Yandel Ramirez
1:23:55
Thank you, chairwoman Rivera, and the members of the committee for the opportunity to provide testimony today.
1:24:00
My name is Yindel Ramirez, and I am 17 years old.
1:24:03
I live in the Bronx, and I am a junior at an International Baccalaureate World School.
1:24:07
In the summer and fall of 2024, I had the opportunity to join Project True, teens researching urban ecology, an internship at the Bronx Zoo that connected me with an amazing team of mentors and the chance to conduct hands on scientific research in the Bronx.
1:24:20
During the program, I worked with a team of fellow high school students and my undergraduate mentor to study the American Eagle at the Bronx River Dams.
1:24:27
We collected the in we collected water mops, examined micro invertebrates, and monitored water quality, all while learning the ins and outs of ecological research.
1:24:36
We spent weeks building our skills, learning about ecology, analyzing scientific articles, conducting literature review, developing communication and speaking skills, and designing research posters.
1:24:48
Our findings were showcased at multiple research symposiums, providing a rewarding opportunity to share our work with others.
1:24:54
The Project Shoot team also supported me in applying for the summer youth employment program, allowing me to receive hourly wages for my summer Project True internship.
1:25:04
Beyond the research, Project True was filled with transformative experiences.
1:25:07
We went on trips across the New York City, meeting other organizations and young people, exploring natural environments, and discovering various career pathways.
1:25:17
College preparation and other workshops taught me how to build a strong resume, prepare for interviews, and apply for scholarships, equipping me with the tools for my academic and professional future.
1:25:27
More importantly, this internship instilled practical skills like TAM management, scientific writing, and teamwork, all showing me how science and research can contribute to the understanding and protecting the environment.
1:25:38
What truly made Project Shook special, however, was a sense of community.
1:25:42
The mentors and my peers felt like family, creating an environment of trust and support that will remain for me for years to come.
1:25:48
I am deeply grateful for this experience and for the relationships I've built with the mentors, who I'm not gonna rely guidance in the future.
1:25:55
Thank you for your time.
