My Major featuring Ava A. Pal

"The 2022-2023 policy debate resolution for the National Speech and Debate Association involved water policy, so I spent a great amount of time researching and discussing the ins-and-outs of water policy in the United States and the relationship between climate change and water resources. One specific topic of concern that stood out to me was the threat of extreme drought in the Southwest United States and areas along the Colorado River. This excites me because I will be studying in the Southwest, where I will be exposed to the effects of drought firsthand. I hope to be involved in research and collaborative solutions to drought-related issues in Tucson and the greater Southwest area as they intensify with the warming global climate."

Ava Pal , winner of a 2022 National Merit - 美国亚利桑那大学 Scholarship, is pursuing a degree in environmental science. "I am passionate about climate change and preserving our planet for future generations," she asserts. Ava plans to supplement her environmental science studies with courses in political science and sociology to give herself a more interdisciplinary perspective. Her goal is to take her passion for the environment in a broad possibility of directions, from furthering her environmental studies through a masters degree to entering law school to study environmental policy.

"To be recognized as an NMSC Scholar is extremely empowering, and has inspired me to continue pursuing academic excellence and to take advantage of any opportunity that arises," Ava says. "NMSC helped jumpstart my life as a young adult because it has made my undergraduate aspirations viable."