Elizabeth's Essay:
The future Earth is a diamond.
It has many facets, and, because it is the Earth of the future, each
facet is different. Some have kept their charming luster. Some bear a
film of grime. Some have even managed to be pockmarked, in spite of
their presumed hardness. The advertisements did have it right when they
said a diamond is forever—the jewel itself will continue to drift
motionless in the universe regardless of our actions. However, will we
retain the privilege to be its caretakers? I know that there is still
hope for my species’ full environmental awakening. I also have a strong
belief that the plight of the polar bear, that universally adored and
fabled character from the North, might be a decisive alarm clock for
those who have not yet awakened to the need for immediate action. I
believe that my ideas and enthusiasm regarding this subject would make
me a prime Arctic Ambassador for the Memphis area.
For
starters, I must say that I do not consider science to be my favorite
subject, but rather as a pastime, or even as a way of life! I’ve
devoted myself to my school’s Science Olympiad team since I was in
seventh grade, having engulfed myself many times in the subjects of
astronomy, entomology, glacier behavior, Rube Goldberg devices, and
homemade musical instruments, to name a few. My enthusiasm for a wide
range of sciences makes it easy for me to communicate ideas and
concepts to anyone, be they a small child, a fellow student, or an
inquisitive adult. I’ve avidly volunteered as an exhibit docent at the
Pink Palace, and I enjoy any chance to enlighten others about the world
around them.
Additionally, I have a
deep love for nature’s beauty that parallels my fascination with the
science of the natural world. A tuft of fog clinging to a ragged
mountainside, each of is microscopic droplets speckling prismatic light
upon the valley floor, the ambrosial gurgling of a songbird; the icy
brook with its invigorating water and burnished, unyielding
pebbles—call me a romantic, but these scenes represent all I feel I
would ever truly require for happiness. I would give anything to
safeguard a beautiful ecosystem (although the phrase “beautiful
ecosystem” is redundant, for only mankind can create the truly ugly). I
admire not only superficial beauty, but also the inherent perfection of
natural cycles: the uncanny way an environment’s many factors “click”
together if they are left in balance. Every single creature and
substance has its place. Therefore, if falling numbers of the most
ugly, slimy worm were endangering an ecosystem, I would happily devote
myself to saving it.
However, I
realize that Polar Bears might be made to serve as a mascot for our gem
planet. Why? Not only are they majestic and charming at the same time,
but they also have widespread appeal—animal charisma if you will. Every
grade school kid has heard of Polar Bears—that can’t be said for many
troubled species. The bears are hard to dislike. This is because they
manage to be impressive and graceful without losing their sometimes
comic nature. Since they live in a mostly desolate region of the world,
they are not a day-to-day threat for any large number of people. This
has prevented them from accumulating excessive bad press, for few
people are personally afraid of them.
As
an effect, to think that this icon of the Arctic might not be around
much longer is jarring. This is the first animal one thinks of upon
mention of the North Pole. This is the subject of stuffed animals and
cartoons. This is the animal in the Coca-Cola ads! If
people hear press about a slimy worm that is dying out somewhere far
away, they will pause, frown, and continue whatever they were doing.
Even the extinction of beautiful animals such as the Yangtze river
dolphin go largely unnoticed by the general public because they are a
little too obscure. But, the polar bear!? That cannot
be ignored. As Arctic Ambassador, I would make extensive use of the
polar bear’s fame and fans to work towards preserving it. In doing so,
I hope to do my part to save the entire global climate.
Moreover,
I am naturally easygoing and fun-loving around peers. While not the
most talkative soul on the planet, I make friends at lightning speed if
there is any common interest shared with those around me. All shyness
or awkwardness dissolves when I work with a devoted camaraderie of
people. And, underneath the calm, cheerful shell, I give much attention
to organization, punctuality, and old-fashioned hard work. The result
is an optimal group member. I can share insights, think on my toes, and
communicate effectively, yet at the same time I am often the
rationalizing, calming voice of reason in case of confusion or concern.
I feel that one of my best attributes is the ability to analyze the
actual efficacy of a plan before putting it into action. I’m usually
the one to ask, “Yes, but does it work?”
There
is a certain photograph that has haunted me ever since I first laid
eyes upon it. It is of the Earth, taken by Voyager 1 as it reached the
boundary of the solar system. Suspended in a sea of pixels is a
miniscule dot. Were it not for the arrow added to the picture to point
it out, there would be considerable argument over which grey dot was
the one. My dot. Our dot. Our gem. I’m determined to stand by our
diamond until the very end, until the blue and green and white luster
has been lost to a murky grayish-brown. I’m determined to stand by
polar bears by educating those around me wherever I go. I refuse to
reach a day when this kind of dialogue occurs between me and a
descendant:
“Granny, what’s a polar bear?”
“Well, sweetie, a long time ago . . .”
-Elizabeth Bailey
