Growing up in Decatur, Georgia was an immense privilege and joy. I spent my summers running barefoot after wasps with my dad and sister and observing birds with my mom. I come from families that immigrated from Gujarat, India, and Trinidad and Tobago, both places that are currently and will bear extreme consequences from the effects of climate change, like floods and loss of biodiversity. My parents, both scientists, taught me the role of environmental health in our everyday lives. They explained the consequences of the droughts in Georgia in 2010-2012 and the importance of water conservation. I learned the importance of reducing food waste and how to compost in my backyard. These experiences helped influence my passion for conservation and climate justice. As I got older I took a special interest in conserving waterways. I began cleaning up trash in local waterways with my family. Preserving biodiversity is crucial to the fight for climate change, as such I am interested in the importance of native species and the removal of invasives. My passion for environmental protection is fueled by the desire to preserve the natural world for future generations and the other organisms we share our world with.