Chailyn Atempa-Nolasco

Chailyn is a YEA alumna and a second year Human Biology student at the University of California San Diego. Since graduating high school, she has embraced new opportunities both academically and personally. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and exploring the beautiful trails around San Diego.

During her time with YEA, Chailyn played an important role in planning the annual Climate Action Summit by helping coordinate outreach for speakers and community organizations. She also worked within her high school to promote stronger recycling systems and more sustainable practices. One of her favorite memories was watching the summit come to life after months of planning and teamwork.

Chailyn says YEA transformed the way she viewed environmental issues by showing her that students have the power to create meaningful change within their communities. She also credits the program with strengthening her collaboration skills by working alongside students from different schools, an experience that has helped her thrive in college.

Her advice to current YEA students is to step outside your comfort zone because that is where confidence and growth begin. She also encourages students to explore opportunities like the Climate Corps Leadership Institute through Watsonville Wetlands Watch to gain hands-on experience in restoration and climate action. Looking ahead, Chailyn hopes to continue making a positive impact through her career in biology.