I’ve lived in Yarmouth, Maine, nearly all my life—just two miles down the road from most of my 40 close relatives. Growing up surrounded by family and Maine’s natural beauty, I developed a deep appreciation for the environment. One of the things I’m most passionate about is bringing back Maine’s lost grasslands. These areas used to be vital for all kinds of species, and for thousands of years, they were shaped and taken care of by Native communities through processes like controlled burning. But in just a few hundred years, that knowledge has been pushed aside, and a lot of those grasslands have disappeared because of colonial attitudes and environmental neglect. Many people assume that leaving land untouched is the most “natural” approach, but as I’ve come to understand, through experience, Indigenous perspectives, and conservation work, that some ecosystems need active care. I’ve educated myself and others about these ideas, and I’m committed to spreading awareness about the importance of ecological restoration. Through a career exploration program with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), I gained hands-on experience in plant identification, field mapping, and assessing conservation efforts. I helped evaluate a forest clearing project aimed at creating habitat for the endangered New England cottontail, and I was part of the discovery of one of the largest known clusters of the small whorled pogonia, a rare native orchid. To me, a great leader is someone who is passionate, committed, adaptable, and grounded in integrity. I’ve worked to embody those traits in many areas of my life—from leading fundraising at my church and coordinating tasks among older team members, to training new hires at my job and completing over 160 hours of volunteer service in my community. I’m going to study Ecology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Maine this fall. I want to keep learning, have real conversations about conservation, and eventually work in the field doing hands-on restoration and research. Once I have the experience and training I need, I plan to help lead large-scale efforts to restore Maine’s ecosystems, especially its grasslands and endangered habitats. I want to bring people together, scientists, landowners, and Indigenous voices, to create a healthier, more sustainable future for Maine. I believe I would be a strong future leader of Maine because my roots here run deep, and I’m truly invested in the health and future of this state. I don’t just want to study the land, I want to protect it, restore it, and inspire others to do the same.