My mother exposed me to the natural environment at a young age. The more I was exposed to the natural world, the more captivated I was by all it had to offer, and thus my mother's love for nature became my passion as well. As I grew up, I realized that humans were depleting the natural world of its species and resources, destroying everything I fell in love with as a child. From then on I have felt strongly about conserving the environment and protecting wildlife. Upon entering my sophomore year, I attended the Teatown Environmental Science Academy where I received hands-on experience with the theories, tools, and methods that scientists use to study environmental conservation. Within this program, I began preliminary research that focused on the pileated woodpecker, a keystone species whose conservation is essential to the function of its ecosystem. This experience introduced me to the world of research, where I could actively help protect the natural environment. Through completing this preliminary research and my current research, an investigation of how urbanization impacts woodpeckers and their habitats, I learned that I favor the structured independence that comes with doing field work. Together these experiences revealed a more complete image of what science is, and through my work I am more confident that I can make even more of a contribution to science. I want to go to Costa Rica to broaden my horizons, an in addition to conducting research and service projects, I am hoping to do what I love on a global scale-my two passions, birding and photography.