The UPRRP student explained that, instead of waiting to graduate to dive into professional opportunities, one should start in the classroom.
Adrian Cruz
In order to continue to provide financial support and networking opportunities to students, the entity Amplify the Future awarded the scholarship Black & Latinx Birders The 2023-2024 term award was given to Adrián Cruz, a third-year student in Natural Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus (UPRRP). This opportunity was obtained through the non-profit organization Conservation Opportunity and represented a significant boost for his academic development in the area of environmental conservation.
This financial assistance also reinforces the mission of Amplify the Future, which seeks to support and increase the number of African American and Latino youth in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.
Currently, Cruz works in a community garden in Rio Piedras, which allows her to connect in a practical way with the land and contribute to the well-being of her community.
“Platforms like these are necessary as these opportunities are not very accessible, you have to do hours of exhaustive searching. Conservation Opportunity, with its extensive network of contacts, has facilitated access to these opportunities, promoting more inclusive access to conservation expertise and support,” said Cruz.
According to the UPRRP student, his connection with nature and environmental conservation comes from his childhood, where he accompanied his father, a tour guide at El Yunque National Forest, on hikes that awakened in him an early fascination for the environment. He also added that in high school he used to go with friends to birding events, where he had his first formal encounter with the birding community.
Cruz pointed out that, since then, his interest in conservation has grown, and today he explores different specializations within the environmental field, although he is still looking for the one that best fits his interests and vocation.
“I think that environmental conservation in the country is growing, I see more and more young people interested in the subject, we have also seen a change in the mentality with the protection of our natural resources. There is still a lot to do, but we are on the right track,’’ said Cruz.
The scholarship award projects him as an environmentalist in the field where he can develop research that will expand knowledge and environmental awareness in Puerto Rico. He also explained that this scholarship will not only allow him to cover his personal expenses while he completes his academic year, but also represents another step towards the consolidation of a career in conservation, in which he can continue to inspire future generations of scientists and conservationists.
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As a non-profit organization, we have a mission to connect people with opportunities for growth and development within environmental conservation. Stories like Adrian Cruz's are groundbreaking and inspiring to all others interested in seeing the opportunities we provide. If you would like to be a part of our professional growth opportunities, you can access our opportunities and orient yourself with our resources of Advance Expo.