When early people gazed up at the night sky, they had no idea that they were seeing “old” light that had traveled trillions of miles from distant galaxies before reaching our planet. To their eyes, the stars animated an otherwise lifeless black canvas, moving and changing in a seasonal drama that gave rhythm to life on Earth. They began telling stories about those stars that spoke to deep questions about where they came from and where they might be headed. Our knowledge has grown exponentially since those days, but we still look to the stars to tell us stories about ourselves, knowing intrinsically that those shimmering lights that adorn the heavens and the light of consciousness itself are somehow linked. As our understanding has grown, so has our capacity to shape and control the environment around us. At present, our ability to alter the planet in the span of a single lifetime has exceeded the regenerative capacity of the ecological systems on which we depend. The power of the technologies we use has advanced at a far higher rate than our wisdom in wielding it. This dissonance means that we are unable to fully comprehend the consequences of our actions in totality and on timescales that extend beyond the pursuit of short-term gain. There is a growing consensus that this short-sighted mastery has ushered in an entirely new epoch of geologic time: the Anthropocene. While technology has undoubtedly improved our livelihoods, it has also created an unprecedented storm of anthropogenic crises that threaten our very future. From global warming and the specter of technocratic totalitarianism to pandemic diseases, famine, and nuclear war. For the first time in history, the greatest threat to our continued survival as a species might be ourselves. None of these challenges we face can be addressed meaningfully without cooperation, coordination, and good faith between all the world's peoples. To that end, we are in dire need of a common story that unites us, and a deeper understanding of how interconnected we are to everything around us. For all these reasons, it is critical that we continue to expand our understanding of the universe so that we can address all the present and future existential risks that threaten humanity, but also so that we can reach our full potential. The universe holds all the secrets we need to flourish as a global, and possibly interstellar, civilization. Concerning present existential risks, perhaps none is more urgent than climate change. In the absence of a global, normative, environmental ethic, we have collectively taken turns ravaging the planet without due care. Although still in its nascent stages, our exploration of the larger universe has only reinforced the idea that our planet is quite a special one. As we move to develop a stronger sense of planetary citizenship, and subsequently begin to act on the responsibilities it engenders, it is vital that we continue to explore the universe at all scales from the cosmic to the microscopic. We still have much to learn and those discoveries might unlock key elements in the fight against climate change. For example, we are just beginning to approach the potential of viable fusion energy on a commercial level – a process that wouldn’t be possible without our knowledge of the stars and the cosmos. And bringing the discussion back down to earth, recent surveys of our planet’s oceans have uncovered the critical role that phytoplankton and seagrasses play in the regulation of our planet’s habitable atmosphere. There is also emerging research that suggests coral algae may be the key to unlocking carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative concrete production. In our effort to bring humanity’s climate impact back to sustainable levels, we will need all the help we can get. What other beneficial technologies and biological processes are still waiting to be discovered? How can we work with rather than against the planet’s natural systems to make the world more stable, productive, and beautiful? Addressing climate change is a strong personal motivation, which is why I’ve decided to return to school after a decade in the architecture and construction industry to focus solely on sustainability and renewable energy. I hope to be on the front lines of our country’s transition to a low-carbon economy over the next several decades, working to expand access to renewable energy for companies and communities across the nation. As I begin this new journey, I know it will be important to remain open to new information and continually learn about our planet and the universe. To be effective in my new career field, I will need to draw on expertise from a variety of disciplines including physics, biology, geology, engineering, and design, but also sociology, psychology, ethics, and governance. It’s not uncommon for experts in a given field to necessarily be a little myopic, but being a successful change agent in the sustainability space won’t come down to whether I can master any of these disciplines in isolation. Finding and utilizing connections between these fields will be the key to innovating and making a fresh impact. As someone hoping to be a part of positive changes on a global scale, I will need to keep a broader view and look for synergies and connections to leverage in service of our sustainability goals. However, just like the story of humanity, the sustainability story that we co-author does need to stop at basic survival. As a species, we are creators, innovators, explorers, and artists. Part of the human condition is a deep longing to situate ourselves in time and space while simultaneously expanding those boundaries. Of all the potential futures we could manifest, I would like to work towards a world where humanity synergistically flourishes with the planet, a world where distributed renewable energy infrastructure breaks down barriers to education, commerce, healthcare, and cultural expression, a world where earth’s ecosystems are intelligently stewarded and protected, a world where taking care of people and taking care of the planet are not viewed as mutually exclusive. This potential world of abundance is possible, but not without continued exploration of the universe and the connections that define it. The defining characteristic of the modern world is hyper-connectedness. The free flow of knowledge, goods, and people has created a vibrant global economic ecosystem upon which we are all interdependent. We are slowly but surely realizing that the same holds true for the systems of the planet and the universe itself; everything is connected. Within a given ecosystem the mightiest predator and the smallest microorganisms are interdependent. The mighty Amazon rainforest would not exist without airborne sand from the Sahara to seed its rain clouds. Zooming out to the cosmos as a whole, we know that Einstein was correct when he conjectured that even the seemingly abstract, immaterial concepts of space and time are interconnected. We live in a universe that is defined by connection and by extension defined by relationships. That, in summary, is why our continued study of the universe is such a worthy endeavor. If we really want to correct course and ensure not just the survival but the flourishing of humanity, we need to understand how we are related to the larger web of connections and relationships that define our planet and the universe. In doing so, we can also find comfort in the fact that we are not alone, that we are part of everything, and perhaps we have a beneficial role to play.

