I grew up in Montclair, Va., which I like to think of as a perfect balance. Located right off the Potomac River, Montclair is perfectly in the middle of a suburban area and a very rural area. It’s extremely humid during the summer and snowy in winter, and I could explore nature by fishing and hiking. I could also make trips to the city and visit any sites.
Since I was a young boy, I have been fascinated by world cultures, languages, and history. I believe that learning about various cultures allows me to connect with my peers on a deeper level. I am currently studying Latin, Spanish, Italian, and Mandarin. I am also deeply invested in creating traditional crafts and learning my tribal language, Nanticoke and Lenape. I purify local clay to make trade pipes, bowls, and masks. I also work with raw materials to make headdresses, regalia, and tools. In terms of learning my language, I believe maintaining a language is an integral part of a culture as it allows for a sense of identity.
When I had just entered second grade, my mother took us to our tribe’s annual powwow. I was able to meet many members of my extended family as well as experience powwow dancing, ceremony, and traditional foods besides the ones I had eaten at home. Then I met relatives who worked on traditional crafts, and from that moment on, I fell in love with preserving our Nanticoke culture.
While conducting my research for NAISEF (the National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair), I learned a lot from my elders and members in the tribal community about how local factories have contaminated the tribe’s well water sources. NAISEF was a warm, welcoming environment. Though it was a competition, there was no stress whatsoever. The judges at NAISEF were interested in what I had to say.
Through NAISEF, I was able to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Atlanta. There, I was able to talk about my research to scientists from all over the world and raise awareness about the polluted water sources on Indigenous land. I was also able to meet other like-minded Indigenous students who had done research that pertained to the environment.
Beyond my academic studies, I am a tae kwon do instructor. Tae kwon do has taught me a lot about perseverance and spirit. Whether I’m faced with a physical or mental trial, I know the work I do will not be wasted. If I work hard enough, the outcome will be worth all the effort I put in. Another incentive for me to succeed is from the seven generations rule that I was taught by our elders. Whenever I work, I must think seven generations ahead so that the future generations may have the same opportunities and experiences I had. This is my incentive for preserving the environment — so that the youth of the next generation will be able to enjoy the gifts nature has to offer.
My ultimate career goal is to work as an environmental scientist and paleontologist. Tying into the seven generations rule, I would like to see how Earth’s climate and life were in the past and preserve our environment so we all can benefit from nature and live healthily in a world, and a future, that we all share.
