The ocean is equally fascinating as it is mysterious; every bit of knowledge we have on the ocean seems to be outnumbered by what we don't know. And that truly interests me. My interest in the ocean started when I took marine biology in high school, and though my major isn't directly tied to marine biology and ocean preservation, I still want to work towards protecting our oceans. I'm an environmental studies major, so I spend a lot of time combing over how people have an impact on our planet. For too long, our oceans have been subject to environmental degradation due to human activities. I want to focus my energy on helping people develop sustainable habits so that they do not indirectly contribute to the degradation of our oceans. As I mentioned previously, while pursuing my degree, I have been exposed to how human activities impact the environment, including the oceans. And I have realized that most degradation to our oceans occurs as a negative externality because of people's attitude towards the ocean. To many people, the ocean is just a limitless, open resource to exploit- the planet is mainly water, so it shouldn't be a problem! Right? Wrong. The issues we are experiencing with the degradation of our ocean is an example of the "tragedy of the commons"; a phenomenon where individuals have unlimited access to an open resource, which results in the eventual depletion of the resource. Overfishing is an example of the tragedy of commons, where unrestricted access to a species of fish leads to its population declining to the point that there is no viable population. This is bad for the people whose livelihoods depend on fishing, but it's also bad for the organisms who shared that ecosystem with those fish. We have come to view everything on this planet as an exploitable resource which we can profit from, including the ocean. But in doing so, we forget to appreciate the ocean for what it is. I don't believe you can put a price tag on the ocean and its inhabitants. As I mentioned earlier, the ocean is as fascinating as it is mysterious; it's valuable in ways that aren't linked to money. The ocean has intrinsic value that is not easily replaceable. The sound of ocean waves crashing against the shore, dolphins breaking the water's surface to leap into the air, the orange color of sunset dancing across the ripples of water... can you really put a price tag on that? I plan on using my degree to help encourage the average person that they can make informed decisions that will help lessen the impact humanity has had on the ocean. I'm aware that most water pollution comes from large companies and how sometimes it feels helpless as an individual to make a difference. But that doesn't mean that we should give up entirely. Cutting down on fertilizer usage can help prevent ocean eutrophication, purchasing clothes from sustainable fashion brands, and properly recycling your plastics... all of these acts can go to a more sustainable future for ourselves, and by proxy, the ocean. I want to use my degree to help people focus on sustainability so that we can all strive toward a better tomorrow. Additionally, I think that the ocean's inhabitants would appreciate less degradation to their home. I know I would be very upset if I accidentally breathed in toxic fumes from an algae bloom. Or if I tried to eat a yummy jellyfish and it turns out to be a plastic bag from Walmart. Just to put things into perspective.

Generosity is a lovely thing because it demonstrates a person doing a selfless act for somebody else. It can be the ultimate example of humanity by separating people who truly care and greedy opportunists. There are so many ways an individual can give back to their community or to the people around them. Personally, I think that being generous with time is the most important thing- people tend to believe that a person can only be generous with material wealth, but that is not true. Of course, I offer to pay for my friends' meals, give them rides, or buy them a cool trinket for the sake of doing it. But time is important too! I can offer to listen to their problems, help them pick out a new candle, or I can take care of their cats (even though I'm REALLY allergic) while they're on vacation. There are a plethora of ways a person can showcase generosity in their life and it doesn't need to stop at money or possessions- you can simply be generous with your time! And sometimes, sticking around can be enough.

Friendship is a state of mutual trust and understanding with another person- it's also the thing that gives anime characters plot armor. In all seriousness, friendship is a platonic relationship built upon a foundation of trust, inside jokes, and kindness. It's staying up late talking about life, laughing so hard you can barely breathe, and absolutely obliterating your friend in Mario Kart. But it's also about being there to give helpful advice or being a shoulder to cry on when it really counts. When the pandemic hit, we were all quarantined away from our social lives- work, friends, and family. But that didn't kill my friendships. We had picnics and sleepovers over a video call, we played multiplayer online games with each other, we sent funny memes in group chats- we stayed connected. And I believe that's what friendship is all about. It's all about sharing connection with someone who you trust.

I try my best to be as realistic as I can be when it comes to maintaining a growth mindset. I could be having an amazing day, a so-so day, or a bad day, however I try my best to tell myself the same thing, "Tomorrow will be different." It's a mantra I repeat to myself as often as I can. If I'm having an amazing day, I tell myself, "Tomorrow will be different, but I'm so glad today happened!" It solidifies the idea that even though tomorrow will be different, I will remain grateful that today happened. If I'm having a so-so day, I tell myself, "Tomorrow will be different, but I wonder what it will bring?" This highlights the importance of maintaining that child-like curiosity that we tend to lose as we transition into adulthood. If I'm having a bad day, I tell myself, "Tomorrow will be different. It may not be better, but at least it is not today." This emphasizes the importance of not remaining consumed by the negative occurrences that may have transpired on a bad day. It is best to feel what I feel, then take solace in the fact that tomorrow will be a different day. I know this may seem like a strange approach to maintaining a growth mindset, but it keeps me grounded and it keeps me hopeful, yet realistic, on what the future may bring. I cannot grow and mature for the better if I do not adapt my expectations on what tomorrow may bring. I want to be realistic, not positive or negative. I want to set realistic goals for myself, not impossible-to-achieve goals. My method to grow and change is to never remain stagnant, but also know my limits.

This is perhaps going to be my favorite scholarship essay because I am very passionate about my self-care routine. There are a variety of things I do to practice self-care, but the main two things are: skincare and drawing. Regarding my skincare, it's a very ritualistic, yet simple process for me: cleanser, hydrating serum, toner, moisturizer, and finally, SPF. It positively impacts my life because it helps me feel like I'm giving back to the body that does so much to keep me alive on a day-to-day basis. Our skin is our largest organ- our first line of defense- and it should be treated with the respect it deserves. It feels nice to wash the day away off my face. Not to mention, I love learning about skincare cosmetics! I like learning if certain ingredients go together and if not, why don't they mix well? It's an adventure in and of itself. The second thing I do to practice self-care is draw. I am an amateur at best when it comes to doodling, but I do not have to be a master to appreciate how relaxing drawing is. Sometimes, when I'm having a bad day, I turn to my sketchbook to wind down after a long day. I experiment with charcoal, colored pencils and markers, though the final product hardly ever looks masterful. But, in this case, the final product doesn't need to look amazing- it just needs to make me feel good or relaxed.

There are so many ways people can be a positive impact on the world. Maybe it's holding the door open for a stranger, or helping your co-worker with some last minute paperwork. Personally, my favorite way to help other people is to listen to them. I understand how simple that sounds. We listen to other people everyday, right? At work, at school, over the radio, etc. But when was the last time you reached out to the friend/relative you knew was struggling? There are many things that can negatively impact a person's emotional and mental health. I don't expect the average person to bust out a therapy couch and a clipboard, but it can be enough to listen. Often times, people undervalue the effectiveness of listening and how impactful it can be. Personally, I can testify that having someone around to listen to my problems was the kindest gesture I received when I was feeling very low. A few months ago, I was involved in an incident that really messed with me physically, mentally, and cognitively. I was at a point where I was feeling so low because I could not participate in the same activities anymore; I didn't even realize how low I was feeling until someone asked me if I was okay. Then, they offered to listen to how I was feeling. They attentively listened to me while I ranted and cried about how difficult it was. After half an hour of ranting, I felt ten times better because I released all the pent up frustration and sadness that I didn't even know I was bottling up. Their kindness helped me rationalize what I was going through so I can address everything from a different angle. I'll appreciate their patience and kindness forever.