There are many ways in which to approach the world. Mine comes from a place of curiosity about the systems that make the natural and physical worlds work, energy that is fed from being outside and around different minds, and learning in an interactive and creative way.

       I can attribute the formation of my worldview partly to influential experiences and education that I have had so far.

One such example is the cross-cultural education I have received in both high school and college. In high school, I was able to participate in the International Baccalaureate program that taught me how to learn through a broader lens and ask questions that were applicable in a global context. Because of this experience, it was important to me to find a college that focused on a global worldview and would allow me to learn through different cultural perspectives and disciplines. It is important to me to put my education in different context so that I have the skills to communicate and learn in different ways. In our globalized world, I believe it is crucial to be able to be respectful and learn from others who have different perspectives and worldviews in order to expand our own.

       Having a liberal arts college education also allowed me to pursue my different passions in Biology, Religious Studies, and Environmental Studies. By gaining kills and learning techniques from multiple disciplines, I find that I am better at approaching solutions from multiple angles and having a diverse toolkit. I also have found that these areas of study have more in common than it would seem, like the greater interest in improving the health of specific communities in the greater web of the ecosystem.

       This intersection of my interests was continued as I studied abroad in North India in a program focusing on public health, community action, and gender. During this experience, my belief that people and natural aquatic sources were connected in multiple ways that are not solely for consumption was reaffirmed. I came to the conclusion that science and research has a very important place in modern society, but that there is a sociological side to the quest for information about natural systems and resources that is equally, if not more, important. That science is important, but so is the unscientific spiritual or cultural relationship to nature. Therefore, to me, sustainability means the preservation of these links and relationships that greatly contribute to healthy lives, ecosystems, aquatic sources, and the conservation of natural spaces.

       I am grateful for the unique opportunity to work in a space which valued both the power of empowering communities to become stewards of local streams and the collection of qualitative data on the health of aquatic resources. Working at ALLARM (Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring), I learned about the use of citizen science and using a bottom-up model for inspiring change in local communities. I found that I enjoyed working as part of a creative and collaborative professional team that frequently utilized science communication, community education and engagement, and locally-based action plans to reach solutions.

These experiences have contributed to my idea of an ideal future work environment which allows me to further explore the links between human communities and aquatic sources, maintain a global perspective, and broaden my perspective as a a global citizen.