From the moment I was invited to join S4TP, I was filled with both excitement and a renewed sense of drive to making a difference. As a young person myself, I am particularly committed to empowering my peers so that they may bring their sustainable, innovative solutions to life. Understanding our current environmental challenges is key to inspiring action, which is why I believe that with my team at S4TP, we will inspire a sense of responsibility and agency in tackling these challenges. I know that collaborating with others who share this vision will make this opportunity especially fulfilling, as together we can foster meaningful change.
During my time as part of my school’s STEM club, I studied many fungal communities, inspiring me to submit an essay on ectomycorrhizal fungi and their role in delaying climate change. This was the winning essay for the ‘Young Science Writer of the Year Award.’ My article was published by the BBC website as well as magazines such as Country Living magazine and Plant life magazine. I was featured on BBC Radio 5 where I spoke with expert researchers. As a result of my winning, I have networked with many journalists with the BBC who have mentored me on useful techniques for writing which I hope to utilise in my further studies.
This achievement enabled me to judge for the MRC Max Perutz competition, where I learnt to confidently share my opinions and make decisions regarding the entries.
I also prioritise my mental and physical health by attending weekly horse riding sessions. This has taught me patience, dedication and self-discipline as well as enabling me to foster my care for animals and reconnect with nature outside of my usual day to day activities. I crochet regularly as I enjoy the creative freedom that it allows me.