When Ava first came to Delta College, she wasn't sure what she wanted to pursue. She enrolled in general studies, giving herself time to explore different paths before deciding on a career.
That changed when she took an environmental science course. Between the hands-on labs, a tour of a hydroponic farm, and meeting a Delta alum working in the field, Ava began to see a future in environmental studies.
"Speaking with that Delta alum really did stand out to me because she's someone who went here. She was in the same hallways as I was. She took some of the same classes as I did," she said. "She's traveling and working with all these different corporations, and she's making a difference. It really stood out to me and made me feel like maybe I could be where she is too."
But finding her career path was only part of Ava's experience at Delta. She also wanted to find a community.
Despite being nervous about getting involved, she joined several campus organizations,
including the Astronomy Club and the Society of Hispanic Leaders. Ava became vice
president of the Environmental Club and helped coordinate Hispanic Heritage Month
events, experiences that pushed her to try things she never imagined doing.
Stepping out of her comfort zone also gave Ava a chance to see firsthand the impact
she could have.
During one Environmental Club beach cleanup, Ava and 20 volunteers collected around 101 pounds of trash. What started as a small project became a reminder that meaningful change doesn't always require a big group.
Now, preparing to transfer to Saginaw Valley State University for environmental studies, Ava hopes to pursue a career in land or wildlife conservation. She's still exploring the possibilities, but she's no longer unsure of her direction.
"I always like to leave things better than I found them. I think Delta is no exception," she said. "The wonderful thing about getting involved is that you do get to make a difference, and it is a privilege to make a difference. Everyone gets a say on the kind of footprint that they leave behind, and Delta has given me that chance to leave a positive one."
By Mikaila Bluew, writer & editor
