The concept of free speech, a cornerstone of democratic societies, holds immense significance in the intellectual and personal development of American college students. Its influence extends far beyond legal protections, reaching into the realms of academia, creative expression, and societal progress. In the two fields I study, Environmental Science and Jazz Vocal Studies, two seemingly disparate disciplines, the preservation of free speech plays a vital role in fostering diversity of thought, critical thinking, and the holistic growth of individuals on college campuses. In the realm of environmental science, the interplay between free speech and intellectual growth is evident through the exploration of complex ecological challenges. The multifaceted nature of environmental issues demands a nuanced understanding of various perspectives, ranging from scientific analyses to sociopolitical considerations. The freedom to openly discuss, debate, and challenge prevailing views encourages students to think critically about the intricate connections between human actions and the environment. By engaging with diverse viewpoints, students develop the capacity to craft innovative solutions that consider a range of factors, thus contributing to the sustainable future of our planet. The preservation of free speech is crucial for environmental science education for several reasons. First, it ensures that researchers and students can investigate and communicate their findings without fear of censorship, thereby advancing scientific understanding. Second, open discourse on environmental issues leads to informed decision-making, enabling individuals to participate in shaping policies that address ecological concerns. Lastly, upholding free speech nurtures a generation of environmentally conscious citizens who can engage in constructive dialogues about conservation, adaptation, and the responsible use of resources. Likewise, in the realm of Jazz, free speech is essential for fostering creativity and artistic growth. Music, as a universal language, encompasses a vast array of genres, styles, and themes, each offering a unique perspective on human expression. The freedom to compose, perform, and discuss musical compositions without limitations encourages students like me to explore their creativity and experiment with new forms of artistic communication. This unfettered environment nurtures self-discovery and empowers musicians to challenge traditional boundaries, contributing to the evolution of musical genres and styles. In my involvement with my university's Jazz department, I have witnessed firsthand how free speech promotes diversity of musical thought. Discussions on the historical, cultural, and emotional contexts of various musical genres enhance our understanding of music's impact on society. By embracing divergent musical viewpoints, students gain a broader appreciation for the rich tapestry of human creativity, enhancing their ability to engage with diverse audiences and transcend cultural barriers through music. Ultimately, the preservation of free speech in environmental science and music education equips students with the tools necessary to thrive in a complex world. In the context of environmental science, the freedom to explore diverse perspectives facilitates holistic approaches to environmental challenges. In music, free speech nourishes creative expression, enabling musicians to communicate and connect with audiences in profound ways. By fostering diversity of thought and critical thinking, these fields contribute to the preservation of free speech on college campuses. To conclude, free speech is a catalyst for the holistic development of American college students, no matter what they are studying. Its role in nurturing a diversity of thought, critical thinking, and the exchange of ideas is paramount. In the domains of environmental science and music, the preservation of free speech encourages innovative solutions to ecological problems and empowers artists to push the boundaries of creative expression. As we champion free speech in these disciplines, we empower students to become informed, adaptable, and socially engaged individuals, poised to make meaningful contributions to their fields and society at large.

As the rhythmic ebb and flow of the ocean's tides captivate my senses, a strong sense of purpose fills me. I am deeply passionate about our oceans, recognizing their significance as the lifeblood of our planet. This fervor, combined with my unwavering dedication to environmental science, fuels my desire to make a meaningful impact in ocean conservation. In this essay, I will explore my concern for the oceans and present a strategic plan to utilize my environmental science degree for the protection and preservation of these invaluable ecosystems. Our oceans are vast, enigmatic realms teeming with unrivaled beauty and biodiversity. They provide essential resources, regulate the Earth's climate, and harbor countless marine species. Regrettably, the relentless exploitation of our oceans has resulted in distressing consequences, including pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction. Witnessing these threats has instilled in me an unwavering determination to safeguard our oceans, recognizing their crucial role in the well-being of humanity and the planet as a whole. I have chosen to embrace a vegan lifestyle as my personal form of activism to address these pressing issues. By eliminating animal products from my diet, I aim to contribute to the preservation of marine ecosystems and promote sustainable practices. One key aspect of my plan is to raise awareness about the plight of our oceans and promote conservation efforts, utilizing my environmental science degree. Equipped with knowledge, I aim to educate communities, policymakers, and individuals about the critical importance of ocean preservation. Through public outreach programs, workshops, and educational campaigns, I strive to cultivate a sense of responsibility and inspire action toward sustainable practices, emphasizing the interconnectedness between human actions and the health of our oceans. While awareness is crucial, tangible actions are necessary to effect meaningful change. With a comprehensive understanding of environmental science, I intend to collaborate with research institutions, governmental bodies, and nonprofit organizations to develop and implement sustainable solutions. By conducting research, advocating for policy reforms, and engaging in scientific projects, I seek to contribute to innovative approaches that minimize pollution, promote sustainable fishing practices, and protect fragile marine ecosystems. The advancements in technology offer unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize ocean conservation. Leveraging my environmental science degree, I aim to explore cutting-edge technologies such as remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to effectively monitor and manage marine environments. Through the utilization of these tools, I aspire to aid in the detection of illegal fishing activities, identification of endangered species habitats, and provision of valuable data for informed decision-making, ultimately leading to more targeted conservation efforts. The conservation of our oceans is a global challenge that transcends geographical boundaries. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, I intend to foster partnerships with international organizations, scientists, and policymakers. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and the sharing of best practices, I aim to develop comprehensive strategies that address transboundary issues such as ocean acidification, marine pollution, and climate change. These global partnerships hold the potential to contribute to the formulation of robust policies that protect our oceans for future generations. My deep-rooted passion for the oceans and unwavering commitment to environmental science have shaped my determination to protect and preserve these invaluable ecosystems. Through education, awareness, sustainable solutions, technological advancements, and international collaboration, I aim to make a lasting impact on the health and vitality of our oceans. With a degree in environmental science, I am resolute in my mission to safeguard these majestic realms, ensuring their continued thriving and ability to inspire awe for generations to come. Together, let us embark on a transformative journey towards a sustainable future, recognizing the oceans as the beating heart of our planet.