As a vegetarian and avid recreational athlete, I always need to remain mindful of what I'm eating in order to get the proper amount of nutrients and stay happy and healthy. With no shortage of processed food options out there it can be admittedly tempting to skimp on nutritional value in favor of convenience when my schedule gets hectic. My favorite sport, rock climbing, also places incredible demands on the muscles and soft tissues of the body, increasing my need for high-quality protein to recover and perform at my best. That's where superfoods come in! I love superfoods because they pack so much flavor and so much nutrient density into my meals. Even when I'm stressed and busy, or super tired after a long workout, I can turn to my favorite superfoods for a quick and easy meal that will rejuvenate and replenish my body. Some of my all-time favorite superfoods are from the brassica family! I love kale, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts, as well as red and green cabbage and broccoli rabe. In the summer I also constantly reach for lighter greens with plenty of phytonutrients like arugula, red lettuce, and spinach. For variety, I always try to incorporate some healthy nuts and berries like almonds and blackberries into my morning routine or for a nighttime snack. And to make sure I'm getting adequate protein and fiber I really like black, kidney, and pinto beans, as well as lentils and quinoa. When I started cooking on my own, it felt quite daunting to incorporate new foods into my diet, but over the years I've honed in on some quick and simple superfood recipes and preparations that I can reliably turn to for a hearty delicious meal. For starters, I really enjoy oven-roasting some of the heartier vegetables on my list of favorites. A pan of Brussel sprouts and carrots and sweet potatoes fresh from the oven (with just the right amount of caramelized char) is an excellent base for dinner. When I'm in more of a hurry, I'll opt for a massive salad full of leafy greens like arugula, chard, spinach, frise, romaine, and mizuna topped off with some almonds, heirloom tomatoes, avocado slices, and homemade vinaigrette. For breakfast, one of my favorite 5-minute recipes is strawberry, blueberry, and banana smoothies with some spinach, almond butter, and honey mixed in. Superfoods are a staple part of my diet and they keep my meals, fun, interesting, and healthy. I couldn't imagine being a vegetarian without a stable rotation of superfoods in my diet; they help me to perform optimally at work and in sport while improving my overall health and well-being.

I haven’t met a person who had an easy time during the pandemic. I count myself lucky that I didn’t lose a friend or loved one to the virus. For me, the negative impacts of the Covid pandemic were more acutely economic. When the economy goes south, companies stop building buildings which is bad news for architects. After the closures began in March, I tried to work extra hard to keep my job, pitching in and helping others wherever I could. I also make a concerted effort to improve my professional skills and knowledge by starting my licensure exams. Even though the world seemed to be going crazy, I knew that I had to keep pushing forward. A week before thanksgiving and about halfway through the seven separate licensure exams that I had to take I was laid off. I felt embarrassed, ashamed, and angry that I couldn’t find basic job security in the field I had dedicated a decade of my life to. As painful as this was, I knew that I couldn’t stop or quit. I knew that I was the only person who was going to dig myself out of this hole. I resolved to finish my licensure exams, get a new job, and apply to graduate school for another career that more closely aligned with my interests. I knew there was something better out there for me. Having accomplished all those goals, I’ll be starting a master’s program this fall in Renewable and Sustainable Energy, a type of program that didn’t even exist when I first went to college! Pushing through this challenging time in my life and remaining optimistic has taught me that hard work does pay off and it can open doors for you that you didn’t even know to look for.

When most people hear the word bravery, they might conjure up images of superheroes or imagine people that live and act completely without fear; nothing could be farther from the truth. Brave people live and act in spite of fear and they do so in service of something greater or better than themselves. Sometimes that motivating factor is helping others. Sometimes it is pursuing a better version of oneself. This past year and a half has been a big test of bravery for me. I’ve always dreamed of working in a field where I could have a big, positive impact that I believed in – that’s what drew me to my current field of architecture in the first place. However, after ten years of working in the field, I could no longer ignore the feeling that I wasn’t where I should be and that I wasn’t having the impact I wanted to have. I decided that I needed to make a change. After some reflection, I resolved to apply to grad school and follow my passion for environmental stewardship. This fall I’ll be starting a master’s degree in Renewable and Sustainable Energy. I’m terrified. It’s been over a decade since I sat in a classroom. Every day my feelings oscillate between being incredibly excited and absolutely mortified. Sometimes I stop and think to myself “what the heck and I doing?!”. But I’m trying to embody bravery. I know that I’ve got two years of really hard work ahead of me, but I have faith that I’ll be a better person on the other side. I can’t wait to start making an impact in my new career.

