​This summer has been a period of significant professional development for me, guided by the invaluable support of my mentor, Sara Katherine Oliver, Director of the Climate and Sustainability Engineering Master's Program. Sara provided essential insights and answered my questions about my Duke path and summer internship. She emphasized the importance of quantifying data, which has been crucial in my work with the Key Biscayne Community Foundation (KBCF). Sara also helped me brainstorm and develop innovative projects for the Key Challenge, enhancing the impact and scope of our initiatives.

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Additionally, attending the Citizen Redefined Camp was a transformative experience. This week-long civic leadership camp focused on exploring what it means to be an active, responsible citizen. Through a series of immersive activities, reflections, group discussions, and creative demonstrations, I honed my skills in communication, critical analysis, civic culture, moral character, power dynamics, collaborative leadership, and service. The camp prepared me to pursue social change with a stronger sense of my role and power within our national fabric. These experiences have refined my professional goals, emphasizing the importance of leadership, community engagement, and sustainability in my future career.