ABET recently sponsored high school senior Rice Nguyen to attend the Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy Annual Conference. Nguyen, a high school senior at Broadneck High School, plans to study environmental science in college this fall. Her passion developed over time through a connection to the outdoors. “The environment was always something I thought was important to protect,” she said. “I realized there are so many more ways we should be implementing sustainable solutions that are better for everyone.”
Nguyen had the opportunity to connect with professionals and volunteers who share the same interest in environmental science and sustainability. “I really enjoyed it,” Nguyen said. “It was nice to see so many people passionate about being more sustainable.”
The interest has already taken shape at Broadneck High School, where she is organizing a clothing swap event to bring awareness to textile waste and encourage sustainable choices. “I found that textile waste is really problematic, more than most people know,” she said. “I wanted to do something that could help and something people could enjoy too.”
The conference introduced Nguyen to new volunteer opportunities to help build on as she continues her education. In addition to her studies, she hopes to pursue opportunities abroad, combining cultural exchange with environmental work. “Just seeing how many people care about the environment, it makes you want to do more,” she said.
Through opportunities like this, ABET is honored to continue its support to learners who are looking for ways to make a meaningful impact and join in building a better world.