When I first started REDI Lab I had an idea of what I wanted to focus on during my time there. I wanted to focus on health care and what changes could be made to help children build more trust in it. This topic is very broad so I had to narrow it down into something that I could complete or at least start in two weeks, so I narrowed it down to radiology. I did not have a specific idea on what to do I just wanted to work with MRI machines because I am interested in becoming an MRI tech. After I narrowed my topic down I had to find something that is wrong with it and how that can be fixed. The thing that I found to be wrong was in children’s hospitals the machines are for kids but they are not designed for them. To help everyone like nurses, parents, and most importantly children.
At least that’s what I thought I would be working on during my time here. I ended up doing something completely different that aligned a lot better with my values than my first idea could have. My most important values are respect, family, and trust. The whole process of changing my topic was stressful because I knew I had to figure something to do and start or complete it in a week.
However, it was very easy to connect both MRI Machines and climate change because MRI machines help families stay healthy but use energy and materials that can have an extreme negative impact on the planet. By encouraging composting and recycling we can all reduce the amount of pollution and climate change which will also help protect the planet and peoples health. Taking these actions shows respect for the Earth and helps build trust with our communities while also looking out for future families.
From this experience I learned how small everyday steps can have a huge impact on climate change for better or worse. I learned new leadership skills like respecting and standing up for the planet. Composting and recycling also gave me a hands on way to see the world differently like now I will be more focused on how I see trash and soil. Furthermore, I will be spreading the word of how the small act of composting and recycling can have a huge impact in the world. This topic connects closely to my values while taking real action to help the planet. 
Most importantly, I learned that even if my path changes, I can still make a real difference when I stay true to my values and take action for what matters.
