In 1903 John Muir, one of the greatest preservationists, invited President Theodore Roosevelt on a camping trip to Yosemite. There the two talked about nature and the great bounty of clarity and beauty the natural world gives us. Moved by the trip Roosevelt stated, "It was like lying in a great solemn cathedral, far vaster and more beautiful than any built by the hand of man." This encounter with nature led to some of the greatest moments in United States history when the national parks were enacted and the conservation of our resources became an important aspect of our lives. In his years as a president, Roosevelt established "150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game preserves, 5 national parks, and 18 national monuments." Roosevelts actions led to the greater growth of protected and regulated resources so that many generations to come can enjoy the vast richness the world has to offer. Although there are many other individuals who have helped create and evolve the parks and natural resources without Roosevelt it would be hard to imagine if these places would have been created. He left a legacy in which everyone can enjoy resources offered to us and allow for future use of those resources. I think a legacy is something that can be enjoyed, used, learned, and believed in. Legacies can often be stories and lessons that are passed down and shared to other generations. Legacy is the aftershock of your actions whether they are big or small. In reality we all leave a legacy through our actions and words, affecting those around us. When you help someone, teach someone, and educate others you leave a legacy, big or small. Those words and actions can be passed on to multiple people, changing their viewpoints, and possibly igniting new and exciting ideas, creating more legacies. My upbringing involved growing up in the outdoors. My parents left a legacy of respect and enjoyment for the land. I enjoyed hiking, fishing and exploring the outdoors. The world fascinated me, but more particularly I loved going to national parks and monuments where you could learn more about the natural world, share the resources with others, educate, and learn the history and lessons it provides. I plan to continue this lifestyle. Just like President Rossevelt and my parents I would like to leave a legacy of educating individuals on the resources the world has to offer. I want to be a part of the system that establishes new federal or state parks and conserve the resources within. Although I may not leave a legacy as big as Roosevelt, I can at least teach others about the importance of conservation and hopefully grow their love for the outdoors so that they can do the same as well.

The world is changing. The politics, tension, and world are heating up causing a whirlwind of conflicts and disasters to occur. Going into an environmental science field I learn about the changing world and how it is affected by all our actions. I always see signs, protests, and calls for a change in regulation for the environment and advice given to the public to limit their footprint on the earth. However, change sometimes seems impossible. Throughout my experience and education, I have learned that change does not come from scientific arguments backed up by facts. No, change comes through connections with each other through community, culture, and shared experiences. I live in an area that has a diverse community not only in culture but in values and beliefs. There is a mix of individuals who do and do not believe in climate change. As I talk with each of them, I found that everyone cares about the environment and do what they can to protect the resources they enjoy. Having simple conversations with these individuals and connecting with them on resources we both enjoy whether it be fishing, hiking, hunting, etc. it allows further conversation about what regulations, laws, and projects do and do not work for that area and allows the chance to talk about solutions to our struggling environments without the need of backed up scientific facts. What I continue to do to have a positive impact on the climate is connecting with my community and talking about the concerns everybody has and how we can address those concerns without accusing anyone of being a "bad influence" on the environment. Speaking with everyone and becoming friends with them allows for more participation and willingness to help conserve our natural resources not only for us but for future generations.

My name is Tiffany Hood and my passion for art is not really like any other passion. I like to take photographs, paint, and make tiny clay sculptures but I am not truly interested in creating art rather I like to show it and protect it. Art to me is something to be treasured a thing to feel at peace. Art is nature. Photographing it is how I can show the importance of nature and how it is changing yet if I want to appreciate this art for years I need to do something​ more. This is why I​ changed my degree from art to environmental​ science so I can protect nature​, the art that everyone can enjoy and be a part of.​ I want to protect the environment​ so that we can enjoy it for future generations and to help out the species in those areas. Protecting the environment is like an art. There is so much to look for, ​consider, and do to actually benefit​ everyone. I want to help the environment while also helpgn others. the vision I have for protecting nature is a sustainable land, clean waters, healthy/stressfree species, biodiversity, and happy people. Nature influences art so by ​protecting nature we can inspire others to create their visions in the art field.

My name is Tiffany Hood. Ever since I was younger I have wanted to help animals. I have always loved nature and the animals in it. I always thought my love for animals would lead me to a degree in animal science and health so I could become a veterinarian. However, when I reached high school that path did not feel right for me. I then learned there are other ways to help animals and protect them. That is when I chose a degree in environmental science. I want to help wildlife, not only by protecting them but by helping them thrive along with the habitat they need to do so. I have not quite decided what I would like for a job, whether it be a scientist, game warden, conservationist, etc. But all I know is that I will work hard to accomplish my dream of helping wildlife. I plan to work for my degree and apply for opportunities for internships, job shadowing, etc. I work hard for what I want and I will not quit or stop until I am able to try and help wildlife. It is my dream, a dream I plan on living. The world is full of many amazing things, places, and people. Yet I have never found much that excited me except for nature (and movie nights). It has always seemed so amazing that this earth has a variety of species, all unique and important. I have always been fascinated by nature and what ​it has to offer. I would love to travel and experience each aspect of mother nature for myself but I would love to live in Alaska and be able to possibly see a bear, wolves, moose, whales, etc, all in one location. Nature can be full of surprises and new experiences​ and the best partis ​ you will always see something new and feel happy outside, surrounded by desert or trees. I plan to give back​ to others and my community by just simply helping. I will try to do my best by helping in any way. I believe​ in service to others and loving one another. In the past,​ I have helped with trash clean-ups​, ​serving the elderly, clothes for kids, raised money for cancer, etc. I also believe​ that helping just one person no matter how big or small can make a difference. I will continue to do service to others around me and to my community because​ I​ enjoy doing so.