Take these 3 things, so tomorrow is not too late for my hometown

Emily M.

• Artist Statement

  I’ve grown up alongside the symptoms of climate change—when I was twelve, I woke up to the sky bleeding with wildfire smoke. Two years ago, school was canceled when a nearby city flooded. And my city’s levee continues to grow taller in order to fend off rising sea levels. I wanted to share my experiences with climate change and why I still feel hopeful despite it all. People—including myself—often feel too powerless to contribute meaningfully to fighting climate change. But, while researching for this poem, I discovered more and more communities taking small steps towards a better future, including students building community gardens and advocating for less plastic use. I realized that I could also make a difference. Now, I carpool or walk whenever possible, and I have my own compost bin at home. I hope to use my voice to inspire others to create positive change, too.

• Creative Statement

  Creativity is the bridge that connects the world inside my head with the people outside of it.