Being a Young Ambassador for Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful was a transformative experience that strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my commitment to environmental stewardship. Connecting with like-minded individuals across the state allowed me to see the power of collective action, and organizing my own community cleanup event was one of the most rewarding experiences of my high school years. The event brought together people from different backgrounds, uniting them with a common goal of improving our shared spaces. It showed me that with the right guidance and determination, making a tangible difference in the environment is both achievable and incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, hosting a community education event reinforced the importance of public awareness in environmental conservation. I learned that empowering people with knowledge about recycling, litter prevention, or sustainability can inspire long-term change. These experiences not only shaped my understanding of stewardship and civic responsibility but also influenced my continued involvement in environmental organizations, including my work with the Wildlife Society of Edinboro and my internship at Presque Isle. The Young Ambassador program gave me the confidence and skills to lead initiatives that bring communities together, and I carry those lessons with me as I pursue a career dedicated to conservation and public service.

Since becoming a Young Ambassador for Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, I have actively worked to improve my community through environmental stewardship and education. One of my most impactful contributions was organizing a community cleanup event in high school, where I partnered with various organizations to bring people together in a shared effort to remove litter and restore local public spaces. Seeing the community unite for a common cause reinforced the importance of grassroots action and civic engagement. Beyond cleanups, I took the initiative in reviving my high school’s Northwestern Environmental Action Team, which had become inactive due to the disruptions of COVID-19. Recognizing the need for environmental leadership, I helped rebuild the group, reestablished our school’s recycling program, and even launched a can collection initiative. By recycling aluminum cans, we not only promoted sustainability but also generated funds to support club activities, proving that small actions can lead to meaningful change.
My passion for conservation has continued at the university level. As the public representative for the Wildlife Society of Edinboro, I help share conservation-related information with my peers, encouraging others to take action in protecting local ecosystems. Additionally, in the summer of 2024, I completed an internship at Presque Isle, where I worked on invasive species management. This experience allowed me to contribute directly to habitat restoration efforts, helping to preserve native plant life and biodiversity. Whether through hands-on conservation work, community organizing, or public education efforts, I remain committed to the mission of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful by fostering environmental responsibility and inspiring others to take pride in their communities. These experiences have solidified my passion for conservation and reinforced my goal of pursuing a career in environmental protection and public service

1. I am capable of leading and inspiring others. Organizing a community cleanup event and reviving my high school’s environmental club showed me that I have the ability to bring people together for a shared cause. I learned that leadership isn’t just about taking action myself—it’s about empowering others to get involved and make a difference.

2. Small actions can create big change. Restarting my school’s recycling program and launching a can collection initiative reinforced that even small-scale efforts can have a lasting impact. Through these projects, I saw firsthand how small, consistent actions can inspire a community and create meaningful environmental change.

3. I want to dedicate my future to conservation and public service. My time as a Young Ambassador confirmed my passion for environmental advocacy. It set me on a path that has continued through my involvement in the Wildlife Society of Edinboro, my internship at Presque Isle, and my goal of working in environmental conservation at a state or federal level. This experience didn’t just shape my leadership skills—it helped define my future.