My generation is described as lazy, apathetic complainers who don’t want to work and are annoying because we want change, progress, and equality. I am far from these negative descriptions. This characterization motivates me to strive to do my best and dispel these stereotypes. Part of doing my best includes attending college. College is an opportunity to develop personally, narrow my academic focus, learn self-advocacy, and empower others. I plan to study Environmental Science and Engineering and minor in History in college. I recognize that the environmental issues we face today—urban heat islands, water quality, pollution, and increasing severe weather events—are not isolated incidents but are interconnected crises worsened by human activity. These issues feel immediate and pressing. Understanding that I cannot address them all, college will help to narrow my focus and identify my core academic and personal values. While all three of my interests are ways to address real threats to the world I will inherit, attending college will help increase my understanding and narrow my focus. While gaining academic knowledge is my primary motivation for attending college, I am also excited about learning to navigate the challenges adulthood brings. Independence, confidence, and making my own decisions are scary but necessary for personal growth. This is extremely important because people of color are often overlooked and excluded from conversations. I have experienced this many times in high school, where I was second-guessed and my contributions minimized. Attending college will provide opportunities to collaborate with others, expand my worldview, and find my voice. College also means learning to overcome obstacles and leading. College campuses are a place to engage in activism and advocate for oneself and others. Empowering others helps people realize their full potential and encourages them to take meaningful actions that contribute to positive change. I look forward to participating in activities that support diversity and inclusion and having access to mentors who will help me develop confidence, refine professional skills, and create a sense of belonging in spaces that might seem intimidating. College means gaining the confidence and skills to navigate those uncomfortable spaces, challenge stereotypes, and rise to positions of leadership. Finally, attending college means I’ll gain access to the tools necessary to demonstrate that my generation has a strong work ethic and is active, engaged, and determined to leave a lasting mark on the world. One of these marks is to make sure that members of BIPOC communities continue to contribute to the dialogue and have a seat at the table. As an African American woman, my goal is to study and educate others about environmental issues that impact the life outcomes of black and brown people. In reality, it impacts everyone, but it is important to note that ecological problems disproportionately affect the economically disadvantaged and people of color. My generation is far from lazy; striving for a healthy work-life balance, financial stability, and equality should be expected for all working people.

It is no secret that the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges driven by rapid technological advancements, capitalist pursuits, unchecked greed, and consumerism. I’ve watched countless documentaries about deforestation, plastic pollution, and extreme weather. But my summer internship inspired me to act. I usually spend summers riding bike trails, reading, and watching migrating birds, but this summer I spent time learning about environmental challenges in Southeastern Wisconsin. This summer internship turned my admiration for the environment into one of respect and a desire to study and educate others about the issues large urban cities face. I gained firsthand knowledge of how the conveniences we take for granted have a direct impact on the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. I stumbled upon the internship after having a conversation at an annual Earth Day cleanup. This was my third year participating in the park clean up, but the first year picking up trash near the Milwaukee River. We found vaping cartridges, Styrofoam, plastic bottles, and a live mussel. Intrigued about the mussel, I spoke with a volunteer organizer about invasive species and learned about the overwhelming amount of microplastics in our water supply and an interesting internship. I recognize that the environmental issues we face today—urban heat islands, water quality, pollution, stormwater management, and increasing severe weather events—are not isolated incidents, but are interconnected crises worsened by human activity. These issues feel immediate and pressing and as real threats to the world I will inherit. Studying environmental science is crucial for combating these challenges. This field will equip me with the knowledge and tools needed to understand the interactions between human activities and natural systems. I hope to contribute innovative solutions to halt the progression of climate change. Another issue I noticed in environmental conversations is the role of capitalism and overconsumption. The drive for profit and growth has led to significant environmental deterioration, finding resources exploited beyond their capacity for renewal. This pursuit has resulted in problems including increased greenhouse gas emissions, widespread deforestation, and resource depletion. Addressing these root causes of environmental harm involves reevaluating and reforming these systems. In addition to systemic changes, addressing individual actions is critical. I have shared ideas with family and friends about reducing one’s carbon footprint. One suggestion is to eat less meat. Aside from supporting healthier life outcomes by lowering the risk of chronic diseases, the livestock industry contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water usage. By reducing meat consumption, we can lower our personal carbon footprints and lessen the environmental strain associated with animal agriculture. I also recommended making conscious choices about what we eat and where it comes from. My family now makes frequent trips to the farmers markets to support our local growers. We can all play a part in reducing environmental impact and promoting a healthier planet. I plan to study environmental science and/or engineering, while minoring in History. Understanding how we got to this point is crucial to making sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. I am excited about using my studies to implement solutions that can reverse the damage done by previous generations and years of neglect. Ultimately, my passion for environmental protection reflects a commitment to ensuring a livable world for future generations. Through my studies, I will gain the education needed to address climate change and environmental damage. By advocating for system wide changes and encouraging practical, everyday actions, I hope to contribute to a broader movement toward sustainability. My commitment is not just personal, but a necessity for the broader well-being of our planet.