparities surrounding water safety. In the United States, Black children and youth are significantly more likely to drown than their white peers. Overall, Black individuals under 30 drown at rates about 1.5 times higher than white individuals, with the gap even larger for children ages 10 to 14.In swimming pools, Black children in that same age group drown at rates over seven times higher. These statistics are not just numbers; they reflect unequal access to swimming education and generational gaps in water safety. Knowing that nearly 40 percent of Black adults report not knowing how to swim helps explain how this cycle continues. Teaching swimming, then, becomes more than a skill. It becomes a form of prevention, equity, and long-term community impact. As a lifelong competitive swimmer, I have spent countless hours in the water. Those hours gave me time to think, and over time I became more aware of how connected I am to the environment around me. Living at the confluence of 3 rivers my witnessing two “100 year floods” in my 18 years has raised my awareness and concern for the health of our oceans and waterways. It is the reason I plan to major in marine biology. Like with swimming I have seen the people with the least, particularly Black and Brown communities, be disproportionately affected by these events. Through my learning, I have come to understand that ocean health is not just an environmental issue. It is directly tied to people. Communities most affected by ocean decline are often those that rely heavily on marine resources. In many parts of the world, entire economies and food systems depend on healthy oceans for fishing, transportation, and tourism. As climate change accelerates rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and declining fish populations, these communities face serious consequences despite contributing the least to the problem. For them, the ocean is not just a resource but the foundation of daily life. Its decline threatens livelihoods, food security, and cultural stability. Attending an HBCU would mean being part of a community rooted in resilience, opportunity, and shared purpose, a chance to learn with/from the community while I work to serve the community. It represents a space where I can grow academically while also being surrounded by people who understand the importance of lifting others up. At an HBCU, I would be in an environment that recognizes both the challenges and the potential within communities like mine. That perspective matters to me, because it aligns with the work I hope to do. My goal as a future marine biologist is to study environmental changes and help develop solutions that protect both marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. I want my work to reflect equity and sustainability, ensuring that solutions are not only effective but also accessible to the people most affected. My journey has been shaped by time in the water, both as a swimmer and as an instructor.. It has taught me that small actions can have lasting impacts. Whether I am teaching a child to swim or working to protect ocean ecosystems, my goal is the same: to create opportunities that extend beyond myself and contribute to a stronger, more sustainable future for my family and my community.

As a lifelong competitive swimmer, I have spent countless hours in the water. Over time, that familiarity has developed into something more practical and urgent: an understanding that the health of our oceans is not only an environmental concern, but an economic necessity. This perspective is what drives my plan to major in environmental science and minor in business at Hampton University, where I hope to connect scientific research with real-world economic impact. Oceans, along with lakes and rivers, form the largest ecosystem on Earth and play a central role in sustaining global economies. According to the United Nations, the ocean economy is valued at over $2.5 trillion annually, supporting industries such as fisheries, shipping, and tourism. More than 3 billion people rely on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. When these systems decline, the consequences are not abstract. They translate directly into job loss, food insecurity, and economic instability for entire regions. The cost of climate change further highlights the economic stakes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that the United States alone has experienced over $2 trillion in damages from climate-related disasters since 1980, many of which are intensified by warming oceans and rising sea levels. Globally, the World Bank estimates that climate change could push over 130 million people into poverty by 2030, with coastal communities among the most vulnerable. These figures make it clear that protecting marine environments is not optional. It is essential for economic resilience. At the same time, healthy oceans create opportunities for growth and innovation. Sustainable fisheries, offshore wind energy, and emerging technologies such as algae-based biofuels all depend on stable marine ecosystems. The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that offshore wind alone could generate millions of jobs worldwide in the coming decades. However, these industries can only succeed if the environments they depend on are carefully managed and preserved. Global efforts such as the United Nations High Seas Treaty and the goal to protect 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030 reflect growing recognition of this connection between environmental health and economic stability. Still, these initiatives require long-term cooperation and accountability. Because oceans cross national borders, their protection depends on shared responsibility between governments, scientists, and local communities. The economic impacts of ocean decline are not evenly distributed. Coastal and developing communities, where fishing and marine industries are central to daily life, face the greatest risks. Declining fish populations, coral reef loss, and rising sea levels threaten not only ecosystems, but also income, food access, and cultural stability. Addressing these challenges requires solutions that are both scientifically sound and economically realistic. Through research and advocacy I hope to bring the science and the economics together to produce better outcomes. No meaningful effort to strengthen economies on land can succeed without healthy waterways. Protecting our oceans is not only about conservation. It is about sustaining livelihoods, preventing economic loss, and ensuring long-term stability for communities worldwide.

