Over the last few months, researching the question โWhat are some ways to get young adults involved in water conservation?โ has been a process that pushed me academically, personally, and creatively. My project focused on gathering real data through interviews and transforming that information into content-based videos designed specifically for young adults. I chose media as my main tool because young adults rely on digital platforms for information, motivation, and awareness. Throughout this experience, I learned that reaching people where they already are online is one of the most effective ways to introduce environmental topics and encourage meaningful action.
A big part of this research involved talking to others, collecting their perspectives, and organizing their ideas into something that could be understood, shared, and visualized. Conducting interviews taught me how to ask better questions and how to listen intentionally. Each conversation helped me see how differently people think about water, community responsibility, and environmental habits. I learned that young adults are not uninterested. They are simply overwhelmed, busy, or unsure of where to begin. Many expressed that simple, relatable, visual content could help them engage more. Hearing this directly from the community made my project feel more grounded and realistic.
Working with other people throughout this process helped me grow in ways I did not expect. Collaborating with team members pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and trust my own abilities. During group discussions, I realized that everyone brings something unique to the table, and that my ideas had value. Creating videos, planning interviews, and reviewing feedback together helped me become more patient, more open-minded, and more willing to ask for help when I needed it. These partnerships also made the work more enjoyable and less intimidating.
Additionally, working with community partners in online meetings strengthened my communication and professionalism. I gained confidence speaking in structured settings, presenting updates, and explaining my research choices. At first, I was nervous to talk in front of people I didnโt know, but over time I became more comfortable sharing my thoughts and contributing to the conversation. This experience showed me that I am capable of representing my work clearly and respectfully. It also taught me how important it is to be prepared, to stay organized, and to follow through on responsibilities.
This project also taught me new things about myself. I realized that I learn best through hands-on work and real conversations, not just reading articles. I discovered that I enjoy creating digital content, especially when the purpose is to educate or inspire others. I also learned that I am more creative and more capable of leadership than I once believed. Seeing how my interviews became meaningful content made me proud of the effort I put in.
Overall, researching water conservation through youth engagement allowed me to combine creativity, communication, and community work. I gained skills that will carry into future projects, and I developed a deeper understanding of how media can influence positive environmental behavior. Most importantly, I learned that even small efforts like videos, conversations, or shared stories, can inspire young adults to care about water and take action.