When I was around four years old, my father and I would go on hikes to our neighborhood park, through the woods, and around lakes. I believe these moments are where my first interest in science and the environment started. However, this newfound exposure did not confirm what I wanted to do as a career. That would take some time and accumulation of knowledge.

My grandfather regularly worked outside on a plot of land that he turned into a vegetable garden. When I visited his house, I would help him every chance I could. At that time, the garden was smaller than I was, but with the desire to help, and some encouragement from my parents, I continued helping him. Experiences like these, combined with my education, helped me realize my interest in the environment and how it works.

My second year of middle school was when I truly started understanding the environment and why it needs our protection. In middle school, I was a part of the gardening club. At first, some encouragement was required but, after the first few meetings, I became really devoted to learning about the state of the two gardens and how to help. The gardens started out full of weeds and needed a lot of work. With time and effort from the garden club, volunteers, custodians, and the principal, we turned these two gardens into beautiful outdoor places. This allowed other classes to take their education outside during the warmer seasons. Remembering that always makes me feel like I helped make a change that benefitted everyone.

This passion for environmental conservation continued to grow as I went to high school. With the higher levels of education in conjunction with many opportunities through my high school’s CENS (Center for Environmental and Natural Sciences) program, my passion for the environment has been realized. I have confirmed a life goal, sprouted from these experiences, to have a career in conservation.

My experiences in pursuit of science and accumulation of environmental knowledge have helped me learn that what I want to do in life has been a part of me all along. This passion and sense of environmental stewardship will continue to grow as I continue with my education and eventual career.