One of the best pieces of financial advice that I've ever received came from a colleague of mine. He said, "Don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish". This idiom has really stuck with me and served as a constant reality check. The ways I choose to interpret it, both metaphorically and practically, are different but equally helpful. On one hand, it’s an invitation to not "miss the forest for the trees" so to speak; keeping an eye on the bigger picture, on the totality of one's personal finances (and life) is incredibly important. This adage also reminds me, on a more granular and practical note, to always do the math! An easy way to wade through all the confusing and distracting sales tactics out there is actually to calculate everything out. The numbers never lie. I also find that this piece of advice helps me to value something even more precious than money: my time. My view of personal finance also includes my personal well-being and my goals. When I’m not budgeting my time well in service of those two things, I know that I need to correct course and make an adjustment. My colleague’s quip was a great gift. “Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish” helps me keep focused on my personal and financial goals by reminding me to keep my actions, time, and money aligned with the things that I value most.

When we talk about “meaning” what does that signify? The interpretation that I ascribe to is that all meaning is relational; nothing has objective worth all by itself. Put another way, something can’t have meaning in isolation; meaning is all about how a given thing relates to other things. So how does this apply to our lives? This might be interpreted as cruel, crass, or reductionist, but I’d assert our lives only have meaning in relation to other lives. And defining how our lives relate to other people is the purpose of life; that’s what gives our lives meaning. The meaning of life is not some objective truth that is carved in stone, it’s what each of us wants to make it. Given that we all have a finite amount of time to spend with each other, it’s well worth the effort to define for ourselves what meaning (read: relationships) we want to create in the time that we have. Personally, I’d like to be seen as a caring, funny, helpful friend that always brings some levity and introspection to whatever I do. In a grander sense, I want to leave the world a better place than I found it. These two goals, however disparate they seem, are what direct me on a daily basis; they are my yardstick for whether or not my actions are aligned with the meaning that I’d like to create in my life. Some pandemic-induced introspection made me realize that I could be doing a lot more to live up to these ideals. So, I decided to make a change. This fall I’ll be starting a master’s program in Renewable and Sustainable Energy. I hope I can be a part of the clean energy revolution and make some great friends along the way.

Confidence is one of those attributes that is often misunderstood and mischaracterized. From a young age, we’re told that confidence is a positive thing to cultivate and exhibit, but I think it’s uncommon for kids to learn how to build confidence in a healthy, constructive way. We all intrinsically understand that confident people feel good about themselves, but few people stop to ask why that might be. Beginning with the surge in popularity of the positive psychology movement in the 1970’s, parents and teachers were encouraged to make kids feel good about themselves so they would become confident. Pursuing confidence became a goal unto itself and not the result of constructive growth and learning. This, of course, was a misdirected effort that has led to a growing epidemic of entitled, narcissistic, people who exhibit baseless confidence that has not been earned. I believe that confident people are happy because they have overcome challenges and learned things about their strengths, abilities, and weaknesses. This self-knowledge makes them feel like they are more in control of their lives and that they have something of value to contribute to others which can lead to higher overall levels of life satisfaction. This is something that I always try to keep in mind when I’m feeling unsure of myself. As someone who is prone to analysis paralysis and the perfectionism trap, I try to remind myself that confidence is not necessarily about knowing the right answer or believing blindly in yourself. Confidence is about believing that you have something to contribute, even if that contribution doesn’t come to fruition right away. To me, confidence is the humble self-knowledge and self-respect that a person gains when they hold themselves accountable and overcome obstacles in their life and learn something in the process.

I’ll be honest, the very first time I stepped into a climbing gym, I thought it was kind of a silly “sport”. I wondered why anyone would waste their time trying to get to the top of a rock the hard way. But my sister had recently gotten into it, so at the very least I thought I’d give it a shot so I could spend some quality time with her. My opinion quickly changed once I completed my first climb; there was something special about this. I was instantly hooked. Since that day about three and a half years ago, climbing has morphed from a casual social activity to one of my most cherished hobbies. Unlike other sports and exercises I had tried in the past, climbing engaged my body and mind with constant novelty and excitement. The simplicity of it also created a very constructive responsibility feedback look; you either get to the top of a climb or you don’t. The wall doesn’t care. It’s only you and your skills and preparation against gravity and the rock. I now climb regularly at least three times a week, both indoors and outside, and plan to continue as long as I’m able. Climbing has also given me another excuse to indulge in two of my other favorite hobbies: photography and traveling. I love planning climbing trips with my friends and family and visiting all these amazing places that I never would have considered before. Once I’m there, there’s always a camera in my hand when I’m not on the wall or belaying someone. My favorite thing about all three of these hobbies is that they’re best when shared with others. I can’t wait to share more climbing adventures and stories with all the people I care about.

