Growing up in Southern California meant that air quality warnings, smog, and a burning smell were commonplace. Bad air quality affected my mother and me since we both suffered from chronic asthma. Many people suffer from respiratory-related illnesses, and air pollution is the leading cause. Polluted air and water spewing from urban jungles disrupt natural habitats like wetland marshes, which are supposed to defend against such pollutants. The destruction wrought by humans on this beautiful planet have inspired me to pursue solutions to air and marine pollution through environmental engineering. I hope to be on the forefront of sustainability practices. Whether it be on the local level or on a global scale, environmental engineers can innovate in ways that were never thought of previously. In a time of conflict in climate efforts, engineers are a necessary advocate. Nevertheless, engineers are only one piece in a much larger puzzle. Time is running out to address carbon emissions, and everybody can contribute in their own way. By choosing to walk instead of drive or choosing to turn off the air conditioning for a couple hours, anyone can make an impact. Much like the “boiling frog syndrome,” every second we fail to act exponentially worsens the problem. Many countries ignore the rising global temperature and cities continue to pollute our air. Our own country is one of the leading instigators in this worldwide problem after our government decided to drop out of the Paris Climate Accord. Therefore, collaboration between engineers and citizens will be a crucial member in the quest for a greener future. Every one of us plays a part in healing our planet, and with the gracious assistance of this scholarship, I too am ready to commit to mine.