Before becoming a Young Ambassador, I thought stewardship and civic engagement were things I’d get involved with later in life, something reserved for adults. But my experience with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful completely shifted that mindset. Through actions like giving back to my community, teaching kids how to be advocates for the environment, and showing them how reducing, reusing, and recycling can help the planet thrive, I realized that young people have a real role to play right now.

One of the most powerful moments for me was when I got to teach around 200 kids how to reuse materials in creative, hands-on ways. I brought in chicken rotisserie containers and clear-lidded takeout containers, and we turned them into mini greenhouses. We filled them with soil, planted seeds, and watched them grow. Months later, these students could transplant their plants into the ground and actually enjoy what they’d grown. It showed them and reminded me that sustainability isn’t just a concept, it’s something you can do with your own hands and pass on to others.

Being involved in environmental work has taught me that stewardship means taking responsibility not just for the planet, but for your community. Whether you’re picking up litter or helping someone understand why recycling matters, it’s all connected. And the more I’ve done this work, the more I’ve realized that civic engagement and environmental action go hand-in-hand. We need young voices in these spaces, and I’m proud to be one of them.

Now, I see civic work as something that should start young because if you grow up understanding how to care for your environment and your community, you're more likely to lead others in doing the same. This journey has taught me that age doesn’t limit your impact passion, purpose, and persistence do. It's not about waiting for permission to lead; it's about finding the courage to step up and make a difference now.

Since becoming a Young Ambassador with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, I’ve had the opportunity to make a real difference in my community. One of the most significant impacts has been through the Highlands Going Green initiative. I helped develop an outdoor classroom and greenhouse at Highlands High School, where we teach students about sustainability through hands-on projects like hydroponics, aquaponics, and composting. The expertise I gained from KPB inspired me to bring in greenhouse professionals and integrate reusing and recycling into our lessons. The outdoor classroom has become a space where students can actively engage with environmental concepts, giving them a chance to learn about sustainability in a meaningful way. It has become a center for learning, where students not only gain knowledge but also develop a sense of ownership and responsibility for the environment.

I’ve also been involved in local community cleanups, particularly during Earth Day events organized by my township. I’ve participated in beautification efforts to clean up green spaces, make our community more beautiful, and inspire others to care about their surroundings. These experiences have shown me how small actions can collectively make a big impact, and they’ve inspired me to encourage others to get involved. Working side by side with my neighbors and peers has also strengthened the sense of unity and civic pride within my community.

Beyond these activities, I’ve worked to engage more young people in environmental efforts. I spoke with Boy Scout Pack 646 about starting composting efforts at their school, helping them connect with ways they can contribute to a more sustainable world. It was amazing to see them get excited about making small changes that would benefit their environment. This experience has driven home the importance of engaging youth in both environmental and civic efforts, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to lead the charge for a better future.

Throughout all of this, I’ve shifted my approach to teaching and leadership. I’ve learned the value of engaging students through all five senses and making lessons interactive. It’s not just about teaching facts, but about creating experiences that help others feel connected to the work and inspired to make their own impact.

During my time as a Young Ambassador, one of the most prideful and confident moments came when I realized there were so many others in my Young Ambassador class and beyond who were just as passionate about the environment as I was. It was powerful to see leaders who were equally committed to taking small steps for the environment, knowing those small actions contribute to a much larger and important picture. Hearing local municipalities and neighborhoods talk on our zoom calls about their work towards their own environmental goals was especially insightful, as it showed me that every individual effort, no matter how small, plays a role in a bigger collective movement.

Before becoming a Young Ambassador, I saw myself as a leader mostly in school settings and community activities. But being part of the first inaugural Young Ambassador class made me feel like I was truly helping to build something from the ground up, something that would have a lasting impact for future generations. I realized how important it was to take this leadership role seriously whether it was voicing the mission of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful or helping my community understand the significance of sustainable practices. It taught me that leadership means being a voice for positive change, especially when it comes to environmental decisions that affect everyone.

The program has also shaped my future aspirations, both in school and in my career. Attending Chatham University, a school dedicated to sustainability and environmental progress, was a decision deeply influenced by my experience as a Young Ambassador. The alignment between my school’s mission and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful reinforced my passion for environmental stewardship and advocacy. Looking ahead, my goal is to pursue a career in politics, and the connections I've made through the program will be invaluable. I now have access to leaders in the environmental field who I can turn to for guidance and collaboration, which will greatly support my career in public service.

Something I never could have done before joining this program is form such meaningful connections with environmental leaders and be part of a larger network committed to preserving the planet. I’ve learned that even small actions, like picking up litter, can make a huge difference. Taking just a few seconds to pick up a piece of trash adds up over time and helps in the broader effort to beautify the world. Being a Young Ambassador has shown me that it’s not just about the big initiatives it’s also about showing up every day with the small actions that, collectively, create lasting change.