Short Video Below: https://youtu.be/4kVoeV-dVss

“Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been caught will we realize that we cannot eat money”. This is a Cree native proverb, and I always go back to it. It talks about human greed, our obsession with money, and our destruction of the natural world in order to obtain those green pieces of paper. It is about how humans will stop at no end, until there is nothing left to destroy, to be rich, even if it costs us our home. My life goal and ambition is to help lead the change against climate change and to inspire others to join the fight. I want to dedicate my life to environmental activism and policy so that future generations of not only humans but every species globally can peacefully live on this beautiful blue planet we call home. If I could share one sentence with the world, it would be this one because I want every single one of us to realize the impact our greed has on the environment, and to inspire a change in the way we live and the way we treat the natural world. I wish this sentence could influence others to make a change in their daily actions and in their values so that we can all work together to take care of our beautiful home and every living being in it.

Since I was little, I would always ponder why humans are doing so much to hurt animals and the environment. I would see news of oil spills, of forests burning down, of environmental disasters, of many species going extinct, and I would always wonder why no one seems to care or be upset about it, and why no one is taking any action. Then, I would see speeches from young leaders trying to promote environmental awareness and action, and I would get so inspired. That’s when it clicked for me: that is what I want to do with my life. I want to promote environmental consciousness and action. I want to lead in environmental change while also inspiring others to join the fight against global warming and environmental destruction. This is why I want to study environmental science so that I can learn all I can about the science of climate change, and apply it towards environmental policy and activism. I want to leave an environmental legacy on the world, an imprint of sorts, to improve it, to motivate others to make an environmental change just as I plan to do in my life, and to leave the earth a better and cleaner place for the future generations. I want people to look at my life and see my successes and my failures, and to learn and be inspired by them. Sustainable action starts with each one of us, and hopefully, my legacy will inspire and teach people to treat our planet and all of nature with respect, care, and love.

From a young age, I've known that my passion in life is music and that I want to pursue a career as a singer. In high school, I fell in love with Jazz, and I composed a Jazz piece. This song means a lot to me because until this song, I didn't believe in myself and I didn't believe in my potential. Yet because of this song, I realized that I can compose Jazz songs and that if I work hard, I can achieve anything. One day, I sat down at the piano and started playing random notes until they made sense. While I did this, I imagined I was one of the leaves in autumn falling and joining the earth as they decompose. My vision for this song was to create a song about the cycle of life through the perspective of the leaves that fall in autumn. My artistic dream for the future is to study Jazz Vocals at a university called City College of New York. I'd love to be able to study and pursue my jazz career in New York, it's the city where my dreams will come true if I work hard to achieve them. But in order to do that, I need a lot of financial help. Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the song. The lyrics for this song are: Here in the sky up above my problems Sharing the wind and the clouds lies happiness, joy, love the leaves of autumn here where I lay and I cry here where I wish I could die

