Through my experience as a Young Ambassador, I’ve learned that individuals can take action to build a sustainable future only by reaching out to others.
My whole life I’ve assumed that the environmental actions with the grandest impact are always made far away from my own life, whether it be in the halls of congress or the boardrooms of energy companies. Here in my small town in northeast Pennsylvania, I was always able to admire the beauty of our state: I witnessed the waterfalls of the Delaware Water Gap and went on long walks in my local park. I always had a passion for the environment, but I didn’t see a way in which I could make an impact. As part of my experience as a Young Ambassador, I’ve begun to understand the nature of stewardship and civics and how we can make a big difference right here in our communities.
Last year I became a Junior Councilman in my local borough. While there are often negative stereotypes of local government, as I went to borough meetings I began to regain faith in our government. As opposed to the partisanship and political battles that have come to define the state and federal government, at our borough meetings I saw community members come together in good faith to tackle the issues of our town. I took this faith in our local officials with me as I entered my role as a Young Ambassador.
At the KPB conference in October, I got an inside view into this program’s mission. As I learned about state sustainability projects and local efforts to beautify towns across Pennsylvania, I understood the nature of improvement: it required people to come together. Then I began to work in my own community. As I connected with my borough council president for both my community assessment and cleanup event, I realized that there were a lot of people in our town willing to make a difference. All they needed was leadership. Now, as I’ve partnered with the Parks and Rec board for an April cleanup event and conducted a community assessment, I’ve come to grasp the full breadth of what it means to take action: it means uniting a community in something meaningful.
I also started a podcast to interview leaders in environmental and sustainability efforts, and share information with peers and community members in my area. These podcasts are available at natcarso.com. So far, through my 3 interviews with Polar Explorer Eric Larsen, former President of the national chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility Mark Vossler, and Professor of Theater Andrea Varga, I’ve learned a lot about stewardship. The main theme present in all of these amazing leaders’ stories is that the future of sustainability relies not on science or technological capabilities, but rather on our ability to spread the word. That’s what this program is all about. Through speaking to each other, whether it be at borough council meetings, statewide conferences, or on a podcast, we can unite in our effort to make our great state as beautiful as possible.

A couple weeks ago, I had a great chat with one of my friends at school. When we were talking about our government class, we started talking about the issues that matter most to us. When I mentioned the environment, she talked about how she did not know much about it and didn’t view the situation as that important. As the conversation continued, I began to explain my passion for the environment - not to argue with her, but rather to share why I viewed sustainability and environmentalism as so important. A couple days later, she messaged me and told me about how she had looked more into the issue of the environment and had begun to understand my passion. Now, she, as well as a few other students, have expressed interest in participating in the cleanup event I am partnering with the Parks and Recreation Board to put together in a couple weeks.
This perfectly captures the goals of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. The mission of a Young Ambassador is not an individual mission; it’s a mission to connect with people all across our communities and spread our goal of a beautiful Pennsylvania.
For my education event, I’m set up to present to multiple classes of younger students. I’m going to present not just to share the importance of sustainability and environmentalism, but also to share my area’s unique conservation history. Milford, the next town over from me, is considered the birthplace of conservation, and by talking about the history of the conservation movement, I plan to engage the students with local stories that highlight our unique position. In doing so, I hope to spark the same passion in them that was sparked in me when I was younger.
For the cleanup event, I partnered with the borough council to plan an event for mid-April. Not only do we have several council and community members planning to come, but I am advertising the opportunity to my peers at high school as well.
With my podcast, I hope to share the viewpoints of experts in sustainability and environmentalism with everyone who is interested. Whether it be the stories of polar explorer Eric Larson or the sustainable fashion advice of Professor Andrea Varga, I hope that my podcast will cause people to take an interest in the environment.
The impact we have as environmental stewards should not just be measured by the amount of garbage we pick up, but also by the amount of people we connect with. As a Young Ambassador, I’ve contributed to my community by uniting with others to make a more beautiful Pennsylvania.

Being a Young Ambassador has been an amazing experience. I’ve learned so much about stewardship, civics, the environment, and participation, through meetings and through my experiences on the projects.
One of the most important things I’ve learned about myself is that I shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. As a high schooler trying to make a difference, I sometimes find it difficult and intimidating to ask adults to assist with my efforts. Whether it be local officials, teachers, or guests on my podcast, I was repeatedly hesitant to request that others engage with me. However, I learned that a lot more people are willing to participate in this mission than I had thought. Everyone is looking for a more beautiful Pennsylvania, and lots of people are willing to lend a hand. I learned that I shouldn’t be scared of talking to others.
Second, I learned that I can make a difference. The Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Conference in October was an eye-opener for me. Through that experience, I could see the everyday people that were making an impact in different ways across the state. I was particularly inspired by Steve Ward of Scranton Tomorrow, who was able to both connect with disadvantaged communities in Scranton and beautify the city. By listening to his story, as well as everyone else at the conference, I realized the impact that simple actions can have. And then, as I’ve made strides in my own town, I’ve begun to understand that even a high schooler can make an impact.
Finally, I learned more about what I want to do when I’m older. Through all of the guests at the monthly Young Ambassador meetings, and through everyone at the KPB conference, I learned that there are lots of career pathways available in the field of sustainability. Beforehand, I didn’t know much about the careers available for people with interests like mine; now, I know that I have several opportunities to continue my passion throughout my life. Another interest of mine is law and government, and I know that I can merge my multiple passions into a potential career in environmental law.