After nearly a decade of working in the architecture and construction industry, I’ve decided to make a career switch to focus my effort on sustainability and renewable energy. Even though the prospect of switching careers seems rather daunting, I have big dreams for myself and my future career that give me the courage and hope to push forward. One of my big dreams is helping to transition the US energy grid to fifty percent sustainable and renewable energy sources within my lifetime. Another big dream of mine is to work hard and rise to the level of Chief Sustainability Officer or Director of Sustainable Development for a large sustainability energy company. Another dream of mine is to direct a portion of my effort toward using sustainable and renewable energy to empower others. I believe that sustainable and renewable energy alternatives have incredible potential to democratize access to electricity in the developing world. Developing countries are uniquely positioned to leapfrog some of the worst aspects of carbon-centric industrialization by deploying distributed energy infrastructure in much the same way that cell phones rapidly democratized communication in communities that were slow to receive traditional cable-based phone systems. In writing these down, I realized that I’ve outlined some incredibly lofty goals, that I might not be able to achieve. But I know that at least the journey of working toward them will be incredibly worthwhile and beneficial. I want to be able to look back and tell myself that I did everything I could to make the world a better place for the generations that come after me. I want to be part of the solution to the anthropogenic drivers of accelerated climate change.

Calculus really set the scientific revolution in motion by unlocking our ability to plan, predict, and analyze dynamic conditions. While it has many facets, the most intriguing description of calculus I've encountered is that "it is the study of continuous change"(thanks Mrs. Jordan!). In this way, calculus really mirrors life in a manner that the fields of arithmetic inquiry that preceded it never could. By unlocking our ability to analyze non-static variables through time and work with complex geometries, Calculus gave us the tools to explore our world and the universe beyond us with greater ease. Almost every single aspect of the modern world that we have inherited has been improved by the application of calculus. From the boats that ferry goods across our oceans to our largest telescope arrays that scan the outer reaches of the known universe to read the stories of the stars, we are surrounded by calculus. Most people drive to and from school, work, and errands every day never giving a second thought to how their phone’s GPS works and much less the calculus that makes it possible. But perhaps the most exciting (and consequential) avenues of calculus application lie in the future. The world today is very different from the world in which Newton and Leibniz began to formulate and codify the discipline. Calculus precipitated an exponential increase in our abilities to shape and control our environment and as a result, we are facing for the first time in our history as a species, anthropogenic risks to our own survival. Meeting these complex challenges head-on is an urgent goal of the modern scientific and engineering communities around the world and calculus will be instrumental in helping us rise to the occasion. In increasingly resource-stressed environments we will need to start achieving more with less by optimizing industrial processes for impact and efficiency. The task of decarbonizing the global economy and democratizing access to clean, renewable energy will be chief among these challenges if we hope to stabilize the global climate and realign the geo-political landscape toward productive and peaceful aims. The distributed energy infrastructure that will power our future will rely on sophisticated, satellite linked, solar arrays that track the suns path, highly efficient and incredible safe nuclear reactors that use a fraction of the fuel used today, and wind turbines optimized to low drag coefficients and high electromagnetic generation potential; all of these things will rely on calculus to come to fruition. It may seem like praise of a high order, but I believe calculus will enable the next generation of sustainability-conscious engineers and technologists to build a cleaner, greener, more equitable world.

I love complex problems because they often demand creative thinking and the synthesis of disparate ideas into something new and exciting. This zone of uncertainty and creativity is where I thrive. For me, it’s super satisfying to "go down the rabbit hole" and really dive into why things are the way they are. Understanding the genesis, history, and rules underpinning an idea, product, or procedure is the first step toward improving it. As a licensed architect, I have to deal with complex problems like this every day. Bringing a building to life is an incredibly complex process that involves an enormous amount of creativity, compromise, and unconventional thinking. I have found that one of the best avenues for improving this skill of creative thinking and synthesis is by making a conscious effort to improve my empathy and listening skills. Even though I enjoy solving problems all on my own, the breakthroughs always seem to happen when I begin to open up and collaborate with others. In a world faced with increasingly complex problems such as famine, conflict, and climate change, I have hope that I can put this skill of mine to good use. Collaborating with like-minded activists around the world will be critical to addressing these challenges effectively. I plan to continue developing my faculties of creative problem-solving and empathy as I pursue my master’s degree in Sustainable and Renewable Energy this fall. By working together, I know we can build a cleaner, greener, more equitable future for ourselves and the generations that come after us.

