I am currently a Senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison pursuing a degree in Economics and Political Science with a certificate in Environmental Studies. I am attending Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs starting fall of 2024. It is my intention to one day work in public policy and aid in the creation of legislation that is both sustainable and equitable, respecting both our environment and the people in it. My main passions lie in healthcare economics, food security, and environmental policy, and I am currently seeking an internship in these areas. In the meantime, I am coming up on my eighth year in the service industry. This is one of my favorite positions as it allows me to regularly interact with customers, and build meaningful connections with the people I serve. Not only have I developed robust communication and coordination skills, but I have also gained the collaborative expertise necessary to work with diverse groups. In addition to my oral communication skills, I have also had the opportunity, through my university, to develop proficient writing and practical research skills. One of my most notable pieces was a letter I wrote to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regarding the transport of mine tailings in McKinley County, New Mexico. In drafting this letter, I was able to conduct my own research, using EPA documents, Navajo letters, and historical articles to synthesize the effects of the proposed policy on Navajo communities. Coinciding with my energy and natural resource policy knowledge, it's important to mention my comprehension of certain healthcare programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and TANIF. Over the past few years, I have spent a significant amount of time learning the practical functionality of these programs and their main operations. In order to better understand some of the data I may encounter in public policy, I have taken classes in both statistics and survey research to apply my knowledge to practical situations.