Climate change is a real threat that many people know about but they just don’t know where to start. It is in that ignorance and feeling like they are just one person who “can’t” make an impact, is where people simply give up, making the situation worse. This is where I come in along with the Environmental Club at my school. Our job is to educate people on topics such as light pollution and environmental racism. We also educate people on sustainability by hosting workshops teaching how to make eco-friendly ornaments, teaching about thrifting and the dangers of fast fashion, while offering vegan dishes people can start to implement in their daily lives. We have also made an impact in our school community by creating a community garden and implementing compost bins in the dormitories. Furthermore, we connect with our local community environmental groups such as the Extinction Rebellion in climate marches and protests for more climate legislation. We also provide resources where they can learn more about this climate crisis through lectures and exhibitions. And yet as I write this, I acknowledge that it is simply not enough. Combating climate change must be an everyday occurrence and there has to be constant pressure from citizens on their representatives to take this seriously. We can allow them to let companies decide when they want to see positive climate friendly changes because we are simply running out of time. This urgency is why I stress the importance of educating people about climate change and what they can do. Because once you show them they can make a difference it becomes important enough for them to advocate for people to do the same.

Climate change is a real threat that many people know about but they just don’t know where to start. It is in that ignorance and feeling like they are just one person who “can’t” make an impact, is where people simply give up, making the situation worse. This is where I come in along with the Environmental Club at my school. Our job is to educate people on topics such as light pollution and environmental racism. We also educate people on sustainability by hosting workshops teaching how to make eco-friendly ornaments, teaching about thrifting and the dangers of fast fashion, while offering vegan dishes people can start to implement in their daily lives. We have also made an impact in our school community by creating a community garden and implementing compost bins in the dormitories. Furthermore, we connect with our local community environmental groups such as the Extinction Rebellion in climate marches and protests for more climate legislation. We also provide resources where they can learn more about this climate crisis through lectures and exhibitions. And yet as I write this, I acknowledge that it is simply not enough. Combating climate change must be an everyday occurrence and there has to be constant pressure from citizens on their representatives to take this seriously. We can allow them to let companies decide when they want to see positive climate friendly changes because we are simply running out of time. This urgency is why I stress the importance of educating people about climate change and what they can do. Because once you show them they can make a difference it becomes important enough for them to advocate for people to do the same.

As someone who is very into pop culture and always in the know, one common phrase I hear is “Money can’t buy happiness.” I, personally, find this phrase coming from an affluent person with privileges and wealth many of us weren't born with very disingenuous. It’s almost as if they are minimizing our struggles by saying “ No need to gain wealth since you’ll be as miserable as you are now.” This is why I believe money can buy you happiness and I will prove that by demonstrating what I would do with $1000. I would do three things with $1000. The first thing I would do is buy a plane ticket to NY, which is where I am going to college. I have been saving up all summer to buy this ticket. This instant $1000 would allow me to use that saved up for items such as books. Next, I would buy new glasses. The glasses would help avoid the headaches in class as I squint and struggle to read what is on the board. Finally, I would put the remaining money towards my tuition. My stepdad and I both have two jobs earning money to pay for tuition, while my mom also has a job and takes care of my younger siblings. This $1000 would be like winning the lottery and it would make us extremely happy as additional help has been granted to alleviate the financial burden for myself but my family as well.

Hidden Truths by Águila A glimpse at the life of a first generation - latinx college student, who has moved cross country in the hopes of accomplishing her dreams of being a lawyer one day. Follow her through the trials and tribulation of her guilt, her freedom, her doubt, and her excitement of the freshman year experience. 1. Empire State of Mind (explicit)→ JAY-Z, Alicia Key West coast living all the way, but in order to pursue my dreams I have the privilege of studying in New York. Coming through New Jersey in order to enter the Lincoln Tunnel and seeing the skyline of the city, was a feeling I will never forget. Those three days straight driving from California with my family was all worth it after seeing that skyline. To just be there in that moment, all the emotions just gathered up in your throat ready to release the minute you open your mouth, was definitely a core memory. This song definitely encapsulates that moment and what it’s like to be in New York City. 2. Just Me and You → Dreamliners This song has a sense of longing and immediate tug in your heart, especially with those deep sorrow vocals. That’s immediately how I felt the moment my parents left me at school. I just felt so alone and wanted them to come back so desperately to relive those moments before college. I wanted to feel like there were people supporting me, I didn’t want to feel alienated. 3. Hasta La Raíz → Natalia Lafourcade I just wanted to connect so badly in school, but couldn't because I was so shy when I first got here. Instead I started to reminisce and long for a sense of connection once again. This song really encapsulates that you will keep culture or family close to your heart no matter how far you travel and no matter how much time has passed. 4. When The Sun Goes Down → Arctic Monkeys The structure of this song really speaks to the anxiety and rollercoasters of emotions I experience in one day. That it can go from 0 to 100 really quick and you just have to keep marching on. 5. Champagne Problems → Taylor Swift The piano along with the vocals just make this an amazing ballad. It’s the type of song I play while lying face down on my bed to unwind. Sometimes all you need is a good cry to unleash those unspoken thoughts you can never say out loud because if you do they'll become true and that is something you are deeply terrified of. 6. Escucha a tu corazón → Laura Pausini This is a song every child of an immigrant needs to hear. It talks about the feeling of feeling lost, that no one will understand what you are going through, and how your pride keeps you in situations that just destroy you mentally. That after all your hard work you feel you don’t belong and start self doubting everything you do. Really speaks to the imposter syndrome of it all. This song simply states how all you need to do is pause, sit in that silence and pain, and your heart will tell you where to go. That it may not see like the ideal choice at the moment but in the long run you will never regret that decision. 7. Pepas → Farruko After a long day, there is always room to have fun and treat yourself. This song really encompasses just letting loose and feeling free. It is a moment of self care everyone must allow themselves, otherwise the cycle of bad emotions begins to grow deeper and those happy moments will fade away.