It may sound strange, but I'm motivated by a goal that I am certain I will never achieve. Every new day is a new opportunity for me to take one step closer to becoming the best version of myself that I can be. In a word, what motivates me is the concept of daily improvement, simply striving for better than yesterday. Achieving the best version of myself is a goal I’ll never reach because it’s a goal that is constantly evolving and growing with me. Perhaps a better word would be “pursuit”. I know that I’ll never be perfect. There will always be things that I could do better. There will always be opportunities missed and chances squandered. But the older I get, the more I understand the importance of the journey rather than the destination. Whatever events happen along the way are lessons that can teach me and guide me in the pursuit of my better self. It’s a pursuit that will last a lifetime, but I’m motivated to see where it takes me.

I've always had a love/hate relationship with architecture. On one hand, I really appreciate well-conceived, beautiful, buildings. On the other hand, the reality of working in the profession is far less glamorous and unfortunately far more oppressive and predatory than I ever could have imagined in school. Long hours, low pay, and menial tasks were my reality no matter how hard I worked. Nevertheless, I had faith that if I kept investing in myself that things would work out. I resolved to get my architecture license, something very few people actually do, and to start looking for new jobs. Then, the pandemic hit. I held onto my job for a few months, but the writing was on the wall. In November, right in the middle of the seven licensure exams that I was scheduled to take, I was laid off. It was a gut check. There have been very few times in my life where I felt so hopeless and deflated. This career that I had been working so hard at for almost a decade was temporarily halted. As depressing as this was at first, it turned out to be one of the most important moments in my life. I committed myself to finishing my exams, but I also made a promise to myself that I would find something better. Getting laid off made me take a hard look at what I truly wanted out of life. I'm ashamed to say this, but it made we realize that I was coasting on auto-pilot, and deeply unhappy. I decided to apply to graduate school to pursue my passion for sustainability. This fall I'll be enrolling in a masters program focused on sustainable and renewable energy. Getting let go from my job ending up setting me free to pursue something even better.

Do joy and happiness differ? I believe they do, and I believe the distinction lies in the fact that joy is a uniquely self-actualizing experience whereas happiness is ephemeral. Happiness stems from external factors that are out of our control, whereas joy is the result of the steady, diligent, pursuit of our best selves. We feel joy when we accomplish something that we’ve worked really hard for. Joy is personal and difficult to obtain. Joy is rare. This is not to say that there’s no place for happiness in life. The trouble arises when people pursue happiness and happiness alone without any direction or goals in mind. An analogy would be deciding to start a road trip to nowhere. Sure, there might be enjoyable moments along the way that fill up our emotional tank, but the lack of purpose will eventually make those moments less and less meaningful and less and less fulfilling. Eventually, we’ll realize that we’re just plain lost. Joy to me is passing my final architecture license exam after months of hard studying. Joy to me is getting to the top of a really hard hike or rock climb or mountain summit that I’ve been training tirelessly to conquer. Happiness is the celebratory beers I have with friends afterward. The personal joy I feel after those accomplishments stays with me and sustains me. Joy is the product of hard work, personal sacrifice, and struggle at something that you care about or care for. Joy isn’t easy, neither is life. That’s why joy is a much better lodestar than happiness. Joy can only come when we understand and pursue our best selves.

My favorite way to help others is to listen. When I say listen, I mean really LISTEN. By being present and engaged with the people around me I can better understand how they're feeling and what difficulties maybe impeding their success. Removing those impediments, or suggesting solutions then becomes so much easier. This is how I like to help those around me thrive, listening and learning as much as I can, then, if appropriate, lending a hand or intervening to make their life easier. Sometimes listening alone is enough. We all want to be seen and heard and known on a very deep almost primal level. I think we all want to know that we matter, that we are here, that we are recognized for who we are, but also for what we might become. Listening is easy to do, but increasingly rare these days. Ignoring others for the sake of our own agendas if the cause of much turmoil, conflict, and sometimes violence. I have a theory that if we all focused on really listening to each other more, we'd be well on our way to collectively shaping a better world. Listening may not be the only help that others need, but it is the first step in truly understanding how to assist them in the best way possible. Sometimes the simple validation of being heard can unlock solutions for someone and nothing more is needed. Others times listening is the first step in a long, complicated journey. Either way, I always try to listen.

