It was pitch black as we drove for over a mile with no lights to illuminate the road before us. Once on foot, we quietly slipped across the rippling waters of the river to reach the opposite bank. There we got busy preparing our trap, and once it was set, we retreated into a hidden blind and made our final preparations. My father reminded me one last time to remain silent and to even refrain from breathing loudly. As the first blush of morning light appeared, our ears detected a rush of air and the sound of flapping wings. We breathlessly watched wood ducks make their way into our snare when a booming sound erupted from my father’s lunchbox. "DA DA DAAAAA!!!!!" He frantically pulled his phone from the box to stop the wake-up alarm he had forgotten to cancel earlier that morning. To our amazement, the ducks did not flee, and our expedition was successful. This is one of the many fond memories I possess of adventures with my father. Through the years, I have assisted him with work for the NC Wildlife Commission, The Nature Conservancy, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. With the NC Wildlife Commission, I have volunteered for numerous conservation and tracking projects, such as monitoring waterfowl movement, spraying invasive plant species, and taking bear population surveys. I assisted The Nature Conservancy with preparing for and ensuring the success of prescribed burns. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, I have helped maintain its beauty and cleanliness for the countless number of visitors who wish to view the breathtaking scenery. Over the years, I have come to realize these times with my dad were more than just "adventures." They also served an essential purpose. A healthy environment is crucial to a thriving civilization, and small actions like those accomplished alongside my father help maintain the delicate balance between humans and wildlife. I marvel at the realization that, in my own innocent efforts to spend time with my dad, I have helped protect vulnerable wildlife populations while also helping to sustain my own species' existence. I regard my participation in these successful conservatory missions as a way of giving back to my community and my world. While learning to appreciate and protect the balance between civilization and wilderness, I also learned much about myself. I have come to value my place and purpose on this earth. I plan to pursue my dream career in construction engineering and hope to meld my creative tendencies with my desire to protect and support the ecosystem. Sustainable building practices are one resource I will greatly utilize when interacting with my environment. My conservatory efforts may not always be met with excited approval, but I have the passion and fortitude to stand up for what is right and good. I also intend to use my experience and knowledge to inform and encourage others to support a healthy environment for all living creatures. I can imagine my future self recounting my adventures to those around me. I’ll tell them about the Peregrine Falcon family (a threatened species) my father and I discovered on the edge of a cliff and recall the time a mountain bog turtle (another threatened species) bit my finger. I will, then, describe the importance and beauty of caring for and protecting the natural resources that can so easily disappear if not given enough care and consideration. While I don’t consider myself a "tree hugger," I do want my actions to count toward something good and meaningful. I'm ready for more adventures!