Emma Christianson

My interest in science and biology has been a part of my life since I was about two years old. From creating frog and snake habitats to dissecting mice brought in by my cat, I have always enjoyed learning more about nature and biology. My curiosity about living organisms has developed into a passion for neuropsychology. With all of the new technology helping us understand how the brain works, I believe this to be an exciting field for research. The neuroscience aspect of neuropsychology would satisfy my curiosity about the human brain, and the psychology side would allow me to work with people. My goal in neuropsychology is to eventually study and do research in autism, bi-polar disorder, or paranoid schizophrenia.
Ultimately, my goal in college is to gain experience and challenge myself in my pursuit in becoming a neuropsychologist. I hope to learn how to work with others in learning causes and developing cures or treatments for mental illnesses and disabilities. I have become so passionate about the field of neuropsychology because of my brother Daniel, who is 43 and has a mental age of a six year old. He has inspired me to further understand mental disabilities and illnesses, and has made me aware of the importance to finding causes and treatments of mental disabilities and illnesses.
I believe the most important thing someone can give is his or her time. In my spare time I have especially enjoyed volunteering at the Smelt Derby 5K, the La Conner Blood Drive, and Arts Alive. The past two years I have volunteered at the Smelt Derby 5K the weather conditions were cold and rainy. As a volunteer I made sure to bring a positive attitude and make the event as enjoyable as I could. Hopefully, my help and encouragement made someone run just a little bit harder. I believe that is was community service is all about. Coming together as a community to better one another through acts of selflessness and love. In La Conner, you can volunteer for something you really believe in and have an interest in, like the Blood Drive or Food Drive, and you can volunteer as much or as little as you'd like or you have time for. Throughout high school I have always made community service a priority and an enjoyable learning experience.
Growing up in La Conner Washington, I have witnessed the immense amount of civic contribution by the community. In La Conner, it is part of our culture to help our neighbors. This has inspired me to give back to my community. Community service has allowed me to work with people I may not have met otherwise. Service learning helped me realize that helping others is a worthwhile experience. And through these activities I met other volunteers who were passionate about helping and serving the community. Participating in these local events are the kinds of good deeds that take very little effort but can have a lasting, positive effect on both the recipient and the giver.
Through community service activities I have learned values such as humility, gratefulness, determination, sincerity and respect. These are just some of the important values community service has taught me. And I have had a great time along the way.