Being an introvert isn't easy in a world where the loudest voice is often the one who gets all the attention. It's a trait that I have recognized in myself for a long time, but only recently have learned to appreciate. I believe that far too often hesitance and a penchant for thoughtful analysis are seen as a weakness within companies and teams that are dominated by extroverts. To those detractors’ credit, when analysis becomes "analysis paralysis" it can be a detriment to productivity and well-being. Such a myopic attitude however overlooks the immense potential upside of having careful, thoughtful, attention-shunning people as colleagues. The ability to take a step back and analyze issues from an emotionally detached perspective can yield great insights when working through complex problems. At the risk of generalizing too much, I’d venture to say that the social currency of extroverts is emotional energy, while the driving force for introverts is often logic, reason, and analysis. I’ve learned to love this quality about myself. Having felt marginalized in the past, I’m more observant and inclusive of others who might not feel comfortable sharing their ideas or feelings. Being introverted has made me more conscientious and supportive of others and really helped me address complex challenges, at work and in my personal life, that might not have been possible if was constantly seeking external validation and approval. Of course, being either introverted or extroverted isn’t inherently a bad thing. Knowing this about myself has allowed me to temper my unproductive introverted tendencies with helpful behaviors that I’ve observed in my extroverted peers. Accepting my introversion and playing to its strengths has been immensely helpful for my career and personal well-being. Instead of focusing on matching extroverts’ energy, I know to focus on contributing something insightful and unique.

Expanding access to sustainable and renewable energy is what I would like to dedicate the rest of my life toward accomplishing. Renewable energy has the promise to simultaneously improve livelihoods around the world while also drastically reducing carbon emissions from the energy and industrial sectors. Taking care of people and taking care of the planet at the same time is not impossible, its imperative. Perhaps at no other time in history have we had all the resources, technology, and motivation to take earnest strides toward decarbonizing our global economy while improving access to information, healthcare, and education. Renewable and sustainable energy will be key components to both halting global warming and eliminating extreme poverty, especially in regions where centralized power infrastructure is infeasible. We have a LOT of work to do, but I can think of no better place to direct my effort and attention for the latter part of my life and career. That's why I made the decision to go back to school after a decade of working in architecture and construction to pursue a masters degree in Sustainable and Renewable Energy. I can't wait to get started, which is good because there's really no time to waste! Fixation on legacy can be dangerous because it is ego-driven. Expand the time horizon far enough out and everyone is forgotten. Being lost to history does not however render a life lived in service inconsequential. Whether I am individually remembered or not is less important to me than making sure there are future generations to remember; I hope when they look back in time at us (hopefully from a safer, greener, more equitable world), they'll see that we did everything we could in the time we were here. I hope their laughter, not their tears, will be my legacy.

Nothing brings me joy quite like rock climbing does. A few years ago, I was going through a really tough time in my life. I had just gone through a really hard break-up and I felt aimless and adrift at work. I could tell that my life was not going in the right direction, but I felt so overwhelmed that I wasn't even sure where to start improving. Then my sister invited me to go rock climbing one day; I was instantly hooked. Since that day, I've never looked back. Climbing was different than just going to the gym and knocking out mindless reps. It engaged my body and mind while giving me a skill to practice. Climbing is also a fantastic accountability tool. You either get up the route or you don't; the only forces at play are you and gravity. Feeling motivated to systematically train and improve my climbing performance became the catalyst for improvements in other areas of my life. As silly as it sounds, climbing gave me purpose. Recently, I went on my first outdoor climbing trip. I had been diligently practicing in the gym and honing my skills for a few years and finally felt ready to try my first outdoor lead climb. My friends and I were trying this route in a sandstone slot cannon early in the morning. I started tentatively up the climb, clipping my carabiners and rope into bolts as I went, trying to stay calm as I got higher and higher. Fifty feet, sixty feet...finally as I neared the anchor at the top, I climbed into a patch of sunlight that was peeking over the opposing canyon wall. I wish I could have bottled that feeling. I was outside with friends doing what I loved. I was happy.

"You can't take it with you" is the reflection that I would share. It’s a sobering yet liberating reminder that our time on earth (and with each other) is limited and that whatever material widget we might be fixated on at the moment is not the real treasure in life. The people around us are. Each and every one of us will leave this world one day; death is the great equalizer at the end of all lives in a world that is becoming increasingly more unequal. Rampant materialism and greed have widened the gulf between rich and poor to staggering levels. Yet we have all the tools, knowledge, and resources to end global poverty in our lifetimes. I would share “You can’t take it with you” in the hope that it would make people begin to think about what they will be leaving behind. Will it be a legacy of helping others? Of building up other lives and supporting other dreams? Of protecting the planet or destroying it? Will your contribution be one of joy and light or will you be remembered for your greed and detachment? I think about these questions often to keep me grounded and keep my priorities in check. Whenever I start to become too obsessed with acquiring something new “You can’t take it with you” reminds me that making memories with those I love is far more important. As Denzel Washington once said, “You’ll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse”.