I was 14 when I had my first mental breakdown. I was 14 when I physically couldn't get out of bed because depression had taken over my entire body and soul. I was 14 when my mom told me to just get up because we had guests over and because I wasn't "really" depressed. I was 14 when the suicidal thoughts started to cloud over my everyday thoughts. I was 14 when my mental health journey began. I am 21 now, and I have grown so much, yet depression has never left me. I struggle with mental health on a daily basis, and it has shaped so many of my experiences and relationships, but I have never let it define me. Why? Because I still remember what I was like before I was 14, before I started struggling with mental health. Everyone described me as energetic, outgoing, fun, and happy. Happy. And no matter what is going on in my life, no matter how many times I have hit rock bottom, I can never let her go. The girl who would sing her heart out while riding her bicycle. The girl who is kind to animals. The girl who loves music more than she loves herself. The girl who has the loudest laugh in the whole room. That girl still lives in me, and she is my driving force every day. She encourages me to get up every morning and work hard to achieve my aspirations. My goals to attend college, get the education I have worked so hard for and make a difference in the world. She forces me to pick up my guitar, to turn on my piano, and simply play and sing. No matter the quality of my voice that day, she tells me that this is what I was born to do, and what I love more than anything, and that I shouldn't let my demons stop me from doing what I love. She tells me to fight for what I believe in, which is animal rights and climate action. No matter how low I am feeling, she tells me to sign that petition and to email that corporation, to never give up. She tells me to text my friends and my family because they have been there for me through thick and thin, and there is no such thing as too much love and appreciation. My journey with mental health has been anything but easy. I have never viewed the world the same as I did before I was 14. I know that my battle with depression will last a long time, maybe my entire life. But I am determined to live because I have so much to live for. My beautiful friends, my loving dog, my music, the environment and my connection to nature, my journey towards finishing college and starting my career, my family, exploring this breathtaking and unreal world. I will live my life with the determination and adoration that she had and will always have.

I’ll never forget the Christmas when I was about 11 years old and I decided to play “She will be loved” by Maroon 5 on the guitar for my family. I did not play the guitar so well, and I had a softer voice than I have now, but for some reason, I found my dad in tears. He said something along the lines of “You have a voice, and believe me, you have a future”. This always stuck with me, through all the times that people have disregarded my dreams or for the times when I didn’t feel so confident about a performance. It has motivated me to not only play music for myself and my own enjoyment, but to also make others feel the way my dad did when I was 11. The role of music in my life is to create emotional balance. As someone who struggles with mental health, music helps me in a way nothing else can. No matter what I’m feeling, music can always fix me. Nothing compares to the emotions that music creates inside of me. Whenever I’m feeling upset or hurt, I drown in the lyrics of artists who inspire and have changed me, and I sing with all the breath I have in my lungs. I let the lyrics tear me apart, and I take in the sadness. Similarly, whenever I need a quick cheer up, or whenever I am in a good mood, I need music to elevate me. The connection I have to music is purely unexplainable, music ignites something in me that nothing else can. You will constantly find me listening to music at full blast because I can not function without it. From a young age, artists and their craft have affected me deeply, and I dream about producing that same feeling for others. I believe I have affected others when I am on stage, and there is nothing like that feeling. My desire to pursue music has been inside of me since day one, it is all I have ever known, and all I have ever wanted to do. Music has changed me in so many ways. It makes me a happier person, a person who has improved her productivity by constantly practicing her craft, and a person who has learned to believe in herself by being more confident in her talents. It makes me altogether a better person. If there is one thing that I will give my all to, it is definitely music. Negative comments about my music have never brought me down, because I know what brings me joy, and I know that I have brought joy to others with my music. I admire how artists give their all to their passion, and will go past the boundaries for it. When I’m in my last years, I want to be able to look back at my life and not regret the dream I did not chase after. Because that is what it is after all: my dream. A dream that I can inspire and touch people with my passion and talent: music. A dream that people will want and long to see me do what I love the most. A dream that I can change the world, even if it is a slight change. Additionally, I want to know that I changed others through music the way music changes me. I want my music to revolve around the themes of love, peace, and kindness, along with messages about being respectful to our natural surroundings and taking care of animals. I hope my messages touch people and influence who they are and what they believe in.

