What began as a childhood curiosity about nature blossomed into a passion for the environment and advocacy, thanks to my years with the Audubon Center at Debs Park. From being an Audubon Youth Leader for three years to volunteering during my first year of college, my journey with the Audubon programs has been one of growth, discovery, and connection.
My elementary school, San Pascual, has a small forest in the corner of campus. It was my favorite spot to be in. I loved sitting under the cool shade of tall trees, listening to birds chirping all around me. I also had a second-grade teacher whose passion and excitement for birds and the natural world left a lasting impression on me. She introduced our class to the Audubon Center, sparking my curiosity about nature and creating memories that have stayed with me ever since. Naturally, field trips to the Audubon Center with this class became my favorite. Whether we were birding with binoculars, exploring the plant nursery (and bringing tiny plants home to grow), or simply enjoying the short bus ride, the trips were thrilling to me.
But as I moved on to middle school and later faced the pandemic entering highschool, my connection to the Audubon Center faded. By high school, I had almost forgotten that sense of wonder—until one day during my sophomore year, I saw an Instagram post about the Audubon Youth Leader (AYL) program. I applied, hoping to reconnect with the center and share my love of nature with others. Little did I know how much the program would shape my life.
At first, I thought being an AYL would just mean learning about plants and animals. While I did gain plenty of knowledge about the native species of Los Angeles, the experience turned out to be much more than I imagined. It was about teamwork—getting our hands dirty pulling weeds, clearing branches, and tackling stinging nettle on the hummingbird trail. (Spoiler: nettle is surprisingly satisfying to pull, but it stings!) I even had my first unfortunate encounter with poison oak. I’ll always remember the satisfaction of looking at that cleared path, knowing our efforts would make the trail more welcoming and accessible to visitors.
Beyond hard work, AYL also gave me the chance to connect with my community. Hosting events like Winter in the Park and Family Days was one of my favorite parts. I loved helping kids make their own pins, teaching families how to create berms, and introducing them to native animals through fun memory games. Seeing their curiosity reminded me of my own childhood and gave me so much pride in sharing what I’d learned.
The program also challenged me to think beyond the environment’s surface. We explored how climate change impacts Los Angeles, learned about the sustainable practices of the Tongva Tribe, and advocated for important legislation like ACA-14 on affordable housing and SB-312 on environmentally sustainable university housing. These experiences showed me the deep connection between environmental, social, and health issues, inspiring me to look at the bigger picture.
The Audubon Center for me is where it all started, shaping my path and opening opportunities that led me to participate with Earthwatch or Caltech Sustainable Energy Activities Lab, and now as a student in Bowdoin College. This perspective I gained in AYL, about the intersectionality of social and environmental issues ultimately planted a seed for my current academic interest.
Looking back, I’ve grown in so many ways—both in height (yes, finally taller!) and in perspective. Thanks to the Audubon Center, I’ve come to understand the deeper implications of the natural environment and the importance of advocating for change. I am endlessly grateful for the growth I’ve experienced—within the Audubon Center, within my community, and within myself.