My music tastes have changed a lot since I was in high school. Thank god. Despite the fact that my obsessions with Lil Wayne mixtapes and dancehall reggae were pretty cringe-worthy in hindsight, I have managed to come across some songs that have really stuck with me through the years. One of my favorites is Little Wing, but not Hendrix’s original, no I’m talking about Stevie Ray Vaughn’s instrumental cover. When I first heard it, I was absolutely blown away. It is six minutes and forty-eight seconds of pure guitar mastery. At least for fans of Hendrix, Little Wing is one of his lesser-known, but arguably top-notch songs. It has been covered many times before and since Stevie Ray’s version, but no other artists have even come close to capturing the emotion and feeling that he was able to imbue his cover with. Instead of trying to make a new copy of the song, he completely reimagined it as a sprawling instrumental exploration of the blues, mixing in his own unique Texas blues phrasing and personality while also paying tribute to the revolutionary rhythm and lead syncopation that Hendrix pioneered. I first heard Stevie’s cover way back in 2004 right when I was starting to learn guitar. Still to this day, it takes my breath away every time I hear it. This song is so inspiring to me because it is so bold and earnest. It’s incredibly complex in terms of its technical scope, but not at the expense of emotion connection with the listener. It’s not a cover but an open-hearted celebration. It encompasses such a broad swath of emotion without a single spoken word. Ultimately, I interpret Stevie’s cover of Little Wing as a manifestation of a fearless hope that the good in life will win out.

“Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds” was an incredibly inspiring autobiography by the extreme athlete and former Navy Seal, David Goggins. Despite a painful childhood full of abuse and neglect, the author was able to dig down and find an inner strength that would propel him to nearly unimaginable feats of endurance, strength, and perseverance both within the military and on race courses around the world. The defining moment for Goggins came when he was working as an exterminator after being discharged from the Air Force. He describes how he ballooned to over 300 pounds and used food to fill the void he felt, to cover up his deep feelings of inadequacy. He started his incredible journey from overweight exterminator to Navy Seal by simply starting to hold himself accountable to himself in the bathroom mirror every day. He would write post-it notes of what he wanted to accomplish and stick them on the mirror. Every day when he got home from work, he would have to own up to himself for what he had accomplished or neglected. One passage that really stuck out to me was: “Very few people know how the bottom feels, but I do. It’s like quicksand. It grabs you, sucks you under, and won’t let go. When life is like that it’s easy to drift and continue to make the same comfortable choices that are killing you, over and over again.”. “Can’t Hurt Me” inspired me to turn my own life around and apply to graduate school to pursue my passion for sustainability. The lessons from the book have stuck with me and serve as a constant reminder that mental toughness, perseverance, and accountability can conquer almost any obstacle that stands between a person and their goals.

One of my favorite artists is Swedish-American watercolor painter Gunnar Widforss (1879-1934). Almost all of his work is absolutely stunning, but one painting in particular really captivates me: the aptly named “Grand Canyon”. Widforss was a prolific plein air or outdoor painter, leaving a catalog of over one-hundred-fifty works behind. He would completely immerse himself in the environment, sitting and patiently studying the landscape around him for hours with his brush. His works, “Grand Canyon” included, display such sensitivity and precision while also retaining a softness that I’ve always found almost ineffably calming. He chose to spend his life documenting the quiet beauty that he saw with an attention to detail that could only have been born of reverence. As a passionate outdoorsman and sustainability advocate, his paintings really speak to me for this reason. I have a copy of “Grand Canyon” hanging in my room; every time I pass it, I stop to take a look. For me, it’s a simple reflection on the passage of time and the immensity and beauty of the world we share. “Grand Canyon” reminds me to stop and appreciate the little things even as I might have my sights set on the next horizon. You can see a copy of the work “Grand Canyon” here: https://pixels.com/featured/1-grand-canyon-gunnar-widforss.html

When confronted with the magnitude and complexity of the environmental challenges that we face, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and to assume that there's nothing lone individuals can do. After all, what does throwing one plastic bottle in the trash really have to do with melting polar ice caps? I always try to remind myself and those around me that small actions can have a big impact when multiplied across millions or even billions of people. The little choices we make do add up and the first step toward making a difference is taking responsibility for your personal environmental impact. That’s why I became a vegetarian 5 years ago and why I make the trek to the recycling center every week because there’s no curbside pickup in my neighborhood. As a licensed architect and a passionate sustainability advocate, I'm always looking for ways to either increase awareness about environmental issues or create positive sustainability outcomes in my community. Through my work I’ve had the opportunity to design several LEED buildings and regardless of whether a client chooses to pursue LEED certification, I always endeavor to design with energy and material efficiency in mind. While personal responsibility and small actions are critical, we also need to make larger systemic changes as a global community. That’s why I’ve decided to return to school to focus all of my effort and attention on sustainability and renewable energy. I’ve chosen to dedicate myself to expanding access to safe, affordable, renewable energy options for communities and companies across the country and, hopefully, around the world. Renewable energy will be a critical aspect of our collective efforts to decarbonize the economy while providing a brighter future for the generations that come after us.

