My name is Rafi Saleem, and I'm currently a senior at The Wheatley School in Long Island, New York. Three years ago, while visiting my grandparents, my family and I took a tour in Austin, Texas, where I encountered what would become my favorite animal. As we cruised along the Colorado River at sunset, we approached the Congress Avenue Bridge, and I witnessed a mesmerizing sight: countless bats emerging from beneath the bridge, filling the twilight sky. Our tour guide explained that around 1.5 million bats call this bridge home, and their nightly flight is both a spectacular natural display and an essential part of the local ecosystem.

That evening, I learned that bats play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems. By preying on pests, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds, bats contribute to pest control, crop protection, and even tourism. They are crucial to preserving human health, consuming disease-carrying insects, and supporting agriculture. But amidst this newfound appreciation, I was saddened to learn that more than half of the bat species in the United States are facing severe decline or are listed as endangered. It was then that I realized I wanted to make a difference—but I wasn’t sure how.

Instead of letting the issue fade from my mind, I decided to take action. After meticulous research, I proposed a project at my school to build bat boxes, offering both a refuge for bats and an interactive learning opportunity for students. These boxes, installed in local parks, serve a dual purpose: creating habitats for bats while educating our community about their importance. This initiative represents a small but meaningful step towards greater environmental conservation and awareness.