I'm Bleakley, a 14-year-old from Florida. During my free time, I enjoy writing poetry, playing violin, and hiking in nature. As a child, I was always enthralled with the pure beauty of nature, whether it was the colorful butterflies in our backyard, or the glimmer of ocean water under the sun. Growing older, I realized that this natural beauty was in jeopardy, falling victim to our unhealthy habits. Living in a hurricane and red tide-prone state, I have seen the real life effects global warming has had on not only the nature we can see, but also the underwater ecosystems that are so frequently ignored. These experiences drove me to become the passionate person I am now, dedicated to making this planet a better place for all of its inhabitants, including the plants and animals so instrumental to our survival. The US Water Challenge provides tools and expertise to help youth make real change in our communities, and unites us under a common cause; protecting the natural resources around us.