I grew up in Seattle, Washington, surrounded by the beautiful peaks and forests of the North Cascades. Most of my childhood weekends were spent in this outdoor playground, skiing and hiking with my family, expanding my love for the outdoors. Growing up amongst environmentalists, this passion was oriented to a purpose. My grandmother, a social and environmental activist, challenged her grandchildren to think critically about preserving the natural beauty of the West Coast, influencing us through her Keep Lake Tahoe Blue campaign. As a plant geneticist, my aunt taught us about the unique flora and fauna in the mountains, encouraging us to be observant hikers. While skiing with my family at Mt. Baker, my dad pointed out the irregular snow levels, telling me: “Enjoy it while you can.” This family awareness, that careless human actions threatened the West Coast that we knew and loved, ignited my interest in preserving the natural world. My brother and I excited about our hike's snack break. I eventually declared a major in Environmental Studies at Santa Clara, and through educational experiences, found my passion in Sustainable Development. The fall of my Junior year, I had the opportunity to pursue my interests in Copenhagen, Denmark. My explorations spanned my educational background, from food sustainability and urban resilience, to low-impact transportation and green energy. I experienced the local, organic and biodynamic food and farming culture of Nordic nations, witnessed accessible environmental education, learned about the power of green roofs, saw effective waste management in action, commuted 25 miles daily without the use of a car, and, with the aid of virtual reality, stood atop one of the many wind turbines that produce 130% of Denmark's energy. Experiencing the success of these regional and local environmental initiatives, jump-started my interest in sustainable systems that could both empower people and help the planet. Touring a green roof in Copenhagen. Growing up with my dad’s voracious appetite for adventure and appreciation for other cultures, I was continually expanding my comfort zone. Influenced by our adventurous parents, my family traveled locally and globally, encouraging me to think differently about the world and my own experiences. When I was 13, my parents flew us across the world for a summer trip through southern Africa. We rented a truck, and for the three months we drove through national parks in South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, camping outdoors and staying in village hostels. With no satellite phone, and completely on our own, all we had was our GPS leading us across more than 9,300 miles, in and out of rivers, through deep bush and packed village marketplaces. In his element, my dad took every opportunity to interact with local cultures, exponentially expanding my comfort zone. While in South Africa, my family took a locally-guided hike through one of the many national parks, and after hours of conversation with my dad, the guide brought us to his village and introduced us to his family. Walking through urban slums and rural villages, I experienced the stark reality of poverty, something so remote in my childhood education. Playing soccer with my international peers using a plastic bag solidified this salient experience, and I returned from Africa with a deeper understanding of social inequalities. This human connection, among others, fueled a greater awareness of the world, and helped me to confront my own privilege. Through these immersive experiences, I also found a love for international exploration, and was eager to travel again. Our typical camp set up. This was taken in a national park of Botswana. Growing up, my love for adventure expanded beyond lived experiences. Books were a blank slate for my imagination, filled with unique characters and beautiful landscapes, magic and mystery. I devoured Harry Potter, His Dark Materials, and The Chronicles of Narnia, getting lost in universes beyond mine. Reading expanded the lens through which I saw the world, nurturing my love of new ideas and experiences. In my education, this love has transformed into dreaming up creative solutions, exploring unique ideas, and learning beyond my comfort zone. My favorite reading location. This love for learning and growth was especially evident in childhood athletics. I jumped from sport to sport, wanting to try every activity imaginable. I loved everything from tap-dancing to hurdling to swimming—meeting new people and learning new skills. Growing up, I wanted to do everything, and I wanted to do it well. When I found ski racing, my passion for the exhilarating sport honed my determination and competitive edge, strengthening my work ethic and desire to excel. I spent my winter hours on the mountain, speeding downhill through blizzards, carving turns on slick ice. After recovering from an injury, I transitioned my efforts to rowing, throwing myself into intense training and racing, and earning a position on the Santa Clara D1 team. My athletics taught the importance of teamwork and determination--two characteristics that manifest in how I approach problems facing the world today. Racing Giant Slalom at Mission Ridge in Washington. Surrounded by experiences, adventures, and challenges, I am, at my core, a people person. As a child, my mom watched me talk to anyone and everyone--she told me, “their age, situation or power never seemed to bother you,” adding, “you would just go up and talk to anyone.” Making connections with others, establishing relationships, and cultivating understanding outside myself has been a part of my approach to the world since childhood. In high school, I developed these skills through the practice of servant leadership. Through school student council, I participated in the Mt. Adams Leadership Camp and the “Choose Love Movement,” practicing working with my head, heart, and hands. Orienting my education toward practicing unconditional love and service for others deeply influenced my perspective and vocation, inspiring a desire for a lifestyle rooted in character, compassion, and service. Preparing to say a final goodbye to our delegates at Mt. Adams Leadership Camp. As counselors, it is tradition to stand alongside the bus route holding up signs with quotes from the week. My passion for people, my love for the environment, and my excitement for adventure, have brought me to the Global Social Benefit Fellowship. Combining my Environmental Studies concentration in Sustainable Development, and my Sociology concentration in Social Inequalities, I hope to apply my education in creating positive community change, along with developing environmental sustainability and resilience. Working as a Global Social Benefit Fellow in Ghana, I hope to create a deeper understanding of agricultural impacts, and how protecting people and cultivating our earth are intimately connected.
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