Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

Apprentice Ecologist Initiative Youth Scholarship Program -Write an essay about your project and what it meant to you.

Beach Sweep. When most people hear the words "Beach Sweep" they begin to fantasize of a festive day at the beach, tanning, barbecuing, taking in the rays or riding the waves. My thoughts tend to go into a different direction when I hear those same words, "Beach Sweep". I am taken back to the countless hours I spent organizing and spearheading the collection, disposal, and where possible recycling, efforts to clean our local beaches, parks and residential arenas.

Out of every bottle cap, soda can, cigarette butt, syringe and other hazardous materials collected and properly disposed of I bore my motto, "We have one earth and one opportunity". I have been given a sense of fulfillment by knowing that I have contributed to the wellness of our ecosystem for years to come.

In 2010 the U.S. faced one of the most devastating catastrophes, the BP oil leak. Watching as toxins were pumped into the waterways I began to feel as helpless as the animals what were exposed to these toxins. I was limited in my abilities to make a difference but my motto rang out once again and I found an organization that offered training for those willing to assist in the rescue of aquatic life. I am now trained and certified to assist in these types of emergencies.

My project has not been completed, it is still ongoing, as long as there are people that are uneducated on litter and its effects I will forever be "on the job". " One Earth, One Opportunity".