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Before 2025, I thought I’d get my PhD and work a government job, doing research and conservation that way. These past few years, with rollbacks in the U.S. on government conservation and environment work have shaken my confidence in that path, and while that’s been hard, seeing the impact NGOs can have has been amazing, it’s given me hope for the future again. Doing work that has real impact, rather than sitting with a mounting pile of anxiety, has made this time a lot more bearable. I now feel more prepared for my career in conservation science, especially the communication side of it.

I’ve taught a local neighborhood cleanup group about brand audits and shared the resources they’d need to get involved if they choose to. I know people on my campus enjoy doing them, and I’ve even inspired a few 2nd graders to want to get involved too. Seeing how my community shows up and is eager to learn about plastic pollution has been really cool. Watching busy college students give up a few hours of their weekend to pick up and sort trash, because I asked for their help holding companies accountable, made me realize just how thankful I am for this community.

The orientations and workshops prepared me not only by offering training, but by introducing me to my colleagues. Both they and our training proved pivotal during Hill Days, and continue to serve me now as I embark on internships.

From this program, I feel most confident using the skill of delegating tasks, as the old adage goes, “many hands make light work.”

This program also introduced me to several marine biology professionals in my area.

It has changed the way I think, pushing me to focus more on rebuilding society’s relationship with the ocean. My life has been impacted as I’ve become an advocate for my community and dedicated myself to public service.

The skills I’ve developed and feel most confident in include public speaking, empathetic leadership, and networking. This program has changed the way I see the world, I now carry a much more empathetic view, understanding firsthand how hard it can be for beliefs to shift even as people learn and grow.

It has also greatly expanded my interest in marine conservation, so much so that it’s changed the trajectory of my life: I’ll be pursuing it in my first year of college.

The level of support I received exceeded anything I thought possible from a virtual cohort. Youth lives and futures are so deeply impacted by this program that its effects will continue long after our time in the cohort has ended.

The level of organization with this program was super impressive. I would recommend this opportunity to other youth because it changes your perspective and pushes you to face challenges that help you grow.

Through this program, I shared what I learned with over 40 others in my community — through teaching, presenting, organizing, and informal conversations. The brand audits I organized have also helped my coastal area by creating pathways for others to get involved, learn, and take direct action on an issue impacting our community.

The workshops and orientation prepared me really well for my experience on the U.S. Youth Leadership Council. I especially appreciated the Mock Congress Meetings, they helped me build my policy advocacy skills through developing a personal pitch and sharpening my story for the real Hill Day meetings. The fundraising and brand audit workshops also helped me succeed on my committee’s goals, while building skills I’ll carry with me in the future.

I truly began feeling empowered at Hill Days. Although we had done preparation and learned about past Hill Days experiences, I wasn’t really aware of what it would be like being in the different administrative buildings and going around to meet with different people. It was really amazing, and helped me realize how easy it was to make my voice heard and advocate for legislation and causes that I believe in.

Because of the Hill Days experience, I feel way more confident in using my voice and advocating for what I believe in, and I feel way less intimidated about the process.

I hope to plan a city/state lobby day for students at my school and in conjunction with other students in New York City. This was directly influenced from my experience at Hill Days, which has given me the confidence to continue advocating and the interest in helping bring this opportunity to other students in New York City.

I cannot express how much the U.S. YAC UNOD has improved my capacity to lead others in an empathetic manner. Everywhere I am asked about leadership qualities or skills, I always mention empathy as a skill set because of the US YAC’s ability to effectively communicate how we should interact with our peers given our ever-expanding backgrounds in a constantly changing world.

I’m super appreciative of all of the opportunities I have been given, and I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the US YAC UNOD.

Through my involvement in the U.S. YAC UNOD, I was able to take on responsibilities that challenged me to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders towards a common goal. Whether it was spearheading advocacy campaigns, organizing events, or representing our collective voice in high-level discussions, each experience contributed to my personal and professional growth in profound ways.

Moreover, the supportive and collaborative environment within the U.S. YAC UNOD fostered a sense of confidence in my abilities to undertake leadership roles in the future. The mentorship, guidance, and encouragement received from fellow members and mentors empowered me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges with enthusiasm and determination.

I have always had a long-standing passion for community development, and environmental sustainability. And from what I know I admire the work Heirs To Our Ocean do: the empowerment you give youth to take action and create positive change.