Background
I am originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, and I am currently a student at the University of Nevada, Reno. I chose to pursue higher education because earning a degree is important to me and plays a key role in building a meaningful and successful future.
From a young age, I have always been drawn to animals and the environment. I have a strong desire to explore new places and spend time outdoors, which has shaped both my interests and my goals. My appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and the endless opportunities to explore it ultimately influenced my decision to pursue my current major.
Education & Academic Interests
I began my freshman year of college majoring in General Business, but recently changed my major to Wildlife Ecology because of my growing interest in environmental issues and the impact of climate change. I am particularly interested in conservation, endangered species, ecosystems, and environmental research. These areas reflect both my curiosity and my desire to better understand and protect the world around us.
Career Goals
My career interests center around working outdoors and making a meaningful impact on the environment. I am currently exploring paths such as marine biology, becoming a park ranger, or pursuing a career in research. Ideally, I would like to work in a national park or in a role that allows me to travel while working in outdoor environments.
Earlier in my life, I considered pursuing a career as a Navy fighter pilot and was honored to receive nominations from both Nevada senators to attend the Naval Academy. While my path has shifted, that experience reflects my ambition and willingness to challenge myself as I continue to grow and explore new opportunities.
Skills
- Leadership: Mentored cadets in JROTC to help them grow into leaders, while also holding shift lead roles in previous jobs
- Communication: Conducted outreach presentations at middle schools and collaborated with leadership teams to mentor and guide others.
- Collaboration: Worked closely with fellow JROTC leadership members to mentor cadets, coordinate outreach efforts, and support team goals through effective communication and teamwork.
- Adaptability: Balanced academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and leadership responsibilities while navigating personal challenges.
- Problem-solving: Applied critical thinking to overcome challenges in leadership roles, academics, and team environments.
These skills have been developed through both academic experiences and extracurricular involvement.
Leadership Experience
During my four years in JROTC, I held multiple leadership positions, ultimately serving as the Director of Recruiting and Alumni Affairs. In this role, I was responsible for recruiting new cadets by visiting middle schools, giving presentations, and organizing outreach efforts at school events.
I also participated in community outreach, including volunteering at elementary schools during Nevada Reading Week as well as homeless shelters in Las Vegas. Additionally, I maintained communication with program alumni, keeping them informed about events and opportunities for involvement. In this role, I also managed and guided a non-commissioned officer (NCO), further strengthening my leadership and organizational skills. These experiences allowed me to give back to my community while strengthening my sense of empathy, responsibility, and service.
Hobbies & Interests
Outside of academics, I enjoy:
- Exploring the outdoors, especially hiking and going to the beach
- Traveling and experiencing new environments (Oahu, Hawaii being a favorite)
- Journaling and crocheting
- Listening to music, particularly rock, metal, and alternative from the 90s and early 2000s
- Attending live music events and being apart of the local music scene
- Spending time with friends
Passions
I am deeply passionate about protecting the environment and wildlife. I believe it is important to recognize the impact humans have on the natural world, and it is concerning to see the damage being done to ecosystems and species. This motivates me to pursue a path where I can contribute to conservation efforts and preserve the beauty of our planet for future generations.
Goals & Aspirations
My goal is to live a life that is both meaningful and impactful. To me, doing something good for the world means contributing to the protection of the environment and preventing further harm to ecosystems and wildlife.
In the future, I see myself working outdoors in a career that I am passionate about, while also maintaining a sense of happiness, freedom, and balance. I hope to travel, continue exploring the world, and ultimately be remembered for making a positive difference.
Challenges & Growth
One of the most significant challenges I have faced was supporting my mother through her breast cancer diagnosis during my senior year of high school. Despite this difficult time, I remained committed to my responsibilities, graduating with honors while participating in softball, robotics, and holding a leadership role in JROTC. This experience strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and determination.