All throughout my life, I have had countless role models. I am a person who easily admires, to the point where sometimes, it can be obsessive. I love to look at other people's life stories and actions as a place of admiration and inspiration. Yet, without a doubt, my biggest role model is my sister. I have always looked at my sister, Natalia, as a source of inspiration, and luckily, it is reciprocal. I have inspired her to go vegan and to change her lifestyle towards a more eco-friendly one, and she has inspired me to be kinder to myself, to be more open-hearted with everyone, and to try to be the best version of myself that I can be. Even though we display the common characteristics of siblings, such as constant bickering and unnecessary yelling, Natalia and I have always been a team, no matter what. There is a big age difference between us (almost 9 years), yet the emotional and mental maturity has always been similar, which is why we have always gotten along. We are constantly sharing ideas and teaching each other about all aspects of life. No matter the challenge, we are always honest and motivate one another. Anytime we discuss politics, society, or even have pointless arguments, we are always respectful of each other’s opinions and appreciate each other’s perspectives. A large portion of who I am today is due to my sister. In recent years, my sister has become a health coach, a self-love coach, and also an astrology coach. She has taught me so much about myself: the physical, the emotional, the spiritual, about what I want my life to look like, about what career path I want to take, about my relationships, about my inner-self, etc. One of the most valuable lessons she has taught me is to be kind to myself. To love myself because of my flaws and not despite them. To apply this kindness to every aspect of my life: my jobs, my friendships, my everyday thoughts, my entire journey. I am grateful that she is always there to help me with my big life decisions. Natalia has influenced my past, present, and future like no other. Anytime I need advice on what to do in any aspect of my life, she is just a phone call away, and she always answers, no matter what. Additionally, she taught me one of the biggest lessons of my life, which applies greatly to a struggle I currently have: you don't need to complete the 4-5 years of college right after graduating college. She showed me that it is ok to take a gap year and to find yourself and reflect on what you want out of your life and education. She also taught me that the path to complete one's education and start a career isn't always as smooth as people make it out to be. Natalia studied Media and Publicity, yet she never liked that field of study, and once she completed her degree, she decided she didn't want to pursue a career in it. I look at that as an example and inspiration of what one's college life can be like: it isn't always perfect, but one learns and grows in that period of your life, so it is a necessary path to take. I know college is in my destiny, I am determined to get my bachelor’s degree no matter the amount of work I have to put in. But she has taught me to complete it at my own pace and to not just follow the norm. I believe I am already paying this lesson forward by just talking to other young students, sharing my complicated college journey with them, and showing them that it is ok to take gap years or to attend college at a different pace. I have been working as a teacher assistant at my high school during the pandemic, and I have held workshops about college, and inspired students to follow their dreams when it comes to their education on their own terms. Natalia is an outstanding listener, and whenever I need her advice, she is always there. She is one of the most intuitive and knowledgeable people I know. Natalia has always encouraged me to fulfill my goals, dreams, and aspirations. She goes to all my musical performances, and she has always pushed me to follow my dreams of being a jazz singer and an advocate for environmental justice. This is why, even though I have an endless amount of role models, such as Greta Thunberg, Wangari Maathai, Harry Styles, Nina Simone, Bad Bunny, Princess Diana, and Sarah Vaughan, my biggest role model would be my sister Natalia.

I’ll never forget the Christmas when I was about 11 years old and I decided to play “She will be loved” by Maroon 5 on the guitar for my family. I did not play the guitar so well, and I had a softer voice than I have now, but for some reason, I found my dad in tears. He said something along the lines of “You have a voice, and believe me, you have a future”. This always stuck with me, through all the times that people have disregarded my dreams or for the times when I didn’t feel so confident about a performance. It has motivated me to not only play music for myself and my own enjoyment, but to also make others feel the way my dad did when I was 11. If there is one thing that I will give my all to, it is definitely music. No matter what I’m feeling, music can always fix me. Nothing compares to the emotions that music creates inside of me. Whenever I’m feeling upset or hurt, I drown in the lyrics of artists who inspire and have changed me, and I sing with all the breath I have in my lungs. Similarly, whenever I need a quick cheer up, or whenever I am in a good mood, I need music to elevate me. The connection I have to music is purely unexplainable, music ignites something in me that nothing else can. You will constantly find me listening to music at full blast because I can not function without it. From a young age, I have understood how artists and their craft can affect me deeply, and I dream about producing that same feeling for others. My desire to pursue music has been inside of me since day one, it is all I have ever known, and all I have ever wanted to do. Music has changed me in so many ways. It makes me a happier person, a person who has improved her productivity by constantly practicing her craft, and a person who has learned to believe in herself by being more confident in her talents. It makes me altogether a better person. Negative comments about my music have never brought me down, because I know what brings me joy, and I know that I have brought joy to others with my music. I admire how artists give there all to their passion, and will go past the boundaries for it. When I’m in my last years, I want to be able to look back at my life and not regret the dream I did not chase after. Because that is what it is after all: my dream. A dream that I can inspire and touch people with my passion and talent: music. A dream that people will want and long to see me do what I love the most. A dream that I can change the world, even if it is a slight change. Additionally, I want to know that I changed others through music the way music changes me. I want my music to revolve around the themes of love, peace, and kindness, along with messages about being respectful to our natural surroundings and taking care of animals. I hope my messages touch people and influence who they are and what they believe in.

