Priscilla Ta, a field research specialist with UC Irvine, shared her personal STEM journey during the transcript. Her passion for environmental science started in childhood when she learned about the environment and climate change. This early interest inspired her to pursue her current field. Throughout her STEM journey, Priscilla encountered challenges, notably related to representation. She noticed a lack of diversity in her field, making it feel inaccessible at times. However, with the support of friends, teachers, and mentors, she overcame these insecurities and pursued her love for studying the interconnectedness of the natural world. Currently, as a field research specialist, Priscilla works with the UC Irvine Remotely Collaboratory to research the impact of climate change on native plant communities in Orange County, California. Her work involves evaluating the effects of climate change, droughts, fires, and extreme weather events on the local ecosystem. She also contributes to finding solutions for restoring degraded landscapes to be more climate-resilient. Priscilla believes that education is crucial in climate action. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the interconnectivity of various processes impacted by climate change, such as water quality, air quality, local economies, and human health. She advocates for incorporating climate education into PK-12 curriculum, fostering awareness and collective action. Priscilla finds hope for the future in the excitement and passion she witnesses in the younger generation when teaching them about environmental research. She believes that nurturing this curiosity and providing interactive learning experiences can inspire students to take an active role in addressing climate change. Her research and dedication offer hope for a more sustainable and climate-conscious future, driven by the enthusiasm of the next generation.