The one piece of advice that has really stuck with me comes from Maya Angelou. She said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I was so moved by this quote because when I first encountered it, those words instantly grounded me in the present moment and made me realize what was really important in life. It's so easy to lose sight of others in this modern, techno-centric world that both glorifies and facilitates constant self-absorption. Technology, while having the potential to connect us with greater ease and speed than ever before, is eroding our sense of belonging and community rather than strengthening it. Now, more than ever, we need to rediscover the joy and the peace that’s possible when we direct our attention and care to those around us. When the stresses of life start to erode my sense of well-being, and I start to get overwhelmed by work-related to-do lists, and personal goals, I always come back to this quote. It helps me to re-center myself and realign my priorities. Platitudes aside, none of us really know when our time will run out. Reflecting on this quote helps me to remember that I should cherish every moment I have with those around me.

Although our current climate situation is rather dire, it gives me hope for the future that young people today are so passionate and engaged with regard to addressing global warming and environmental issues. I have hope that we’ll be able to turn the tide and, excuse the terrible pun, maybe stop the tide from rising too much. It gives me hope that young students can now go to college to study sustainability science and management; that certainly was not an option when I first enrolled in college back in 2007. There is finally momentum behind and visibility for environmental responsibility at all levels of government and business. Both communities and corporations are beginning to take serious and concerted action to mitigate their negative environmental impact. Many of the biggest companies in the world now employ sustainability officers and sustainability analysts to guide their positive transformations toward more earth-friendly business practices. The prospect that I might be one small part of the solution also gives me hope. That’s why I’m going back to graduate school, after a decade of working in a different field, to focus all of my effort on sustainability and renewable energy. I have hope that we still have time to correct course and manifest new models of equitable and regenerative enterprise. I have hope that we still have a chance to heal the damage that has already been done and make the world better for future generations. I’m hopeful about the future because of the passion I see today in young students, activists, and innovators everywhere. I have hope that the future we write together with be a greener, more peaceful, more inclusive one.

Curiosity has always been the driving force in my life. I've always wanted to know how, but perhaps more importantly, why things are the way they are. Aside from being absolutely infuriating to my parents at times, this penchant for delving into subjects has been an incredible source of continual learning and growth for me, both inside and outside of school. But that perspective is at odds with the way most of us are conditioned to go through life. We’re taught about right and wrong, truth and falsehood as if they are objective realities. As a young student in a Catholic school, there were many facets of my education that were addressed in this way. Despite my insatiable curiosity, there were aspects of my life that I just learned not to question. For example, I was taught that Catholicism had spread so successfully across the world because it was God’s will. Catholicism had won because it was right. Sadly, as a young, sheltered 7th grader, I believed it! I will never forget the first “real” history class that I took in high school. It was AP World History with Mr. Brown. In that class we learned about how the conquistadors carved swathes of death, destruction, and disease across central and south America, effectively decimating native populations, and nearly erasing hundred of vibrant cultures from history. Mr. Brown made us read “Guns, Germs, and Steel” by Jared Diamond. I consider that class one of the most important I have ever taken because Mr. Brown taught me how to think for myself. Ever since that class in high school I have approached all learning with the diligence and skepticism of an historian, knowing that the popular history we know is often what’s written by the “winners” and almost never the full story.

We are living in the age of the instantaneous; everything we could ever want from food to entertainment is available at our fingertips. It’s easy enough to take all this for granted because of how effortless it all seems. Press a button on our smartphone and a car arrives to pick us up. Walk through the aisles of the grocery store and you’re bound to find products from half a world away. But what do kiwis, rideshares, and smartphones all have in common? Of all the paradigm-shifting technological innovations that have come to life in the past two centuries, none have animated or transformed the world as much as the discovery of electricity. Electricity had been a critical development in our collective evolution as a species in much the same way that fire, agriculture, and iron were for earlier peoples. As concrete was for the Romans, so electricity is for the modern world. Electricity is not only the backbone of modern cities and economies, but the driving force, the enabler, of myriad other scientific advancements from computing, gene-sequencing, and deep space astronomy to radio, television, and the internet. Our understanding of electricity has been instrumental in paving the way for exploration of the outer limits of the universe as well as the very building blocks of life itself. More pragmatically, electricity has also improved the quality of life for billions of people around the world by allowing us to cook, study, work, and play with more safety and reliability than ever before. Now that electricity has helped us to advance this far, it is critical for us to continue innovating and developing cleaner, greener, less destructive ways of producing electricity. Sustainable and renewable energy holds the promise of helping to close the poverty gap while also protecting the planet.