This past May I received my Bachelor’s Degree at SUNY New Paltz in upstate New York. During my four years there, I made the Village of New Paltz my home. I developed a special connection with the land, riding my bike through the old rail trail, hiking up the Mohonk Mountain Preserve and swimming in High Falls. I hope that from now on I never miss a visit to New Paltz in the fall. The foliage, abundant apple orchards and pumpkin farms attract visitors from around the country.
While I played in New Paltz, I also studied, and what I learned through a lot of my school research was that the Mohonk Mountains are in danger. Climate change is threatening the various species that have long thrived on the Preserve. So now, as a recent college graduate, I am dedicating myself to protecting the environment so that my favorite season will always be the same in New Paltz.