Marissa

My name is Marissa and I am 18 years old. I was born and raised in Fallbrook, California which is the “Avocado Capital of the World”. In my free time, I like to read, hike, paint, and practice yoga. I am currently a first year at UC Irvine and pursuing a degree in Computer Science.

Over the summer I had the privilege of being a part of the Student Institute for Sustainability Leadership (SISL) where I learned about sustainability at UCI and around the world. Since then I have continued my involvement in sustainability at UCI through Earth Reps where I have served as a sustainability ambassador in student housing.

I have always had an appreciation for the environment since I went camping a lot growing up. I recall backpacking with my grandpa in the Sierras and him explaining to me that there were no fish in some of the lakes because of the pollution a mining company had caused over 100 years ago. It is experiences like these that set precedent for my involvement in sustainability.

Hopefully, I will be able to bring the skills and experiences I gained on these trips with me to Costa Rica. Though I have camped and traveled in my life, I have never been outside of the country. Since this is also my first year in college, the number of changes I am experiencing can sometimes be

overwhelming. However, I have faith in myself to prepare appropriately for this trip.