Being raised by a public school teacher and a coach, helpfulness wasn't something that was taught; it was just something that was on display every day growing up. My parents instilled in me, more by their actions than words, that helping others was par for the course. That’s why I took volunteering during the summer to help teach swim lessons seriously. Competitive swimming is a sport I have participated in my whole life, and while it is challenging, I recognize the discipline and focus it has given me. When I teach young folks to swim, it’s not so much about getting their hand on the wall first or achieving a new best time; it’s about helping them overcome their fear, making sure they are comfortable around water, and ensuring that if they are ever in an emergency water situation, they will be able to remain calm and get themselves to safety. Learning to swim isn’t just about learning a sport; it’s a skill that literally saves lives. If you do not learn to swim, there is a 70% chance your children won’t learn to swim, and the opposite holds true, if you learn to swim, there is a 70% chance your children will learn too. So while I enjoyed volunteering for food drives, car washes, and at our community fair, those four years I spent teaching, I know, changed the lives of not just the kids I taught, but their families down the line too. Throughout my life, I’ve tried a wide variety of sports, hobbies, clubs, and creative pursuits. While each was different, they all seemed to teach me the same thing: I didn’t seem to have "natural talent." Struggling in different areas brought a sense of shame that made me hesitant to fully apply myself. Over time, I adopted the mindset that wherever I was was simply where I was meant to be—not as an acceptance of failure, but as an acceptance of mediocrity. Unsurprisingly, this left me feeling unfulfilled. Tasks felt like obligations rather than opportunities to improve or enjoy something, and the only moments that felt easy were when I wasn’t doing anything at all. Even so, I never lost the desire to create. That’s why my shift in mindset wasn’t sudden, but gradual. It began in 2024 with a simple interaction: I was texting a longtime friend about a character she had created. Trying to contribute, I suggested a name and a few traits for another character. The next day, she had already designed him. I decided to try drawing him myself. My first attempts were rough, but they were still real efforts. As I kept sketching, I grew more connected to the character and even started writing ideas to go along with the drawings. Over time, something changed—I stopped feeling ashamed of imperfect work. Instead, I began to notice improvement and take pride in creating something of my own. That small moment became a turning point. By continuing to create, even imperfectly, I was able to move past the mindset that had held me back. What once felt like a lack of talent became an opportunity to grow. I’m actively trying to improve and reach for things I want instead of only doing what I need to. I’ve started baking, started writing and drawing a comic with friends, and learned to push myself in the pool and in the classroom. I’m still not great at the things I love, but that’s okay. I’ve learned to see my shortcomings as a reason to continue instead of an excuse to quit.

As a lifelong competitive swimmer, I have spent countless hours in the water. Those hours have given me time to think, and over time I have become more aware of the importance of our oceans and the need to protect them. This concern is the primary reason I plan to major in marine biology. The ocean, lakes, and rivers are the largest ecosystem on Earth, with most life existing beneath their surface. It plays a key role in regulating climate, producing oxygen, and supporting diverse species. It is also essential to human survival, providing food for billions and supporting industries like fishing and tourism. Ensuring that what we take from the ocean is safe and sustainable is both a scientific challenge and a global responsibility. Maintaining marine biodiversity may also drive future innovation. For example, algae based biofuels offer a potential alternative to fossil fuels, but these advances depend on preserving balanced ecosystems. In recent years, the United Nations has introduced efforts such as the 2025 High Seas Treaty. While this represents progress, it is only a starting point. Protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 is an ambitious goal, but without consistent international commitment, it may fall short. Because oceans cross national borders, global cooperation is essential. Individuals can also contribute by supporting conservation organizations with time and or money, staying informed on policy and making their desires known to their representatives, and raising awareness through sharing information on social media. Communities most affected by ocean decline are often those that rely heavily on marine resources. Protecting our ocean and other waterways is not just an environmental issue, it is about equity, sustainability, and our shared future.