Emerson Hernandez, Sophomore, Houston East End Greenbelt
GreenSchools! Green Ambassador - The Green Institute- Furr High School;
Environmental Communications, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Systems
Pathways
Being here in Washington D.C. I feel humble, grateful and at
awe. There are many people which have made this dream a reality. I wish to
start off by thanking the U.S. Forest Service, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service,
Dr. David Clipson, Executive Director of the Friends of the National Forests
and Grasslands in Texas -Latino Legacy and Dr. Tamberly Conway, Forest Service
Diversity and Inclusion Specialist for giving me and my team countless
opportunities such as this one to visit Washington D.C.. Giving me as a
“student and youth,” a voice to express the concerns of my community at the
2015 National Environmental Justice Conference. I also would like to thank the
many leaders and mentors I have met on this journey. I would also like this
opportunity to voice that Mr.Elizondo and Mr. Salazar, my teachers, have been
big brothers and elders which have helped me connect back to my indigenous
roots through the work we continue to do in the East End of Houston, Texas.
-Thank ya’ll. Here in D.C. I have met and talked with professionals, professors
and leaders and have been introduced to a variety of new careers. I have gained
a new understanding of what I may wish to pursue in college. I have been able
to gain an abundance of wisdom and learned a lot from other elders of the 2015
National Environmental Justice Conference, this knowledge will follow me
throughout life. The empowerment I felt through listening to other youth in the
conference, was uplifting, it energized me to keep doing all the things I am
doing and more. We do need to conserve, restore, and take care of mother earth
through balance. I have seen unity and a body of families come to a peaceful
understanding that if we don’t do something now, there will be no earth for
future generations to come.
With love, peace, and happiness.
-Emerson Hernandez
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