We asked Audrey to tell us more about her environmental interests, her experience at OCC, and her plans for the future.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m from Costa Mesa, California, and I’ve just finished my first year at OCC. I’m majoring in Environmental Science with a focus on Microbiology. I’m also on the Speech and Debate team, and I take horticulture classes for fun. I love spending time outdoors and have been to 33 national parks so far.

What inspired your interest in the environment?

My favorite show growing up was Wild Kratts, which taught me the importance of protecting animals. Then last year, I did some research for a speech about microbial communities, and how they might be what helps save larger ecosystems because they clean up pollution. That sparked my interest in harnessing the smallest organisms to save the largest ecosystems, which is what I want to do with my degree.

What has your experience at OCC been like, and what comes next?

My experience at OCC has been nothing short of amazing so far. I joined the speech and debate team my first year, which gave me both a community and a different lens to see the world through. It was also for the speech and debate team that I first began to research the pollution-cleaning microbes, which sparked my interest in the subject. That was definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, because the people on the team are some of the most wonderful people I’ve met. Also, they’re the ones who encouraged me to apply for this scholarship! After OCC, I want to transfer to UC Berkeley or UCSC, either double majoring or majoring in Microbiology and minoring in Environmental Science, and eventually I want to get a master’s degree as well.

How do you hope to make an environmental impact through your future career?

Eventually, I want to work in environmental conservation. I want to save ecosystems by finding solutions to pollution through microbiology. Microbes are often the natural pollution cleaners and I believe there’s a way to clean up pollution by harnessing their cleaning abilities.

What does receiving the SEKA Environmental Scholarship mean to you?

I feel so honored to receive this scholarship. UC Berkeley was a goal school of mine to transfer to, but the cost of UC schools was holding me back. With this scholarship I feel more confident that I will be able to work out the finances.