From a young age, I have always been active. Competitiveness seems to run in my blood, which may be one of the reasons I started to enjoy sports. But then it really became about the joy it caused. Doing sports became an outlet where I could have fun while also releasing a lot of pent up emotions. With time, I have discovered that personally, there is a direct correlation between physical activity and my mental health. When I was young, I did ballet, cheerleading, and hip-hop dancing. I discovered my passion for soccer in elementary school and practiced almost everyday with my brother. In middle school, I continued playing soccer while also trying out other sports, such as volleyball and field hockey. I joined the teams, and thoroughly enjoyed all the competitions and matches. When everyone would be complaining about how much they hate physical education class, I would stay quiet, not wanting to admit how much I actually loved it. By the end of middle school, I started working out in my free time, initially with the goal of staying fit, but slowly I really started to love it. I played varsity soccer all of high school, traveling to international soccer competitions around South America. I still found ways to play volleyball whenever I could, such as playing with my best friend every lunch time. In the winter season, I did field hockey, but unfortunately all of the second semester of my freshman year, I had a back injury, and couldn't do any physical activity. That was by far one of the worst times of my life. Without exercise as a way to release stress and pent up emotions, I became really depressed. I had to go to therapy (both mental and physical) because I was miserable. Luckily, my injury healed by the time sophomore year started, and I was able to continue playing soccer and field hockey all throughout high school, and I look back at it as one of the best times of my life. Exercising has really been a passion and source of joy unlike any other. I continued playing soccer in college, yet unfortunately, I got a knee injury that has stayed with me until this day. Though I’ve done physical therapy many times, it hasn’t healed completely. For all of 2019, I couldn’t do any physical activity, which really impacted my mental health in a negative way. Yet, now, my knee has slowly healed, and I can do exercise again. Nowadays, the way I stay fit is through workouts at home, and hikes with my dog. The effect this had on my mental health has been incredible. The benefits I have achieved through staying fit and having physical activity be a daily part of my life is a healthy outlook on life, a positive mental health, and a love for my body. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

If money wasn’t an issue, I’d attend university. I’d sing all day. I wouldn’t worry about using all my savings to move to Africa to join a nature reserve. I’d be free of anxiety, stress, and worry. My world would be filled with opportunities that money currently prevents. There are three main areas where money affects my time and life. The first is college. After high school, I moved to the US as an international student. I was attending a university where I was finally on the path to pursuing a double degree in both my passions: Environmental Studies and Music Performance. Unfortunately, I had to drop out of the university I was attending because Chile’s socio-political outbreak in 2019 drastically changed my family’s income. Currently, my family and I don’t have the funds to pay for the tuition of the university I hope to transfer to, which is why I spend most of my time searching for scholarships. But if money wasn’t an issue, all that time I spend would free itself, and I could work on the things I need to grow as an artist, as a scientist, and as a person. I would be finishing my junior year and would be on the path to receiving my double degree. I would be one step closer to pursuing the careers I have wanted all my life: to be a conservation scientist by day and a Jazz singer by night. Secondly, without the fear of failure, or the goal of success, money wouldn’t stop me from being the musician I strive to be. Instead of searching for scholarships all day, I would work on my craft. Without having to worry about money, I would be able to hire a jazz trio (bass, piano, and percussion) and have the band of my dreams with whom I would create and play Jazz music till the end of time. When money isn’t the driving objective, there is so much room for practice, growth, and self-improvement. I would just sing and create music for the purpose of making others and myself happy. Lastly, if money wasn’t an issue, nothing would get in my way of becoming a conservation scientist. One of my life aspirations is to move to Zimbabwe or Tanzania and live in a nature reserve where I could assist and help the natural world thrive. Yet, the same factor always stops me. I don’t have the money to just drop everything and move to Africa to help with the conservation of our planet. Additionally, I don’t have the funds to help these natural parks and reserves stay open. Without the need for money, I would be able to work freely on my music and grow as an artist, while also helping out in conservation efforts. I would be on my way to finishing my college degrees. But money is an issue, which is why I need all the help I can get.

For almost all of my life, I have struggled with self-love. I used to be really insecure about my physical appearance and my mental abilities. My mind was constantly putting myself down, and I didn’t have any confidence in myself, my looks, or my potential. Yet, there has always been a small part of me that admired my passions, values, and talents. I am a person who cares deeply for others, who is very passionate about the environment and animal rights, and who’s goal in life is to help the stop climate change and to preserve the natural world through conservation. Additionally, I have a strong passion for music and singing, especially when it comes to Jazz. I look at these traits as positive ones, and I believe that my values are heavily aligned with virtue and with what is just. Hence, even though there has always been a big part of me that didn’t have faith in my talents or didn’t admire my physical qualities, I do admire who I am as a person and what I stand for. Last year, things changed for everyone. We were encouraged (and in some cases forced) to stay inside. This allowed me to finally prioritize self-care and to dedicate time to the things I love and enjoy doing. I started working out everyday, I was eating healthy for every meal, I was working on my music and my singing, and I was overall growing as a person. The previous year, I had gone through a really rough break-up that left me really insecure and with no self-love, and I didn’t work on myself at all. Yet in 2020, I was finally accepting all my qualities, be it good or bad, and I was starting to love myself fully, the way I have wanted to do all my life, because I finally put time into myself. I found that when I wasn’t constantly doubting my skills and looks, I was able to finally enjoy myself in every way. I was enjoying my hobbies because I wasn’t putting myself down when I made mistakes anymore. Since I was more confident in my looks, I was improving my mental health, which in return helped me improve my friendships and relationships. I was overall a much happier person in every way. I finally learned to accept all my flaws and all my strengths. Additionally, I now believe in my potential much more, which has led me to wonderful opportunities, such as working in what I like, creating more music, and joining volunteering organizations that I was too afraid to join before because I didn’t believe I would provide anything valuable. I aspire daily to be the best version of myself because I now believe that I can be. Everything in my life has changed since I started loving myself, and I am now constantly spreading this message of loving and being kind to others but also to one-self. I am grateful for my journey of self-love.

