I am committed to preserving and protecting the natural environment we call home. Through my internship with The Haw River Assembly as the 2023 Plastics Intern, I developed a deeper sense of the importance of embracing and protecting local habitats. Throughout this internship, I researched state and federal laws and legislation regarding plastic use and pollution and compiled a list of local businesses committed to reducing plastic waste. I was also charged with leading a group of volunteers through "Trash Trap" cleanouts, collecting data that would later be sent to the EPA for their escaped trash database. This, along with my involvement in Gamma Theta Upscilon, the international geographer's honor society, has led me to widen my understanding of the field of environmental science. I am eager to expand my knowledge and participate in the enrichment and education of upcoming generations.