I have always been very passionate about nature. I love insects, animals, plants, it has always fascinated me. As I've grown, my passions have become much more specialized, and I have learned a lot more. The sustaining and protection of the environment is very important to me. For a few years now, I have been keeping a fruit and vegetable garden in my backyard. It was amazing to see what I could cultivate in my own backyard. Last year I became involved in beekeeping, and raised a hive in my backyard. I fell in love, and have been researching and learning as much as I possibly can ever since. I've attended classes about the honeybee, joined the apiary society here at Del Val, and hope to spread my knowledge and enthusiasm to as many people as I possibly can. One day I hope to either contribute to, or create my own small, chemical-free apiary and produce farm. I would love to create all natural products, such as soaps, lip balms, body lotions, and candles out of the valuable products we are able to obtain from our buzzing friends. I have a few goals I wish to accomplish this year regarding these interests. I hope to create a neighborhood compost bin, to reduce the need for fertilizers as much as I can. I also would like to expand on my beekeeping, by raising another colony, and purchasing more equipment. This will allow me to use the raw materials I am able to collect to the best of their abilities. My third and final goal for this year is to get my foot in the door with chickens. I'd like to begin with only three or four, and perhaps expand next year when I have a bit of experience. My one long-term goal is to have the ability to support myself, and perhaps future family, by working with my passions and interests. This is the most important goal that I hope my education at Delaware Valley College will help me to achieve.