My favorite scientist has always been Jane Goodall. I aspire to study Environmental Science and Management, and from a young age, she has inspired me and so many others to explore, respect, and love the natural world and all it contains. Her discoveries about the natural world and about chimpanzees, along with other animals, have affected our relationship and connection to animals and their ecosystems. My goal as a future scientist is to help with conservation efforts and to inspire humanity to reconnect with nature just as Jane Goodall has.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a singer; more particularly, a known one. I loved dancing and singing, and I wanted to succeed in music. I wanted the fame and the glory that is so associated with musicians in this era. I thought that was going to be my legacy, making my family proud of my success. But as I grew, I discovered I have another burning passion: sustainability. I had always been connected to nature in an inexplicable way, always drawn to its beauty, its power, its glory. With the current pressing issues of climate change and global warming, I slowly realized that I had to put my dream of being a successful musician second and dedicate my life to spreading awareness of environmental issues and solutions. I had to take action for what I was most passionate about before it was too late. Legacy, to me, means anything handed down from one person to another. I know legacies are usually associated with families and ancestors, and though that is correct, I view it a bit differently. I believe there are two types of legacies: the physical and the intangible. The physical legacy is usually associated with the money and property one leaves to their family members after they pass; an inheritance. But one can also leave a different type of legacy to not only family members, but to the world. This is the intangible legacy, which has to do more with ideas, with values, with a reputation, with thoughts and inspiration. I believe that this type of legacy can affect people outside of your family because it has to do with what you did in your life and how those actions can inspire and motivate anyone to do good. In my teen years, I felt so much pressure to fix all the world's environmental problems on my own. I felt that the entire weight of the world was on my shoulders. I spent my free time signing petitions, volunteering for environmental organizations, I went vegan, I informed myself daily about climate change and any news associated with it. But this quickly took a toll on my mental health. Every day, I felt this huge pressure to change the world on my own, to fix all that was broken. Now, as a young adult, I realize that to change the world on a global scale, society has to work together. It is not just my responsibility to take care of the planet, it is everybody’s because this is our home. I still continue to take every individual action I can to help the environment, but I’ve learned that instead of doing it all on my own, I should inform and inspire others to join the fight against global warming. So that is what I am doing: I am trying to pursue an education in environmental science that will lead me to a career in environmental management and activism. Hopefully, if I follow this path, I will be able to achieve my goal of creating a global impact on climate change. But in the meantime, I try to inspire and educate others on how we can help the planet one step at a time. I want to leave the second type of legacy behind - the intangible. I want to leave a legacy on the world, an imprint of sorts, to improve it, to motivate others to make an environmental change just as I plan to do in my life, and to leave the earth a better place for future generations. I want people to look at my life and see my successes and my failures, and to learn and be inspired by them. Sustainable action starts with each one of us, and hopefully, my legacy will inspire and teach people to treat our planet with respect, care, and love.

Having a Colombian mother and a Chilean father, and having lived in Chile most of my life, I knew that I was 100% Latina. Nonetheless, I questioned what that really meant. I didn’t get an answer until I studied abroad in the US and realized—when I was far away from my community and family—who we are. We are loud, passionate, fast-speaking, and open-hearted. We deeply love dancing and singing to our music. We’re all so different, but we have the most crucial thing in common: we all share so much adoration for our home, people, and culture. Yet, what I love the most about my Latino community is our resilience. We are loyal and hard workers, and the fact that we are still a loving and festive people even though we’ve had a horrible past is a testament to the strength of our community. I think it is important for people to be involved in their communities because at the end of the day, what matters the most in life is the people we care for and the people who love and support us. A community is the definition of that. A community is there for you when no one else is, and I am so grateful that I have my latino community. A community is what makes you, what raises you, what cares for you, and I think it is so crucial to care for them and to give back. As an adult who has lived abroad, I have learned that even though you may not be home, you can still have your community around you. For me, that happened when I lived in Appleton, Wisconsin. When I first moved there, I felt so alone because I didn’t have my community around me to support me. But slowly, I realized that Appleton does have a Latinx community, and once I got to know them and I joined them, I realized that I can have a home away from home as long as I have my community. In my case, my community is Latinx people, since we have a shared history and an unbreakable bond. Since I am a passionate environmentalist and I am looking to pursue environmental science as a career, I always think about ways that I can help my community in terms of environmentalism. One of the ways I have helped my community through environmentalism is by creating a better recycling program and aiding the necessary information for it. When I was in school, my Nido de Aguilas community was everything to me, and still is now as part of the Alumni association. It is my home. My mom started working there before I was born, and my siblings and I all attended that school from the ages of 4-18. Something that always bothered me about Nido though was that the recycling program there wasn’t the most organized. So, when I was in highschool, the week before I graduated, I installed 3 recycling bins in every high school classroom and gave an informative assembly on how they were to work. I wanted that to be my legacy and gift for my Nido community. I believe that humans aren’t the only beings that can shape a community; animals can too! So, other ways I have helped my community is by going on volunteer trips with the organization Cultiva to plant trees in local areas. Chile has had some horrible forest fires in the last couple of years that have drastically affected our landscape and our natural habitats. I wanted to give back to my community as much as I wanted to give back to nature and all the animals who lost their homes in these fires. Additionally, I also volunteered for an animal adoption organization called Huella Animal that helps dogs and cats who need to find new homes. Lastly, I wanted to help my community by building parks that the people and animals in the lower class areas of Santiago could enjoy. I decided to join the organization Mi Parque to do so, and we helped build parks in Renca, Santiago. To conclude, a community is one of the most essential parts of our lives because without them, we wouldn’t have the love, strength, and support that every human needs in order to succeed. I plan to help my community through my future career of environmental management and activism by educating and providing my community the necessary means in order to live a more eco-friendly and environmentally-conscious life.

