At five years old, I decided meat wasn’t for me. My aversion to meat took a dramatic turn on Thanksgiving Eve in fourth grade … Feeling like the guiltiest ten-year-old on earth, I was determined to redefine my relationship with nature. I skipped vegetarianism and embraced veganism. Now, at 17, veganism has become a pivotal foundation in my life. I became the first teen author to write for the plant-based magazine Forks Over Knives.
Working on coming up with a project to preserve our ocean ecosystems, I developed Whole Grains, Whole Oceans: A Blueprint for Farm to Hospital; a project that seeks to connect New Jersey’s largest hospital system with local regenerative growers to restore the well-being of patients and our environment. I convened major stakeholders in the organic movement. I subsequently met with the managing director of a New Jersey Hospital Network to present my proposal, where up to 50% of the hospital’s seafood and animal protein is replaced with plant-based options of legumes and vegetables. I will be attending Cornell University, studying Global Development with a concentration in agriculture and food systems.
Rosie also works at an organic farmer’s market, where she educates customers on a whole food plant-based lifestyle and helps teach children’s classes.
Support Young Veg Activists
To send support for additional scholarships and internships, donate at www.vrg.org/donate or call (410) 366-8343. You can also send a donation to VRG, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.
Do you know an amazing high school student who promoted veganism? If so, let them know about our annual scholarship contest. The deadline for high school seniors is February 20th of each year. To see scholarship rules and past winners, visit www.vrg.org/student/scholar