Writing Samples

In today’s world, there are constant reminders about preserving the environment, from icons on the back of water bottles to headlines in the news and conservation is the key to maintaining our planet.  Because of this, I have a strong desire to study government and lobby for environmental and wildlife conservation. 

There have been a few pivotal moments that have contributed to my decision. In 2021, Texas had a major freeze where many game and bait fish were killed in the Gulf of Mexico. Through my involvement in the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), I learned that despite this large-scale loss, nothing was being done by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to protect the dwindling game fish population. Shortly after the freeze, I personally witnessed people at the boat ramps with coolers full of trout and redfish, ignoring the plea from the CCA that encouraged “catch and release” on social media. The government imposed no formal restrictions to fishing laws. There should be a formal, state sanctioned protocol for declaring an emergency after such a natural disaster. This was when I realized that real change needs to be made in recreational and commercial fishing laws, and I want to be part of that change.

In addition to unbridled commercial and recreational fishing laws, Rockport, Texas is one of the top oystering destinations in the nation, and over the past decade, it has become over harvested. This has resulted in a significant change in water quality along the middle Texas Gulf Coast. 

Five years ago, Rockport consisted of only local oyster boats, but now commercial companies from all across the nation send boats to Rockport to harvest oysters. My observations were solidified from listening to local fishing guides at the boat ramp and many of these guides were instrumental in a campaign to stop oyster harvesting from the middle Texas coast. Although many meetings have occurred with the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD), the change has yet to happen.

As a government major and ultimately an attorney, I can help at the grassroots level and navigate at the state and federal levels to make a difference. Communities need to organize to protect their habitats and wildlife populations, but they need someone who understands the methods of government to affect real change and a perception of history can help with future changes in order to eliminate repetition. This is my dream, to become an accomplished lawyer and represent communities so that when they meet with the TPWD, changes are made. 

All things considered, I would like to incorporate the study of sociology to understand structures of groups and organizations as well the science of why humans behave the way they do. Knowledge in the field of environmental science would also benefit my efforts. I believe it would be helpful to know about the environment to help present laws that will benefit the land and animals. Researching these specific studies would allow me to excel in the field in which I want to work.