Something I learned to be grateful for in my home city is the beautiful mountain ranges that surround it. After studying for a year in Appleton, Wisconsin, I noticed that a big part of my life was missing: mountains. And not to say that Appleton doesn’t have its own natural wonders, like the way the Fox River glimmers while the snow surrounds it in the wintertime. But Appleton lacked what makes me feel most at home - the elevation, the hills, the climbs, the sunset hikes, the natural lookouts. When I returned home after my year at Lawrence University, one of the first things I did was get a tattoo of the mountains I deeply love. Nature has always inspired me. Whenever I feel lost, alone, joyful, sad, thoughtful, or any of the countless emotions humans go through in a day, I always find myself driving to the park next to my old house that has a view of all of Santiago de Chile. It’s located on the outskirts of the city, where the valley becomes the mountains, so the view from up there is breathtaking. I go to this park and I listen to Jazz, I journal, I play with my dog Mila, I dance, I sing, I create art, I do whatever the moment asks of me; yet, all while I take in the stunning sight of the city that surrounds me. If I look to my left, I see the hill I used to go on hikes with my best friend every weekend in high school. If I look in front of me, I see all of Santiago, the cotton candy sunset skies, the never-ending lights. If I look to the right, I see my dog laying on the grass next to a tree. I’m a woman who is passionate about two contrasting subjects: the environment and music. In college, I double-majored in Environmental Studies and Music Performance. I’m the girl who dreams of singing in Jazz bars in New York, while simultaneously dreaming of working in wildlife sanctuaries in Tanzania. From a young age, I wondered how I would be able to thrive in both my passions if they were so different. But now I see that they are completely connected. My passion for the environment fuels my love for Jazz and singing. It inspires it. I’m constantly composing melodies and rhythms that my natural surroundings have caused. As a Latina international student and minority, it has been really challenging to fulfill my dreams because I do not have the financial means to study in the US. If I win this scholarship, the money will get me one step closer to achieving my dream of studying at the City College of New York, where I have been accepted to study Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and Jazz Vocal studies. This is where I plan to combine my passion for nature and Jazz, which will propel me toward my wish of being a Jazz singer.

My all-time favorite film, as cliche as it sounds, is Damien Chazelle's La La Land. When I watched it in the movie theatre in 2017, I was expecting another basic rom-com. To my surprise, it was so much more than that. Just about a year before, I developed a deep passion for Jazz. I am a vocalist, and Jazz changed me forever. This film made me appreciate and understand the importance of Jazz in a much bigger sense, and in a way, it made me who I am today (I am currently looking to pursue Jazz Vocals in college). The first time I watched La La Land, I left the cinema fuming and cursing the movie, confused about how messed up and wrong the ending was. I had been routing for Mia and Sebastian, and I was shocked at the ending. Yet, after the second and third watching it at the movie theatre, I began to understand its heartbreaking yet complete ending. Not only did I appreciate the ending more after each watch, but I realized that every detail of this movie is so perfectly arranged (identical to a music arrangement). Every shot, every note, every color, every dance, every song is connected in a way that I had never experienced in cinema before. Every time I watched this film, I discovered something new; it never gets old. I have watched it more times than I can count, and every time, it gets better. Till this day, I still listen to the soundtrack. When this movie came out, I listened to the songs because they were catchy and good. Yet the more I listened, the more I realized how each song is connected and perfectly orchestrated. This film, without a doubt, will always be a part of who I am.

When I was 12, I visited my grandparents in Bucaramanga, Colombia. We were on a rural farm and wanted to do something exhilarating. My brothers suggested paragliding. I was scared and denied the idea, but when I saw how incredible the site was and how much fun they had, I decided to join. It was one of my best experiences yet, paragliding into the sunset with the most unbelievable view in front of me, and it helped get rid of my fear of heights. I’m so glad I decided to be bold that day. I paraglided again 3 years later.

