Hello! My name is Gabriela and I am one of the NRCA Difference Maker Mentors for the 2024-2025 year. I am a sophomore at the University of Connecticut and currently majoring in environmental science. I have interest in things such as ecology, conservation, and sustainability. I love to be outside, especially in the woods, and would love to have a career in which I can help the earth and the organisms that reside in it.
I am originally from Vernon, Connecticut. At home I have a pet cat as well as a bunch of ducks. In my free time I love to explore new places. I like to go to different hiking trails in particular. I also like to try making new dishes that fit with my nutritional goals. Additionally, I like to express myself through changing my hair color and texture as well as my nails.
I became a Difference Maker Mentor (DMM) for multiple reasons; in order to take part in a program that is centered around learning about the environment and to take a leadership position (this is my first experience in taking on the responsibility as a mentor). Becoming a DMM has put me in a role where I can work with like-minded students and help guide them to creating a project that affects their community socially as well as environmentally. Out of the program I also hope to build connections with those around me who also have the same goals for helping the environment.
My favorite part of the field week was simply being able to spend the majority of my time outside and away from my phone for once. My favorite day was forestry day when we all took a hike through the woods and learned about the different plants there and how the forest changes over time. It was very hot but I think that it was definitely worth it. During the field week I learned a lot of cool things like how to catch fish using a seine net, how there are different ways to deal with water/flooding, and about different soil types. I also gained more confidence and skill in facilitation.