All throughout my life, I have had countless role models. I am a person who easily admires, to the point where sometimes, it can be obsessive. I love to look at other people's life stories and actions as a place of admiration and inspiration. Yet, without a doubt, my biggest role model is my sister. I have always looked at my sister, Natalia, as a source of inspiration, and luckily, it is reciprocal. I have inspired her to go vegan and to change her lifestyle towards a more eco-friendly one, and she has inspired me to be kinder to myself, to be more open-hearted with everyone, and to try to be the best version of myself that I can be. Even though we display the common characteristics of siblings, such as constant bickering and unnecessary yelling, Natalia and I have always been a team, no matter what. There is a big age difference between us (almost 9 years), yet the emotional and mental maturity has always been similar, which is why we have always gotten along. We are constantly sharing ideas and teaching each other about all aspects of life. No matter the challenge, we are always honest and motivate one another. Anytime we discuss politics, society, or even have pointless arguments, we are always respectful of each other’s opinions and appreciate each other’s perspectives. A large portion of who I am today is due to my sister. In recent years, my sister has become a health coach, a self-love coach, and also an astrology coach. She has taught me so much about myself: the physical, the emotional, the spiritual, about what I want my life to look like, about what career path I want to take, about my relationships, about my inner-self, etc. She is always there to help me with my big life decisions. Natalia has influenced my past, present, and future like no other. Anytime I need advice on what to do in any aspect of my life, she is just a phone call away, and she always answers, no matter what. Additionally, she taught me one of the biggest lessons of my life, which applies greatly to a struggle I currently have: you don't need to complete the 4-5 years of college right after graduating college. She showed me that it is ok to take a gap year and to find yourself and reflect on what you want out of your life and education. She also taught me that the path to complete one's education and start a career isn't always as smooth as people make it out to be. Natalia studied Media and Publicity, yet she never liked that field of study, and once she completed her degree, she decided she didn't want to pursue a career in it. I look at that as an example and inspiration of what one's college life can be like: it isn't always perfect, but one learns and grows in that period of your life, so it is a necessary path to take. Natalia is an outstanding listener, and whenever I need her advice, she is always there. She is one of the most intuitive and knowledgeable people I know. Natalia has always encouraged me to fulfill my goals, dreams, and aspirations. She goes to all my musical performances, and she has always pushed me to follow my dreams of being a jazz singer and an advocate for environmental justice. This is why, even though I have an endless amount of role models, such as Greta Thunberg, Wangari Maathai, Harry Styles, Nina Simone, Bad Bunny, Princess Diana, and Sarah Vaughan, my biggest role model would be my sister Natalia.

Singing Jazz and fighting for environmental sustainability have been dreams of mine from a young age. I knew that I wanted to study both careers outside of Chile. I made this my life goal and worked extremely hard to achieve it. I got into Lawrence University, and it seemed like my life goal was going to become a reality. At first, Lawrence University seemed appealing because, on paper, I would have the opportunity to study both. However, I came to learn that Lawrence has an inflexible classical vocal program that didn’t enable me to go down the Jazz track. That year, my inspiration and love for Jazz slowly faded away. Knowing of my parents' struggle to pay for my tuition, I decided that it was unfair for them to work so hard for an education that wasn’t fulfilling my academic needs. Realizing the need to reflect on what I wanted out of my education, I decided to take a gap semester. Back home in Chile, I took classes at a Jazz Academy to hopefully revitalize my passion for the music I love. While there, I learned an endless amount about the freedom of Jazz and was met with enthusiasm and encouragement to follow my own musical path. Additionally, while in Chile, I participated in the September 27th Global Environmental Strike. Being there with thousands of people fighting for the same cause gave me hope and emphasized the importance of sustainability to me. Only a few weeks later, Chile was struck with months of massive protests and I saw how the economic, political, and social crisis was, in many ways, tied directly to the environmental crisis. The passionate movement of my people made me realize that even though Jazz is important to me, protecting the environment had to be my priority. Due to the Chilean crisis, my family’s income drastically changed, and returning to Lawrence to study wasn't financially possible. I applied to transfer to 10 universities in March of 2020. Unfortunately, due to the global pandemic, it didn't go well. I only got accepted into 1/10 universities, and I felt like a huge failure. For months, I felt like my life goal of studying and completing my bachelor's degree abroad was never going to become a reality. Slowly, as the months passed and after a lot of reflection, I realized that I wasn't a failure and that not getting into college right away was actually a blessing in disguise. These months in Chile have been some of the best in my life. I have learned so much, explored my passions, and grown so much mentally and emotionally. Thereby, I realized that my failure of not getting into college right away was actually meant to be, and I am so thankful for it. Recently, I was accepted into 4 colleges in New York, a city I have always dreamed of living in. Without my previous failure of getting into college, I would have never been where I am today.